Vanessa Vela for Brilliant Detroit

Ever since I was a little girl I was always rooted in non-profit organizations, this is where I learned that my job wasn't only a job but my family. I live, work and lead in the city of Detroit alongside Brilliant Detroit. I have been able to be part of the the non-profit sector for 9 years, creating all the relationships with kids, families and communities is life changing for myself and them.  Brilliant Detroit is my home away from home and extended family. 

Please read on and support this necessary work.

From reading the news on your phone to the subtitles on your favorite movie, it is universally agreed that reading is paramount to success in life.  But when students are failed by a misaligned system that is not centered on them, it becomes the community’s responsibility to step in and fill that void.  That’s where Brilliant Detroit steps in.  We connect families with young children to proven programs through community hubs all across the city to ensure they reach their fullest potential.  This kid success movement is powered by supporters like you.

Jasmine, a volunteer and participating mom at our Osborn hub, says it best: “Organizations are there for programs and services, but a community is there for each other.” Brilliant Detroit is both, building communities from the ground up and connecting them with more than 90 organizational partners and their high-quality programming.  This creates an environment of love, safety, and growth, equipping children with the tools they need for success.  

COVID has seriously impacted the Detroit community, but we are determined to keep pushing forward with a literacy-based mission that strives to create a better Detroit for everyone.  During these times, our deep relationships have led the way, ensuring families have their basic needs met while still moving on a path to growth. With your support through the Rock Community Challenge, we can continue to expand our horizons, offering more programming and support to more families in more neighborhoods across Detroit.  We plan to have 24 sites in the next 3-4 years and we hope that you will come on this journey with us.