The Power of Investing in Youth and the Future of Our Communities
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About the Show
In the upcoming episodes, we’ll feature conversations from the Mackinac Policy Conference, which centers around the theme “the Power of &.” This theme encourages dialogue among speakers and attendees, emphasizing the importance of an inclusive approach for Michigan’s policy solutions. By bridging divides and fostering nuanced thinking, the concept of “the Power of &” promotes unity, progress, and benefits across various sectors in the state. We’re continuing our conversations with conference attendees.
On this episode, we’ll focus on the power of investing in youth and the future of our communities.
Guests:
- Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program Founder & CEO, Khali Sweeney and Executive Director, Jessica Hauser
- Detroit PAL CEO, Fred Hunter
- Dutton Farm CEO, Jenny Brown
Transcript
Chuck Gaidica:
Hi, everyone. Chuck Gaidica here for A Healthier Michigan Podcast. In the upcoming episodes, we’ll feature conversations from the Mackinac Policy Conference, which centers around the theme, the power of and. This theme encourages dialogue among speakers and attendees emphasizing the importance of an inclusive approach for Detroit’s policy solutions. By bridging divides and fostering nuanced thinking, the concept of the power of and promotes unity, progress and benefits across various sectors in the state. We’re continuing our conversations with conference attendees and hope you enjoy these bonus episodes.
Hi, everyone. Chuck Gaidica here for A Healthier Michigan Podcast. In the upcoming episodes, we’ll feature conversations from the Mackinac Policy Conference, which centers around the theme, the power of and. This theme encourages dialogue among speakers and attendees emphasizing the importance of an inclusive approach for Detroit’s policy solutions. By bridging divides and fostering nuanced thinking, the concept of the power of and promotes unity, progress and benefits across various sectors in the state. We’re continuing our conversations with conference attendees and hope you enjoy these bonus episodes.
On this episode, we’ll be focusing on the power of investing in youth and future of our communities. We’ll be talking with Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program Founder and CEO, Collie Sweeney, and Executive Director, Jessica Hauser, Detroit PAL CEO, Fred Hunter, and Dutton Farm CEO, Jenny Brown. First up is downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program Founder and CEO, Khali Sweeney and Executive Director, Jessica Hauser.
It’s good to see both of you.
Khali Sweeney:
Good to be here.
Good to be here.
Jessica Hauser:
Nice to be here.
Nice to be here.
Chuck Gaidica:
I have to be nice to you because do you both box or you both into it?
I have to be nice to you because do you both box or you both into it?
Khali Sweeney:
Not at all.
Not at all.
Jessica Hauser:
I was going to pretend, yes.
I was going to pretend, yes.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yes. You know what? I took boxing lessons and I can take a 90 pound gym bag. That’s about it. I don’t know about a person, but I’m really mean against a bag.
Yes. You know what? I took boxing lessons and I can take a 90 pound gym bag. That’s about it. I don’t know about a person, but I’m really mean against a bag.
Khali Sweeney:
No, I don’t box.
No, I don’t box.
Chuck Gaidica:
No, not at all. Well, let’s talk about this idea, 2007, going back. We love to talk in this grouping of episodes about the past, present, and future. Downtown Boxing Gym, you’ve been providing academic and an athletic program for kids age eight to 18, right?
No, not at all. Well, let’s talk about this idea, 2007, going back. We love to talk in this grouping of episodes about the past, present, and future. Downtown Boxing Gym, you’ve been providing academic and an athletic program for kids age eight to 18, right?
Khali Sweeney:
Yes.
Yes.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah. So tell us more about that.
Yeah. So tell us more about that.
Jessica Hauser:
Right, so it is a program that really focuses on the whole child. Our kids are with us for years. So Khali started in 2007 to create a space that he wished he would’ve had growing up in the city.
Right, so it is a program that really focuses on the whole child. Our kids are with us for years. So Khali started in 2007 to create a space that he wished he would’ve had growing up in the city.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Jessica Hauser:
And the bottom line is for kids to really be able to be seen and heard and have a safe space to figure out who they are.
And the bottom line is for kids to really be able to be seen and heard and have a safe space to figure out who they are.
Chuck Gaidica:
Okay.
Okay.
Jessica Hauser:
And then it’s up to the adults in the space to recognize all those light bulb moments and build resources and support around that. So our kids are with us all year round for years. We really can create a pipeline of success.
And then it’s up to the adults in the space to recognize all those light bulb moments and build resources and support around that. So our kids are with us all year round for years. We really can create a pipeline of success.
Chuck Gaidica:
And for years should not be lost. This can take them all the way past 18, what, to age 25, right?
And for years should not be lost. This can take them all the way past 18, what, to age 25, right?
Khali Sweeney:
Yeah. We got a dedicated staff that work with them through college too.
Yeah. We got a dedicated staff that work with them through college too.
Chuck Gaidica:
Oh, no kidding?
Oh, no kidding?
Khali Sweeney:
Yes.
Yes.
Chuck Gaidica:
So does this become, then, influencers in their life? This is way more than just a safe place, a training ground. This sounds like it’s more critical than that.
So does this become, then, influencers in their life? This is way more than just a safe place, a training ground. This sounds like it’s more critical than that.
Khali Sweeney:
Yeah. We have mentors that stick with them. Actually, I’m leaving early to go to a graduation, the kid put me down as his father.
Yeah. We have mentors that stick with them. Actually, I’m leaving early to go to a graduation, the kid put me down as his father.
Chuck Gaidica:
Oh, that’s awesome.
Oh, that’s awesome.
Khali Sweeney:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Chuck Gaidica:
Well, that’s a high compliment.
Well, that’s a high compliment.
Khali Sweeney:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Khali Sweeney:
And it is hyper-individualized support, so no two kids experience the same Downtown Boxing gym.
And it is hyper-individualized support, so no two kids experience the same Downtown Boxing gym.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Khali Sweeney:
So it’s literacy intervention, math intervention that then leads to, like I said, those exposure moments to internships, to college selection, to career. So it truly is every step of the way. We work really close with our families as well.
So it’s literacy intervention, math intervention that then leads to, like I said, those exposure moments to internships, to college selection, to career. So it truly is every step of the way. We work really close with our families as well.
Chuck Gaidica:
And when you see kids come in the door, age eight or 10, are they coming in for a particular reason? What’s drawing them in? Is the family coming in and saying this? Or how are these kids getting to you?
And when you see kids come in the door, age eight or 10, are they coming in for a particular reason? What’s drawing them in? Is the family coming in and saying this? Or how are these kids getting to you?
Khali Sweeney:
Right now it’s just word of mouth. A lot of people hear about success stories of the program, and you’re seeing kids going from straight F students to becoming honor roll students and getting accepted into some of the best colleges in the country.
Right now it’s just word of mouth. A lot of people hear about success stories of the program, and you’re seeing kids going from straight F students to becoming honor roll students and getting accepted into some of the best colleges in the country.
Chuck Gaidica:
Wow.
Wow.
Khali Sweeney:
That spreads like wildfire. We have so many kids that are coming in and just jumping two grade levels.
That spreads like wildfire. We have so many kids that are coming in and just jumping two grade levels.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Khali Sweeney:
That spreads quickly.
That spreads quickly.
Chuck Gaidica:
So is it the academics that’s the first on ramp when they’re walking in the door, or is it a kind of a holistic approach? It’s everything.
So is it the academics that’s the first on ramp when they’re walking in the door, or is it a kind of a holistic approach? It’s everything.
Khali Sweeney:
Books before boxing.
Books before boxing.
Chuck Gaidica:
Ah, interesting.
Ah, interesting.
Khali Sweeney:
That’s been my motto for years. When you first walk in the door, I’m going to tell you, “Books before boxing.” I make that real clear.
That’s been my motto for years. When you first walk in the door, I’m going to tell you, “Books before boxing.” I make that real clear.
Jessica Hauser:
Yeah. Actually, of our 250 kids, none of them are competing in boxing at all.
Yeah. Actually, of our 250 kids, none of them are competing in boxing at all.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah. Yeah.
Yeah. Yeah.
Jessica Hauser:
So the discipline of the sport.
So the discipline of the sport.
Khali Sweeney:
Yeah. Healthy body. Now, you’re going to do the exercises now. We’re going to go through the paces. You’re going to run, you’re going to do some jumping jacks, pushups, all that type of stuff. If you feel like you want to hit the bag, you can hit the bag. But yeah, you’re going to hit the books first.
Yeah. Healthy body. Now, you’re going to do the exercises now. We’re going to go through the paces. You’re going to run, you’re going to do some jumping jacks, pushups, all that type of stuff. If you feel like you want to hit the bag, you can hit the bag. But yeah, you’re going to hit the books first.
Chuck Gaidica:
That’s intriguing. And then what other part of this then takes them outside of your realm? Because you do have young people that are aging into now wanting to think about a career or future, college or not. Where do you start to involve mentors then from outside your community, even in business?
That’s intriguing. And then what other part of this then takes them outside of your realm? Because you do have young people that are aging into now wanting to think about a career or future, college or not. Where do you start to involve mentors then from outside your community, even in business?
Jessica Hauser:
Yeah. From day one, well, not day one when the kid joins, but could be as young as eight years old. We have outside folks that come and work with our elementary school students, that social network. Being comfortable interacting with all different folks in different career paths is critical. So that starts at a really young age and we just build on it over time and then make it more specialized once we really understand a kid’s interest.
Yeah. From day one, well, not day one when the kid joins, but could be as young as eight years old. We have outside folks that come and work with our elementary school students, that social network. Being comfortable interacting with all different folks in different career paths is critical. So that starts at a really young age and we just build on it over time and then make it more specialized once we really understand a kid’s interest.
Khali Sweeney:
Sometimes when people come in our building, they see our elementary classroom and they see that our elementary kids are taking finance classes. They be like, “Wait a minute.” I don’t even understand what they’re talking about. Then you go into our middle school room, you see another finance class going in there that’s a little bit deeper than that one.
Sometimes when people come in our building, they see our elementary classroom and they see that our elementary kids are taking finance classes. They be like, “Wait a minute.” I don’t even understand what they’re talking about. Then you go into our middle school room, you see another finance class going in there that’s a little bit deeper than that one.
Chuck Gaidica:
No kidding.
No kidding.
Khali Sweeney:
And then our high school group, they’re already investing in stock already.
And then our high school group, they’re already investing in stock already.
Jessica Hauser:
It was hilarious. We had a group of executives from S&P Global, and our elementary school kids were learning about stocks. And so they had hand-selected a bunch of stocks and had them up on the wall. And the folks from S&P were like, “Man, their stocks are trending better than the S&P. What is happening right now?”
It was hilarious. We had a group of executives from S&P Global, and our elementary school kids were learning about stocks. And so they had hand-selected a bunch of stocks and had them up on the wall. And the folks from S&P were like, “Man, their stocks are trending better than the S&P. What is happening right now?”
Chuck Gaidica:
That’s awesome.
That’s awesome.
Khali Sweeney:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Jessica Hauser:
Yeah. It’s really cool.
Yeah. It’s really cool.
Chuck Gaidica:
And the 250 kids, are you at capacity then at two 50 and with a waiting list, right?
And the 250 kids, are you at capacity then at two 50 and with a waiting list, right?
Jessica Hauser:
Yeah. We have a huge waiting list. We’re actually working right now to raise funds to build a second building to be able to double our capacity in Detroit.
Yeah. We have a huge waiting list. We’re actually working right now to raise funds to build a second building to be able to double our capacity in Detroit.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Jessica Hauser:
And we also built out a franchise model to respond to the global demand to scale our program.
And we also built out a franchise model to respond to the global demand to scale our program.
Chuck Gaidica:
And is that being scaled anywhere else outside of Detroit? Yeah?
And is that being scaled anywhere else outside of Detroit? Yeah?
Jessica Hauser:
We’re narrowing down a couple of different groups to be able to pilot. We have worked with, informally worked with, some groups that are using our model.
We’re narrowing down a couple of different groups to be able to pilot. We have worked with, informally worked with, some groups that are using our model.
Chuck Gaidica:
Okay.
Okay.
Jessica Hauser:
So we were able to test out what we can pass off, but we’re narrowing down who we’re going to pilot with right now.
So we were able to test out what we can pass off, but we’re narrowing down who we’re going to pilot with right now.
Chuck Gaidica:
Near term and even beyond, when you start to look at the future: new building, you’re talking about things, anything else you can see that is actually on the radar you can talk about that’s a future push here for you?
Near term and even beyond, when you start to look at the future: new building, you’re talking about things, anything else you can see that is actually on the radar you can talk about that’s a future push here for you?
Jessica Hauser:
Yeah. It’s both. The second building to be able to respond to the demand in Detroit and really be able to push the model out nationally and then globally. Those are steps we’re actively taking right now.
Yeah. It’s both. The second building to be able to respond to the demand in Detroit and really be able to push the model out nationally and then globally. Those are steps we’re actively taking right now.
Chuck Gaidica:
So I guess, as a personal aside, do you have any eight year olds that could advise me about my portfolio? Would that be something I can look to?
So I guess, as a personal aside, do you have any eight year olds that could advise me about my portfolio? Would that be something I can look to?
Khali Sweeney:
Yeah. Yeah, you can. We have quite a few kids that are crushing it with finances.
Yeah. Yeah, you can. We have quite a few kids that are crushing it with finances.
Chuck Gaidica:
Is that right?
Is that right?
Khali Sweeney:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah. Well, it’s really interesting because that idea of hands-on learning versus just being pushed into topics when you’re doing math and maybe you don’t even pick up on the vibe that you’re doing math.
Yeah. Well, it’s really interesting because that idea of hands-on learning versus just being pushed into topics when you’re doing math and maybe you don’t even pick up on the vibe that you’re doing math.
Jessica Hauser:
Right.
Right.
Chuck Gaidica:
Right?
Right?
Jessica Hauser:
I think that’s so important. And in our space, we really have the luxury to be able to do all the hands-on learning that we want. Our kids right now, our middle school and high school kids just built their own small business to make juice that they’re working to sell it in the Eastern Market. But all that includes math.
I think that’s so important. And in our space, we really have the luxury to be able to do all the hands-on learning that we want. Our kids right now, our middle school and high school kids just built their own small business to make juice that they’re working to sell it in the Eastern Market. But all that includes math.
Chuck Gaidica:
Well sure.
Well sure.
Jessica Hauser:
And all the business acumen that you learn and doesn’t feel like you’re learning anything, you’re just doing it.
And all the business acumen that you learn and doesn’t feel like you’re learning anything, you’re just doing it.
Chuck Gaidica:
And then someday they’ll be walking around the Michigan Policy Conference, pressing the flesh and backhanding saying hi to everybody, right?
And then someday they’ll be walking around the Michigan Policy Conference, pressing the flesh and backhanding saying hi to everybody, right?
Jessica Hauser:
That’s right. That’s goal.
That’s right. That’s goal.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Jessica Hauser:
That’s the goal.
That’s the goal.
Khali Sweeney:
We have the student council.
We have the student council.
Jessica Hauser:
Yeah, our student council.
Yeah, our student council.
Khali Sweeney:
Yeah. Student council, they’ll probably be up here soon.
Yeah. Student council, they’ll probably be up here soon.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Jessica Hauser:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Chuck Gaidica:
Well, that’s great. Well, it’s good to have you both drop by.
Well, that’s great. Well, it’s good to have you both drop by.
Jessica Hauser:
Thank you for having us.
Thank you for having us.
Chuck Gaidica:
And it’s so good to be inspired by what’s good that’s happening, not just in the past, present, but also for the future of our youth in Detroit.
And it’s so good to be inspired by what’s good that’s happening, not just in the past, present, but also for the future of our youth in Detroit.
Jessica Hauser:
Absolutely.
Absolutely.
Khali Sweeney:
Yeah. Be on the lookout for our STEAM lab, that’s what’s coming next.
Yeah. Be on the lookout for our STEAM lab, that’s what’s coming next.
Chuck Gaidica:
Well, and we’ve just gotten done talking to the head of the science center. There’s so much that’s involved in the future, whether it’s AI or otherwise, right?
Well, and we’ve just gotten done talking to the head of the science center. There’s so much that’s involved in the future, whether it’s AI or otherwise, right?
Jessica Hauser:
Yes. We do a lot with them. We love them.
Yes. We do a lot with them. We love them.
Khali Sweeney:
Our STEAM lab is, our kids, they all opt into it, everybody.
Our STEAM lab is, our kids, they all opt into it, everybody.
Chuck Gaidica:
Do they?
Do they?
Khali Sweeney:
Because it’s optional. And our kids love the science.
Because it’s optional. And our kids love the science.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Khali Sweeney:
They love it.
They love it.
Chuck Gaidica:
Well, that’s great. So I feel good the future is in good hands. Well, it’s good to have you both here.
Well, that’s great. So I feel good the future is in good hands. Well, it’s good to have you both here.
Jessica Hauser:
Thank you.
Thank you.
Chuck Gaidica:
Khali Sweeney, who’s the founder and CEO, and Jessica Hauser, Executive Director of Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program. So good to see you, and thanks for all you’re doing.
Khali Sweeney, who’s the founder and CEO, and Jessica Hauser, Executive Director of Downtown Boxing Gym Youth Program. So good to see you, and thanks for all you’re doing.
Jessica Hauser:
Thank you.
Thank you.
Khali Sweeney:
Thanks for having us.
Thanks for having us.
Chuck Gaidica:
Take good care.
Take good care.
Next up is CEO of Detroit PAL, Fred Hunter.
Good to see you.
Fred Hunter:
Yeah, good to see you, Chuck. Glad to be here.
Yeah, good to see you, Chuck. Glad to be here.
Chuck Gaidica:
You’re enjoying the sunshine and the nice, cool?
You’re enjoying the sunshine and the nice, cool?
Fred Hunter:
Wonderful Mackinac weather. So yeah, I am enjoying it.
Wonderful Mackinac weather. So yeah, I am enjoying it.
Chuck Gaidica:
Isn’t it nice? Yeah. So Detroit PAL started back in the late sixties, and it began as police and youth and sports as PAYS not as PAL, a different acronym. Talk about what PAL was and what it’s become now.
Isn’t it nice? Yeah. So Detroit PAL started back in the late sixties, and it began as police and youth and sports as PAYS not as PAL, a different acronym. Talk about what PAL was and what it’s become now.
Fred Hunter:
Yeah, the timing was significant. So 1969, understanding about two years after 1967, and just the real gap that there was between law enforcement and the community. So police officers got together. Judith Bayer, a police woman, said, “We need to do something.” So she said, “Let’s connect with young people in sports.” And that was where PAYS came from.
Yeah, the timing was significant. So 1969, understanding about two years after 1967, and just the real gap that there was between law enforcement and the community. So police officers got together. Judith Bayer, a police woman, said, “We need to do something.” So she said, “Let’s connect with young people in sports.” And that was where PAYS came from.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Fred Hunter:
So that was the original beginning. And then they realized there’s the national organization, which is the Police Athletic League and Police Activities League.
So that was the original beginning. And then they realized there’s the national organization, which is the Police Athletic League and Police Activities League.
Chuck Gaidica:
And continuing to this day, has the mission changed?
And continuing to this day, has the mission changed?
Fred Hunter:
No, the mission is still on point. It’s connecting with the community and really lifting up the community.
No, the mission is still on point. It’s connecting with the community and really lifting up the community.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Fred Hunter:
So we do what we do in mission with Detroit Police Department. So that’s part of our mission, DPD and community volunteers, to help youth find their greatness in a variety of ways.
So we do what we do in mission with Detroit Police Department. So that’s part of our mission, DPD and community volunteers, to help youth find their greatness in a variety of ways.
Chuck Gaidica:
And what kind of sports are youth involved in with the help of PAL?
And what kind of sports are youth involved in with the help of PAL?
Fred Hunter:
Yeah, so there’s 12 different sports.
Yeah, so there’s 12 different sports.
Chuck Gaidica:
Okay.
Okay.
Fred Hunter:
So we lead with sports. Sports from what you get out of embracing the healthy lifestyle and just the learnings and life lessons you gain from sports. So 12 different sports, which gives a lot of opportunity and a variety for parents and for kids.
So we lead with sports. Sports from what you get out of embracing the healthy lifestyle and just the learnings and life lessons you gain from sports. So 12 different sports, which gives a lot of opportunity and a variety for parents and for kids.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Fred Hunter:
So from football to basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, track and field, tennis. So a lot of different options for youth, ages four all the way up to 18 for some of our sports. And it really reaches the community with those offerings in sports in addition to what we do with Youth Enrichment and other programs.
So from football to basketball, baseball, soccer, volleyball, track and field, tennis. So a lot of different options for youth, ages four all the way up to 18 for some of our sports. And it really reaches the community with those offerings in sports in addition to what we do with Youth Enrichment and other programs.
Chuck Gaidica:
And it seems like just of the sports you named, of those 12, there are many of them that you would not necessarily associate with kids in a neighborhood. Growing up, I grew up in inner city Chicago and then eventually wound up in Detroit, but I wasn’t exposed to track and field. Maybe if I went off to high school or college, that wasn’t something I would’ve been exposed to as a young kid.
And it seems like just of the sports you named, of those 12, there are many of them that you would not necessarily associate with kids in a neighborhood. Growing up, I grew up in inner city Chicago and then eventually wound up in Detroit, but I wasn’t exposed to track and field. Maybe if I went off to high school or college, that wasn’t something I would’ve been exposed to as a young kid.
Fred Hunter:
And it’s important to us because there’s a lot of talent in our young people.
And it’s important to us because there’s a lot of talent in our young people.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Fred Hunter:
And it may not be just in basketball, just in football, just in cheer. So we want to have the offerings. And one of the sports I didn’t mention is hockey as well.
And it may not be just in basketball, just in football, just in cheer. So we want to have the offerings. And one of the sports I didn’t mention is hockey as well.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Fred Hunter:
Which we just brought back and had a lot of kids that had PAL hockey, which they played and loved the sport. So we just believe in giving those opportunities and letting kids choose what they have a passion for and what they can develop for either in the sport or just loving the game as well.
Which we just brought back and had a lot of kids that had PAL hockey, which they played and loved the sport. So we just believe in giving those opportunities and letting kids choose what they have a passion for and what they can develop for either in the sport or just loving the game as well.
Chuck Gaidica:
How does that connectivity with Detroit police officers manifest itself then? So we know the sports are going on, I’ve the, “I’m a kid. I’ve got these choices with the help of parents to figure out an off ramp to see if it works.” Where are the police involved in that?
How does that connectivity with Detroit police officers manifest itself then? So we know the sports are going on, I’ve the, “I’m a kid. I’ve got these choices with the help of parents to figure out an off ramp to see if it works.” Where are the police involved in that?
Fred Hunter:
A couple different ways. So DPD, we have three officers, four DPD officers that are assigned to PAL.
A couple different ways. So DPD, we have three officers, four DPD officers that are assigned to PAL.
Chuck Gaidica:
Okay.
Okay.
Fred Hunter:
So they game plan with us in terms of what the programs we’re running and how they could be involved with the DPD presence. So they’ll be present, but they also recruit other police officers to engage as volunteers or to be available. So that’s one way. The other way is this intentional programmings that connect youth to police officers in a positive way. So we worked in partnership with the Ford Motor Company in 2020, in the pandemic, after George Floyd, we developed a program called Ford Critical Conversations. So we’re bringing together young people and officers over seven weeks to have genuine, honest conversations, which range from social media, police brutality, fact versus fiction. And what we found is from that program, 58% of the kids entering the program didn’t have respect for police, and that went up to 83% that grew in the respect for police. So it’s something that is changing the game in terms of that relationship with police officers.
So they game plan with us in terms of what the programs we’re running and how they could be involved with the DPD presence. So they’ll be present, but they also recruit other police officers to engage as volunteers or to be available. So that’s one way. The other way is this intentional programmings that connect youth to police officers in a positive way. So we worked in partnership with the Ford Motor Company in 2020, in the pandemic, after George Floyd, we developed a program called Ford Critical Conversations. So we’re bringing together young people and officers over seven weeks to have genuine, honest conversations, which range from social media, police brutality, fact versus fiction. And what we found is from that program, 58% of the kids entering the program didn’t have respect for police, and that went up to 83% that grew in the respect for police. So it’s something that is changing the game in terms of that relationship with police officers.
Chuck Gaidica:
And that’s wonderful to hear because a lot of what you’re doing could be considered heavy lifting. It’s personal touch in a world where we were told to socially distance from each other, and you’re saying even during the pandemic, you’re able to start an initiative that connects the dots of humans to humans. It’s not just through social media.
And that’s wonderful to hear because a lot of what you’re doing could be considered heavy lifting. It’s personal touch in a world where we were told to socially distance from each other, and you’re saying even during the pandemic, you’re able to start an initiative that connects the dots of humans to humans. It’s not just through social media.
Fred Hunter:
Yeah, we did and it was excellent. We started in a virtual model.
Yeah, we did and it was excellent. We started in a virtual model.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Fred Hunter:
But we wanted to connect because we didn’t just want the conversations to go on nationally and outside without our officers being able to really interact with young people. So the first two years we did it virtually. This past year, we not only did it in person with four schools, two DPS CD schools, two charter schools, but we also, with Ford, were able to launch that program into Buffalo, New York, Houston, Texas and Memphis, Tennessee as well. So it’s expanding and we’re seeing similar great results from that program.
But we wanted to connect because we didn’t just want the conversations to go on nationally and outside without our officers being able to really interact with young people. So the first two years we did it virtually. This past year, we not only did it in person with four schools, two DPS CD schools, two charter schools, but we also, with Ford, were able to launch that program into Buffalo, New York, Houston, Texas and Memphis, Tennessee as well. So it’s expanding and we’re seeing similar great results from that program.
Chuck Gaidica:
So I think it’s a little easier maybe for us to envision the possible benefits for all the kids that could be involved. What about for parents? What kind of feedback do you get from parents?
So I think it’s a little easier maybe for us to envision the possible benefits for all the kids that could be involved. What about for parents? What kind of feedback do you get from parents?
Fred Hunter:
So parents love the programming, because when you’ve got a four-year-old, a five-year-old, or 11 or 12-year-old, you’re looking for a quality program that can be in a safe environment that has a focus on developing your children. So we work in partnership with parents. Many of our volunteers, and we can’t do what we do without volunteers, many are parents that not only are coaching their son or daughter’s team, but they’re coming alongside and bringing 10 or 12 others. So for parents, it’s the option and then the joy they see, their kid learning sport, participating in the Youth Enrichment Program and growing and developing.
So parents love the programming, because when you’ve got a four-year-old, a five-year-old, or 11 or 12-year-old, you’re looking for a quality program that can be in a safe environment that has a focus on developing your children. So we work in partnership with parents. Many of our volunteers, and we can’t do what we do without volunteers, many are parents that not only are coaching their son or daughter’s team, but they’re coming alongside and bringing 10 or 12 others. So for parents, it’s the option and then the joy they see, their kid learning sport, participating in the Youth Enrichment Program and growing and developing.
Chuck Gaidica:
Then there’s another potential group that maybe I don’t focus on as much. What are the cops getting out of this? What do you hear back from the Detroit police officers about the rewards that they’re seeing, hearing about from their involvement?
Then there’s another potential group that maybe I don’t focus on as much. What are the cops getting out of this? What do you hear back from the Detroit police officers about the rewards that they’re seeing, hearing about from their involvement?
Fred Hunter:
Yeah. It’s important for officers because it’s a tough task they have in terms of keeping the community safe. And many times for adults and even children, they’re seeing them at their worst, in trauma, the worst day ever. So with the programs that we do, they have an opportunity to be proactive.
Yeah. It’s important for officers because it’s a tough task they have in terms of keeping the community safe. And many times for adults and even children, they’re seeing them at their worst, in trauma, the worst day ever. So with the programs that we do, they have an opportunity to be proactive.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Fred Hunter:
To work with youth, to develop them. We got one officer that works in the homicide division, but he’s also a leader for one of our football programs, and he’s engaged.
To work with youth, to develop them. We got one officer that works in the homicide division, but he’s also a leader for one of our football programs, and he’s engaged.
Chuck Gaidica:
Wow.
Wow.
Fred Hunter:
He’s developing young people. He’s helping them grow. So it gives that balance to police officers to really lift up the community, which is why they’re doing it. They pledge to serve and protect. This gives them an opportunity to serve.
He’s developing young people. He’s helping them grow. So it gives that balance to police officers to really lift up the community, which is why they’re doing it. They pledge to serve and protect. This gives them an opportunity to serve.
Chuck Gaidica:
There’s an old quote that I can’t attribute to anybody, but it goes something like, “A man has never really done more for a young person than got down on bended knee to help them.” And I think that what we’re seeing with PAL is exactly what’s happening. We’ve got Detroit police officers getting down to the level of a six-year-old to help that kid in the future that’s ahead of them, can be brighter.
There’s an old quote that I can’t attribute to anybody, but it goes something like, “A man has never really done more for a young person than got down on bended knee to help them.” And I think that what we’re seeing with PAL is exactly what’s happening. We’ve got Detroit police officers getting down to the level of a six-year-old to help that kid in the future that’s ahead of them, can be brighter.
Fred Hunter:
Yeah. They’re engaging and, literally, we’ve got little kickers programs, little putters programs. So they are the four, five, and six-year-olds, but they understand the long-term vision.
Yeah. They’re engaging and, literally, we’ve got little kickers programs, little putters programs. So they are the four, five, and six-year-olds, but they understand the long-term vision.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Fred Hunter:
So it can help develop the young person, but also give that young person a positive view of law enforcement, and that sticks with them through their life, so they understand. They may see things that happen with individuals, but they’ve also met individuals that care about them and want their best.
So it can help develop the young person, but also give that young person a positive view of law enforcement, and that sticks with them through their life, so they understand. They may see things that happen with individuals, but they’ve also met individuals that care about them and want their best.
Chuck Gaidica:
So Fred, when you look at the future now of PAL, is part of the excitement that you’re able to offshore what great work you’ve done here to other communities across the country? What do you see as the future?
So Fred, when you look at the future now of PAL, is part of the excitement that you’re able to offshore what great work you’ve done here to other communities across the country? What do you see as the future?
Fred Hunter:
Yeah. It’s a combination.
Yeah. It’s a combination.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Fred Hunter:
So it’s one, the needs in Detroit.
So it’s one, the needs in Detroit.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Fred Hunter:
So even after the pandemic, just from seeing the learning loss that happened not just over a summer, but over two years.
So even after the pandemic, just from seeing the learning loss that happened not just over a summer, but over two years.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Fred Hunter:
And our kids need quality programs. So there’s a lot that we do on the sports side, but what we can also do for youth enrichment, so we’re leaning into with partners in the literacy and into STEM program and into career and college exposure and entrepreneurship. So we know the needs are strong and we want to be steady and grow to be able to reach more children with the programs that we have. And then when we’ve got successful programming, then we can say, “Hey, here’s a model that works.” And whether it’s Critical Conversations or other programs in Flint or Grand Rapids, we love to partner with cities and communities and brings best practices to their communities to lift up their children and parents as well.
And our kids need quality programs. So there’s a lot that we do on the sports side, but what we can also do for youth enrichment, so we’re leaning into with partners in the literacy and into STEM program and into career and college exposure and entrepreneurship. So we know the needs are strong and we want to be steady and grow to be able to reach more children with the programs that we have. And then when we’ve got successful programming, then we can say, “Hey, here’s a model that works.” And whether it’s Critical Conversations or other programs in Flint or Grand Rapids, we love to partner with cities and communities and brings best practices to their communities to lift up their children and parents as well.
Chuck Gaidica:
That’s great stuff. Well, it’s good to have you with us. Thanks for dropping by.
That’s great stuff. Well, it’s good to have you with us. Thanks for dropping by.
Fred Hunter:
Yeah, thank you. So glad to be here, Chuck. Appreciate the opportunity.
Yeah, thank you. So glad to be here, Chuck. Appreciate the opportunity.
Chuck Gaidica:
Oh, sure thing. Fred Hunter, who’s the CEO of Detroit PAL. Take good care.
Oh, sure thing. Fred Hunter, who’s the CEO of Detroit PAL. Take good care.
Fred Hunter:
Yep, you as well. Thank you.
Yep, you as well. Thank you.
Chuck Gaidica:
And finally, CEO of Dutton Farm, Jenny Brown.
And finally, CEO of Dutton Farm, Jenny Brown.
It’s nice to see you.
Jenny Brown:
Happy to see you. Happy to be here.
Happy to see you. Happy to be here.
Chuck Gaidica:
Isn’t it a nice conference?
Isn’t it a nice conference?
Jenny Brown:
Beautiful day. Beautiful conference. My first time here, so it’s been great.
Beautiful day. Beautiful conference. My first time here, so it’s been great.
Chuck Gaidica:
Is it really?
Is it really?
Jenny Brown:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah. So what’s your impression of the whole thing?
Yeah. So what’s your impression of the whole thing?
Jenny Brown:
It’s fantastic. I love the casual atmosphere, great relationships being built, conversations being had. I’m learning a lot.
It’s fantastic. I love the casual atmosphere, great relationships being built, conversations being had. I’m learning a lot.
Chuck Gaidica:
Well, that’s wonderful.
Well, that’s wonderful.
Jenny Brown:
Happy to be here.
Happy to be here.
Chuck Gaidica:
So tell us about Dutton Farm and your connection to it.
So tell us about Dutton Farm and your connection to it.
Jenny Brown:
Yeah. So Dutton Farm is a nonprofit located in Rochester, but we serve Oakland and Macomb counties. We’re contracted in the behavioral health system to provide services to adults with developmental disabilities in workforce development, access to community and transferable job skill building.
Yeah. So Dutton Farm is a nonprofit located in Rochester, but we serve Oakland and Macomb counties. We’re contracted in the behavioral health system to provide services to adults with developmental disabilities in workforce development, access to community and transferable job skill building.
Chuck Gaidica:
And there’s a motivation here that’s in your family, right, your sister?
And there’s a motivation here that’s in your family, right, your sister?
Jenny Brown:
So I have a sister who is talented and smart and wonderful and good-hearted and kind and hardworking, and she has down syndrome. So upon graduation from high school for her, she was left with little opportunity and just faced rejection and disappointment. Where for me, when I graduated high school, I was faced with endless opportunity. Got my bachelor’s in political science and sociology, was enrolled in law school, played college basketball, all of the things. So we came from the same family, but my future trajectory looks so much different than hers. So as she was stuck at home, and I cannot fathom a career injustice when there’s injustice in my own home.
So I have a sister who is talented and smart and wonderful and good-hearted and kind and hardworking, and she has down syndrome. So upon graduation from high school for her, she was left with little opportunity and just faced rejection and disappointment. Where for me, when I graduated high school, I was faced with endless opportunity. Got my bachelor’s in political science and sociology, was enrolled in law school, played college basketball, all of the things. So we came from the same family, but my future trajectory looks so much different than hers. So as she was stuck at home, and I cannot fathom a career injustice when there’s injustice in my own home.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Jenny Brown:
So I ended up doing a complete 180 to formalize a nonprofit for my sister and her friends, and didn’t realize that it would continue to grow and I would be able to encounter so many wonderful people that were really kind of ignored and forgotten in our society and needed just to build some bridges and some pathways to help them access community and to explore their gifts and to find success in employment.
So I ended up doing a complete 180 to formalize a nonprofit for my sister and her friends, and didn’t realize that it would continue to grow and I would be able to encounter so many wonderful people that were really kind of ignored and forgotten in our society and needed just to build some bridges and some pathways to help them access community and to explore their gifts and to find success in employment.
Chuck Gaidica:
So at Dutton Farm, with your sister included, what kind of disabilities outside of Down’s syndrome would we see?
So at Dutton Farm, with your sister included, what kind of disabilities outside of Down’s syndrome would we see?
Jenny Brown:
So individuals with autism, individuals with cerebral palsy, individuals with maybe just intellectual impairments. There’s some individuals that have Fragile X. It just depends.
So individuals with autism, individuals with cerebral palsy, individuals with maybe just intellectual impairments. There’s some individuals that have Fragile X. It just depends.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Jenny Brown:
But as long as they’re contracted in behavioral health with Community Mental Health in Oakland or Macomb County, we’re authorized to provide those specific services.
But as long as they’re contracted in behavioral health with Community Mental Health in Oakland or Macomb County, we’re authorized to provide those specific services.
Chuck Gaidica:
Have things changed coming through and out of the pandemic? Have they gotten better or worse for opportunities for those you serve?
Have things changed coming through and out of the pandemic? Have they gotten better or worse for opportunities for those you serve?
Jenny Brown:
Employment definitely. I think a lot of people are really thinking differently and trying to be creative about how they recruit, onboard and retain talent.
Employment definitely. I think a lot of people are really thinking differently and trying to be creative about how they recruit, onboard and retain talent.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Jenny Brown:
I think HR is wise to start to get creative and think differently because someone maybe with autism that’s a really perfect fit for a specific job. For instance, we were working with somebody that was brilliant in accounting and numbers, but had a really hard time getting through the interview. But the interview questions that were being asked had nothing to do with his job. So if we could just rethink the way that we interviewed this gentleman.
I think HR is wise to start to get creative and think differently because someone maybe with autism that’s a really perfect fit for a specific job. For instance, we were working with somebody that was brilliant in accounting and numbers, but had a really hard time getting through the interview. But the interview questions that were being asked had nothing to do with his job. So if we could just rethink the way that we interviewed this gentleman.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Jenny Brown:
He became one of their best employees at an accounting firm, working full-time, previously unemployed and completely dependent on government benefits, and now has his own apartment and is gainfully employed.
He became one of their best employees at an accounting firm, working full-time, previously unemployed and completely dependent on government benefits, and now has his own apartment and is gainfully employed.
Chuck Gaidica:
So, outside of that particular story, what other work opportunities are you seeing that are opening up for the future?
So, outside of that particular story, what other work opportunities are you seeing that are opening up for the future?
Jenny Brown:
Across all industries-
Across all industries-
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Jenny Brown:
-we’re in about 15 to 20 different industries. It might be sales, marketing, light manufacturing, production, custodial, health and fitness. I think something that we really focus on is not pigeonholing somebody with a disability towards a specific job, because that’s just how it’s always been done.
-we’re in about 15 to 20 different industries. It might be sales, marketing, light manufacturing, production, custodial, health and fitness. I think something that we really focus on is not pigeonholing somebody with a disability towards a specific job, because that’s just how it’s always been done.
Chuck Gaidica:
Right.
Right.
Jenny Brown:
We’re really specific to what are these individuals’ specific skill sets, their desires, their passions? And then we work to find an employment opportunity for what their skills are.
We’re really specific to what are these individuals’ specific skill sets, their desires, their passions? And then we work to find an employment opportunity for what their skills are.
Chuck Gaidica:
So what can all of us do to support an effort like this? Can we be more filled with grace when we encounter someone who may be gifted in numbers and not gifted in another realm? What can we do as individuals to be supportive?
So what can all of us do to support an effort like this? Can we be more filled with grace when we encounter someone who may be gifted in numbers and not gifted in another realm? What can we do as individuals to be supportive?
Jenny Brown:
So if you are the employer, hire inclusively.
So if you are the employer, hire inclusively.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Jenny Brown:
The data shows. We all understand the moral case for being inclusive, but the data shows that this is good business. Companies that champion inclusion for people with disabilities far outperform those that do not, from top line to bottom line to company culture to customer satisfaction. So become a company that champions hiring inclusively.
The data shows. We all understand the moral case for being inclusive, but the data shows that this is good business. Companies that champion inclusion for people with disabilities far outperform those that do not, from top line to bottom line to company culture to customer satisfaction. So become a company that champions hiring inclusively.
Chuck Gaidica:
Mm-hmm.
Mm-hmm.
Jenny Brown:
And if you’re working for a company, talk to your ERG group or your supervisor about taking inclusion seriously and not just make it a branding or marketing statement, but actually doing it and being open-minded that you’ll learn a lot more and get a lot more from having a relationship with somebody with a disability than you’ll ever give to them.
And if you’re working for a company, talk to your ERG group or your supervisor about taking inclusion seriously and not just make it a branding or marketing statement, but actually doing it and being open-minded that you’ll learn a lot more and get a lot more from having a relationship with somebody with a disability than you’ll ever give to them.
Chuck Gaidica:
I think that’s an intriguing way that we tend to think of things. I know in my family I’ve seen it because of care my daughter used to give to other children with disabilities, that you get a lot more out of the deal.
I think that’s an intriguing way that we tend to think of things. I know in my family I’ve seen it because of care my daughter used to give to other children with disabilities, that you get a lot more out of the deal.
Jenny Brown:
Oh, yeah.
Oh, yeah.
Chuck Gaidica:
And it’s not lost on most people that that’s possible, but I’ve just experienced it myself. Really do, you really get more out of it when you’re helping. And that’s one of the themes. Well, that’s the big theme of this conference, the power of and, to bringing in others into places that maybe they’ve been forgotten.
And it’s not lost on most people that that’s possible, but I’ve just experienced it myself. Really do, you really get more out of it when you’re helping. And that’s one of the themes. Well, that’s the big theme of this conference, the power of and, to bringing in others into places that maybe they’ve been forgotten.
Jenny Brown:
And you’ll be surprised at how much more you get from being inclusive.
And you’ll be surprised at how much more you get from being inclusive.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah. So, looking ahead, what do you see as your challenges and where do you see opportunities then that maybe you haven’t talked about?
Yeah. So, looking ahead, what do you see as your challenges and where do you see opportunities then that maybe you haven’t talked about?
Jenny Brown:
So, looking ahead, there’s so much opportunity. There’s so much need. We have the infrastructure. We have an incredible team, and we’re just trying to figure out how to scale and be able to launch in different counties to be able to take our model and really explode this idea of employment of people with disabilities that have spent sometimes two decades unemployed and really helping engage them into the job market across the state.
So, looking ahead, there’s so much opportunity. There’s so much need. We have the infrastructure. We have an incredible team, and we’re just trying to figure out how to scale and be able to launch in different counties to be able to take our model and really explode this idea of employment of people with disabilities that have spent sometimes two decades unemployed and really helping engage them into the job market across the state.
Chuck Gaidica:
So Jenny, then, is the farm open architecture if somebody in another county or state were interested, are you able to provide them with the model?
So Jenny, then, is the farm open architecture if somebody in another county or state were interested, are you able to provide them with the model?
Jenny Brown:
Yes, absolutely.
Yes, absolutely.
Chuck Gaidica:
Oh, wonderful.
Oh, wonderful.
Jenny Brown:
It’s all packaged up and ready to go.
It’s all packaged up and ready to go.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Jenny Brown:
We’re just waiting for opportunities for an RFP from different counties, those Community Mental Healths, it’s just all already set ready to go, supply them with the information that they need and then get started.
We’re just waiting for opportunities for an RFP from different counties, those Community Mental Healths, it’s just all already set ready to go, supply them with the information that they need and then get started.
Chuck Gaidica:
That’s fantastic. Well, thanks for all the work you do.
That’s fantastic. Well, thanks for all the work you do.
Jenny Brown:
Yeah.
Yeah.
Chuck Gaidica:
Yeah. You’re encouraging and an inspiration with your personal story of change, and then all the lives you’re touching, your fingerprints are on so many.
Yeah. You’re encouraging and an inspiration with your personal story of change, and then all the lives you’re touching, your fingerprints are on so many.
Jenny Brown:
Thanks for this opportunity. I appreciate it.
Thanks for this opportunity. I appreciate it.
Chuck Gaidica:
Oh, sure thing. Jenny Brown, who’s the CEO of Dutton Farm, take good care.
Oh, sure thing. Jenny Brown, who’s the CEO of Dutton Farm, take good care.
Jenny Brown:
Thanks.
Thanks.
Chuck Gaidica:
Thanks for listening to a Healthier Michigan Podcast, brought to you by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. If you like our show and you want to know more, check out ahealthiermichigan.org/podcast or leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify. To get new episodes on your smartphone or tablet, be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
Thanks for listening to a Healthier Michigan Podcast, brought to you by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. If you like our show and you want to know more, check out ahealthiermichigan.org/podcast or leave us a review or rating on Apple Podcast or Spotify. To get new episodes on your smartphone or tablet, be sure to subscribe to us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app.
