Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan

In honor of #YouthJusticeActionMonth, we celebrate the progress made while acknowledging the significant work still needed to end the incarceration of youth. For years, Michigan’s hyper-local juvenile justice system has faced obstacles to equity, effectiveness, and accountability in the ways it impacts our state’s young people. In 2023, reform advocates achieved major policy victories through the passage of the Justice for Kids and Communities legislation that will have a transformational impact on our system and our youth and families. Justice for Kids and Communities includes reforms that broaden diversion options, eliminate most court fines and fees, and more. These changes promote a fairer, more compassionate system that focuses on rehabilitation over incarceration. In our 2023 Annual Report, we spoke with Executive Director of Michigan Center for Youth Justice Jason Smith and Juvenile Justice Advocate and Policy Consultant Sara Wycoff McCauley to learn more about these major legislative wins and the efforts that led to them. Through their deep subject matter expertise and unwavering advocacy, both Smith and McCauley were instrumental to making these wins a reality. Learn more about the journey to pass Justice for Kids and Communities and what it entails: https://lnkd.in/g4cuEJ9u ??1??3??: Kate English Photography ??2??: Katie Raymond #JuvenileJusticeReform #JusticeForKids #MichiganLegislation #PolicyChange #YouthJustice #RehabilitationNotIncarceration #MJF #MichiganJusticeFund #AnnualReport #Philanthropy

Caregivers of older adults in Southeast Michigan will soon benefit from 11 newly developed respite programs, offering opportunities for rest, social connection, education, and other resources that allow caregivers to breathe a little easier. Exhale – The Family Caregiver Initiative has announced $2.2 million in grants supporting the collaboration of 50 organizations across the region that have developed these innovative programs.?This latest round of grants is supported by: Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Foundation, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF MICHIGAN FOUNDATION, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, and managed by The Philanthropic Initiative (TPI). ? Learn more about these new programs at ExhaleForCaregivers.org?. #caregiving #respite #ExhaleForCaregivers

Faye Schuett’s partnership with the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan has created immeasurable positive change throughout southeast Michigan. Our HOPE Fund provides grants to groups working on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community – from direct services to advocacy and education – and continues to grow through investments and donations. Through monthly donations and volunteering, Schuett’s dedication and partnership has helped foster the kind of real change that the HOPE Fund was intended to make. Read the inspiring profile in Pride Source on Faye Schuett and her work at the link below. https://lnkd.in/gxc5js5t #CFSEM #southeastmichigan #pride #fridayread #philanthropy

As we head into the fall, we’re looking ahead to the future. Last month, we announced new leadership for our organization, and held events that helped design a better future for our communities in southeast Michigan. Check out some of the events and activities from CFSEM in September! #CFSEM #Philanthropy #SoutheastMichigan #DetroitDesignMonth

We are so proud of Nicole Sherard-Freeman, Chief Operating Officer, who was honored by Detroit City Council at the Tues., Sept. 24 City Council meeting for her outstanding work and partnership with Council in her previous role as Chief Economic and Workforce Development Officer for the City of Detroit and Detroit at Work. “It was an immense pleasure to work with Nicole. We spent many, many nights on the phone going over the economic development deals,” said City Council President Pro Tem James Tate (pictured here), as he presented the testimonial resolution to Sherard-Freeman. “You always trusted what Nicole said and she would put the cards on the table. You had our trust, because there was always the next deal we would need to work through.” “You encouraged me, during a difficult deal, to stay in the fight for my residents. You guide, encourage and make a huge impact in how we lead our work,” said Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero. “I am really grateful for the work you do and how you move. It shows the importance of having Detroiters in these positions who know our city, who love our city and who will do what is best for our city.”

We are so proud of Nicole Sherard-Freeman, Chief Operating Officer, who was honored by Detroit City Council at the Tues., Sept. 24 City Council meeting for her outstanding work and partnership with Council in her previous role as Chief Economic and Workforce Development Officer for the City of Detroit and Detroit At Work. “It was an immense pleasure to work with Nicole. We spent many, many nights on the phone going over the economic development deals,” said City Council President Pro Tem James Tate (pictured here), as he presented the testimonial resolution to Sherard-Freeman. “You always trusted what Nicole said and she would put the cards on the table. You had our trust, because there was always the next deal we would need to work through.” “You encouraged me, during a difficult deal, to stay in the fight for my residents. You guide, encourage and make a huge impact in how we lead our work,” said Councilmember Gabriela Santiago-Romero. “I am really grateful for the work you do and how you move. It shows the importance of having Detroiters in these positions who know our city, who love our city and who will do what is best for our city.”

How do community foundations measure impact? In this edition of Thriving Together Q&A, we want to start a discussion on the strategies used to track outcomes, measure success, and drive lasting change in our communities. Through data-driven approaches and a focus on long-term results, community foundations are leading efforts to ensure their work creates real, sustainable impact. Share how your organization uses data to measure your impact in the comments below. #ThrivingTogether #CommunityImpact #DataDriven #MeasuringImpact #CFSEM

What is a Donor Advised Fund and how can it help you help you make the positive change you want to see in your community? Our Donor Services team is here to guide you through the process! https://lnkd.in/ek7pUPA

Philanthropy That Reflects Your Values Navigating your charitable goals can be overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan offers tailored giving solutions that help align your values with high-impact, long-term strategies. Whether you're working directly with us or with your trusted financial advisor, our team is committed to maximizing your impact. Coupled with our philanthropic expertise and local connections, charitable dollars can go further by pooling resources with like-minded philanthropists—creating both immediate and lasting change. Let’s collaborate to ensure your philanthropy makes a difference today and builds a thriving southeast Michigan for tomorrow. Contact us to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gvrVwDsw

Community foundations are uniquely positioned to address urgent needs by quickly mobilizing resources and directing support to where it’s needed most. In this edition of Thriving Together Q&A, learn how the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan steps in during times of crisis, from disaster relief to providing funding for critical services. To learn more about our work supporting urgent needs in southeast Michigan, go to cfsem.org. #ThrivingTogether #UrgentNeeds #CommunitySupport #PhilanthropyInAction