Our presenter on February 24th was Cindy Eggleton, the co-founder, and CEO of Brilliant Detroit.
Brilliant Detroit, created in 2015, is dedicated to building kid success families and neighborhoods where families with children 0-8 have what they need to be school ready, healthy, and stable. It does this by providing proven programming and support year-round out of homes in high-need neighborhoods. How it operates -- the organization is invited into communities where it will rehab a home, typically purchased through Detroit’s Land Bank, and turn it into an early child and family learning center. The idea is for each house to become a magical place with neighborhood input.
With 60% of Detroit children under age 5 living in poverty, the majority will not be ready for kindergarten. In one centrally located welcoming place, with the help of over 80 partners bringing in their own programs, Brilliant Detroit can offer classes for parents (exercise or toward a GED, for example) while providing educational programs for the children.
Evidence-based programs around health, family support, and education are offered at each location, where neighbors come together for fellowship, activities, and learning. Each individual community’s involvement is what makes it work.
There are currently 12 homes located throughout Detroit, with a goal of 24, to achieve what Ms. Eggleton believes will be a transformational difference. A child’s zip code should not pre-determine their life/success. www.brilliantdetroit.org