This summer I’m working on a research project for the Highland Park Collaborative, a group of non-profit organizations serving the Highland Park community of Detroit. With the help of an Eastern Michigan University professor, this organization is attempting to identify youth serving organizations in Highland park, and find out more about their services. We will then ask them to join the collaborative in an effort to help all of the youth in HP be supported from “cradle to career,” as my supervisor puts it. Another objective of the research project is to distribute and collect the data from a survey designed by AARP. The survey asks questions about the residents’ satisfaction with their community and its age friendliness level. By interpreting the results of the survey, the HP Collaborative wants to use the information to improve the community for both the youth and senior citizens.
So far, Detroit has treated me well and I’ve enjoyed getting to know the surroundings areas of Wayne State and my placement site. My job requires a lot of driving to different spots around the city where other organizations are located. I look forward to engaging myself in more activities that Detroit has to offer. My experience has been quite positive thus far and I’m excited for what’s to come!
Hey! It is awesome that you are going to be in the highland park area. Do you know any more of the specifics about what programs you will be doing with the youth in the area? I am just curious, I don’t really know too much about what is going on in that neighborhood. Also, you should totally check out Palmer Park while your down there. I heard it’s really pretty!
This seems really cool! At the University I work with many different LGBT organizations to do something similar you are doing for this community! Having coalitions is very important to making a difference in the community!