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It has been two years since Brilliant Detroit opened its doors

In 2015 the Brilliant Detroit Founders met. They bonded by a desire to create a radically new approach to kindergarten readiness in neighborhoods. They also saw that the best way to do this was to create a unique model delivery in how early childhood success was approached.   

Jim Bellinson brought an amazing investment and scaling background. Carolyn Bellinson brought a focus on building people through clear pathways. Cindy Eggleton brought early childhood, impact and community expertise.

Jim Bellinson brought an amazing investment and scaling background. Carolyn Bellinson brought a focus on building people through clear pathways. Cindy Eggleton brought early childhood, impact and community expertise.
Together they envisioned what could be, and then while on a daily run, Jim realized that the underused housing stock in Detroit could be used to create early childhood and family centers in each neighborhood. The homes would be much more assessable and welcoming than the other institutional settings that were currently available. They reached out to others for input and built a model that is with, for, and by neighbors to deliver holistic services for kids 0-8 in a home, in their neighborhood, with existing evidence-based programs around health, family supports, and education.

Neighbor-to-Neighbor

The last few months we've been making a difference and learning with neighbors in the following ways:

Cody Rouge

Our first location first to launch a community garden. This was followed by our first eight-week course offered by Wayne State Universitiy—engaging families in various physical fitness activities, Parent Cafes, and Parenting training. 

Central North End

Launched a Kids Club for children ages 3-5, and the camp was based on our local families input. The demand was so great we had to cap the number of kids. In August we plan on continuing kids only activities in addition to adult/caregiver focused activities.

Southwest Detroit

From the launch of Intercambio (a language program), to weekly family fun days our Southwest location has increased families signed up to over 250 families.
 

Hero Highlight

Harold Our Hero
Meet Harold. He is our hero! Everyday while our Central Detroit house was being renovated, he sat outside in his van guarding the house. He was never asked to do this, but felt it was important to the neighborhood. Harold epitomizes the power of neighbors to create kid success, where people care and help to make sure all are taken care of. Yes Harold, you are our hero!

Partner Highlight

Young child engaging in the Wash and Learn Initiative
“Wash and Learn” is here, and it is a terrific (and clever) literacy initiative from Libraries Without Borders (LWB). We are partnering with LWB, and with local "Fit and Fold” Laundromats, to offer great literacy activities within the Laundromat—two times each week.  This literacy initiative is one of the coolest things we have done! Come by and take a look – maybe even do a load of laundry while you read to your kids!
Visit Daily Detroit to learn more about the "Wash and Learn" initiative. 

Join us for our First Annual Fundraising Event!

Heartwarming Housewarming is KEY to help unlock a child's future.

Help us make sure families and neighborhoods have what they need to get kids school ready,healthy and stable. Livernois Tap in Ferndale, has partnered with us to host the event to raise funding that will expand our reach— including opening a new location.
We currently have five neighborhoods waiting for a Brilliant Detroit location.

October 5, 2017
6pm to 9pm

LIVERNOIS TAP

567 Livernois Avenue • Ferndale MI, 48220
SAVE THE DATE

Interested in Volunteering?

Want to get involved? Vacation is coming and you have been working hard. Do you go away and relax, OR do you spend a week working for organizations that need help? Email us for volunteer opportunities!
Volunteer with Brilliant Detroit
Donate to Brilliant Detroit

Special Thanks To:

The Molina Foundation who donated 400 books to children in our Brilliant Detroit neighborhoods.

Wallside Windows  who donated windows to our Central Detroit home

First Book and KPMG who donated books to the entire Brilliant Detroit network!

Lenny Gross for designing and launching Intercambio.

Megan Fenkell for starting a literacy class.

Talia Loss Dolgin for her generous donation of toys and miscellaneous for children!

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