SOUTHFIELD YOUTH ASSISTANCE
About SYA
Southfield Youth Assistance (SYA), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization, serves as a beacon of hope and guidance in the Southfield and Lathrup Village areas of Michigan. At its core, SYA is an innovative prevention program, intricately designed to offer a wide array of services to youth and their families, fostering an environment where growth, learning, and positive transformation are paramount.
This dynamic program is financially sustained through the collaborative efforts of the Oakland County Circuit Court – Family Division, the City of Southfield, and the Southfield Public Schools, ensuring a robust operational budget that fuels its initiatives. SYA’s mission extends beyond mere assistance; it’s an immersive journey into personal development, focusing on enriching the social, academic, and interpersonal competencies of its young participants. Through this nurturing approach, SYA stands as a cornerstone in the community, actively engaging young minds in uplifting experiences that shape a brighter, more promising future.
Southfield Youth Assistance (SYA) Board of Directors
The Board of Directors at Southfield Youth Assistance (SYA) exemplifies a “working” board, a model distinct from the traditional “voting” board. In this hands-on approach, the SYA board members are actively involved in the operational aspects of the organization. They play a direct role in executing programs, organizing fundraising events, and facilitating family education and mentoring opportunities. This involvement is crucial, especially in utilizing resources like the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the city of Southfield, which allows SYA to provide Skill Building Scholarships to low-income youth.
These CDBG scholarships offer young individuals access to a world of STEAM-related activities, nurturing their talents and interests in ways that might otherwise be financially out of reach. The focus on STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) ensures a well-rounded and enriching experience.
- Science Explorations: Engaging Science Camps
- Tech Innovations: Advanced Technology Workshops
- Engineering Challenges: Hands-On Engineering Projects
- Artistic Expressions: Creative Arts Programs
- Math Mastery: Interactive Mathematics Competitions
In contrast to a “voting” board, which adheres to a traditional governance model prioritizing decision-making and oversight, the “working” board at Southfield Youth Assistance (SYA) embodies a more dynamic and involved approach. While voting boards in larger organizations typically focus on setting policies and strategic directions without delving into day-to-day operations, SYA’s working board is actively engaged in the heart of the organization’s activities. This enthusiasm and hands-on involvement are vital to SYA, showcasing a passionate commitment to implementing and driving forward their initiatives. The excitement and dedication of SYA’s working board members clearly distinguish them from their voting board counterparts, underscoring their unique role in hands-on governance and active participation in making a tangible difference in their community.
Our Mantra
Our Mantra — Strengthening Families Through Community Involvement means we focus on making families stronger by getting everyone in the community involved. We believe that when families get support and help from people around them, they can grow stronger and happier.
Our Goal
Our goal is to bring people together to help each other. We do things like organize fun events, teach useful skills, and give families a chance to meet and help each other. By doing this, we make sure families have friends and neighbors who can support them. This mantra is our promise to keep working hard to make our community a friendly and caring place for all families.
Mission
The mission of Southfield Youth Assistance (SYA) is to strengthening youth and families and reducing cases of delinquency, abuse, and neglect.
Historical Background
Southfield Youth Assistance (SYA) has been a vital part of the community since its establishment in 1958. Initially known as Southfield Parent Youth Guidance, the organization has undergone significant leadership changes over the years.
Today, it operates with a stable and dynamic Board of Directors. SYA has successfully established key partnerships with the Oakland County Circuit Court, the City of Southfield, and Southfield Public Schools. These strategic alliances are focused on involving families in activities that are both supportive and beneficial.
The Board’s efforts are dedicated to creating programs that inform, educate, and empower families, aiming to foster healthy relationships, support academic success, and connect families with essential community resources, services, and events. This approach demonstrates SYA’s deep commitment to the ongoing well-being and development of families in the community.
