Happy August!

The H.O.P.E. summer program is in full swing! Every morning we read for two hours, and then plan activities for community youth. 

About the literacy program, Jasmon, a YCS student, said, "in the beginning of the program, I didn't like to read very much and two hours was a long time, but now I like to read and two hours is nothing. It's much easier now."

Along with the reading program and Teen-R un Activity Planning (T.R.A.P.) we also are going on weekly field trips.

This month, we are going to Detroit to visit the Motown Museum and the Heidelberg Project, and at the end of the month we are going to Kalahari Waterpark to continue our physics and water parks learning. We are also going on an equestrian adventure, August 26, at the Morrell Equine Service. Our full calendar can be found  here or on our Facebook page.

August 1 is community filled day. First of all, we are volunteering, for the second year, at the Annual Corn Roast, a fundraiser which helps to support the Ypsilanti Community/Senior Center. Tickets are $8 per person, for children under the age of 10 are $4,  from 4:30-6:30.

Next, two teen participants are on a panel discussion for Si x Pack: Community dialogue, a radio show on  AM 1700 . Members of this panel discussion include  Jerry Clayton (Washtenaw County Sheriff),  Amanda Edmonds (Ypsilanti Mayo r),  Dr. Benjamin Edmondson (Superintendent of Ypsilanti Community Schools), Jeannette Hadden (Community Organizer), and  Justin Thomas and Cameron Reid (Dedicated to Make a Change) .  We are excited that youth from DTMAC are participating on this panel discussion concerning teen violence. It's important for teens to be included in these discussions because they are part of the population who are being affected by the violence, and their voices are valuable and needed for change in the community. Click here for more information.

Lastly, The Glow in the Dark Teen Party is happening from 8 to 11pm. All youth ages 13 to 17 are invited. The party will be at the senior/community center at 1015 N. Congress St., Ypsilanti, MI 48197. We are still looking for chaperons and donations of food or money. If you would like to help us, please contact us at (734)-358-1402 or visit us at the clubhouse.

Beginning August 3rd, we will also be having daily ACT/SAT prep, followed by two hours of reading.

This month, we are featuring Bona Sera Cafe on 200 W. Michigan Avenue. The food is amazing~ DTMAC, especially T.R.A.P. participants, would like to thank them for their delicious dessert donation for the teen party event.

Dedicated to Make a Change, including the H.O.P.E. program, is going to be closed from August 7th to the 21st for vacation. We will reopen on the 24th.