March is Women’s History Month, inviting a time to honor the extraordinary contributions women make in shaping communities and creating opportunities for others to thrive. At Alternatives For Girls, that spirit of leadership and compassion is at our core, and this month offers a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the women whose courage brought AFG to life and sustains it today.


This past January marked 38 years since the first young woman found safe shelter at AFG. At just 16 years old, she was directed to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church by a local store clerk and knocked on a door that would change her life. Inside, Amy Good, AFG’s founding CEO, spent hours searching for any safe place for the teenager. When no options existed, Amy and friends from the church acted immediately.


That weekend, the young woman stayed with a parish member while volunteers transformed the church basement, pulling beds, buying groceries, and organizing around-the-clock support. By Sunday, “St. Peter’s Inn” was officially open, and within a week, every bed was filled. What began as an urgent act of care quickly became a mission sustained entirely by volunteers. By spring, AFG received its first grant, expanding the shelter to 12 beds and laying the foundation for the organization we know today.


Stories like this remind us that history is often made in quiet, powerful moments when people see a need, step forward, and build something that changes lives. For nearly four decades, the legacy of those early leaders, and the first young person who sought help, lives on in every youth who comes to AFG seeking safety, support, and a brighter future. Amy’s simple wish to provide safety for one young woman on a cold January day continues to inspire the work of our President & CEO, Tonya C. Adair, and COO, Dr. Celia Thomas, touching the lives of countless young women every day.


Your Support Today...

keeps AFG's legacy strong and empowers the women leaders, social workers, and volunteers who provide essential resources, guidance, and care to girls and women affected by homelessness, violence, or exploitation, helping them thrive while enabling our team to create lasting, transformative change in the community.

Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed to, or helped spread the word about the 2026 Role Model Celebration. Your energy, generosity, and support played a huge part in making the evening such a memorable success for the AFG community.


We’re happy to announce that our official event photo gallery is now available! Take a look back at the special moments, powerful remarks, and great connections from the night by visiting the album on our Facebook page.

Congratulations to AFG Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Celia Thomas, and Education and Outreach Services Director, Sandra Ramocan, on being named two of the Michigan Chronicle’s 2026 Women of Excellence Honorees.


Selected from more than 400 nominees, this honor recognizes their outstanding leadership, achievements, and dedication to strengthening our community. Their impact continues to inspire those around them, and we're proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition.


The Michigan Chronicle will honor all recipients at a celebration at Huntington Place on Friday, March 27, 2026.


Thank you for all you do. Your AFG team couldn’t be more proud!

AFG's Rise N' Shine Summer Camp is open to girls who will be entering grades 1–5 in Fall 2026, and participation is completely FREE! This exciting summer experience blends fun, creativity, and learning in a welcoming and supportive setting.


From hands-on arts and engaging sports to leadership-building activities, participants will have the chance to explore new interests, build confidence, form lasting friendships, and uncover talents they may not even know they have yet.


When: June 22 – August 7, 2026 | 9 AM – 5 PM

Where: Alternatives For Girls, 903 W. Grand Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208


What's Included:

  • FREE Summer Camp, T-shirt, Breakfast, Lunch & Snacks
  • Weekly Field Trips
  • Academic Enrichment (Math & Reading)
  • Self-Esteem Building & Social Emotional Support
  • Family Participation Incentives


Stay Tuned for Registration to Open!

For more info, contact us at (313) 960-5196 or afgherizons@alternativesforgirls.org.

April marks National Volunteer Month, a time dedicated to recognizing the people who generously give their time to support our community. All month long, we’ll be highlighting the amazing work of our volunteers and sharing their stories across our social media platforms.


As National Volunteer Week (April 19–25) approaches, we encourage everyone to get involved and help create a positive impact alongside us.

Your Investment Matters


Community support makes our work possible at Alternatives For Girls. Donations from generous individuals and partners help sustain programs that empower girls and young women facing challenges such as homelessness, violence, or exploitation, giving them the resources and support they need to heal, grow, and build brighter futures.



For more information on ways to give, contact Erika Jones at

ejones@alternativesforgirls.org.


Interested in volunteering? Visit our website or contact Trinita Johnson at

tjohnson@alternativesforgirls.org.

 

903 W. Grand Blvd. Detroit, MI 48208

www.alternativesforgirls.org

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