| | |
On May 15, we gathered to celebrate Vista Maria’s 26th Annual Fearless Heart Gala. It was an evening filled with joy, connection, and powerful reminders of why our mission matters. Together, we raised over $264,205 to support youth and families across our programs.
The night was co-emceed by Carolyn Clifford from Channel 7 WXYZ, and Precious, a Vista Maria alum who is now thriving at Wayne State University. Carolyn brought grace and encouragement to the stage, while Precious shared her story with warmth and strength. Their bond and belief in Vista Maria’s mission added something truly special to the night.
We were proud to honor Jaedyn and Dynisti, two young women whose courage and determination inspired everyone in the room. Jaedyn spoke about the support she found in the DeRoy program and how it helped her find stability and confidence. Dynisti shared her journey through mental health challenges, her new leadership role as a volleyball coach, and her dreams of becoming a nurse and content creator. Their stories were moving, honest, and full of hope.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a gala without some fun! Guests enjoyed a lively silent auction, paddle raise, Lions tickets raffle, and a casino lounge that kept the energy high long after the program ended. There was lots of laughter, some lucky winners, and a strong sense of community.
If you couldn’t be with us this year, take a few moments to hear from Jaedyn and Dynisti here. Their stories are a beautiful reflection of what your support makes possible.
Thank you to everyone who joined us. Your presence, your generosity, and your belief in the youth we serve are what keep this work going.
| | |
At Vista Maria, we believe in the power of partnership and in the importance of showing up, listening, and working together to serve youth and families in the best way possible.
Recently, we had the opportunity to meet with the Dearborn Heights Police and Fire Departments to build stronger strategic relationships. These conversations focused on partnership, mutual support, and shared safety goals for our youth, staff, and the surrounding community. We’re grateful for their collaboration and look forward to continuing to strengthen our relationship.
We also want to clarify something you may have seen in recent media coverage. Some reports have suggested that Vista Maria is only now beginning to work with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). That is not accurate. Oversight from MDHHS has always been part of our work. As a licensed residential provider, we have long maintained a strong relationship with MDHHS through regular site visits, policy updates, and collaborative problem-solving. That work continues every day.
We remain deeply committed to transparency, accountability, and most of all, the wellbeing of the young people in our care. With the support of our partners and community, we are building safer spaces, stronger programs, and more hopeful futures.
Thank you for continuing to stand with us.
|
| InSight Joins Vista Maria | | |
We’re excited to share that InSight Youth and Family Connections is now officially a program of Vista Maria!
While InSight has been part of the Vista Maria family since 2018, this completed merger brings us even closer together. InSight’s deep expertise in juvenile justice and community-based care now complements Vista Maria’s legacy in child welfare and behavioral health, strengthening our ability to serve youth and families across Southeast Michigan.
| | | | |
We’re also thrilled to welcome Tawana Rogers-Reece as Executive Director of InSight and a member of Vista Maria’s executive leadership team. Her experience and passion are already making an impact.
This merger is about growing stronger together—expanding our reach, deepening our care, and working side by side to help young people heal, grow, and thrive.
Learn more at vistamaria.org/insight.
| | Youth Spotlight: Jaedyn & Dynisti | | This spring, two incredible young women were recognized at our Fearless Heart Gala — not just for their resilience, but for the leadership, creativity, and kindness they bring to our Vista Maria community every day. | | |
Meet Jaedyn
At just 17, Jaedyn has already graduated high school a year early and is living independently in Vista Maria’s Shepherd Hall program.
After surviving years of abuse, trafficking, and instability, she found healing and direction at Vista Maria. “This place isn’t a permanent place,” she said. “It’s a place to help you. It’s not a punishment.”
Jaedyn discovered a passion for cosmetology and dreams of helping others feel confident in their own skin. “I like to do makeup and also like acrylic nails... I just like to see people feel good about themselves.”
She also plans to work in childcare, helping other youth who have experienced trauma. “Because of Vista, I know how to recognize the dangers of this world and how to stay away from them.”
Her advice to others? “There is more to you than your circumstances. Healing is hard, but you don’t have to do it alone.”
| | |
Meet Dynisti
Dynisti came to Vista Maria after battling serious mental health challenges. “I was having mental breakdowns… I just felt really triggered,” she shared. After months in treatment, she found strength and stability through Vista Maria’s Independent Living Plus program.
“I feel supported by Vista a hundred percent. Now my siblings, when they look at me, they’re like, wow... I wanna be like her!”
Now a high school senior, Dynisti is exploring a future in nursing and media production. “I’ve been wanting to start up my content creation,” she said. “That’s something that I really wanna do.”
She also serves as an assistant volleyball coach, mentoring younger girls and building leadership skills she hopes to carry into adulthood.
“Be authentically you,” she says. “Stay true to yourself.” Dynisti is focused, hopeful, and already inspiring others with her example!
| | Make a Splash for Generations to Come | |
For more than 70 years, our pool has been a place where youth could laugh, play, and feel like kids again. It was also a safe space for foster families to reconnect and for our community programs to bring people together. But last summer... it was silent.
The original pool had fallen into disrepair. Now, we're building a brand-new one—and we need your help.
| | |
“Swimming is one of my biggest coping skills. It’s soothing and helps me calm down.”
— Alexis, 16
| | | |
Your gift helps fund swim lessons, water safety education, and family swim days that strengthen bonds and support healing. Drowning remains a leading cause of accidental death in children, especially in marginalized communities, so access to safe water matters.
You can create a place of joy, connection, and confidence for children and families this summer, and for many more to come!
| |
-
A $50 gift could pack a beach bag with goggles, swimsuits, and sunscreen for two kids, giving them everything they need to enjoy the pool.
-
A $125 gift could teach four children how to swim, reducing their risk of injury and building their confidence in the water.
-
A $250 gift could put a lifeguard on duty for a full day, ensuring the pool stays open, fun, and safe for every child and family.
Your donation will support this important therapeutic resource, and all the many ways Vista Maria brings hope and healing to youth and families who have experienced trauma.
| | |
The Blessed Mother statue, in our grotto at the center of campus, has long been a symbol of peace and comfort. This spring, it was fully restored thanks to the generous support of the John D. & Jean E. Dinan Foundation and the skilled work of local artists and craftspeople.
Our friend Jim from Hell Creek Forge led the statue restoration. His team removed layers of paint, made structural repairs, and repainted the statue to ensure it can withstand many more years of Michigan winters.
The full grotto was refreshed as well, and is once again a peaceful, welcoming space that reflects the care we put into creating a safe and healing environment for our youth.
| | It's going to be a season of incredible events, and we want you to be there! Join us to help celebrate resilience, foster transformation, and create lasting impact. | | |
George Blaha’s High Hopes
Invitational
Monday, June 9
Tam-O-Shanter Country Club
West Bloomfield
Women Fore! Women Golf Outing
Tuesday, August 12
Fox Hills Golf & Banquet Center
Plymouth
| | |
Empowerment Lunch
Tuesday, September 9
Plum Hollow Country Club
Southfield
Dolly Drive
Thursday, October 9
The Whiskey Factory
Detroit
| | |
Nacho average night in the kitchen!
At the most recent session of "Grubbin' with Ms. Gabby," taco night was in full swing! These sessions offer more than just tasty food. Hosted by activities staffer, Gabby, they help build essential life skills like cooking basics and food safety, along with confidence, creativity, and a sense of community. The joy in the room is real when our youth get the chance to cook, learn, and share a meal together.
| | | | |
