springthing's Blog

Good post Springthing...there are so many issues to face in Detroit...I mean where do you start? Like I mentioned in my post about Detroit, There are so many things we need to address and the first thing is getting rid of the "Business as usual" politicians.

THANK U FOR YOUR KINDNESS...

I think it's wonderful that you work with the young boys springthing, We need more of that happening. It's funny that you mentioned buying designer clothes, because I just had a lengthy conversation with someone about that exact topic! I don't know how it got started but somehow our youth associate their worth with the price of their clothes and it's the craziest thing I have ever seen! They truly are Brandwashed! As for them walking in the middle of the street and hanging on the streets..you know I have noticed that too and it just reminds me of children who literally have nothing better to do....it's a shame too! I think you have some great ideas about how to revamp things.

Great Post! Needs to be put on billboards around the city.

PessimisticOptimist my mom and dad raised eleven of us before my dad died they had been married for forty years. In the summer time we used to travel south I remember the first time that most of us took a trip together as a family, Alone with my brothers and sisters I was shocked at how friendly most people were in the south. In order to improve the quality a life in Detroit, we must face and deal with some social issues.

Springthing. The truth is the light. I say amen to your solutions to some of Detroit's problems. I also worked with our city's youth (of diverse backgrounds). The kids were so appreciative of positive attention paid them. They were hungry for direction and willing to broaden their horizens. they participated in programs like Outward Bound (Achallenging chracter building outdoors project, Project Close-up (a mini-united nations like project )in Washinghton, D.C. ,junior achievement and other programs for kids. They soared! Our children are truly like clay molds. It's our job to shape them the way we want them to be. We can nurture them without spoiling them. They can be taught civility and still be cool. Maybe if someone had taught our mayor and Monica Conyers self-respect when they were young they would be assets instead of liabilities. Your post was very thought provoking and uplifting. A great example of the value of diversity in leadership was our beloved Maryann Mahaffey. She was a role model for all our young people. She was always available,would attend block club meetings,visit schools, churches and defended the citizens of Detroit until her last breath. Thanks for great insight.

Marygrove, isn't that amazing how hungry they are for direction?? I work with ages 9 through 13 and these guys are at total attention when I'm talking to them. A few of years ago it was some guys that were trying to sell drugs on my mom's street, which is something that the neighbors did not stand for. But before the police busted them up they were actually telling the little guys how lucky they were that I was taking time out for them. I was shocked, here I was telling them not to sell, use or hang around anyone that sold drug etc., and the dealers a few years older then my guys were telling them to listen to what I was telling them, to behave and to be greatful.

And you all are right, a lot of these kids truly are hungry for attention, a hug, a smile or just a kind word. I've heard some true horror stories in my life and have seen some young lives wasted, destroyed and even lost all because no one was paying attention, or sat down and actually talked to and listened to some of these kids. For the most parts it's the parent(s).

I'm a single mother and once I knew that I would be, I made it my business to be just that. No more living the single life. When my child had homework - so did I; when my child had projects in school we worked on them together. We talk about anything and everything. I knew where my child was -- I'd tell her she can't play around the corner because I can't see around the corner. So much of motherly nurturing and overall quality of life is missing at the expense of the child(ren) these days. We really need to go back to what worked when we were raised.

Peaches. Although you might be aware already, you are near the Warren/Conner Development Coalition. I think they still have a program: Youth On The Edge Of Greatness. The program is excellent, provides mentoring and All kinds of activities including summer employment assistance. The Director is Maggie DeSantis born and bred on the eastside. They also have a program to assist families with getting on their feet;offering job trainning, assistance obtaining an auto, purchasing a home and obtaining medical insurance. Keep up your good work with your neighbor kids!Wherever you move there will be a kid who needs you.

APPLAUSE , APPLAUSE Springthing... You already know how I feel about what's happening to our city !