Brilliant Detroit

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Brilliant Detroit

Building thriving neighborhoods and communities for young kids and families in Detroit 🌱 By third grade, only 14% read at grade level. We must and can do better.

Brilliant Detroit is a non-profit dedicated to building “kid success neighborhoods” where families with children ages 0-8 have what they need to be school-ready, healthy and supported. We do this by purchasing and renovating underutilized homes in the middle of neighborhoods, and transforming them into community hubs where we offer evidence-based programming in the areas of education, health, family support, and neighbor-to-neighbor connections. Today, 60% of Detroit children under five live in poverty with the majority of kids not ready for kindergarten. Added to this is the fact that 30,000 of the city’s children have zero early learning and child care options available to them in their neighborhood. Brilliant Detroit was created to coordinate and connect what works for families and kids in a centrally-located, welcoming place that provides love, safety, and opportunities for growth. Together, we can build a future where a zip code does not determine a child's success.

10/11/2026

We had another wonderful week at our neighborhood hubs!

The City Sprouts kids from Cody Rouge/Warrendale took their first field trip of the year to the Detroit Institute of Arts! The families had a fantastic time learning about 3D sculpture and creating their own artwork.

After school, the Morningside kiddos enjoyed the Island of Red with Regie's Rainbow, and the Kids Book Club at Central started reading “Bad Kitty: Drawn to Trouble!”

We’d love for you to join us next week, so go to brilliantcities.org/detroit to see our upcoming programs.

10/09/2026

Thank you to the Lineage LEAD ERG for volunteering at our Russell Woods hub!

The team helped organize our outdoor storage area and sort book donations, helping keep the space ready for children and families.

Lineage, Inc. has been a longtime supporter of Brilliant Detroit, first getting involved in 2024 through a former employee who had connections to our Brightmoor hub, and later supporting our work with a $25,000 employee grant referral.

We appreciate Lineage’s continued support and the time their team has spent volunteering with us! If you’re looking for a way to give back with your team, connect with us at brilliantcities.org/volunteer.

10/06/2026

Got a skill to share?

From painting and gardening to tutoring and technology, skilled volunteers can use what they already know to make a difference at Brilliant Detroit.

Sign up today at tinyurl.com/mr2p35d2

10/04/2026

We love bringing families together at community events.

Last week, families at the Russell Woods hub had a blast at the Fall Kickoff, and at the Morningside hub, more than 30 people came out to the Community Dinner Cookout!

Check out our upcoming events at brilliantcities.org/detroit. We’d love to have you and your family!

10/03/2026

It takes a village 🫶

10/01/2026

We are thrilled to receive the Infant Safe Sleep Certificate of Appreciation from the City of Detroit Government!

Ensuring that children grow in a safe environment is key to our mission of Kid Success. Thank you to our many partners that aid us in providing resources and lessons on infant and maternal health. We could not have achieved this recognition without your support.

09/29/2026

Thank you to VML for volunteering with us on their annual Worldwide Foundation Day!

The team helped organize the clothing closet at the Fitzgerald hub, and one volunteer even picked up new batteries for the kids’ piano so they can keep making music!
We’re grateful to VML for continuing to support our hubs and families year after year.

You can get involved with your team at brilliantcities.org/volunteer.

09/27/2026

Have you checked out Homework Helper at your local hub?

After school, kiddos get homework support and a delicious meal. Last week, the Morningside group enjoyed homemade chicken noodle soup, and Ms. Makalah cooked for the Osborn site!

Reach out to your neighbor hub at brilliantcities.org/detroit to sign up.

09/26/2026

We’re excited to share that Brilliant Detroit has won a Global Excellence Award from Acquisition International Magazine!

We were recognized as Best Early Childhood & Family Support NPO 2026 – USA, highlighting our work supporting children and families through our neighborhood hubs.

Thank you to Acquisition International for the honor! We’re also grateful to the families, staff, volunteers, donors and partners who make this work possible every day.

Read more about the award at tinyurl.com/25nkbnd2.

09/24/2026

Our Boynton hub has a brand new Rain Garden!

Ford Motor Company awarded a grant to install the garden by the hub’s parking lot, where it will capture stormwater runoff, help reduce water costs and create space for more than 250 native plants. Volunteers from Ford joined returning Brilliant volunteers to help install the garden, along with new signage and a Little Free Library!

The project was featured during Boynton’s Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration (also sponsored by Ford), which brought neighbors together to celebrate and enjoy the new garden.

Thank you to Ford for funding the project and volunteering alongside us to bring it to life! If you’d like to get involved with your team, connect with us at brilliantcities.org/volunteer.

Address

5675 Larkins
Detroit, MI
48210

Website

https://brilliantcities.org/detroit/

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