Lead - Nonprofit

08/27/2026

A lot can change in a year.

Last June, Lead launched our first partnership with a Michigan DHHS child welfare team in Gladwin County.

We started with 1 county.

Just over a year later, Lead is supporting youth and families across 13 Michigan counties, reaching more than 700 youth and families so far this year alone.

Young people in foster care. Parents working toward reunification. Foster families. Youth involved in juvenile justice. And the professionals walking alongside them.

The growth has happened quickly because the need is there.

And we're just getting started.

Over the next few weeks, we'll be sharing more about what this growth looks like, the impact we're seeing, and what it will take to reach even more youth and families across Michigan.

On September 24, we hope you'll join us at Lead's Annual Fundraiser and be part of what comes next: auctria.events/lead

06/24/2026

This week, Lead had the privilege of joining more than 200 youth from 83 counties at the Michigan Teen Conference - Take Charge of Your Journey hosted at Saginaw Valley State University.

Designed for youth with foster care experience, their caregivers, and agency professionals, the conference creates space for connection, learning, and planning for the future. For many attendees, it was also an opportunity to experience college life by staying in the dorms and exploring campus.

Lead was honored to facilitate two workshop sessions focused on overcoming limiting beliefs. One of the highlights? Our "What Gets in Your Way When Things Get Hard?" quiz, which helped participants identify patterns like fear of failure, perfectionism, people-pleasing, and imposture syndrome to learn practical tools to move forward with greater confidence and resilience.

We also enjoyed connecting with youth during the Resource Fair, where attendees received a free one-month trial of Lead Within, our online platform designed to help build confidence, communication, wellbeing, decision-making, and other essential life skills.

One of the best parts of the week was seeing so many incredible partners investing in Michigan's youth. Shoutout to Greg S. Berreles with ABC Greater Michigan Chapter who hosted a Trades Panel featuring professionals from Answer Heating & Cooling, Inc., Bierlein Trombley Electric - BTE, Three Rivers Corporation and Greater Michigan Construction Academy. Also to Foster Families Navigation & Resource Center for being such wonderful neighbors during the Resource Fair.

Thank you to everyone who made this conference possible. The future is bright when young people are surrounded by caring adults, meaningful opportunities, and the tools they need to thrive.

06/22/2026

06/22/2026

06/20/2026

What an incredible day at Lead’s Confidence FORE! All Golf Outing! We’re still soaking it all in and sorting through photos, but we couldn’t wait to say THANK YOU to everyone who joined us yesterday.

Thank you to our sponsors whose generosity made this event possible, to every team that came out ready to have fun for a great cause, and to our board members, volunteers, and local businesses that donated raffle prizes and helped create such an amazing experience for our golfers.

A special thank you goes to our event committee, Kayli Knowlton and Chelsey Sickles, who helped bring this day to life. We also want to thank Timbers Golf Club for being such an incredible host. We heard comment after comment throughout the day about what a hidden gem the course is and how much everyone enjoyed the beautiful setting and quality of the course.

Most importantly, thank YOU for supporting Lead and helping us continue equipping youth and families with the confidence, communication, and life skills they need to thrive.

More photos and highlights are coming soon, but for now, we simply want to say thank you for making yesterday so special. We are incredibly grateful for this community and the impact we're making together.

06/15/2026

What a week!

A huge thank you to the incredible volunteers who gave their time to support Lead at the Dow Championship concession stands. Your willingness to show up, work hard, and serve our community helps make our mission possible.

Because of volunteers like you, Lead can continue equipping youth and families with the confidence, communication, and life skills they need to thrive.

Thank you for making a difference… REMAX of Midland, 1st State Bank, Case Systems Inc., Members First Credit Union, Great Lakes Taste, Great Lakes Bay Health Centers, Superior Insurance Group, Corteva Agriscience, Nexteer Automotive, ABC Greater Michigan Chapter, McIntosh & Associates Inc, United Financial Credit Union, and Junior League of the Great Lakes Bay Region

… one shift, one smile, and one act of service at a time.

06/14/2026

It’s the final day of the Dow Championship, and we’re feeling incredibly grateful.

A huge thank you to every volunteer who donated their time this week to support Lead. From early mornings to long shifts, your energy, dedication, and willingness to serve are helping us create opportunities for youth and families across Michigan.

Whether you volunteered for a few hours or several days, you made a difference.

And if you haven’t made it out yet, there’s still time! Come enjoy a beautiful day of world-class golf, cheer on the players, and experience everything the Dow Championship has to offer.

Thank you for helping us turn volunteer hours into lasting impact. 💙⛳

06/11/2026

A huge thank you to the teams who volunteered with Lead at the Dow Championship the last 2 days: Case Systems Inc., REMAX of Midland, Corteva Agriscience, Members First Credit Union, 1st State Bank, Superior Insurance Group, Great Lakes Taste

Their energy and willingness to give back are helping us kick off an incredible week, supporting programs that equip youth and families with practical tools to build confidence, strengthen communication, and plan for the future.

There’s still time to join us! If you’d like to volunteer at the Dow Championship and support Lead, we’d love to have you.

Sign Up Here: bit.ly/3OtpVlT

05/28/2026

Today we’re celebrating a very special milestone for our Co-Op Intern, Sophia Smith, as she graduates from H.H. Dow High School!

Over the past year, she has brought such a positive attitude, creativity, and willingness to learn to the Lead team. We’ve loved watching her grow in confidence and professionalism, and we’re so grateful for the time she spent with us.

Please join us in congratulating her on this exciting next chapter, we can’t wait to see all the amazing things ahead for her.