PWF Blue Babies

05/31/2026

(Attention )
This Summer: Make Memories, Not Headlines:

Being a teen today comes with a lot of energy, creativity, and influence. Young people are shaping trends, building businesses, creating content, leading movements, and making a real impact in their communities.

But lately, some so-called " " have turned into situations that put teens and communities at risk. Without planning, leadership, or a positive purpose, what starts as a meetup can quickly lead to unsafe situations, police involvement, and legal consequences.

Many cities, including Detroit, are increasing enforcement of laws and other public safety measures. For teens, that can mean fines, arrests, or other legal issues. Parents and guardians can also face penalties in some situations.

The good news? There are plenty of fun, free, and positive ways to spend the summer while making new friends, learning new skills, and creating experiences you'll actually be proud to talk about later.

Free & Fun Things to Do This Summer
💪 Get Active
> Teens ages 14–19 can work out for free at Planet Fitness locations through the end of August.
> Join free fitness classes, walking groups, sports leagues, dance classes, or Zumba sessions at local Recreation Centers.
> Take Free Skateboarding lessons at Detroit's Chandler Park, open for skateboarders, bikers, and scooter riders of all skill levels.
> Check out local splash parks, public pools, and swimming areas.

Explore the City
> Detroit teens and K–12 students (ages 5–18) can ride DDOT and SMART buses for free.
> Ride the QLINE in Detroit completely free without a ticket, pass, or cash to board.
> Take a free ride on the Detroit People Mover and enjoy views of downtown.
> Walk, bike, or skate the Detroit Riverwalk and Dequindre Cut Greenway.
> Find free local outdoor festivals and concerts open to all

Discover Amazing Places for Free
> Visit Belle Isle and explore the Aquarium, Nature Center, Dossin Great Lakes Museum, and Conservatory.
> Check out the Detroit Institute of Arts (free for Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb County residents with proof of residency).
> Explore the Detroit Historical Museum.
Visit Michigan Central Station and see one of Detroit's most impressive restored landmarks.
> Visit the Pewabic Pottery where the ceramic studio providies free admission to their museum, galleries, and strolling tours of the production spaces.
> Tour the beautiful Detroit Public Library main branch.
> Walk through the GM Renaissance Center and check out the vehicle displays.
> Explore the colorful and unique Heidelberg Project.

Arts, Culture & Entertainment
> Visit Eastern Market on weekends to see local artists, performers, and vendors.
> Attend free outdoor concerts, festivals, movie nights, and community events.
> Relax at Campus Martius Park and enjoy summer activities happening downtown.

📚 Level Up Your Future
> Get a Michigan Activity Pass (MAP) through your local library for free or discounted access to hundreds of attractions across .
> Visit the University of Michigan Museum of Natural History in Ann Arbor to see dinosaur fossils and interactive exhibits.

Enroll in a Wayne County Community
> College District ( ) one-credit course like CCO 100 to build academic and life skills while gaining student access to campus resources and fitness facilities.
> Sign up with your local Michigan Works! office if you're between 14 and 24. Programs can help with:
Paid work experiences
Job placement
Career coaching
Certification training
Tuition assistance
Transportation and other support services

Build Your Summer Story!

This summer doesn't need a viral moment to be memorable.

Learn a skill. Start a side hustle. Get a job. your city. content. . Work out. Meet new people. Visit places you've never been before.

The best stories come from experiences that help you , have , and open doors for your future.

Make . connections. Create opportunities. That's the real takeover. 🌟

05/30/2026

Much gratitude to Radical Wellness Center & Licensed Therapist Veronique Eason for an amazing relaxing & uplifting afternoon with Park West Foundation young adults!

is an integrative mental health practice that uses the creative process—such as painting or drawing—to help individuals process emotions, reduce stress, and build resilience. It is particularly effective because it allows people to communicate complex feelings that may be difficult to express, using words alone.

05/29/2026

Congratulations to Joshua, Joshua, Marquise, entire Mumford High School & family/friends - on a successful prom celebration.
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Check your college award letters, check your new college emails, and ask for help every step of the way.

For those who have yet to get started, it's not too late to apply for Colleges and Trade Schools.

Secure your funds (scholarships & grants) by going first to .gov.

Don't miss out on free $$ to support you to aquire your professional credentials! Your High School diploma opens the door to more! You've just began!

05/29/2026

05/28/2026

Did you know about the free car support program for Skilled Workers through SER METRO?

05/27/2026

05/26/2026

05/26/2026

Fostering the Future Act (H.R. 7432) is a new bill that promises to modernize the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program for Successful Transition to Adulthood (“Chafee”), known as Youth In Transition (YIT) fund in Michigan, for the first time since its creation in 1999.

Chafee (YIT) in Michigan supports current and former foster youth, age 14 to 23, and for Chafee | ETV funding supports 14-26 college & trade school students, transitioning to independence and adulthood.

Included in the legislation are six initiatives led by a bipartisan coalition of Ways and Means Committee members that will improve state utilization of Chafee funds,

In brief -
Fostering the Future Act (H.R. 7432):

** Makes the first comprehensive reforms to Chafee since its creation in 1999 to improve outcomes for youth aging out of foster care by creating stronger connections to housing, education and workforce programs, and other critical supports.

** Codifies several priorities included in the Executive Order, “Fostering the Future for American Children and Families,” championed by First Lady Melania Trump.

** Strengthens alignment with Federal housing programs such as the Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) housing voucher.

** Expands Education and Training Vouchers (ETVs) for short-term workforce training programs, costs associated with earning a high school diploma, apprenticeships, or remedial education.

** Increases the maximum ETV cap from $5,000 to $12,000 while maintaining current funding levels and provides greater educational support for foster youth.

** Expands access to legal services for foster youth and connects parenting foster youth with evidence-based Maternal Infant Early Childhood Home Visiting services.

** Prioritizes the importance of lifelong connections by updating Chafee’s purposes.

** Nearly 16,000 foster youth “age out” of the child welfare system annually, often without permanent connections to family and face significant challenges in their path to independence.

The Fostering the Future Act (H.R. 7432) passed the House and can become law once it is passed by the U.S. Senate and signed by the President.



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05/25/2026

It always takes a village! Park West Foundation 's team was glad to participate among great community leaders and agencies doing great work for children and youth in foster care at this weekend's foster care awareness and foster parent appreciation special event held in Detroit. Prominent community leaders and organizations included Senator Stephanie Change, 3rd District Court Judge Karen Braxton, Child Christ House, The Children Center, Detroit Parent Network, several amazing therapists and Authors -- including lead event organizer Lyshon Davis and Pura Strong and National consultants - Phoenix Santiago & Kenisha C**n.

Guests enjoyed lunch, selections by vocalist Nina Simone and City of Detroit Ombudsman Sherry Gay-Dagnogo presented special awards to several deserving children's advocates.

The special event served as great networking opportunity for lifelong children's advocates to collaborate in their work to support Michigan's Children and youth in foster care.

President of PWF - EFyTECH & Social Worker Ov'var'shia Gray-Woods who was in attendance described the day as followed;
“Today was a beautiful event shared with professionals, individuals with lived experience and people with personal experience all coming together to celebrate foster parents and their impact in all of our lives which is a testament to the progression of child welfare and I’m grateful to be apart of the advancement of the system and look forward to seeing how we can all continue to come together to create change."

05/23/2026

Congratulations graduates of Renaissance High School & Mumford High School, and incoming freshmen !
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Attention Seniors!
!
It's not too late to apply for colleges, Universities and trade schools. Get your Application submitted before the June 30th deadline and create your account to access your Michigan Achievement Scholarship of up to $5,500 per year that students don't not have to pay back!