A Worthwhile Partnership
The collaboration between Continuum Services and the Metro Detroit Youth Club (MDYC) began in 2019, sparked by the shared vision of Brett Tillander, MDYC’s CEO, and Ted Spicer. The pandemic temporarily paused their plans, but the partnership has recently gained new momentum.
A major milestone in this renewed relationship was the inaugural Career Day, held on October 18. Thanks to Suzanne Zavala of CS and Rachel Frank, of MDYC ,13 students visited our office for a fun, inspiring, and educational Career Day.
The Experience
Students explored career paths at Continuum Services, gaining interview tips. Connections were made with team members who shared their personal career journeys. The day was rounded out with games, great food, and plenty of smiles, making it a truly memorable experience for everyone involved.
Options Bring Hope
“We won’t know when the seeds that get planted on Career Day will grow,” said Brett. “But to look at the variety of trades and career paths and meet members of the Continuum team who look like them and sound like them made the day invaluable.”
The Impact
The impact, in fact, was immediate. “One of our kids was excited about the HVAC side and said that going to a job like that every day would be great!”
Exposing kids to what is possible generates thinking and can shape decisions. “To have the support of Ted and everyone else who was there that day was amazing. You could feel the enthusiasm growing throughout the day,” said Brett.
Brett was moved by all the good people who took the time to be there. “Making the experience fun will solidify that memory for the kids.”
About Metro Detroit Youth Club & Bill Tillander
The Metro Detroit Youth Club has been around for 65 years. Brett Tillander began as a club member when he was 15 and before leaving, was running the tutoring program. He worked at a few organizations before returning to MDYC as CEO in 2001. His 27 full- and part-time staff members oversee locations in Southfield, Detroit and Royal Oak. The 1,578 members range from fifth grade and up. “I want kids when they’re teens,” said Brett. “Any earlier you haven’t gotten to the tough part of being a youth.”
The club sees positive outcomes in graduation rates, mental health issues, contacts with law enforcement, and teen pregnancies during this critical time.
The Data Tells A Positive Story
During the pandemic, Brett’s team began digitizing their data and are now able to track the club’s impact on members. One way they get their data is with pizza! They began collecting report cards from the club members by saying they couldn’t come to the pizza party without their report card.
The team now has three marking periods of valuable data: 1. grades 2. absences 3. citizenship.
Pre-Covid, one kindergarten class averaged 78 absences. Post-Covid, MDYC members averaged just 2–5—proof of real impact! Scores were better for the kids who use the club more often.
The gains have been remarkable across all three clubs. In August, MDYC partnered with the Michigan League on Public Policy in a study on chronic absenteeism; defined as missing 10% of the school days.
In the public schools in Detroit, 68% are chronically absent, Southfield shows 51% and Royal Oak is 33%. The MDYC members show almost 50% less absenteeism than the Detroit Public Schools average!
Volunteer Tutors Are Critical
With all the success the MDYC is showing, they are still less than 50% of where they should be for tutors. After meeting the kids at Career Day, seeing their enthusiasm and learning about this highly motivated group of individuals, why not become part of the positivity? It can be as little as once a month or as much as daily involvement.
It’s simple—head to the MDYC website, fill out the volunteer application and after two hours of training, you can be part of the change in someone’s life. Not an academic? Doesn’t matter, you can help with sports, music…just about anything. The club will fine-tune the assignment to match your skills.
In the meantime, if you need facilities services, call Continuum Services at (833) 378-4088 or email us at cs-sales@continuumservices.com.
