WE TRAIN KIDS FOR LIFE
Mission & Vision
Studies show more than half of Michigan’s third-grade students can not read at their grade level. The numbers are even more alarming for students in urban communities like Detroit. That’s unacceptable. And we’re doing something to change it.
Since 2007, DBG has been providing our free academic and athletic program to students ages 8-18, with continuing mentorship and support through age 25. Students stay with DBG year after year after year. That long-term, personalized and holistic support makes a life-changing impact.
We have a 100% high school graduation rate since we opened our doors, a 15-year track record of success. Our students are the doctors, lawyers, engineers, scientists, artists and entrepreneurs of the future. It all starts with the support they receive at DBG. Click the video player to learn about our impact from one of our DBG graduates.
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Khali Sweeny
Jessica Hauser
Katie Solomon
Peter Fezzy
STUDENT COUNCIL
Harmonie President
Uriel Vice-President
Christian Secretary
Aleena Secretary (Sub)
PARENT COMMITEE
Vice-President
Karen Tanton President
Evelyn Goodwyn
Krystal Flemings Treasurer
Dorthea Robinson Treasurer
Organizational History & Background
Founding Story: DBG’s origins, why it was started, and the passion behind its work with youth.
CULTURE STATEMENT #1
Articulate the guiding principles that shape DBG’s decisions and behavior.
CULTURE STATEMENT #2
Articulate the guiding principles that shape DBG’s decisions and behavior.
CULTURE STATEMENT #3
Articulate the guiding principles that shape DBG’s decisions and behavior.
CULTURE STATEMENT #4
Articulate the guiding principles that shape DBG’s decisions and behavior.
Milestones & Achievements
Highlight key moments in DBG’s history, major programs, partnerships, or recognitions, that have helped shape its culture.
Core Programs & Services
1.
Program Overview: A detailed description of the organization’s primary programs and services, explaining how each contributes to youth development.
2. Goals & Outcomes: Intended outcomes of each program and how they align with DBG’s mission.
3. (KPIs) or metrics used to measure program success and DBG’s overall impact on youth.
cultureinAction: BehavioralExpectations
R E A L W O R L D E X A M P L E S
Youth-Centered Approach: The specific actions and behaviors expected from staff when working with youth, such as fostering respect, promoting safety, and encouraging growth and development
Communication & Collaboration: Guidelines on how team members should communicate with each other, volunteers, parents, and community partners.
Teamwork & Support: How employees and volunteers are expected to work together, support one another, and resolve conflicts.
Leadership&StaffRoles
Leadership Philosophy: The leadership approach (servant leadership, collaborative leadership, etc.) that guides how leaders interact with their teams and the youth.
Mentorship & Coaching: DBG’s commitment to mentoring both staff and youth, highlighting the importance of role modeling positive behavior.
Staff Roles & Responsibilities: The roles and responsibilities of key staff positions, including how their work aligns with DBG’s mission and goals.
Inclusion,Diversity& Equity
Commitment to Inclusion: DBG’s stance on fostering an inclusive environment for youth from diverse backgrounds
Diversity Initiatives: Any programs or initiatives in place to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within DBG and among the youth served.
Anti-Discrimination Policies: Policies that protect against discrimination, harassment, and exclusion.
Policies & Procedures
Code of Conduct: Official code of conduct that outlines expected behaviors and the consequences for violations.
Youth Protection Policies: Policies aimed at safeguarding the youth, including background checks for staff and volunteers, appropriate interactions with youth, and reporting protocols for abuse or misconduct.
Health & Safety Standards: Guidelines on maintaining a safe and healthy environment for youth, staff, and volunteers.
Compensation & Benefits: Salary structures, benefits packages, and policies around time off or professional development for staff.
ProfessionalDevelopment &Growth
Training Programs:The onboarding process, required training for new hires and volunteers, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
Career Advancement: Outline pathways for career growth within the organization, as well as opportunities to develop leadership and specialized skills.
Recognition & Rewards
I N C E N T I V E S
Recognition Programs: How staff, volunteers, and youth are recognized for their achievements and contributions.
Compensation Parity & Equity: An overview of compensation policies that promote fairness and transparency.
Culture Rituals & Traditions
Team Celebrations: DBG rituals, events, or traditions that contribute to the culture, such as annual celebrations, staff retreats, team-building exercises, or recognition ceremonies.
Storytelling & Success Sharing: The sharing of stories that demonstrate the organization’s values in action, such as youth success stories, program wins, or moments of staff collaboration.
Feedback&Continuous Improvement
Open-Door Policy: DBG’s commitment to transparency and open communication, encouraging staff and volunteers to provide feedback without fear of retribution.
Feedback Channels: The formal and informal ways in which staff and volunteers can provide feedback on programs, culture, or operations (e.g., suggestion boxes, town halls, surveys).
Continuous Improvement: DBG’s dedication to learning and growing by regularly assessing its culture and implementing changes based on feedback.
AlignmentwithYouth& Community
C O M M U N I T Y C A R E S
Community Partnerships: DBG’s role within the community and how it collaborates with local partners to enhance youth development.
Youth Engagement & Leadership: How youth are involved in shaping their own development within the organization, such as through youth advisory boards, leadership opportunities, or feedback loops.
uture Vision
Commitment to Culture: Reaffirm the organization’s dedication to maintaining a positive, inclusive, and missiondriven culture.
Future Goals: Outline of DBG’s cultural aspirations for the future, including how it plans to evolve and grow in alignment with its mission.
