CityWings Collective
Giving our kids the wings to fly since 1987
Our Mission
Empowering Youth.
Igniting Futures.
Through comprehensive programs and personalized mentorship, we strive to inspire hope, instill resilience, and foster positive development. Our mission is to empower at-risk youth in the Detroit by providing them with the tools, opportunities, and support they need to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential.
Mentoring
CityConnect Initiative
The City Connect Initiative is a transformative mentorship program that bridges the gap between at-risk inner city youth and dedicated mentors from their local community. Through meaningful connections and guidance, the program aims to empower these young individuals, fostering positive growth, and creating a brighter future for both mentors and mentees.
Education
CityScholars Initiative
The InnerCity Scholars Program is a comprehensive tutoring and learning initiative dedicated to supporting at-risk youth in the inner city with their academic endeavors. Through personalized tutoring, college application guidance, and various educational resources, we empower these young individuals to excel in their studies, overcome barriers, and pursue higher education, fostering a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
CONTACT
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About Us
Our Story
Welcome to InnerCity Wings, a nonprofit organization with a heartfelt mission to provide mentoring and educational opportunities to at-risk youth in the inner city. Our journey began over a decade ago when a group of passionate individuals witnessed the untapped potential within the inner city youth and decided to make a difference.
In the heart of our bustling city, a young man named Marcus Duvoi faced numerous obstacles growing up in a challenging environment. Despite facing adversity, he possessed an undeniable drive and eagerness to succeed. One fateful day, he crossed paths with a dedicated mentor, Sarah O'Day, whose unwavering support and guidance transformed his life. Inspired by this transformative experience, Marcus and Sarah teamed up with like-minded individuals, and thus, InnerCity Wings was born.
Since our humble beginnings, InnerCity Wings has tirelessly served as a guiding light for countless young souls. Through mentoring programs, academic support, and skill-building initiatives, we have empowered youth to rise above their circumstances and reach for their dreams. From hosting workshops on career exploration to providing access to educational resources, we have been steadfast in our commitment to nurturing potential and breaking down barriers. Today, InnerCity Wings continues to soar higher, expanding its reach and impact.
Our current initiatives encompass a wide range of services tailored to the unique needs of our inner city youth. From one-on-one mentoring relationships to group tutoring sessions, we strive to cultivate a nurturing environment where each young individual can flourish. We are proud to offer college application assistance, scholarships, and college readiness workshops, guiding our students toward a path of higher education and a brighter future.
Danielle McDonough
As an accomplished and passionate Executive Director for six years, Danielle brings a wealth of experience in leading nonprofit organizations to drive meaningful impact with the urban youth justice arena.
Kyle Venenatis
As Finance Director, Kyle plays a pivotal role in ensuring that our organization's resources maximize our impact. Their unwavering dedication has empowered us to make a lasting difference in the communities we serve.
Eric Johnson
As a seasoned Communications Director, Eric brings a wealth of experience. Having previously worked for the White House, Eric is dedicated to effectively communicating our organization's drive for positive change in the community.
Jai Rocha
As the Director of Organizing, Jai is driven by a deep commitment to empowering communities. With a background in field organizing for presidential campaigns and unions, Jai brings invaluable expertise in grassroots mobilization and strategic community outreach.
Kelly Williams
As the Director of Human Resources, Kelly is dedicated to fostering a prosperous work environment. With a wealth of experience in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI), Kelly thrives on creating work cultures that embrace diversity and promote collaboration.
Nikki Jackson
Our proud Johnston Fellow, Nikki, currently attends at Howard University and is dedicated to using her education to uplift marginalized communities. Driven by a passion for social equity and empowerment, Nikki actively engages in policy research for CityWings.