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Pick-Me-Up

Published May 13, 2021

Parents see what one of our Keys 2 Life Sponsors (Max & Marjorie Fisher Foundation) had to say about our last year’s summer camp.

At The Yunion’s “Keys 2 Life” summer camp program, Detroit youth spent their long, warm days engaged in performing arts activities that were both inspiring and engaging, even on a screen.

Like nearly all performing arts organizations during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Yunion was forced to vastly re-imagine the camp’s model of engagement.

Leaders were almost certain the camp would have to pause all in-person arts programming, or worse, be closed altogether. “We honestly were not sure if a ‘virtual camp’ would really work,’’ said Nicole Wilson, Executive Director of The Yunion.

Even for an organization steeped in creative thinking, the challenges of pivoting the camp and the online learning curve were considerable. Even still, the “team presented some wonderfully creative ideas that really tapped into the fun of camp,” Wilson said. The end result was a four-week virtual camp for musical and artistic youth ages 11 to 17.

Part of The Yunion’s creative pivot included incorporating elements such as daily live “pick-me-up” sessions designed to engage students personally before breaking into small groups. Campers also had their pick of opportunities to study acting, beatmaking, songwriting, orchestral string music, and dance.

What looked like certain doom turned into a moment of reinforced purpose, one likely to continue guiding The Yunion as it plans its summer camp programs for years to come. The creative community that The Yunion has built is one of energy and resilience.

“Gathering as a family looks different in the face of our new adversities,’’ Keys 2 Life camp leaders told youth and parents, “but it is still as essential as it has always been to connect with people for support.’’

If you’d like to hear more about our camp visit us at www.keys2lifesummercamp.com

Love Is Together—Forever!

September 14, 2019

Men: We must never allow our fear of being inadequate, stop us from marrying the woman who can help us become whole! I’m so thankful I allowed my wife and I to get it together—together. Now our love is together—forever!

Hope 911 Trailer

September 12, 2019

When all is lost, know that hope is on the way.

Hope 911

September 11, 2019

The Yunion, in association with TBOP Media, presents “Hope 911”, a film that explores the traumas, and tragedies that place adolescents and teens at risk of suicide.

NEVER LET THE APPEARANCE OF A THREAT… THREATEN YOU!

September 10, 2019

As I told The Cave of Adullam recruit in this video—don’t be distracted by the distractions—focus on solving the problem!

Battle With Suicidal Thoughts

September 9, 2019

I never thought I’d be sharing my story publicly, but if that means I can help someone through their journey, it’s worth it.

Celebrating Academic Excellence!

September 6, 2019

Celebrate academic achievement! #SavingBoys

The Yunion Annual Staff and Volunteer Appreciation Day!

September 5, 2019

The Yunion has the BEST STAFF AND VOLUNTEERS EVER! We had a blast celebrating them at our annual Staff and Volunteer Appreciation Day!

Struggles To Success

September 1, 2019

Today my family planned to start our staycation and tonight is our nonprofit The Yunion’s annual Staff & Volunteer Appreciation Day and we were all meeting up for dinner. Unfortunately the alarm system on our newly acquired building was not functioning properly, so I had to stay here until “help” arrived.

RECEIVING AFFIRMATION

August 31, 2019

My brothers: When we cannot receive love and affirmation from each other—we will never be able to attain the healing we so desperately desire. Living in a state of heartache, wearies the soul and takes the life out of living. I know this pain so well, which is why I #CryLikeAMan daily until we can collectively heal and be whole.