The Delta Project, Michigan Center for Youth Justice, and Wayne State University Center for Behavioral Health and Justice have been selected as co-lead recipients of the IGNITING FUTURES: A Youth Justice Grant from Public Welfare Foundation. The Michigan coalition was awarded $1,000,000 and is one of only two coalitions selected nationwide.

This investment will support a new statewide coalition focused on reshaping Michigan’s youth justice system through community-rooted programming, research, policy advocacy, and systems-level change. Each partner brings a distinct strength to the work. The Delta Project brings deep community trust and direct service experience with young people and families impacted by the juvenile justice system. Wayne State University contributes research, evaluation, and evidence-based practice expertise. Michigan Center for Youth Justice brings statewide policy and advocacy capacity.

Together, the coalition will focus on three key priorities: better leveraging Michigan’s Child Care Fund so resources reach young people, families, and community organizations more effectively; expanding youth diversion options to reduce deeper system involvement; and bridging critical service gaps for families navigating the juvenile justice system.

For The Delta Project, this grant represents both an expansion of the work and a continuation of its mission. Programs like Boys to Men-tors, the Young Fathers Initiative, Healthy Connections, and the What I Know Now podcast will continue to grow alongside the coalition’s broader systems-change efforts.

“This grant is not a destination. It is the foundation,” said Cole Williams, Executive Director and Co-Founder of The Delta Project. “The Delta Project, Michigan Center for Youth Justice, and Wayne State University have come together to build something Michigan’s young people have needed for a long time — a coalition with the community trust, research infrastructure, and policy reach to produce real, statewide change.”

Through this coalition, The Delta Project will help advance a more just, humane, and effective youth justice system across Michigan.

From the article: “At 19, Bilal Al-Raed has lived a life that defies the odds and inspires hope in others.

“Bilal’s a testament to the power of resilience and the capacity for transformation,” says Cole Williams, CEO and founder of the Delta Project. “His story is one of triumph over adversity. Having spent the majority of his teenage years incarcerated, Bilal intimately understands the challenges faced by youth in similar circumstances.

The Delta Project is a Grand Rapids nonprofit that helps youths in the juvenile justice system.

Al-Raed was honored with the At Potential Award at the Delta Project’s inaugural Gratitude Concert on May 15, which spotlighted the unsung heroes who are helping at-risk youth reach their potential.”

In this compelling article, Bryson Adkins explores the adultification of Black boys through the lens of a powerful presentation by Cole Williams and Bilal Al-Raed at the GVSU Black Boys & Men National Symposium. The discussion sheds light on harmful stereotypes and systemic issues, emphasizing the need for community support, emotional intelligence, and spaces for Black boys and men to express their feelings. Discover how these initiatives aim to create meaningful change in the lives of Black youth.

Join us this Saturday for the Delta Project Gratitude Concert, celebrating community members like Gabriel Holmes and Amanda Jackson for their invaluable contributions to youth support. It's set to be an inspiring evening with notable performances and well-deserved accolades.

Read more about the event and its distinguished honorees here.

Learn more about the work that Cole is doing with Jason Smith and the Juvenile Justice Task Force.

Joel Van Kuiken writes about the power of vertical thinking

Renée Cummings returns to Grand Rapids to re-engage with the community and begin mentoring students from NexTech HS

His Story Her Story Their Story Series

His Story Her Story Their Story Series

His Story Her Story Their Story Series

His Story Her Story Their Story Series

His Story Her Story Their Story Series

Joel Van Kuiken, Cole Williams, and Dowan Mansfield from the Delta Project discuss evidenced-based curriculum developed by Cole Williams called Son to a Father on WGVU Morning Show

Guest Blog on Never Enough By Joel Van Kuiken and Cole Williams — May 31, 2022

Chelsea Carter writes for Crain’s Grand Rapids Business about three Black-owned, West Michigan nonprofits that are creating pathways to opportunity for boys and young men of color through a new, collaborative initiative.

An article by Joanne Bailey-Boorsma for WKTV Journal

By Gabrielle Phifer

The Delta Project is incredibly proud of co-founder Cole Williams and his appointment to Governor Whitmer's Task Force on Juvenile Justice Reform.

Cole joins a panel to discuss advocating for incarcerated folks during the COVID-19 pandemic. By Pen America

By Olivia Fellows