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.

We're excited to share that The Delta Project has been featured in a wonderful article on WZZM13, highlighting our impactful work in Grand Rapids. This media spotlight celebrates our team's dedication and the transformative journeys of the youth we support. Read the full story on WZZM13 to see how we're making a difference and join us in our mission!

Cole and Joel are joined by two incredible guests, Iyanna and Bilal, to delve deep into the realities of the juvenile justice system and the poignant lessons that emerge from their personal journeys.

Hosts Cole and Joel talk with Devetta as she shares her transformative journey—a tale of resilience, community, and the power of support systems.

Joel sits down with the passionate Lieutenant Nicki Edwards from the Kent County Sheriff's Office, for a for a conversation that dives deep into the transformative power of life skills, mentorship, and support for inmates, particularly juveniles affected by the "raise the age" legislation.

Cole and Joel as they sit down with Bilal, a former student, now an artist and poet who pivoted his life from the brink of juvenile life sentencing to the boundless realms of college and creativity.

Cole and Joel dive deep into a passionate discussion about foster parenting, juvenile justice system, and the marginalization of people of color in parent-child dialogues.

Cole and Joel dive into the challenges faced by young fathers and how they are supported.

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

Joel sits down on the Chezubatalks podcast.

Joel sits down to talk all things Delta Project with the Mitten Foundation.

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

Co-founder Cole Williams is quoted in Pro Publica article that touts recommendations by the Governor’s Juvenile Justice Reform Task Force.

His Story Her Story Their Story Series

His Story Her Story Their Story Series

His Story Her Story Their Story Series