The Skillman Foundation

To access the Detroit COVID-19 Therapy Collaborative, click here or call 313-488-HOPE (4673).

At The Skillman Foundation we have long recognized that while abilities span geographies and socio-economic strata, opportunities often do not. Detroit youth overcome significant barriers on their paths to success and to cultivate their brilliance.

One such barrier is severe trauma. Even prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, too many Detroit youth and families witnessed violence, lost a loved one, or faced abuse, neglect, or discrimination. These experiences can increase rates of mental health issues, depression, and suicidal thoughts.

The COVID-19 pandemic is traumatic for all of us. For children and families who experienced trauma prior, their challenges are only multiplied. The Skillman Foundation has partnered with other philanthropic partners to help to address some of this trauma.

Together with the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation, the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan, and the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, we have funded a telehealth service focused on mental health through the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN). Known as the Detroit COVID-19 Therapy Collaborative, this service provides up to 12 free therapy sessions to youth 14 and up and adults. This service supports people struggling with anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, hopelessness, and substance use disorders.

To access the service, visit its website or call 313-488-HOPE (4673).

We believe that whole-child care and development is vital to ensure a bright future. Prior to the pandemic, the Foundation funded several partners focused on trauma experienced by Detroit children and families. Some of these partners and their services include:

• Developing Kingdoms in Different Stages (KIDS) offers group grief counseling and support.
• The Yunion offers student tools and strategies to build trauma resilience.
• Inner Explorer offers mindfulness resources that increase focus and lower stress.

During this time, we remain committed to helping youth and their families to activate Detroit brilliance: Ashley Aidenbaum wrote about resources Detroit high school seniors to prepare for college and Terry Whitfield showed how adults can support youth during this time.

Our hope is to address these barriers and to create opportunities for them to reach their goals and full potential.