Vista Maria

This Thanksgiving, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for the incredible support we’ve received throughout the year. So to our donors, volunteers and community partners: THANK YOU! Your generosity and dedication make our work possible. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday. 🫶

Together, we can create brighter futures for children in need. ✨ If you're interested in making a difference by fostering a child, learn more at https://ow.ly/3muZ50Ub9gH.

At Vista Maria, we believe every young person deserves to feel heard, valued and empowered to pursue their dreams. But for children who have faced trauma, neglect and hardship, embracing their individual worth can be a difficult journey. HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP: ➡️ Mark your calendar. Set a reminder for Giving Tuesday, because every act of generosity helps a child realize they’re worth celebrating. ➡️ Give. Visit our website and make a gift. Your donation will provide the resources, care and love that children need to believe in their own potential. Every donation will be matched – ensuring your gift matters more than ever before. ➡️ Spread the word. Tell your friends and family why you support Vista Maria and how we’re helping vulnerable individuals find hope and healing. (And don’t forget to use the hashtag #GivingTuesdayDetroit and tag us. We’d love to see the impact you’re making!)

Last year, our Shepherd Hall transitional living program provided a safe haven for 32 young people – empowering them with secure housing and vital support services. Through employment opportunities, career exploration and personalized case management, we’ve helped these individuals develop independent living skills, receive mentorship and access counseling. And we couldn’t be more proud of their progress. 🎉

When you give to Vista Maria, you’re not just offering financial support. You’re changing the life of a child who walks through our doors. You’re showing them they’re more than their circumstances, more than their past, and more than what the world told them they could be. You’re helping them see their value and their limitless potential. And that’s the greatest gift of all. To make a donation, please visit https://ow.ly/fgLG50UarIK.

Did you know our campus transforms into Santa’s workshop each December? 🎅 We’re making a list (and checking it twice) of cheerful volunteers who want to help sort, wrap and organize gifts for the youth in our care. Opportunities are available weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with some special weekend shifts. To sign up, please visit https://ow.ly/TXgA50UaomM.

Our campus is a safe haven, where young adults can heal from trauma and begin to envision a future filled with possibilities. 💭 To see how more than 100 individuals found hope, strength and recovery in our residential mental health treatment programs, please visit https://lnkd.in/gpVyiMKM.

Our on-campus boutique is a place where residents can browse and select free clothing, shoes, personal care products and accessories – providing not only essential items, but also the dignity of choice. And time and time again, we see how this can help young people feel confident and cared for as they continue their healing journey.

During a recent Journey to Success (JTS) event, while the youth and staff were creating snack bags, one of our participants missed out because she was involved in another activity. When she realized she didn't get to make her own snack bag, she was understandably upset. Without missing a beat, Youth Coach Kevica "Ms. Vee" Towns said, "I didn't forget about you!" and handed her the snack mix she had made for herself. The way she did it—so effortlessly and with such care—truly embodied the spirit of Sr. Mary Euphrasia. Ms. Vee’s selfless gesture reminded us all how much she goes out of her way to make everyone feel special. Thank you, Ms. Vee, for your kindness and heart!

Established by a group of volunteers who believe reading has the power to change lives, VM Reads was developed to address the need for at-risk youth to have access to relevant, engaging books and literature. And since its development, VM Reads has distributed more than 21,000 books to the youth in our care. 📚