Dear Neighbor,
The past year has tested our community in unprecedented ways. Throughout it all, I fought to strengthen our neighborhoods and improve the quality of life for Detroit residents by focusing on meaningful investments. I wanted to share an update on how recently secured funding is already making a real difference in our community — and how these resources are being used to deliver meaningful results for the people we serve.
If you ever need assistance, have issues with various state departments, or would like to share your feedback or suggestions on specific issues or policies, please don’t hesitate to contact my office via email at SenMMcMorrow@senate.michigan.gov or by phone at (517) 373-2523.
Sincerely,
Mallory McMorrow
State Senator, 8th District
SenatorMcMorrow.com
(517) 373-2523
Investing in Our Youth
Throughout her second term, Sen. McMorrow has helped secure critical investments focused on supporting children, students, and families across Detroit. These investments include:
$20M: Marygrove Conservancy
Helping transform the historic campus into a hub for education, economic opportunity, and community driven development.
$6.5M: Coleman A. Young Elementary School
Funding HVAC repairs and new controls, bathroom renovations, ceiling replacements, elevator cab updates, exterior door and window replacements, new sidewalks, and LED lighting.
$3M: Starfish Family Services
Supporting children and families with early childhood education and behavioral health services.
$2M: Junior Achievement
Continuing their K–12 work-readiness program, dedicated to helping students build the skills needed to shape their own economic futures.
$2M: Making It Happen Foundation
Funding the organization’s Entertainment Skilled Trades Program.
$750K: SAY Detroit Play Center
Supporting the development at the historic St. Cecilia campus, transforming it into a state-of-the-art hub for youth development, academic enrichment, leadership, and recreation.
$500K: Detroit PAL
Expanding their out-of-school programming from 62 schools and 2,800 students to 100 schools and 7,500+ students over the next 4 years.
$400K: Women of Tomorrow
Supporting their Mentor and Scholarship Program, which empowers young girls through education and guidance.
Investing in Our Neighborhoods
Targeted investments backed by Sen. McMorrow are helping to strengthen neighborhoods, preserve housing, and support longstanding community organizations across Detroit, including:
$50M: Housing and Community Development Fund
Supporting their work to rejuvenate downtowns and increase affordable housing. Key investments focus on improving local infrastructure, expanding housing supply, and boosting community- level economic development.
$1.5M: Detroit Right to Counsel
Providing free legal counsel for residents at risk of eviction.
$1.2M: Home repair grants
Assisting residents with critical home improvements that help families remain safely and securely in their homes.
$1M: Detroit Blight Busters Neighborhood Block Grants
Supporting neighborhood stabilization efforts to revitalize vacant and abandoned properties.
$250K: Violet T. Lewis Village
Expanding and supporting affordable living options for older adults.
Investing in Safe & Healthy Communities
Investments in safety, prevention, and basic needs are helping ensure residents have the resources and support necessary to thrive, including:
$35.6M: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics
$35M: Neighborhood health grants
$3.25M: Community Violence Intervention efforts
Supporting proven, prevention-focused strategies that reduce harm and strengthen neighborhood safety, supporting organizations like FORCE Detroit.
$800K: Wayne Metro Community Action Agency
Supporting housing stability, utility assistance, and antipoverty programs for individuals and families.
$500K: Gleaner’s Community Food Bank
Ensuring access to nutritious food and nutritional education programs for anyone in need.
+ Support for United Way
Helping coordinate and deliver critical services that address community needs and promote stability.
Community Spotlights
Marygrove Conservancy
In the 2024 state budget, Sen. McMorrow and Rep. Regina Weiss secured $10 million to fund the renovation of multiple buildings at the historic Marygrove College, creating a home for the cradle-to-career P-20 educational campus. This included the opening of a $22 million state‑of‑the‑art Marygrove Early Education Center to provide high-quality programs for children from birth to age five. The funding followed several years of investment and development from the Kresge Foundation, Detroit Public Schools Community District, University of Michigan School of Education, and Starfish Family Services.
“With critical state funding championed by Senator McMorrow, the Marygrove Conservancy has moved forward with major campus renovations, including the Powerhouse Center for Black Entrepreneurs, a new residential degree program from the University of Michigan titled Learning, Equity, and Problem Solving for the Common Good (LEAPS), and unparalleled event and conference spaces. Her leadership has been critical in building a vibrant hub for learning, events, and community in northwest Detroit. Senator McMorrow continues to be a regular presence on campus, engaging with students and families.”
— Tom Lewand
Chief Executive Officer Marygrove Conservancy
FORCE Detroit
Last year, Community Violence Intervention (CVI) funding was on the chopping block during state budget negotiations. Sen. McMorrow and Senate Democrats fought to protect these critical investments, ensuring organizations like FORCE Detroit (Faithfully Organizing Resources for Community Empowerment) can continue their work preventing violence and supporting families. With state support, FORCE Detroit has built a strong network connecting residents to job training, housing, mental health care, food access, and other essential services — addressing both immediate safety needs and the root causes of violence.
“State investment in community violence intervention has allowed FORCE Detroit to meet people where they are and provide real pathways to safety and stability. This is not just about reducing violence in the moment—it’s about creating long-term opportunities through workforce access, mental health support, and consistent, credible engagement. We’re seeing what happens when communities are resourced, not just responded to.”
— Dujuan “Zoe” Kennedy
Executive Director FORCE Detroit
Detroit City Lions Youth Program
Last year, while state funding for out-of-school-time programming was threatened, Sen. McMorrow ensured the Detroit City Lions Youth Club received the resources needed to continue providing year-round academic, athletic, and enrichment opportunities that support the whole development of Detroit youth.
“At Detroit City Lions, we take a Whatever It Takes approach to equity, putting kids first—always. This funding allowed us to keep our doors open and continue providing safe, supportive spaces where young people can learn, grow, and succeed.”
— Devon Buskin
Founder and Chief Executive Officer Detroit City Lions Youth Club