Transforming Lives, Empowering Youth
School Partnerships
CUYFD partners with schools in Detroit’s 48204, 48235, and 48238 ZIP codes. We bring substance misuse prevention, suicide prevention, and family programs to students, staff, and parents. Our team delivers evidence-based programs in classrooms, assemblies, and after-school settings, and we plan each partnership around the school’s calendar. Programs are offered at no cost to partner schools.
Prevention Workshops and Seminars
Our staff lead workshops and seminars for students on:
Alcohol
Tobacco and vaping
Marijuana
Prescription drug and opioid misuse
Sessions use local data and focus on a simple fact: most students in our community choose not to use. We can deliver a single seminar, a multi-week series, or a school-wide assembly.
Botvin LifeSkills Training
CUYFD delivers Botvin LifeSkills Training (LST), an evidence-based prevention curriculum for grades 3–12. LST teaches drug resistance skills, self-management, and social skills in 30- to 50-minute lessons that fit a regular class period. According to the program developer, National Health Promotion Associates, LST reduces tobacco, alcohol, and drug use, as well as fighting and delinquency.
CUYFD was selected to pilot Botvin’s new Elementary Bullying Prevention Program at one of our partner schools.
Suicide Prevention
Our suicide prevention workshops for students cover:
Warning signs
How to talk with a friend who is struggling
Where to find help at school and in the community, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
We also offer QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training for school staff, parents, and older students. QPR teaches three steps anyone can use to recognize a person in crisis and connect them to help.
Vape Disposal Box Program
Vaping devices are hazardous waste. Their lithium-ion batteries and nicotine residue cannot legally go in the trash or recycling, so schools that confiscate them often have nowhere safe to put them.
CUYFD installs a secure disposal box, trains staff, and provides supplies. Staff seal each confiscated device and place it in the box. CUYFD handles disposal through the City of Detroit’s Household Hazardous Waste facility on E. Ferry Street. There is no cost to the school.
Current sites: Mumford High School, Renaissance High School, Bethune Elementary Middle School, and A. Philip Randolph Career and Technical Center.
Thrive Up Pathways
Thrive Up Pathways is an alternative to suspension for students caught with vaping devices. The school refers the student to CUYFD instead of sending them home. The student then completes education and support sessions on nicotine addiction, refusal skills, and healthy ways to manage stress. Parents and caregivers are invited to join one session. Students who want to quit are connected to free help, including My Life, My Quit.
Thrive Up Pathways works alongside the Vape Disposal Box Program. The confiscated device goes in the box, and the student stays in school and gets support.
Program for Families
Schools can host a free family program for their parents and caregivers. Our program includes meals.
Guiding Good Choices is five sessions for parents and caregivers of youth ages 9–14.
Mental Health Support
CUYFD staff are trained in Mental Health First Aid. A licensed social worker on retainer supports our team when a student or family needs more help. We connect families to services through our partner network, including the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network.
If someone is in crisis, call or text 988, or call the DWIHN 24/7 Help Line at 1-800-241-4949.
Partner With Us
Schools in the 48204, 48235, and 48238 ZIP codes can request programming by completing the form below. A CUYFD staff member will follow up within 1-2 business days to schedule a planning meeting.
Questions? Call (313) 340-3101 or email cuyfddetroit@gmail.com.