The D.R.E.A.M. Initiative

The D.R.E.A.M. Initiative is a 12-month, school-based wellness program in partnership with Old Redford Academy Middle School in Northwest Detroit. It provides free, weekly health education sessions focused on diabetes prevention and management, nutrition, and physical activity.

Designed for underserved families, students, and staff, D.R.E.A.M. meets participants within a trusted community setting—making wellness education accessible, consistent, and relevant.

Each session incorporates culturally relevant, trauma-informed, and evidence-based approaches that address the root causes of diet-related illnesses such as Type 2 diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. To expand food access and encourage healthier habits, the program partners with local gardens and farms to provide seasonal produce for cooking demonstrations, wellness kits, and community distribution.

Why This Matters

Detroit’s Black community continues to face a disproportionate burden of chronic disease. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, more than 14% of Black adults in Detroit are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes—nearly double the rate of white residents. Many more remain undiagnosed or unaware of their risk, particularly in ZIP code 48219, where access to fresh food, screenings, and preventive care is limited.

This work is deeply personal for founder Nat Bushell, who has seen firsthand the impact of preventable conditions driven by systemic inequities and lack of access. The D.R.E.A.M. Initiative exists to confront those barriers and deliver community-driven solutions that support long-term health and well-being.