Our Vision

“To envision a world where empowered individuals drive vibrant, prosperous, and sustainable community development, fostering a global landscape of thriving and interconnected communities.

Somebody Who Cares Destiny Empowerment Center – Organizational Narrative

Origin & History
Founded in 2008, Somebody Who Cares Destiny Empowerment Center (DEC) was created in response to the growing need for holistic support for youth and families in Detroit and surrounding communities. What began as a grassroots effort to provide mentorship, guidance, and hope to underserved young people has since evolved into a thriving nonprofit that empowers individuals through education, wellness, and personal development programs. Over the years, SBWCDEC has built a reputation as a trusted community partner, providing safe spaces for healing, growth, and transformation.

Mission
The mission of Somebody Who Cares Destiny Empowerment Center is to empower youth, families, and underserved individuals through comprehensive services that promote stability, healing, and long-term success—spiritually, socially, and economically.

Board Composition & Leadership
The organization is governed by a diverse Board of Directors composed of community leaders, educators, faith-based advocates, and professionals in health, business, and social services. The board provides governance, oversight, and strategic guidance to ensure programs are impactful and sustainable.

Staffing & Volunteers
SBWCDEC operates through a combination of dedicated staff and committed volunteers. Staff members bring expertise in youth development, wellness, education, and nonprofit management. Volunteers—including mentors, community leaders, and young adult role models—play an essential role in delivering programs, facilitating workshops, and providing one-on-one support. This strong collaboration between staff and volunteers ensures that services remain both professional and community-driven.

Major Programs & Accomplishments
Over the past 15+ years, DEC has successfully implemented a range of innovative programs, including:

  • Youth Empowerment Initiatives – Media arts training, mentoring, and leadership development for at-risk youth.

  • DREAM Health & Wellness Program – A SNAP-Ed initiative providing access to healthy foods, nutrition education, and wellness activities in underserved communities.

  • Creative Media Training – Digital storytelling, filmmaking, and arts programs that empower youth to use media as a voice for change.

  • Community Outreach & Events – Annual health fairs, back-to-school initiatives, and seasonal drives that serve thousands of families.

  • Confidence from the Inside Out Mentoring Program – A self-care and self-esteem building initiative for girls and young women, featuring monthly virtual sessions, quarterly enrichment trips, and an annual in-person workshop.

Major Accomplishments

  • Reached hundreds of youth and families in Detroit, Pontiac, and surrounding communities with empowerment and wellness programming.

  • Established strong partnerships with schools, faith-based organizations, and community agencies to expand program access.

  • Successfully implemented federally funded and community-based projects, demonstrating the organization’s capacity to manage grants and deliver measurable outcomes.

  • Recognized for its innovative blend of creative arts, wellness, and mentorship in addressing social and emotional needs.

Community Involvement & Impact
Somebody Who Cares DEC has consistently prioritized collaboration. The organization works with local schools, healthcare providers, and grassroots partners to extend its reach. Volunteers donate thousands of hours annually, serving as mentors, facilitators, and community ambassadors. These partnerships and collaborations ensure that SBWCDEC’s programs reflect the voices and needs of the community it serves.

Looking Forward
As SBWCDEC continues to grow, its vision is to expand mentorship and wellness initiatives, strengthen its fatherhood and family support programs, and build sustainable partnerships that allow for long-term community impact. Through innovation, compassion, and collaboration, Somebody Who Cares Destiny Empowerment Center remains committed to helping individuals and families achieve stability, healing, and empowerment.

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Why we started SBWCDEC?

The pivotal moment that inspired the creation of our organization was a deep-seated desire to make a positive impact on the community at large. It became evident that there were multiple facets of empowerment required to uplift the community, encompassing economic, health, and educational aspects.

The motivation to establish our organization stemmed from witnessing the challenges faced by the community’s youth, families, and the broader community:

Economic Empowerment

The community was grappling with economic disparities, limited job opportunities, and financial instability. It became increasingly clear that economic empowerment was essential to break the cycle of poverty and provide individuals and families with the tools to achieve financial independence.

Health & Well-Being

Health disparities and limited access to healthcare resources were negatively affecting the community’s overall well-being. Chronic health conditions, including diabetes, were prevalent, and there was a pressing need for resources and support to improve health outcomes and overall quality of life

Educational Support

Many youth in the community faced educational challenges, from limited access to quality education to a lack of mentorship and educational resources. Empowering the youth through media literacy education was crucial to unlock their potential and provide them with the skills needed for a brighter future.