Welcome to Van Dyke Chooses!

Local NStat Winning Project

Youth Development | Youth Designed Projects

The Van Dyke community voted to invest $30,000 in projects designed to empower youth residents to create opportunities for youth audiences. In 2022, young people living in Van Dyke Houses will partner with local organizations and city agencies to design and implement programming including:

  • Arts and entrepreneurship programs,
  • Mentorship opportunities to address trauma and provide healing circles and peer-to-peer support groups,
  • Life skills training workshops on topics such as financial management and healthy relationships, and
  • Expanded networks for youth to access a wider range of resources.

All Project Proposals

Project 1: Physical Space | Improve Unsafe Conditions

This project aims to make rapid improvements to unsafe conditions. The team will co-design quick improvements to construction areas, conduct safety walkthroughs, and execute policy campaigns that address chronic repair backlogs, such as lack of gas, and more.

Project 2: Economic Stability | Education and Job Training Programs

This project aims to connect community members with education and job training opportunities that foster long-term, stable careers. Resources include on-site college fairs, youth mentorship, career coaching, subsidized apprenticeship programs, and events offering funding opportunities for education programs and entrepreneurial start-ups.

Project 3: Health and Well-being | Holistic Health Training

This project seeks to train and support resident leaders and community-based organizations in providing culturally competent wellness & healing services, like mental health first aid training that centers racial equity and coping skills, access to resource guides, and small group “safe place” meetings to promote trust, sharing, and healing.

Project 4: Safety and Justice | Reduce Gun Violence

This project aims to increase community-based support in responding to and preventing gun violence with mini-grants. The grants will aid the following community-led strategies: training on peacemaking practices and restorative justice, intergenerational healing events, and increased access to therapeutic services.