In September 2011, The Torch of Wisdom Foundation, Inc. partnered with Public Service Credit Union to purchase a community enrichment facility at 21819 W. 9 Mile Road, Southfield MI 48075. When other financial institutions would not risk with a growing non-profit organization, PSCU embraced our vision and stepped up to finance our purchase of the facility. Since opening our doors, our facility is active 6 days a week throughout the year! It houses several youth and adult educational seminars, meetings, and community enrichment programs. Over 500 people pass through our facility monthly.
2015 was a banner year as we capitalized on the usage of our facility to expand our partnerships and community outreach.
INVESTMENT FRAUD SEMINAR: In February, the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission, Chicago Office offered a FREE Investment Fraud Seminar to the community conducted by examiners from their Minority Council.
YOUTH FINANCIAL REALITY FAIR: Public Service Credit Union sponsored a financial education fair for 60 middle and high school students in October. The REALITY fair allowed students to actively discover for themselves the choices that will affect their financial future. Budget worksheets were customized with a realistic starting annual salary and student loan debt appropriate to a career of each participant’s selection. Students were assigned a credit score that determined the interest rates they pay on their loans and credit cards.
THE LEARNING NETWORK: The youth unemployment rate in Michigan is approximately 21%. The Learning Network aims to empower our youth with the skills needed to obtain employment. Twenty students participated in our Spring Session for 8 weeks earning a weekly stipend every 2 weeks for their active engagement and attendance. Students were educated through workshops & activities which included Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills, Dangers of Online Media, and an Onsite Job Tour.
YOUNG WOMEN FOR CHANGE: The Michigan Women’s Foundation partnered with us to focus on empowering young women to create change in the Oakland Couny community through empowerment and leadership workshops. After a series of personal development workshops, the young women will work together to develop a community project to raise money for a cause, educate about a social concern, or volunteer to support an organization.
In addition, our strong partnership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Southfield Alumnae Chapter allows their youth programs to utilize our facility to service over 175 youth in Delta GEMS (high school girls ages 14-18), EMBODI (young men ages 11-18), and Betty Shabazz Academy (young ladies ages 11-14). They also sponsored a local Political Candidate Forum and Domestic Violence Seminars for the community as well.
Our facility represents a “safe haven” in our community. Every donation given to our Foundation permits us to expand and upgrade our building space to conduct more activities and community programs. We are CHANGING TOMORROW TODAY. Your help will allow us to reach more.
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