The Yunion — Free Youth Peer Mentoring & Prevention — Detroit, MI
The Yunion is a Detroit-based nonprofit running free peer mentoring, prevention, and family-strengthening programs for Detroit youth and families. Founded by Detroit-rooted leadership, The Yunion serves middle and high school students with the C.A.R.E. (Connect, Advocate, Restore, Empower) Early Intervention program and S.W.A.G. (Students With Awareness & Goals), a holistic prevention curriculum delivered in Detroit schools and community spaces.
What to Expect
The Yunion’s C.A.R.E. program offers Detroit youth peer mentoring, advocacy, and family support — pairing young people with caring adults and peers who help them navigate school, family, and community challenges. S.W.A.G. is a holistic prevention curriculum delivered to middle and high school students in Detroit Public Schools and partner schools, covering topics like decision-making, self-awareness, character, leadership, healthy relationships, and goal-setting. The Yunion also runs Loving Youth & Uniting Families events, parent/caregiver workshops, and community celebrations that bring Detroit families together. Programming is grounded in deep relationship-building with Detroit families.
Who This Group Is For
The Yunion serves Detroit middle and high school students and their families — with particular focus on Black Detroit youth and families who have been historically underserved by mainstream youth services. Programs welcome youth referred by schools, community partners, families, or self-referral. The Yunion’s deep Detroit roots mean staff often share community context with the youth they serve.
Why Peer Support Works
Detroit youth navigate particular pressures shaped by the city’s history, schools, economy, and culture — and benefit profoundly from programs led by adults who understand Detroit from the inside and pair youth with peers walking similar paths. The Yunion’s combination of peer mentoring, school-based curriculum, and family engagement gives Detroit families a multidimensional support network.
How to Join
The Yunion’s programs are free. Visit theyunion.org to learn about C.A.R.E., S.W.A.G., and family programs; request services for a young person; or refer a student. The organization is headquartered in Detroit and serves Detroit Public Schools, partner schools, and community-based settings across the city.