Our Programs
Making a positive impact in Southeast Michigan through service, education, and community empowerment.
Groove Community Campus
Community Development Hub
Our three dedicated properties serve as the heart of community development, education, and empowerment across Southeast Michigan. The Groove Community Campus operates as an integrated network of facilities designed to address critical community needs.
7504 Dexter Avenue - Our main headquarters houses administrative offices, meeting spaces, and serves as a hub for community programs and services. This landmark property has been the center of our operations since 1978.
The Campus also includes East and West side properties dedicated to youth programs, family services, educational workshops, and community support initiatives. Together, these three locations enable us to serve neighborhoods across Detroit comprehensively.
Learn More About Our Campus →Empowerment Hour Podcast
Weekly Media Program
Empowerment Hour is our signature podcast series broadcast every Wednesday from 7-8 PM ET. This program features in-depth conversations on topics critical to our community's growth and development.
Episodes cover community development strategies, financial literacy and wealth building, business entrepreneurship, leadership development, social justice issues, and personal empowerment. We invite community leaders, entrepreneurs, educators, and changemakers to share their experiences and insights.
Available on major podcast platforms including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and our website. Whether you're looking to build financial security, develop leadership skills, or understand community issues, Empowerment Hour provides actionable information and inspiration.
Listen to Empowerment Hour →Street Democracy Partnership
Civic Engagement & Economic Relief
The Street Democracy Partnership combines political engagement with direct economic support for vulnerable community members. This innovative program addresses barriers to full civic participation created by the criminal justice system.
Action Plan App: Our technology platform helps individuals navigate financial relief options, including programs that assist with court fines, restitution payments, and legal costs. We work with community partners and legal organizations to connect people with available resources.
Housing Stabilization: We provide support for individuals and families facing housing instability, including emergency assistance, rental support programs, and connections to affordable housing resources. Housing security is foundational to community stability and economic opportunity.
Learn More About Street Democracy →Groove Leadership Academy
Youth Development & Mentorship
The Groove Leadership Academy invests in the next generation of leaders through intensive mentorship, skills development, and academic support. We partner with Detroit Public Schools, particularly Detroit Osborn High School, to identify and develop young people with leadership potential.
Our program provides:
- One-on-one mentorship with successful professionals
- College preparation and academic support
- Leadership skills workshops and seminars
- Professional networking opportunities
- Internship and job placement assistance
We believe that young people, when given proper guidance and support, can overcome obstacles and achieve extraordinary things. Many of our alumni have gone on to attend top universities and become community leaders themselves.
Join the Leadership Academy →Voter Engagement & Registration
Civic Participation Initiative
Democracy depends on informed, active participation. The Voter Engagement program mobilizes our community to exercise voting power and hold elected officials accountable to our interests and values.
Get Out the Vote (GOTV): During election seasons, we coordinate community organizing efforts to maximize voter turnout. We partner with community organizations, faith institutions, and the League of Women Voters to reach voters with information about candidates, issues, and polling locations.
Voter Registration Drives: We conduct registration campaigns throughout Southeast Michigan, focusing on communities historically underrepresented in electoral politics. We remove barriers to registration and ensure all eligible residents can participate.
Voter Education: We provide non-partisan voter guides and host community forums where residents can learn about issues and candidates. An informed electorate is a powerful electorate.
Get Involved in Voter Engagement →Community Service Initiatives
Year-Round Service Programs
Service is at the heart of who we are. Through organized community service initiatives, we address immediate community needs while building stronger neighborhoods and fostering a culture of mutual aid.
Black History Month (February): We honor the legacy of Black achievement and organize cultural events, educational forums, and community celebrations. We focus on local Black history and community heroes often unrecognized in mainstream narratives.
Back to School Program (August): We distribute school supplies, backpacks, and clothing to students and families preparing for the school year. For many families, our assistance makes the difference between starting school ready or starting behind.
Thanksgiving Community Drive (November): During the holiday season, we organize food drives and prepare meals for families in need. We believe no one should face hunger during times of celebration.
Verifiable Service Logging: Participants document service hours with photo evidence, building a record of community impact. This transparency demonstrates our commitment to accountability and measurable community benefit.
Volunteer for Community Service →Digital Community Services
Coming 2027
The Groove Community Campus is developing two technology platforms to extend our mission into the digital space: a Neighborhood Issue Tracker — a community-powered reporting system for blight, safety concerns, and service requests along the Dexter Avenue corridor — and the Groove Career Center — a comprehensive job search, resume building, training enrollment, and career development platform for Detroit's West Side.
These platforms will be built on open-source technology and designed specifically for community impact. The Issue Tracker routes reports to campus staff, city agencies, or partner organizations. The Career Center integrates directly with CashFlow Quadrant training programs, employer partners, and career counseling services.
Learn More on the Campus Page →