Hazel Park Youth Assistance celebrates 70 years

HAZEL PARK — When Hazel Park Youth Assistance formed 70 years ago, it was the first of its kind in Oakland County. Now, there is a Youth Assistance group in every district — a sign that its model is working.

HPYA is celebrating its 70th anniversary Sept. 20, to coincide with the new school year, but the group was actually founded on April 27, 1953, by Judge Eugene Moore and Wilfred Webb, then the superintendent of the Hazel Park Public Schools. The two men wanted to find a way to address the emotional, social and behavioral problems many students were facing.

A mere five years later, in 1958, the program was so successful that another six districts in Oakland County formed their own YA groups. By the early ’80s, every district in Oakland County was participating in the program. Today, 26 districts are involved.

“We get about 80-100 kids referred to (HPYA) each year, and 92% of them, we get them back in school,” said Beverly Hinton, the activities chair for HPYA. “That’s important, since truancy is such a huge part of this. They have to be in school to be successful.”   

To help organize them, Oakland County created a Youth Assistance Coordinating Council that provides training and support for local YA boards. Their mission is the same: to strengthen families, reduce delinquency and head off neglect through community involvement. The idea is to keep kids in the classroom, and out of the courtroom.

“Dr. Webb recognized we needed more than academics to help the kids. He realized that in some cases, there were basic needs not being met at home,” Hinton said. “Someone once told us that we were like a life raft for her, getting her through the storm when she didn’t know where to turn. Our services are free, and help people maneuver through tough times.”

HPYA maintains a caseworker who provides confidential short-term counseling to students and their families, at no cost to them. The caseworker also works with HPYA’s volunteer committee to help arrange family activities and enrichment opportunities, such as day camps. The committee, comprised of 10 members, also helps connect families with resources such as food and clothing.

Currently, HPYA is in the process of becoming a licensed 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, aiming to achieve that status by the end of the year. HPYA is supported by sponsors that include the city of Hazel Park, the Hazel Park Public Schools and Oakland County Circuit Court.

The Hazel Park Fire Department also supports HPYA by sharing proceeds from its annual bowl-a-thon. HPYA also solicits donations from businesses during the holidays, which cover one of its signature events: a giveaway of food and toys hosted by the Grinch. HPYA also accepts donations from the public, which can be sent to its office at Webster Early Childhood Center, 431 W. Jarvis Ave. in Hazel Park, with checks written to the attention of Amy Sullivan.

Andy LeCureaux is a member of the Hazel Park City Council who also serves as the current chairman of HYPA. He said every donation makes a difference.

“One thing to remember is that every dollar spent on (prevention) programs can save residents $15-$20 down the road on other services, avoiding the need for police or court cases. Our program helps everyone save money: the families, city, schools,” LeCureaux said. “Everyone makes mistakes. Nobody has perfect judgment, and nobody wants to be judged by their worst day. So if we can help them move past that, and get back on track, that’s great.”

Some of the funds go toward tangible changes in Hazel Park, such as new swings in the parks or the teen area in the Hazel Park District Library. HPYA also recently sponsored some children who wanted to play on the newly formed Junior Vikings football team.

HPYA also continues to cosponsor events such as lunch with Santa and the Easter egg hunt put on by Hazel Park Recreation. And each spring, HPYA holds a youth recognition event to honor students who make a difference in their community.

Much of the group’s work occurs in private, creating more stable households. Earlier this year, HPYA created an emergency fund to help families cover the cost of utilities. The fund also provided grocery gift cards and winter wear.

Officials say there are many challenges facing today’s youth. Among the most prominent concerns are cyberbullying and self-esteem issues caused by social media, which can lead to suicidal thoughts and feelings. The caseworker at HPYA can help students navigate these matters, and also connect their families to agencies for additional support.

“When we help their families, we reduce the stress kids face,” Hinton said. “I’ve heard it’s out of the ordinary for an organization to last this length of time. I think our success is thanks to our setup with the court, city and schools. They all recognize the importance of what we do.”