DTE Foundation Partners with YASS Program to Help Foster Youth Build Independent Futures

by | Dec 3, 2025

Community Empowerment Award grant funding strengthens life-changing services that prevent homelessness and empower young adults with skills for success. 

The DTE Foundation is proud to partner with the Children’s Center of Detroit for its Young Adult Self-Sufficiency (YASS) Program, a transformative initiative serving approximately 100 youth annually, ages 16–21, as they transition out of foster care. Unlike many programs, YASS provides more than temporary assistance—it equips young people with the tools and confidence they need to thrive independently and avoid homelessness or risky behaviors. 

Through YASS, participants receive safe housing, treatment planning, transportation assistance and an intensive 18-week curriculum focused on college and job readiness, financial literacy and meeting basic needs. With mentorship and strong support networks, this program helps youth move into adulthood with stability and hope. The Community Empowerment Award will specifically assist youth at risk of eviction, ensuring continuity of care as they work toward self-sufficiency. 

Our partnership with YASS reflects a shared mission: helping children and families shape their own futures. This funding strengthens program capacity, removes barriers to participation and enhances service quality—allowing YASS to reach more youth with essential resources like independent living support, life skills training, educational guidance, and a monthly stipend. Together, we are making a lasting impact and transforming lives. 

“At the DTE Foundation, we believe every young person deserves the chance to build a stable and successful future, said Rodney Cole, president, DTE Foundation. “Our partnership with The Children’s Center ensures that youth transitioning out of foster care have the resources, mentorship and life skills they need to thrive. By removing barriers and strengthening support systems, we’re helping create pathways to independence and hope—because investing in young adults means investing in the future of our communities.”

Looking ahead, YASS will host two powerful events in 2026: 

  • Faces of Trauma (Spring 2026): An empowering, heart-centered gathering dedicated to helping families understand trauma, reconnect with hope, and reclaim inner strength. 
  • Demystifying Suicide (Fall 2026): Featuring a keynote speaker, a panel discussion with mental health professionals and those impacted by suicide, and opportunities to network and share resources. 

These programs and events are about more than services—they’re about creating pathways to resilience and opportunity. To learn more about The Children’s Center, visit: The Children’s Center

Together, we can empower youth to build strong, successful futures. 

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