Giving Tuesday: Help Support Homeless Families in Inkster, MI: Donate Today to Fund Hotel Stays and Rent Assistance
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It’s not every day you encounter an organization as dedicated to its community as the Weslyn A. Bennett Foundation- a valued member of MNA. Named after a beloved grandmother and lifelong educator, the foundation’s mission is to enrich the lives of children in Inkster, Michigan, through educational and cultural experiences.
The foundation’s work is deeply rooted in the legacy of Weslyn A. Bennett herself, who spent over 27 years as a kindergarten teacher. Orphaned at 13, she raised her younger siblings and dedicated her life to education, community service, and resilience.
April Garrett carries on that legacy as the foundation’s president.
“Our mission is to provide positive experiences for children and youth,” she said. “We wanted to do something good in response to the challenges our community faces.”
In just three and a half years, the Weslyn A. Bennett Foundation has established impactful programs designed to meet critical needs:
- Kickstart Reading Month: A literacy initiative featuring authors of color, interactive themes, and fun activities to help children rediscover a love for reading.
- Juneteenth Celebration: An annual event with themes like emancipation, empowerment, and cultural pride, featuring parades, scavenger hunts, and more.
- Kids and Cooking: Teaching children essential life skills through hands-on activities, from making lasagna to creating caramel apples.
Their newest initiative, Smiles and Hugs, addresses the growing issue of homelessness in Inkster. Last week, the foundation provided catered Thanksgiving meals. If given the funding, they will also provide a week’s rent assistance for the families staying in motels. “Permanent housing is a challenge due to shortages, but we’re doing what we can to give families relief,” said Garrett.
One of the foundation’s biggest obstacles is transportation. Many families lack reliable access to their events. To address this, the team is exploring the creation of “Weslyn To Go,” a mobile unit that would bring resources like books, hygiene kits, and program activities directly into neighborhoods.
They also hope to secure a permanent space for their programs, which would allow them to expand their offerings and reach even more families.
The Weslyn A. Bennett Foundation depends on community support. Here’s how you can get involved this Giving Tuesday:
- Donate: Every dollar helps fund core programs like Smiles and Hugs.
- Volunteer: Even a short amount of time can make a huge difference.
- Spread the Word: Follow them on social media, sign up for their newsletter, and share their mission.
The Weslyn A. Bennett Foundation embodies the spirit of giving. This Giving Tuesday let’s honor the organization’s legacy by supporting their work to uplift children and families in Inkster.
Click below to learn more and donate now.
