At 11 years old, Nylah* is an energetic and resilient young athlete. Enrolled with Friends of the Children — Detroit since kindergarten, she has known the steady support of a Friend—a long-term, professional mentor—throughout her early years. Growing up with two brothers, Nylah holds her own and channels her energy into sports and her family. Whether she is playing flag football or running with her Girls on the Run team, Nylah’s love for sports
is undeniable.

In 2022, Nylah’s world changed forever when her mother passed away suddenly. Now being raised by her grandmother, one of the most beautiful ways Nylah stays connected with her mom’s memory is through whistling—a unique and personal coping mechanism she developed to navigate her grief. Whistling is how she talks to her mom, a quiet form of healing that brings her comfort in the hardest moments.

Grief affected more than her emotions—it also impacted her academics. Nylah began struggling in school, especially with reading. That is when Friends — Detroit enrolled her in the Detroit Read with Certainty program at their clubhouse. Designed to support youth reading below grade level, the literacy initiative is a weekly one-on-one professional tutoring program that offers engaging activities, personalized books, and confidence-building support to boost reading skills.

Since joining the program, Nylah’s growth has been nothing short of remarkable. Her teachers have noticed the transformation—she is more engaged, more confident, and thriving academically. Reading isn’t just a skill she is building—it is becoming a tool for her to rediscover her voice.

Through it all, Nylah and her Friend Cheryl have built a deep bond rooted in trust. From going to the movies, skating, shopping, or having quiet chats in the car, their connection has grown stronger and has been a source of joy and stability for Nylah. Once quiet and reserved, she now lets her personality shine and she opens up to Cheryl about her feelings, and her hopes and dreams.

As Nylah continues her journey with Friends of the Children, her future is full of promise. “I hope she knows there isn’t anything she can’t overcome,” Cheryl says. “She has all the tools to be successful—and all the people to help her get there. She is already proving it every day.”

*Youth name changed to protect privacy