What's Happening

By Sister Nancyann Turner, OP, and Rosa Parks Staff

October 18, 2024, Detroit – The Rosa Parks Children and Youth Program at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen celebrated its 25th anniversary with a reunion in late September. Sister Nancyann Turner, OP, creator of the program, was the guest of honor.

The Rosa Parks Children and Youth Program aims to stretch the minds of young people in Detroit, stimulating their creativity to help them find alternatives to violence. Activities include after-school tutoring, art therapy, a lending library, seasonal family activities, youth leadership development, and three-week summer peace camps.
 
Former employees, volunteers, families, and participants attended the celebration. Many former participants, now in their 20s and 30s, brought their own children.

In her opening remarks, Sister Nancyann thanked the many people gathered for all that they had taught her about life and the many ways the children and families blessed her. Guests were invited to reflect on their experiences in the program and shared the highlights of their time with the Rosa Parks Children and Youth Program. They spoke of their appreciation for how the program made them feel safe or how they enjoyed the art projects. “The garden program was my favorite,” one participant said. “People are surprised when I can point out a certain plant or talk about the Earth.”

The alumni also shared many stories about how the program made them better people. “I learned about myself and God and values during our yearly retreats, field trips, and Leadership Camp,” one participant said. “The Girls Support Group made a big impact on me during my teens,” another recalled.

Many families commented that the core foundation of the program was peace and respect. They all remembered being blessed with a greeting of peace from Sister Nancyann each evening as they left for home. 

Numerous former and current participants remembered that with the support of the staff and the community with other participants, the program really “felt like a family.” As one mother remarked, “It wasn’t just a program but a beloved community; these were sacred rooms and endeavors.”

Over the years, several Adrian Dominican Sisters volunteered their services in the tutoring and art therapy programs. Others helped with special events like Easter egg decorating and Peace Camp projects. Mission Groups – made up of Adrian Dominican Sisters and lay Associates – often contributed school supplies and Christmas gifts for the mothers.

Sister Nancyann still volunteers one day a week, doing therapy with the children. It is the hope of many that the program will continue for at least another 25 years.

 

Caption for above feature photo: Sister Nancyann Turner, OP, works on fall crafts with a young participant in the Rosa Parks Children and Youth Program at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit.
Adrian Dominican Sisters file photo