Aisha Butts first learned about Brilliant Detroit from one of our biggest champions, Jasmine Mahone. She went to the site nearest to her house, Outer Drive-Hayes, and was impressed by the variety in programming. Aisha’s son was struggling with reading, so she enrolled him in every literacy program that Brilliant had to offer – virtual tutoring, Reading is Fundamental (RIF), and Read, Write, Roar. In a matter of months, he went from reading below grade level to excelling beyond. Aisha attributes this to the one-on-one attention he got while in virtual tutoring and by working with other children in RIF.
Aisha also found benefits for herself at the Outer Drive-Hayes Hub. She leveraged tips from parenting classes and focused on building routines for her family and utilizing a calendar. Brilliant’s programming gave structure to her family life. She became more involved in what her kids were interested in and grew more confident as a parent. She loved being able to see her kids flourish at the hub, learning alongside them.
Aisha’s involvement at Outer Drive-Hayes caught the eye of Ms. Shawness, the Community Engagement Manager at the hub. She encouraged Aisha to apply for a role there, telling her, “you can do this and I need your help.” For Aisha, that push was all she needed. She already loved being at the hub, why not contribute in a more organized way? She applied for the Community Engagement Coordinator position and was hired shortly thereafter.
Though Aisha is pretty new to the Brilliant Detroit team, she already feels that she is making an impact. One of her favorite parts about working at the hub is being a friendly face when someone comes through the door. Aisha knows that that one interaction can be the difference in a person’s day and strives to create the high point in each participant’s day. When asked what she thinks the most powerful element of Brilliant Detroit is, Aisha said, “building relationships with children and families. That’s what builds strong bridges and gives people the comfort that makes them want to come back.” She went on to say that “It goes beyond the doors, the orange door is just an invite.” Brilliant Detroit hubs offer a space for learning and growth, but also connection. Families share triumphs and invite each other to celebrations, all based on friendships that may never have happened without a Brilliant Detroit hub. Aisha fondly remembers a parent inviting the community to a modeling show at her father’s senior center. She and other community members showed up and made it a blow out event. Aisha summed it up nicely, “It doesn’t take a lot to show people that you care, but showing that you care speaks volumes.”
Aisha, like many of our hub staff, serves a neighborhood that she calls home. Brilliant Detroit is proud to offer community members an opportunity to give back and help their neighbors. When you give to Brilliant Detroit, you’re providing the tools, spaces, and connections that make stories like Aisha’s possible — where one person’s gift keeps on giving to hundreds more. Check out our Giving Tuesday page and “give the gift of giving” today!