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Our Mission
Don Bosco Hall is a private non-profit agency, which provides supportive human services to enhance the quality of life for youth, and their families residing in the Metropolitan Detroit-Wayne County Community.
Our Vision
Don Bosco Hall will utilize the most effective therapeutic modalities and interventions available to achieve the desired outcomes for the client populations it serves. The agency’s service delivery systems will focus on family reunification, youth rehabilitations, youth protective service, mentorship, recreation and preparing youth with the interpersonal, technological and educational skills which enhance their ability to reach their greatest potential. The agency will collaborate with other community organizations and business to provide an effective network of services to the local community. Don Bosco Hall is committed to advocate an effective for social and child welfare policy reforms and practices that will have supportive outcomes for youth and families. All of Don Bosco Hall’s services will carry out the Catholic Charities/ Archdiocese of Detroit’s mission of effective professional and Christian social services to respond to human needs through direct service and advocacy.
Our History
Don Bosco Hall was founded by the Rev. John J. Finnegan, pastor of St. Patrick Church in 1954. The agency is named for St. John Bosco, a Roman Catholic priest who was canonized in 1934. He is known for his work among the youth in Turin Italy, in the last century.
Since 1954 Don Bosco Hall has worked to establish family relationships and has touched the lives of over 50,000 children. Don Bosco Hall is dedicated to keeping youngsters out of trouble by keeping them occupied and off the streets.
Don Bosco Hall serves over 2,500 youth and their families annually through a variety of programs.
*Don Bosco Hall is accredited through the Council on Accreditation (COA), and is licensed through the State of Michigan Department of Consumer and Industry Services.
Charles D. Small
President/CEO
As the local and national economy has reflected recession conditions, many families and children within the metropolitan Detroit area have struggled. The local unemployment rate is very high. Public assistance to local families is decreasing. The number of children living below the poverty income line level is increasing. Many local families are struggling to have their basic needs (food, clothing and shelter) met. The stress level within families is increasing and this is contributing to other issues such as domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse, marital stress and physical health challenges. The need for human service agencies such as Don Bosco Hall, Inc. is in great demand.
Since 1954, Don Bosco Hall has served as a beacon of light for those in need. Our over 4,500 consumers are directly benefitting from the wide range of services offered through Don Bosco Hall. Young boys and teens are receiving the support services to help them achieve at their highest potential. Children and youth that have challenges related to academic achievement, social development, peer relationships and mental health issues are provided with supportive services. Don Bosco Hall's residential treatment programs continue to provide comprehensive educational and counseling services to youth with serious behavioral challenges.
Don Bosco Hall's community counseling programs are helping troubled youth develop the coping skills to be successful. The Don Bosco Hall Community Resource Center is an opportunity hub where children, youth and families can be exposed to a wide variety of educational, recreation, cultural arts and skill development activities. The Center also provides food and clothing to those in need. Don Bosco Hall's new mentoring program helps match youth with caring adult role models.
Overall, Don Bosco Hall’s programs are improving the quality of life for many children, youth and families. The times may be tough, but Don Bosco Hall continues to stand ready to "Prepare the Youth of Today for Tomorrow".
Officers
Charles D. Small, MSW - President & CEO
Betty J. Howard - Chairman of the Board
Craig Burres - Vice Chair
Melvin E. Byrd - Treasurer
George V.Cassar, Jr. Esq. - Secretary
Members
Edna Bell
Joseph Cazeno, Jr.
Dr. Adrian Christie
Thomas Dorsey
Teola Hunter
Melvin Jones
Michael Layne
Katherine Luckett-Watson
Donald McSwain
Albert Springer
Lee Turner, Esq.
Deborah Virgiles
Charles D. Small - President/CEO
csmall@donboscohall.org
JoAnne Woodard - Associate Director
jwoodard@donboscohall.org
Duane Carter - Program Director
dcarter@donboscohall.org
Sheyi Olojo - Accounting/Finance Department
solojo@donboscohall.org
Christine Gavin-Patterson (Christine Gavin & Company)
- Don Bosco Hall, Community Relations, Marketing & Philanthropy
cgavin@donboscohall.org
Anthony Foster
Don Bosco Hall: 11 years with the agency, since 2000
Position: Multi Service Coordinator
Programs worked on: Community Enrichment, Transitional Services, Youth
in Transition, Male Leadership Academy, and Agency Photographer.
Hometown: Dallas, Texas
Graduate: University of Nebraska
Interest: Sports, and Travel
Since his beginning work with Don Bosco Hall in the early 2000s, Anthony Foster has served as a key role model for community youth. Mr. Foster currently works as the Multiple Services Coordinator within the Youth In Transition Program (YIT). The YIT program is designed to help older youth transition from the foster care system to adulthood. Mr. Foster is charged with helping to provide supportive services to youth that will support their steps towards adulthood. Mr. Foster provides life skills workshops and coordinates mentoring services for our youth. The workshops focus on topics such as, housing resources, resume writing, job search techniques and developing effective interviewing skills. Building strong and trusting relationships is a key component to Mr. Foster’s job. Mr. Foster states, “When the youth begin to trust you and see that you care about them- they will begin to try to meet their fullest potential”. During Mr. Foster’s employment at Don Bosco Hall, he has also worked within Don Bosco Hall’s Male Leadership Academy and coordinated several career/employment fairs. Mr. Foster is also a talented photographer. Don Bosco Hall salutes Anthony Foster’s dedication and hard work for the children , youth and families of our community.
Services
Residential Programs
Provides housing and comprehensive therapeutic services for youth (12 to 18 years of age) who require a structured environment due to behavioral and emotional difficulties.
Don Bosco Hall's Community Resource Center
Empowering children, youth and their families to reach their fullest potential through targeted supportive services, programs and youth development activities.
Supervised Independent Living Program
Provides supportive services for older teenagers who need assistance as they prepare for independence. Services in the areas of employment, career planning, interpersonal skills and housing are provided.
Transitional Living Programs
Provides unique and innovative approaches to assist young people in becoming independent and self-supportive (e.g. - employability skills, job placement, life skills and financial management).
Community Enrichment Programs
Provides preventative services to children and youth through community counseling, tutoring, recreation and cultural arts services.
Don Bosco Hall’s Eagle Program
The DBH Eagle Program is an intensive, short-term intervention for adjudicated male-youth. The goal of the program is to assist young men and their families in successfully returning the youth home, if possible or securing the most appropriate setting upon program completion.
Accredited by the Council On Accreditation