About Us
Our story and mission.
Our Mission & Vision
The L.I.V.E. Outreach was founded on the belief that every young person deserves a safe space to grow, be heard, and be supported. We work directly within communities to provide mentorship, life skills, literacy, and wellness programming that empowers youth to overcome challenges and realize their full potential. Through meaningful relationships, hands-on learning, and initiatives like our Mobile Mentoring Hub, we are creating opportunities, building confidence, and shaping the next generation of leaders.
What L.I.V.E. Means
Our name is our purpose: (L)earn to (I)nnovate while creating (V)aliant (E)xtraordinary people.
How We Got Here
Malika Williams founded The L.I.V.E. Outreach in 2014. As a former foster youth and teen mother, she understood firsthand what it felt like to go without essential resources while navigating significant life challenges at a young age. She began her journey by mentoring at girls' facilities and volunteering within her community.
Since then, The L.I.V.E. Outreach has grown into a community-based organization dedicated to meeting the needs of underserved youth and families. Programs include book donations, an annual garage sale that includes a clothing drive, toiletry drives for children in need of basic hygiene products, Saturday Learning Sessions for youth ages 10-17, and a Mobile Mentoring Hub that brings support directly into Detroit neighborhoods.
To date, The L.I.V.E. Outreach has engaged over 150 youth through outreach and workshops and reached more than 300 community members. Our work is supported by a network of 10+ mentors and volunteers who are committed to youth empowerment and community impact.
We partner with schools, churches, libraries such as the Jefferson Detroit Public Library, and local businesses to ensure resources are accessible where they are needed most. We are also proud to have received sponsorship and support from organizations including The Skillman Foundation, Michigan Nonprofit Association, Eastern Market, and others.
What We Actually Do
We collect and distribute essential resources including toiletries, books, and clothing to support youth and families in need. Our Saturday Sessions run as 8-12 week youth development programs, offering consistent, structured workshops that cover topics such as financial literacy, leadership, social-emotional learning, and art therapy.
We are currently working on developing our Mobile Mentoring Hub, a project designed to bring services directly into neighborhoods so young people do not face transportation barriers when seeking support. This initiative will allow us to meet youth where they are and make access to programming more convenient, consistent, and community-centered.
We also host annual wellness events, skating parties, and family-centered gatherings that bring the community together in safe, positive, and engaging environments for all ages.
Everything we do is grounded in a simple belief: young people in Detroit deserve the same access to basic resources, opportunities, and support as youth anywhere else.
We are always looking for new partners, collaborators, and ideas. To get involved, please contact us at [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
Who founded The L.I.V.E. Outreach?
Malika Williams founded The L.I.V.E. Outreach in 2014. As a former foster youth and teen mother, she understood firsthand what it felt like to go without essential resources while navigating significant life challenges at a young age. She began by mentoring at girls' facilities and volunteering in her community, then grew the work into the organization it is today.
What does L.I.V.E. stand for?
Learn to Innovate while creating Valiant Extraordinary people. Our name is our purpose.
Where do you operate?
We serve Detroit and the surrounding Metro Detroit area. Drop-offs and most volunteer opportunities are based in Eastpointe, Michigan.
How many people have you reached?
To date, The L.I.V.E. Outreach has engaged over 150 youth through outreach and workshops and reached more than 300 community members. The work is supported by a network of 10+ mentors and volunteers.
Who do you partner with?
We partner with schools, churches, and libraries such as the Jefferson Detroit Public Library, along with local businesses. We have also received sponsorship and support from The Skillman Foundation, Michigan Nonprofit Association, Eastern Market, and others.
Are you a registered nonprofit?
Yes. The L.I.V.E. Outreach is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, EIN 47-1380679.