What happens when you combine a great location with a great mission? You preserve a part of Detroit while adding to its educational, social and wellness efforts.

Matrix Human Services recently opened the doors to its new Head Start Center in Detroit’s historic Spirit of Hope Church, located at the corner of Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd and Grand River Ave. The newly renovated, 3,100 sq. ft. Head Start facility serves as the anchor site of the Detroit landmark, which faced demolition. The program provides parents with children ages 3-5 living in any zip code with free preschool education.

A long-standing community beacon known at one time as Trinity Episcopal Church, Spirit of Hope found itself in recent years in dire financial straits and was on the verge of closing. Over the past three years, the Head Start project, in concert with a church capital campaign has enabled a combined six-figure investment, keeping the doors on the iconic property open.

Working closely with the Detroit Planning Commission to maintain historic integrity for a site that dates back to 1892, the new Head Start classrooms also bring updated infrastructural and cosmetic features to meet today’s quality and safety standards.

“Our roots run deep in Detroit as does our commitment to the city’s comeback,” said Brad Coulter, president & CEO, Matrix Human Services. “By expanding our services to Midtown, our goal is to help more families in need achieve self-sufficiency by providing another nurturing, safe place for their children to learn and grow.”

The Spirit of Hope Head Start Center provides a curriculum-based program, which includes, but is not limited to, reading, writing, music and art. The facility also offers a community garden and petting farm, providing unique opportunities for interactive, outdoor learning, including for environmental awareness and animal conservation and care.

Operating in more than 24 locations across Detroit, Matrix offers services to nearly 2,000 children citywide each year. For more information about Matrix’s Head Start Program, visit https://www.matrixheadstart.org or call (313) 285-1905.

Detroit-based Matrix Human Services is a 111-year-old, 501(c)(3), social services organization committed to youth, individuals and families reaching self-sufficiency. Matrix offers positive life experiences, assistance with basic needs, education, and supportive services that defuse crisis, treat individuals and family problems, prevent abuse and neglect. With over 550 employees and 35 locations, Matrix is the 22nd largest non-profit in Southeast Michigan. Matrix serves over 20,000 annually by operating the largest pre-K Head Start program in the City serving more than 1,900 children per school year. Matrix runs three teen runaway centers, one of the largest HIV outreach programs, and a large community center in the eastside Osborn neighborhood. For more about Matrix Human Services, visit www.matrixhumanservices.org.

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