An anonymous writer wrote “100 years from now, it will not matter about the size of my bank account, the type of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a CHILD.” Those words, along with teacher, community activist, philanthropist, role model, humanitarian, mirror the life and career of Gerald K. Smith and his passion for youth and their development. Little did Gerald know in 2002, when he co-authored “YouthVille Detroit: A Concept Paper” with long-time colleague and friend Judith D. Jackson, that the concept would have such major impact on the lives and futures of youth and their families in the metropolitan Detroit area. YouthVille Detroit, his dream-come-true, is the largest facility of its kind in the Midwest—both in size and scope of services.

YouthVille Detroit was designed to provide a holistic experience for youth (11-19) as they mature and develop into young adults. It was envisioned as a comprehensive multi-service, multi-level facility to: (1) House community-based agencies to provide an array of support services to youth and families, and (2) accommodate education, recreation, and other youth development activities. “We wanted to make a place where young people are free and yet safe, where kids can explore in a controlled environment,” said Dr. Gerald K. Smith. “YouthVille Detroit is raising the bar on what we can do with young people. It’s far more than a recreation center. It’s about advocacy and encouraging positive lifestyles, as well as youth education and entrepreneurship.” The facility’s innovative mix of programs and the building’s bold style certainly command attention.