ABOUT
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Who We Are
Hood Deeds is a local nonprofit focused on restoring communities by nurturing the potential of our youth through education, connection, and support.
We believe young people thrive when they have opportunities to discover who they are, explore what’s possible, and experience a community that shows up for them. Our work brings together youth development, meaningful connections, and everyday acts of care to help make that possible.
Our Story
Founded by sisters Carlena and Dina Toombs, Hood Deeds grew from a belief in the power of people showing up for one another. A “hood deed” is an act of care that strengthens our neighborhoods and reminds someone they belong.
That belief continues to guide us as we grow. Through community gatherings, educational experiences, and direct support, we are building a more intentional network of opportunities for young people and the communities surrounding them.
How We Put Our Mission Into Action
Developing Confidence and Autonomy
The Emotional Currency Club (ECC) is our flagship social-emotional learning initiative for grades 3–12. It treats emotional intelligence as personal equity: an internal resource young people can strengthen and draw upon throughout their lives.
Through intentional practice, strategic play, and practical resilience tools, participants learn to recognize their emotions, pause before responding, set boundaries, navigate relationships, and make decisions grounded in their values.
Three age-specific pathways meet young people where they are: The Foundation Lab for grades 3–5, The Identity Forge for grades 6–8, and The Autonomy Studio for grades 9–12. Each creates space to practice skills that support greater self-awareness, confidence, and autonomy.
Connecting young people to possibility
Pathways to Purpose Network introduces youth to careers, skilled trades, and people whose experiences can help them imagine and navigate their next steps. Through exploration, mentorship, and hands-on experiences, young people connect their interests and strengths with possibilities for their futures.
Turning generosity into community care
Hood Fellows brings people together to support neighbors through giving and service. Members contribute to shared efforts ranging from Thanksgiving meal baskets and holiday gifts to senior necessities and hope chests for young people aging out of foster care.
Together, we turn a willingness to help into meaningful support delivered with dignity and care.
The Future We’re Building
We envision communities where young people have the self-understanding, relationships, and resources to shape their lives. And neighbors taking an active role in helping one another thrive are a huge resource to our youth.
Getting there takes shared effort. Residents, volunteers, donors, and partners each bring something valuable to this work.
There is a place for you here.
“Community restoration begins with the bonds we nurture within our families and grows through the care we extend to our neighbors. We work to restore our neighborhoods by first restoring our people.”
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
Our mission at Hood Deeds is to empower communities by nurturing the potential of our youth through education, mentorship, and community engagement.
Our Vision
We envision a future where every neighborhood in Detroit is anchored by young leaders who possess the tools, the character, and the opportunity to build a lasting legacy.
The Hood Deeds Pillars of Progress
Individually, these six pillars address the essential needs of our neighborhoods; collectively, they create a holistic ecosystem where Metro Detroit youth are prepared to drive lasting community restoration.
Community Wellness
Promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being within the community.
Cultural Enrichment
Celebrate and preserve the rich cultural heritage of our community.
Economic Opportunity
Focus on building financial independence and supporting local entrepreneurship.
Empowerment Through Knowledge
Equip community members with skills and resources to define our own paths and take control of our futures.
Intergenerational Collaboration
Promote partnerships between different generations to share knowledge, resources, and experiences that enrich the community's growth and cultural richness.
Civic Engagement
Encourage active participation in local governance, decision-making, and community-building to empower individuals to shape their future and advocate for their needs.