Giving Back, Growing Forward: How Community Service is Shaping Youth Development at Washtenaw Youth Career Academy (powered by Peckham)

By Bethany Stoddart, JMG Specialist

Bethany Stoddart, Jobs for Michigan’s Graduates (JMG) specialist at Washtenaw Youth Career Academy, highlights the hands-on service projects, student-led initiatives, and real-world skill building that help prepare JMG youth for meaningful work experiences and lifelong community engagement.

At Peckham’s Youth Career Academy in Washtenaw Co., community service isn’t just something we do—it’s who we are. Giving back is a core part of our JMG program, helping students step outside the classroom and into real-world experiences where empathy, teamwork, and responsibility come to life. Through monthly givebacks, students see that their time and effort truly matter—and that even small acts of service can make a big impact. Peckham believes young people giving back to the community can be genuinely transformative. It helps shift how they see themselves—from someone defined by past harm to someone capable of doing good and contributing positively. Taking part in meaningful community work builds pride, purpose, and a sense of belonging, while the positive feedback and sense of achievement provide a natural dopamine boost. This reinforces pro-social behavior and can motivate young people to continue making positive choices long after the activity itself has ended. 

Our Year of Service

Each month brings a new opportunity to connect with our community in meaningful ways:

• January & September: Baking cookies at the Ronald McDonald House for families staying there during incredibly difficult times.

• February: Hosting a pizza party at Child’s World Learning Center, a local daycare—an idea that came directly from our students.

• March: Making blankets for the Huron Humane Society and hosting a book drive for the Ypsilanti Public Library.

• April: Sorting produce at Food Gatherers to support local food pantries.

• May: Cleaning up yards for SOS shelters.

• July: Church clean-up at Greater Love Church of God in Christ.

• October: Assisting clients at the SOS Food Pantry as they gathered their food items.

• November: Making blankets and cards for SOS service clients.

• December: Making dog treats for animals at the Huron Humane Society.

We intentionally hold givebacks nearly every month and often gather ideas directly from students. When youth have a voice in choosing how they serve, they feel more connected and invested in the experience.

Beyond A Day of Action

Community service plays a powerful role in helping students build responsibility, empathy, and a strong sense of connection to the world around them. Beyond the day of service, we hope students walk away with a lasting sense of purpose—understanding that they have the ability to create positive change.

Through service, students practice essential skills like communication, teamwork, time management, accountability, and leadership. They learn how to show up on time, follow directions, work toward a shared goal, and take pride in what they contribute—skills that directly translate to success in internships, jobs, and long-term careers.

Over time, I see students grow more confident and engaged. Many become more comfortable speaking up, stepping into leadership roles, and collaborating with others. Seeing the direct impact of their efforts builds self-esteem and motivates them to take greater ownership of their growth.

Moments That Matter

Some of the most meaningful moments come from watching students surprise themselves. One that really stands out happened in October at the SOS Food Pantry. One student was not thrilled about participating at first. But by the end of the day, he was excited to help every patron who walked through the door. That experience sparked something in him—he’s now highly motivated and hopes to complete his work experience with SOS Food Pantry. Moments like that remind me why this work is so important.

Another favorite for me is our time at the Ronald McDonald House. Watching students work together to bake treats and write heartfelt notes to families staying there is truly special. They have fun with it, but they also understand the meaning behind what they’re doing—and that combination makes it incredibly impactful.

Strengthening Our Community

It’s important for youth to give back to their own local community because it helps them see themselves as active, contributing members of it. They begin to understand that their community isn’t something separate from them, but something they are a part of and can help strengthen.

Our community partners are always thrilled to work with our students. They love seeing the youth come in, put their best foot forward, and make a difference. Many partners share how inspired they are by our students’ energy, effort, and willingness to help.

Looking Ahead

Community service is more than a requirement in our JMG program—it’s a foundation. It teaches students the value of helping others, builds critical workplace skills, and fosters a sense of pride and belonging. Most importantly, it shows our youth that they are capable, compassionate, and powerful agents of change.

I’m incredibly proud of our Peckham JMG students and the heart they bring to every giveback. Together, we’re not just preparing for work experiences—we’re building stronger communities, one act of service at a time.