Foundation of Youth
Empowering our Youth Today,
To Lead for Tomorrow
UEmpower Foundation & Y.E.S. Center Featured on WNEM 9am Live
WNEM 9am Live recently featured the UEmpower Foundation and the Y.E.S. Center, highlighting their ongoing mission to empower youth and support families within the community.
Founder and President Alkawther Gerych shared the inspiration behind the foundation and discussed its comprehensive, inclusive programs designed to support children of all abilities, including economically disadvantaged and special-needs youth.
Katie Skidmore, Program Relations Director, highlighted key initiatives and resources, including STEM programs that support children, parents, educators, volunteers, and local businesses. She also emphasized the importance of community partnerships, sponsors, and donations in expanding the foundation’s impact.
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Events
- Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
- Art & STEM Workshops
- Beloved Book Selection, Storytime & Literacy Games
- Mindfulness & Movement, Obstacle Course
- Youth Talent Showcase, Blue Guitar Band and Art
- Healthy Snacks, Appetizers
- Family Resources
- Prizes
On Sunday, March 1st, 2026 12 to 4 pm
U Empower -Foundation of Youth
Invites you to experience the Y.E.S
located inside Gerych’s Greenhouse.
Community partners, Educators, Friends, Family, and Children are welcome. Join us for our Grand Opening, Program Registration, and Library Book Fair. Learn more about the Foundation of Youth and our smarter programs supporting economically disadvantaged and special needs children. Our center addresses educational gaps, mental health challenges, and social isolation through multi-modal learning.
Program Registration
- Enrollment starts today for all 15 Smarter Programs (Ages 3-12)
- Youth Mentorship Programs (Ages 13-17)
- Scholarships available for those who qualify
Library Book Fair
- Beloved Book Selection & Literacy Games
- Storytime and family resources to encourage daily reading habits
Center Exploration
- Access to 101+ Educational Learning Tools
- Meet our Certified Instructors and explore Interactive Classrooms
for a Magical Afternoon in the Garden. Help us build a smarter, safer future for Michigan’s youth!
At UEmpower, we are dedicated to the future success of our youth, by transforming the lives and future of disadvantaged and special needs children. Now, children of financially burdened families, have an equal opportunity to become their best self.
Education Access/
Social Programs
Health Nutrition
Literacy Enrichment
Reading-Writing-Speech
Extra Curricular activities
Arts-Music-Sports
Values
E
nrich
- To engage and enrich developing minds, build motor skills and spur curiosity with hands on approach
M
ature
- To mature and improve cognitive performance and constitute mindfulness with self -awareness
P
ersist
- To persist through difficulty and pain, challenge one to improve oneself with active based learning
O
vercome
- To overcome social barriers and gain active faith with active listening
W
ithstand
- To withstand oncoming hardships and obstacles and face adversity with resilience and resistance.
E
xcel
- To excel and transcend to greatness with experience, and soft skills
R
eform
- To reform surroundings to improve society, foster innovation and growth with leadership skills
ALKAWTHER BOOKS
ALKAWTHER BOOKS are awe inspiring books written by Alkawther Gerych, for the purpose of empowering youth as leaders of tomorrow.
In her early childhood years, Alkawther struggled to read and write; and when others her age enjoyed story books, she was tutored in a separate room, isolated from her peers. Alkawther’s inner struggle propelled her to channel her energy into a multitude of sports, thus, allowing her to become a Track & Field and Cross-Country all-star.
When Alkawther finally passed the reading milestone, her literacy placement tested amongst the top tier students. Today, Alkawther believes,
*Your greatest weakness can become your greatest strength”.
Our Dedicated Cause Brands
Here is how you can get involved and make a change
How We Help
- Educational Resources: We ensure that illness does not hinder education by providing tailored educational programs and resources that enhance confidence and build soft skills, including hands-on workshops (planting, growing healthy food, literacy enrichment, sports dynamics and the Arts).
- Family Assistance: We donate shoes, clothing, educational tools, and sporting goods to those who need it most.
WE KNOCKOUT LIFE'S TOUGHEST BATTLES
- Childhood Conditions
- Cancer
- Crisis
- Crime
- Catastrophe
Get Involved
Donate
Volunteer
Shop to give
Why Choose UEmpower?
- At UEmpower, we believe in the power of community and the transformative impact of compassionate care. Here's why supporting our mission can change lives:
- Direct Impact: 90% of every dollar donated goes directly to program services.
- Transparency: We pride ourselves on transparency and integrity in all our operations and reporting.
- Community-Centric: Our initiatives are designed with direct input from the families and children we serve, ensuring that we meet their real and pressing needs.
Our Partners
Past Events
Stay connected and participate in our upcoming
events designed to raise funds for children.
Ways to Help Set Your Child Up for Future Success? Working with experienced professionals in their respective fields to mentor and educate youth, providing them with skills to gain confidence and establish a career perspective. From athletes, to authors, educators and motivational speakers, children have an opportunity to realize their potential.
How to Keep a Happy Childhood for Children?
Get them involved in hands on activities and a multitude of sports. Support them and encourage them to do their best and persist.
