Adopt a Classroom
Quality Teaching for Quality Students
Many schools in low income areas are forced to use outdated school books and may not have the necessary supplies for the teachers to use (markers for the white board, chalk for the chalkboard, pens and pads) to enhance the students’ learning. We cannot expect classrooms in these conditions to provide high quality educators to teach our high quality students. Instead of having our teachers come out of pocket for school supplies, we would like to pave a way for them to have what they need to teach our students.
Let’s Come Together to Make a Change
Your generous donations will help the MACK Youth Foundation’s sponsored teachers create an inviting learning environment for underrepresented students. Our teachers will have the necessary supplies, and classroom, to provide high quality teaching to our high quality students/leaders. We aspire to provide high quality resources to our teachers, so we need your help. Let’s build a better future for our students together.
Volunteers for field trips and classroom assistants.
Going on field trips or having additional assistance in the classroom would help the teacher manage the classroom. Your donation of $250 would assist with resources volunteers may need. This includes snack expenses for field trips, and resources needed to help the teacher prepare the classroom.
Help support our teachers by providing a gift to assist with purchasing classroom supplies.
A gift of $550 will ensure teachers will not have to come out of their own pockets to purchase school supplies. Your gift will help teachers be able to best support our students.
Career Day, Educational Seminars and Networking Events.
Your gift of $1,000 would help support a career day, an educational seminar, or networking event to aid in the career development of teachers and volunteers. The funds will go towards catering the events, educational materials and booking venues.
The MACK Knack Pack
Care Package Program
As the cost of education increases for college students, (including purchasing books, room and board and transportation), funding to spend on food has steadily decreased. According to the article “Millions of College Students Are Going Hungry” by Adam Harris, more than a million students are at-risk of being food insecure. When these students complain, their voices are not heard and they are often told that if they’re hungry, they can purchase some ramen because “ramen is cheap”. Ramen does not offer the nutrition value needed to have a healthy and balanced diet. These types of foods may be “cheap”, but they are hurting people more than helping them. Eating these types of processed foods does not provide students with any health benefits. However, with assistance from colleges and universities, the Mack Knack Pack can help students, at risk of becoming food insecure, by providing students with a food pantry at their colleges /universities.
The Mack Youth Foundation surveyed students around Michigan and students noted:
· Lack of funds are often why they do not eat regularly;
· They have limited choices of what they can eat because of money;
· There is a lack of locations to get food for free or cheap;
· And more.
58% of responders noted they worried about running out of food before they had enough money to buy more.
With the support of universities and colleges, the Mack Youth Foundation would help students acquire healthy foods through the foundation’s Mack Knack Pack program. The Mack Knack Pack would offer:
· A donation of food to students’ current food pantry offerings;
· Participation in setting up a food pantry program; and
· Sending a special care MACK KNACK Food Pack to select college students who seek assistance.
The Mack Knack Pack would include food choices of: proteins, healthy carbs, fruits, vegetables and low caloric drinks/water. It is the Mack Youth Foundation’s goal to make sure students can be provided with a healthy meal to meet their daily goals.
To support the MACK Knack PACK Program please click on this link to donate
If you would like to partner with us and send regular donation please email pedmondson@mackyouthfoundation.org for application.
Bridges for Autism Families
The MACK Youth Foundation is dedicated to empowering families and individuals impacted by autism by providing comprehensive support, resources, and opportunities for growth. Our program is built on the belief that every child and adult with autism deserves the chance to thrive in a supportive and inclusive community.
1. Direct Support & Resources
We provide families with access to essential services that address the diverse needs of autistic individuals, including:
Therapy programs such as speech, occupational, and behavioral therapy.
Social skills groups to foster communication, friendship, and confidence.
Respite care services to give families and caregivers well-deserved breaks.
Job training and employment opportunities designed to prepare autistic adults for meaningful careers.
2. Advocacy & Awareness
We work tirelessly to build a more inclusive society by:
Raising public awareness to promote understanding, acceptance, and inclusion.
Offering resources to schools, businesses, and organizations on creating autism-friendly environments.
3. Education & Training
Our foundation equips families, educators, and communities with knowledge and tools through:
Workshops for parents, caregivers, and educators.
Business training on autism-friendly practices.
Online resources, toolkits, and guides for ongoing support.
4. Community Building
We create safe, inclusive spaces where families and individuals can connect, including:
Support groups for parents, caregivers, and autistic individuals.
Sensory-friendly activities, community meetups, and conferences to foster belonging.
Mentorship programs pairing autistic individuals with mentors who guide and encourage.
5. Financial & Material Assistance
We help ease the financial burden of autism-related needs by finding resources to:
Providing scholarships for therapy, assistive technology, and education.
Offering grants to families for essential autism-related expenses.
Donating sensory tools, communication devices, and other resources.
Our Commitment
Through these initiatives, the MACK Youth Foundation is committed to uplifting autism families, empowering individuals to reach their fullest potential, and creating a society where inclusion is the standard—not the exception.
The Student Success Closet
“Removing barriers, restoring dignity, and empowering every student to thrive.”
The Clothes Closet Program is a community-based initiative that provides free, gently used and new clothing to underserved, vulnerable, and at-risk youth and their families. We recognize that access to appropriate clothing is more than a basic necessity—it is a matter of dignity, self-confidence, and opportunity.
Through the Clothes Closet, children and teens receive school-appropriate attire, weather-appropriate outerwear, shoes, uniforms, and even professional clothing for job interviews or internships. By removing the barrier of inadequate clothing, we ensure that youth can fully participate in school, extracurricular activities, and community life without the fear of being excluded or stigmatized.
The program is designed to be accessible, welcoming, and responsive to the unique needs of each family. Clothing donations from individuals, community partners, and local businesses are carefully sorted, organized, and distributed directly to those in need. In addition, monetary contributions allow us to purchase essential items and hard-to-find sizes, ensuring that every child is supported with dignity and care.
The Clothes Closet does more than provide clothing—it creates hope. Each item shared is a step toward restoring confidence, building resilience, and empowering children to thrive in their education and beyond. With the support of donors and volunteers, the Clothes Closet is a vital resource that strengthens families and builds a stronger, more compassionate community.
Why Your Donations Matter
Every donation is a gift of dignity.
Clothing donations mean a child can walk into school with their head held high, ready to learn and fit in with their peers.
Monetary donations allow us to fill urgent gaps, like purchasing hard-to-find sizes, school uniforms, or weather-appropriate gear when it’s needed most.
When you give, you’re not just donating clothes—you’re giving a child the chance to feel seen, valued, and ready to face the world. Together, we can make sure no child has to feel left out simply because of what they wear.