Just Because We Care – Putting Thought and Heart into Young Residents
A transformative organization is redefining young adult services and support by providing more than a group home shelter in Morningside. Just Because We Care (JBWC) was founded on faith and compassion by Demetris and Jessica King. They sought out a location for a group home to fulfill their mission at JBWC to provide resources for underserved communities. Demetris says, “Back in 2017-2018, my wife and I were pretty much on one accord as far as opening up a home to service the youth.” They knew that Morningside was the neighborhood they were looking for, so with a strong belief in purpose, the two purchased a Land Bank house to renovate. Jessica remembers, "We bought this house with our last $1,000 in our pocket. It was $1,000 and that's literally [all we had]." The renovation process was challenging, with a significant setback when they experienced a break-in where tools and other items were stolen. Despite this, they continued working on the house, and with community support, they completed the renovation.
They officially opened the doors to their first group of residents, ages 16-21, in 2022 and, they have already graduated 17 young adults from their program. The residential program, which gets referrals from children and family services agencies, can house up to five residents, and comes with a commitment from Demetris and Jessica to provide a dynamic program that offers young adults a comprehensive pathway to independence in adulthood through teaching critical life skills, providing mentorship, and creating a nurturing environment where residents can pursue education, develop career skills, and build a foundation for a successful future. Through personalized care and community engagement, this home is not just housing young adults but empowering them to thrive.
Life skills are practical abilities that help you navigate daily challenges, make good choices, get along with others, and take care of yourself effectively. Companies like ZipRecruiter have noted that a majority of employers (93%) look for ‘soft’ life skills like collaboration and communication, which are gained through life experiences rather than being solely personality driven.
JWBC founders, Demetris and Jessica King. Image courtesy of Demetris and Jessica King
The JBWC has listed set of house rules for its residents. Image courtesy of Demetrius and Jessica King
A heart-shaped flower bed is ready for flowers to be planted. Image courtesy of Demetrius and Jessica King
The current group home serves youth from ages 16 to 21. Their next goal is to open another home for younger girls, potentially serving ages 8 to 16 as well as provide housing for veterans.
As Demetris said, "Time and love was the most important thing," and they aim to be "friends and family" to the youth they serve. Jessica also highlighted their approach to teaching life skills and providing a supportive environment, saying they want to show the youth "we are here for you no matter what" and that they are "down to earth" people who want to help.
JBWC Foundation is a non-profit organization, mostly self-funded through the King’s fulltime positions. It’s important to them to work cooperatively yet be flexible with the needs of each individual. Though the residents pay below market rent directly to their ‘host providers’, it doesn’t begin to cover the ongoing operational expenses of the home and JBWC programming.
Early support came from McClellan Integrated Services and crowdfunding after the break-in – funding that helped complete the renovation. Residents also have access to clothes closet with new and gently used items to assist them with being work or school ready. Other generous material donations came from General Motors for the chairs in the family room and the Detroit Tigers have provided game tickets. Currently, the Kings are open to opportunities to teach the residents gardening and landscaping skills.
For more information on how to get involved with Just Because We Care, you can visit their website or email them directly. They offer various ways to support and volunteer, including teaching skills, providing resources, and more.
Email: jbwcare@jbwcare.org
Website: www.jbwcare.org
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