Better Me Youth began in Ypsilanti, Michigan in 2021, though Carla
has been working with young people for over 20 years.
Embedded Files
History
History
Carla has been talking about leading a girls' support group outside of school for years, and unofficially mentors many kids, who live in her neighborhood. She knows everyone's mama! When her son was shot in 2017, the devastation of gun violence hit home for her. He miraculously survived, and since then, Carla has upped her commitment and dedication to helping raise the young people of Ypsilanti. Better Me is one avenue of her lifetime commitment to our youth.
In our combined 36 years in education, we have noticed time and time again that there is a lack of educational enrichment opportunities and support working to uplift young Black and Latina women, queer youth and those who don't "fit the mold". We see a need, specifically within the youth of Ypsilanti’s South Side(48197 zip code, south of Michigan Avenue) for more support for our young people, mentorship, and positive role models.
Though school is one location for transformation, unless young people also have adults to connect with, talk to and support them outside of school, the kinds of outcomes we’re hoping to see in each of our young people (graduation, employment, healthy relationships, and living life as fulfilled, happy adults) are often a mountain that is impassible. Better Me hopes to partner with many other community organizations to weave a network of support around our young people.
Testimonials from the Community:
Recent Press
Read this article by Sarah Rigg of Concentrate about Carla Whitsett's dream, and her decision to use her prize money from her State Board of Education award to begin Better Me.
Click on the image or find the article here:
Concentrate Article - January 12, 2022
Want to write a piece in local media, blog, or feature us on your radio show or podcast? Email: bettermeyouth1@gmail.com
Who we are
Who we are
Carla and Lauren met at ACCE High School in Ypsilanti, in 2018, and have been working with youth for a combined 36 years. Better Me is slowly growing in 2022, check back for more information as we build our team.
Carla Whitsett
Carla Whitsett
Executive Director
Carla has worked as a paraeducator in Willow Run Community Schools, Ypsi Public Schools and Ypsilanti Community Schools for 22 years. She is a mother, grandmother and fierce youth and family advocate. Her faith in God is central to her life.
Lauren Fardig-Diop
Lauren Fardig-Diop
Project Manager
Lauren is a teacher and restorative practitioner who grew up in Ann Arbor, with New York always in her heart. She taught in NYC Public Schools for 10 years and has been teaching at ACCE for 4 years. She is mom to Nas and Sali and always tries to lead with love.
ACCE is the Place!
ACCE is the Place!
Carla and Lauren at work
ACCE is a small, alternative high school that is part of Ypsilanti Community Schools. We do place-based and project based learning, try to make learning fun and engaging and try to support students in recovering credits, finding their roots and charting a path toward a happy adult life.
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