DBG Detroit (Downtown Boxing Gym) Official

DBG Detroit (Downtown Boxing Gym) Official

Health, Wellness & Fitness

Detroit, Michigan 1,015 followers

We empower Detroit students to achieve their dreams by providing a safe haven and a launching pad for academic success.

About us

Just beyond the hustle and bustle of Eastern Market and downtown Detroit, a grey brick industrial building sits neatly at the corner of E. Vernor Highway and Beaufait Street. Each day, like clockwork, vans pull up and children excitedly rush in. Happy chatter and boundless energy fills the air. And – with patience, persistence, dedication, tough love, compassion and care – lives are changed within those four walls. The children who enter the doors of the Downtown Boxing Gym emerge as the best version of themselves with hope, promise, knowledge, skills, strength, determination, and the tools they need to pursue their dreams. Our FREE, out-of-school-time academic and athletic program for Detroit students is the brainchild of Khali Sweeney – a Detroit native on a mission to build a better world. Together with executive director, Jessica Hauser, and a hardworking team of coaches, tutors, staff and volunteers, the program has steadily grown since 2007 – and racked up a 100% high school graduation rate every year in the process. Our gym doesn't train heavyweight boxers, we train heavyweight scholars. DBG is a safe haven from the streets. We knock out inequality in an imperfect educational system, level the playing field, and give students a fighting chance at a winning future. We train kids for life.

Website
https://dbgdetroit.org/
Industry
Health, Wellness & Fitness
Company size
11-50 employees
Headquarters
Detroit, Michigan
Type
Nonprofit
Founded
2007
Specialties
education, youth boxing, academic intervention, college and career readiness, enrichment programs, computer coding, music studio, reading and math assistance, tutoring, mentorship, healthy meals, transportation, free after school program, Detroit, children, and nonprofit

Locations

Employees at DBG Detroit (Downtown Boxing Gym) Official

Updates

  • Education is not more important than social and emotional development in students. Let's talk about it. Social and emotional development among students in underserved communities is often fraught with challenges stemming from systemic inequities and adverse socio-economic conditions. These young individuals frequently navigate environments characterized by: ❌ High levels of stress ❌ Trauma ❌ Limited access to supportive resources As a result, their emotional resilience and interpersonal skills can be severely compromised, hindering their ability to form healthy relationships, cope with adversity, and thrive academically. The lack of adequate mental health support exacerbates these issues, perpetuating cycles of emotional distress and behavioral challenges that impact their overall well-being. Addressing social and emotional development in underserved communities requires: 👉 Comprehensive interventions that prioritize trauma-informed care 👉 Culturally responsive practices 👉 Equitable access to mental health services Inspiring students with the tools to navigate complex emotions, build self-awareness, and cultivate positive social connections is crucial for fostering resilience and unlocking their full potential. 💬 What strategies are effective in building a supportive network of peers, mentors, and caregivers to nurture the social and emotional growth of underserved youth? #SocialAndEmotionalHealth #DBG #NonProfit

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  • We’re excited to see Detroit’s progress in solar energy! At DBG, we’ve been committed to sustainability since 2020, with our building undergoing a major overhaul to reduce energy costs and support a greener future. It’s great to be part of a movement making our city cleaner and more sustainable!

  • Health disparities in underserved communities are a pressing issue that demands our attention. Limited access to quality healthcare, nutritious food, and wellness resources means many individuals face significant obstacles to achieving and maintaining good health. These challenges often result in higher rates of chronic illnesses and reduced life expectancy. At #DBG, we are dedicated to breaking down these barriers by providing our students with comprehensive health and wellness support. Our initiatives ensure that every student has access to: 👉 Nutritious from-scratch meals 👉 Regular physical activity 👉 Mental health resources By prioritizing health equity, we inspire our students to thrive in every aspect of their lives. How do you stay active in your everyday life? Repost and let us know below ⬇️ We'd love to hear! #HealthDisparities #UnderservedCommunities

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  • Financial literacy and economic empowerment are essential for students in underserved communities, providing a pathway to break the cycle of poverty and improve lives. The lack of financial literacy perpetuates economic dependency and limits opportunities for economic advancement. Without targeted education and resources, students in underserved communities: ➡️ Face heightened risks of falling into debt traps ➡️ Making poor financial choices and ➡️ Becoming victims of economic exploitation At DBG, our goal is to provide students with academic knowledge and financial awareness. We integrate financial education into our programs, partnering with organizations like CAPTRUST and Ally to hold financial literacy workshops for high school students. Our aim is to ensure all students have access to comprehensive financial education, empowering them to make informed decisions and build a stable financial future. 💡 What strategies can be implemented to ensure that financial education is culturally relevant and accessible to diverse student populations? Repost and comment your thoughts below 👇 #FinancialLiteracy #DBG #Equity

  • 💡 Did you know? Limited access to nutritious food, healthcare, and safe recreational spaces often leads to higher rates of chronic illnesses and mental health challenges among youth. In many underserved communities, students are faced with daily obstacles that impact their health and well-being. Lack of access to healthy meals results in poor nutrition, contributing to higher rates of obesity, diabetes, and other preventable diseases. Inadequate healthcare access leaves many without the necessary medical support to address both physical and mental health needs. The absence of safe spaces for physical activity further compounds these issues, limiting opportunities for children to stay active and healthy. At #DBG, we're dedicated to breaking these barriers and ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive. Our comprehensive approach to health and wellness includes nutritious meals, mental health support, athletic programs, and wellness education. By addressing these critical needs, we inspire our students to lead healthier, happier lives. To learn more about our programs and how we support our students, visit: https://lnkd.in/eETkfM2m #Health&Nutrition #WeTrainKids4Life

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  • We're absolutely thrilled to share that the Detroit Lions have chosen DBG as one of just six organizations in Metro Detroit to be supported by their social justice initiative, Detroit Lions Inspire Change! This generous grant is a game-changer for us, allowing us to further our mission of inspiring young people and transforming lives meaningfully ⭐ A heartfelt thank you to the Detroit Lions for seeing the value in what we do and supporting us in the fight for social justice in our community. We are forever grateful. To read more, visit: https://lnkd.in/ebg5dbcj #InspireChange #DetroitLions #SocialJustice #DBG

    Detroit Lions name six grantees for 'Inspire Change' initiative

    Detroit Lions name six grantees for 'Inspire Change' initiative

    detroitnews.com

  • Leadership and civic engagement are often inaccessible areas for students in underserved communities, perpetuating systemic disparities in representation and influence. Many young people in these communities face barriers such as: 👉 Limited access to quality education 👉 Economic instability 👉 Social marginalization These things hurt their ability to develop and exercise leadership skills effectively. This exclusion not only hinders individual potential but also deprives communities of diverse voices and perspectives that are crucial for addressing social issues. This reality highlights an injustice where opportunities for leadership and civic participation are reserved for the privileged few, further pushing inequities and perpetuating cycles of marginalization. 💬 What policies and initiatives are needed to ensure equitable access to leadership opportunities and civic platforms for all students, regardless of their background? Let us know your thoughts below 👇

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  • Physical activity is crucial for students' overall well-being and development. Regular exercise not only boosts physical health but also: ⭐ Enhances mental clarity, ⭐ Reduces stress ⭐ Improves academic performance DBG plays a vital role in ensuring its students stay active through structured athletic programs, recreational activities, and fitness challenges. Students build healthy habits that last a lifetime by incorporating physical activity into daily routines. Let's continue to inspire our youth to stay active, healthy, and strong! #PhysicalWellness #StudentHealth #DBGImpact

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  • In affluent communities, summer offers growth, learning, and exploration for students. However, many students in underserved areas miss out on structured, stimulating activities, leading to learning loss and diminished aspirations. The lack of summer enrichment continues inequality, leading to academic and emotional setbacks for students and reinforcing systemic barriers. It reminds us that opportunities are often reserved for the privileged, leaving others to navigate an exclusionary system. During the summer, when schools are closed, and many students face the risk of losing academic momentum, DBG steps in to provide vital support and enrichment. By maintaining a structured environment, DBG helps prevent summer learning loss, a phenomenon in which students, especially those from underserved communities, fall behind academically. Addressing this gap is not just about providing programs but dismantling the inequalities that deny these kids the chance to thrive. 💡 What are the long-term effects of the summer enrichment gap on students from underserved communities? Repost and comment below with your thoughts 👇 #SummerEnrichment #DBG

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