Local non-profit group, Difference Makers, is celebrating the opening of their new recreation room at the Harrison Center. However, the goal of the group is much larger than simply providing a place for fun. Difference Makers Founder Ziyad Elassal says the overall goal is to help teens find their passion, figure out their goals, and then, with the help of mentors, reach those goals.
Difference Makers was created in 2018 to help empower at-risk youth in the community. The teens come from a variety of backgrounds and challenges but are welcomed into the group with open arms. Volunteer mentor Gin Pace says leaders have seen tremendous growth in the group’s kids, citing some who faced as many as 20 suspensions in the previous school year, compared to no suspensions in the current school year.
Difference Makers organizers are grateful for the community support from the Port Huron Area School District, the Community Foundation, and Eastern Michigan Christian Foundation, among others, who believe in the organization and support their work in the community. See the new “rec” room and learn more about the organization in this feature on ebw.tv
