In the middle of a pandemic, we still have hope.

2020 has been a year that none of us will ever forget! Due to the affects of COVID-19, millions of families and students have readjusted and repositioned their lives. Open Roads is a safe haven for the students involved in our program. Seeing the joy and hope in our students inspires us to strive for excellence within our mission.
 

"Open Roads has given me a place to go and place for me to have an outlet. Socially, I used to be an introvert but Open Roads has caused me to be more outgoing!" - Payton

Payton has spent most of his life growing up in Los Angeles, California and recently moved to Michigan in 2018. Payton loves learning about bikes and has been with Open Roads since 2019. He began as an Apprentice and has worked his way up to become a Junior Instructor. This year we saw many students similar to Payton with their own unique story on the impact Open Roads has had on their life. Thanks to supporters like you, we have supported, challenged, and learned with the students involved in our programs. Some of those students also went to fulfil other roles in our Youth Advisory Board, Shop Apprentice Program and our Junior Instructor role (a paid position). These programs are just a few of the many components Open Roads is using to better address the social, emotional, and mobility needs of students in our community in 2020.

Your Investment makes a difference to youth

• Increased feelings of success, accomplishment, belonging, and their sense of agency
• Help to get more affordable bicycles to kids in times of bike shortages
• Job and volunteer roles in our bike shop to develop career and college readiness skills
• Opportunities to earn a bicycle and develop mechanical skills
• Safe and engaging youth programming

We hope you’ll continue to support our work in 2020 as we on-board our newest leaders. This year our goal for the Annual Campaign is $18,000. Your gracious contribution will allow us to grow and strengthen our year-round programming.