YOUNG PEOPLE HELP DESIGN DYNAMIC NEW WASHTENAW COUNTY INITIATIVE TO STRENGTHEN MENTAL WELLNESS, BROTHERHOOD AND FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG MEN
For immediate Release
November 10, 2026
WMBK launches free, 10-week Restorative Practice Circles program, building on years of school-based Mentoring and Developed collaboratively by university researchers, mental-health professionals, educators, and local college students.
YPSILANTI, MICHIGAN — What happens when nationally recognized researchers, mental-health professionals, educators and college students who recently attended local public schools come together to answer one important question: What do young men really need to thrive?
In Washtenaw County, the answer is taking shape around a circle.
Washtenaw My Brother's Keeper (WMBK), Formula 734 and Workforce 734 announce the launch of Restorative Practice Circles (RPC), an innovative, community-based initiative designed to strengthen mental wellness, build brotherhood, develop leadership and create pathways toward educational and professional success.
Beginning November 19, 2026, the free, 10-week program will bring young men ages 14 and older together Thursdays from 4:30 to 6:30 PM at the Peace HUB Community Resource Center in Ypsilanti. Participants will share dinner, connect with mentors and supportive peers, and engage in meaningful conversations about the challenges, fears, hopes and opportunities shaping their lives.
RPC builds upon years of WMBK's successful school-based Young Keepers circles throughout
Washtenaw County, formerly known as Young Men of Purpose and Boys Circles. Restorative
Practice Circles now serves as the umbrella identity uniting these longstanding school-based
initiatives and the expanding community-based program under a shared framework of
mentorship, restorative practices, youth leadership and personal development.
Developed with Young People, Not just for them
What distinguishes RPC is not simply what participants will discuss, but who helped decide what those conversations should be about.
University of Michigan freshman Turo Bartolomei and Michigan State University sophomore Ellis Clemetson, both Ann Arbor Public Schools alumni, helped author the curriculum alongside researchers, clinical professionals, educators and community leaders. Their participation reflects a central WMBK principle: Young people deserve a meaningful voice when designing programs intended to serve them.
"Turo and Ellis weren't there just to listen. They helped write the curriculum. They said yes or no to program ideas. They authored key sections. That's what meaningful youth leadership looks like,” said Jamall Bufford, WMBK executive director.
REACHING YOUNG MEN WHERE THEY ARE
Although grounded in research and clinical expertise, RPC is intentionally designed to reach beyondacademic settings and traditional service models, particularly engaging some of Washtenaw County's most at-promise young men.
The program recognizes that young people facing persistent economic hardship, family instability, trauma, social isolation and other challenges may not always find consistent support through existing community services. RPC seeks to close those gaps through trusted relationships, meaningful conversations, practical resources and opportunities for personal growth.
"This isn't a program designed to impress academics. It's designed to reach young men who have too often been overlooked, underserved or passed between systems without finding the support they need,” said Will Cannon, a University of Michigan School of Social Work field placement fellow with WMBK. "We call these young men 'at-promise' because their circumstances do not define their potential. Our responsibility is to meet them where they are, build trust and help them recognize the extraordinary possibilities ahead of them.”
EIGHT VOICES. ONE SHARED MISSION.
The eight-member curriculum development team combines academic research, clinical expertise, community leadership and firsthand youth perspectives.
Turo Bartolomei — University of Michigan Freshman: An Ann Arbor Public Schools alumnus, Bartolomei joined WMBK's steering committee in seventh grade. His experiences in youth leadership, community service, athletics and music bring authentic young-person perspectives to the curriculum.
Ellis Clemetson — Michigan State University Sophomore: An Ann Arbor Public Schools alumnus studying at MSU's James Madison College, Clemetson serves as WMBK's Research, Practice & Policy Fellow. His interests in public policy, educational equity and youth development strengthen the curriculum.
Will Cannon — University of Michigan School of Social Work: A Master of Social Work candidate, WMBK field placement fellow and experienced Detroit educator, Cannon contributes expertise in restorative practices, behavioral health, relationship-building and culturally responsive education.
Michael Henry — Chair, Washtenaw My Brother's Keeper: A longtime community leader, strategist and civil-rights advocate, Henry brings extensive experience in public policy, youth development, community-based research and connecting young people with opportunity.
Leah Mills-Chapman, LMSW — Clinical Therapist and Community Mental-Health Advocate: Founder of Ntervene, LLC, and Interventions for African American Males (I-AAM), Mills-Chapman contributes expertise in culturally responsive mental-health services, trauma, emotional wellness and reducing barriers to care.
Dr. Donte Boyd — The Ohio State University: An associate professor in the College of Social Work, Boyd researches Black youth mental health, suicide prevention, resilience and the protective importance of supportive relationships, identity and belonging.
Dr. Myles Durkee — University of Michigan: An associate professor of psychology, Durkee studies racial identity, discrimination, code-switching and their effects on mental health and achievement. His expertise informs discussions of identity, authenticity and cultural pride.
Hedieh Briggs, LMSW — Texas A&M University: An experienced clinical social worker and mental-health administrator in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Briggs brings expertise in clinical care, professional training, curriculum development and emotional wellness.
REAL CONVERSATIONS. REAL CONNECTIONS. REAL OPPORTUNITIES.
The RPC curriculum addresses five essential areas of personal development:
● Self-Esteem & Personal Growth: Building confidence, recognizing strengths and setting meaningful goals.
● Identity, Culture & Authenticity: Exploring belonging, cultural pride, code-switching and social expectations.
● Mental Health & Wellness: Addressing stress, anxiety, depression, healthy coping strategies and help-seeking.
● Healthy Relationships & Brotherhood: Strengthening empathy, communication, accountability and conflict resolution.
●Workforce Development & Brighter Futures: Developing leadership, professional confidence, job readiness and career goals.
Sessions combine guided conversations, interactive activities, peer learning and mentorship in a supportive environment that recognizes young men's strengths and potential.
FROM PARTICIPANT TO LEADER
RPC connects personal growth with economic opportunity. Participants can work toward earning a free tablet and program certificate, while developing skills to help facilitate future circles. Through Workforce 734, qualified participants may pursue paid opportunities as peer facilitators, creating a pathway from program participation to leadership and employment.
Funding support is provided by the EmpowerMENt Fund.
JOIN THE CIRCLE — REGISTRATION OPEN
When: Thursdays, 4:30–6:30 PM, beginning November 19, 2026
Where: Peace HUB Community Resource Center, 1515 S. Harris Road, Ypsilanti, MI 48198
Who: Young men ages 14 and older
Cost: FREE, including dinner
Register: https://tinyurl.com/WMBK-RPC
Email: mhenry@washtenawmbk.org
Call or Text: 917-690-0179
Parents, educators, counselors and community organizations throughout Washtenaw County are encouraged to share this opportunity with young men.
ABOUT WASHTENAW MY BROTHER'S KEEPER
Washtenaw My Brother's Keeper (WMBK), housed at the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD), advances educational equity, mentorship, restorative practices, youth leadership and workforce opportunities for Black boys and young men and other young men of color. Its initiatives include Young Keepers, 50 Strong Breakfasts, CLR Academy, Formula 734, Restorative Practice Circles and community violence interventions.
Website: www.washtenawmbk.org
MEDIA CONTACT: Mike Henry | Email: mhenry@washtenawmbk.org | Cell: 917-690-0179