Organization
The Village Lansing
Erica Lynn
About Erica
What is your business/idea?
To attack youth violence from every angle; prevention, intervention, and support. Our programs, services, and resources are focused around mentorship, education, empowerment, and addressing any other barriers our youth, young adults, and their families may be facing.
What inspired you to start a business?
The Village was born out of violence. We were a small group of people that wanted to do what we could, with what we had, however we could, to address the violence that we were seeing especially amongst our youth. We knew many youth, young adults, and families were falling through the cracks and wanted to figure out the ways that we could help.
How did you get to the point you are today with this business/idea?
We have been almost completely community funded and 100 volunteer driven. To get to this point, we have relied on previous nonprofit and business experience, some amazing community partners that assisted with our start up, and a whole lot of sweat equity.
What is your vision for the future of your business?
To meet Lansing area youth where they are, welcome them to a safe environment and to be able to support their needs with programming and resources. We want to have the knowledge and support to maintain sustainable funding to expand the Village team and services.
What goals do you hope the One and All program will help you achieve?
I hope that the One and All program can help us strengthen the skills necessary to create a sustainable fundraising program that includes grant seeking and writing. I would also like to expand our Village; our network of people, businesses and organizations.