In the heart of Detroit, Black Family Development, Inc. (BFDI) continues its impactful journey. This private, nonprofit family counseling agency, established in 1978 by the Detroit Chapter of the National Association of Black Social Workers (NABSW), is making strides toward healing and strengthening the community fabric, focusing on the welfare of its Black families. Their recently released annual report states a noteworthy accomplishment: BFDI has reached out and assisted over 20,000 individuals in the last year alone.
BFDI was conceived out of a deep understanding of the city’s specific needs to address child abuse and neglect. Since its genesis, the agency has expanded significantly, adapting to the growing demand for specialized, family-focused counseling and advocacy services in Detroit.
Operating with the mission of “strengthening and enhancing the lives of children, youth, and families through partnerships that support safe, nurturing, vibrant homes, schools, and communities,” BFDI makes it clear that they are not just about patching holes but creating an environment where families can thrive.
“As President/CEO it is a daily honor for me to see how the men and women of this organization, with humility and intentionality, partner with families to ensure their goals are achieved,” said BFDI President/CEO Kenyatta Stephens. “The ability to serve over 20,000 individuals in 2022 occurred because resilient families entrusted BFDI to partner with them, and our school, neighborhood, and funding partners helped us create safety nets of success.”
Driven by their vision, BFDI aspires to be the premier provider of comprehensive family counseling services, setting the pace with quality, innovative services, and training that have earned them national recognition. Their purpose to provide culturally sensitive services resonates throughout Detroit, Wayne County, and Oakland communities.
BFDI’s values are rooted in culturally competent and respectful engagement within communities, putting the children and families at the forefront. With a primary home-based approach to delivering programs and services, the agency prioritizes reducing barriers and promoting service accessibility.
“The testimonies and surveys of the consumers, schools, residents, and communities we serve, exemplify the richly deserved trust and respect the village has for BFDI,” said Dereck Blackmon, staff member of Black Family Development. “Trust is not easy to come by yet is essential for successful relationships between consumers and staff, as well as our data-driven successful impacts and outcomes yielded by the very foundation that trust provides.”
Blackmon continued: “The entire BFDI experience is about ‘People Serving People Well.’ Maya Angelou aptly described it this way: ‘People may not remember what you said or did, but they will surely remember how you made them feel.’ This again is the heartbeat of BFDI. From start to finish, staff bring a level of caring to their work that is expertly wrapped in a garment of professionalism, producing successful, quantifiable results. ‘To Save the People You have to Serve the People. To Lead the People You have to Love the People.’ BFDI checks all these boxes. Whatever serves my very own children and gives them ample opportunity to succeed, I want that and more for ALL the children and families BFDI services.”
The organization’s philosophy gravitates around the strength of consumers and person-centered planning, making every intervention a collaborative effort rather than a top-down initiative.
Aligned with its statement of equity, BFDI believes in just and fair inclusion, echoing the philosophy of the African word Ubuntu, meaning “I am because we are.” BFDI, as an active participant and supporter of Policy Link, has adopted its definition of equity to ensure all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential.
With its seven core commitments, BFDI seeks to improve child well-being, academic results, neighborhood safety, youth development, family support, community capacity, and achieving Promise Neighborhoods Results.
It’s also important to note the extensive range of services provided by BFDI, which include juvenile justice services, mental health services, community development, substance abuse services and prevention, and family support services. Each of these areas represents a pillar in their strategy to build and sustain thriving families and communities.
The measurable impact and the 20,000 lives touched just last year showcase BDFI’s relentless work, particularly within the Black community. BFDI stands as a testament to the power of community-centric, culturally sensitive social work.
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