The Capuchin Soup Kitchen announces that its Rosa Parks Children & Youth Program will conclude on June 30, 2026.
Founded in 1999 by Sr. Nancyann Turner, OP, of the Adrian Dominican Sisters, the Rosa Parks program provided after-school tutoring, art therapy, gardening, and summer programming for children on Detroit’s east side for more than 25 years. The program was born from Sr. Nancyann’s visits to families in the neighborhood around the Conner Community Center, where she asked parents what their children needed and then built a program from their answers.
The decision to conclude the program follows an independent evaluation conducted by Wayne State University in 2024 and the recommendation of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen Advisory Council. Enrollment in the program has declined in recent years, reflecting significant population decline in the surrounding neighborhood. At the same time, demand for the Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s core food services has grown substantially.
The Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s Conner Community Center remains open for meal service, case management, and community support. Seasonal events, including the Back-to-School Giveaway, Trunk-or-Treat, and the Easter Basket and Christmas Toy Giveaways, will continue. The Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s other programs, including meal service at Conner and Meldrum, the Capuchin Services Center food pantry and clothing distribution, Earthworks Urban Farm, Jefferson House, and On the Rise Bakery, continue to serve the community.
“For more than 25 years, the Rosa Parks program has touched the lives of countless children and strengthened families throughout our community,” said Br. Gary Wegner, OFM Cap., Executive Director of the Capuchin Soup Kitchen. “We are profoundly grateful to Sr. Nancyann Turner, to every staff member and volunteer who walked alongside these young people with such dedication and love.”
Families seeking after-school or youth programming in the Detroit area may contact the Capuchin Soup Kitchen’s case management office at 313-822-8606 ext. 4211 for assistance with referrals.
