DETROIT – Another heartbreaking tragedy struck Detroit’s East Side overnight as 6-year-old Rylee Love was fatally shot by a stray bullet fired into his family’s home on Anglin Road. The senseless violence is becoming all too frequent in the area, leaving neighbors devastated and searching for hope.
Despite the grim reality just a few miles away, children at the Matrix Center’s gymnasium on Detroit’s east side find a safe place to stay active, engaged, and supported. The center serves as a beacon of hope amid the ongoing violence.
Nicole Pilgrim, Chief Operating Officer of Matrix Human Services, expressed the heartbreak over the loss of an innocent child. “It’s devastating. The loss of anyone, and a child, it’s devastating,” she said.
Matrix Human Services is a dedicated nonprofit organization providing a wide range of programs and resources for children, families, and seniors. Their aim is to keep community members of all ages engaged, supported, and thriving through workforce development, education, housing support, and more.
“We offer workforce development, which helps keep people off the street, because they have to look for employment. We are one of the largest Head Start providers in the state. So, we are educating children. We’re educating adults. We’re offering housing support. Rapid re-housing,” explained Pilgrim.
The Matrix Center staff emphasizes the importance of providing access and opportunities in an area, especially ZIP code 48205, known as a resource desert. Their mission is to make a meaningful difference, particularly for the youth.
Tikimah Turner, Director of Youth Services at Matrix, highlighted the center’s role in showing children that they have a world full of possibilities.
“Using exposure as an educator and showing them they have the world as their oyster is very important to us,” Turner said.
This summer alone, several young children, including a 2-year-old and a 4-year-old, have been victims of gun violence in the area. The death of 6-year-old Rylee Love adds to this disturbing trend.
Turner further explained the broad impact the center seeks to make, saying, “It starts with a phone call, and a phone call might be, I want to enroll my youth in summer camp. But it might end with I’m participating in a home buyers workshop, and I showed up for food distribution. Now, food insecurity in my home is reduced, and I’m on track to purchase a new home.”
Nicole Pilgrim stressed the importance of the center’s programming amid difficult times. “We want to help provide that hope,” she said.
For families and community members seeking support, resources, or to learn more, click here to visit Matrix Human Services’ website.