DETROIT – Detroit native Shannon Williams, founder of the nonprofit Young Titan Mindset, is giving back through free food distribution, clothing giveaways, behavioral health services and grant support for other nonprofits.
As a former pro basketball player Williams is finding more ways to serve his community each week, vowing to become a resource for people in need.
“I always had a heart to help people,” Williams told WDIV’s Isaiah Hall during a visit to the nonprofit’s warehouse.
After returning home from playing basketball overseas and navigating ups and downs in the trucking business, Williams said he felt called to meet needs he saw during his upbringing in Detroit.
“God just put it on my heart and guided my steps with just seeing what my community needed and me being able to be a beacon to help young youth and adults get resources,” said Williams. “Instead of complaining about what’s going on in the community, try to be the change that changed the mindset of the community knowing that people out here really care about them still.”
What Young Titan Mindset provides
Williams’ organization is best known for weekly food and clothing support. Williams said food distribution happens every Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., along with clothing giveaways. He’s also recently added behavioral health services, calling it a new but important part of the work.
Young Titan Mindset operates out of a warehouse space near 7 Mile and Gratiot which helps make distributions possible. Williams said he is an agency partner with Forgotten Harvest and regularly picks up food donations from local retailers, including Target on Mondays and Tuesdays, plus Sam’s Club on Sundays.
Upcoming events and new programs
Williams also highlighted several upcoming and expanding efforts, including an autism walk and a nonprofit pitch competition that provides funding to other organizations.
The pitch event is scheduled for April 26 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Greenfield Plaza, Williams said. The first 20 nonprofits to donate $25 can qualify to participate, with each group getting two minutes to pitch for prize money.
He said the competition is designed to help organizations that are struggling to access traditional grants.
“There’s money out here available. I know how hard it is to get grants,” said Williams.
Williams said more programs are on the way, including veteran housing support and youth opportunities like sports and helping athletes pursue basketball opportunities overseas. He also said a boxing component for kids is being added through a partnership with a local gym.
How to get involved
Williams said people can find updates and connect with him through Instagram and other platforms under Young Titan Mindset. He also said the organization can be reached by email at youngmindset@gmail.com.
A mission rooted in Detroit
Williams, a Detroit native, said his passion comes from seeing what his neighborhood lacked when he was younger — and choosing to be part of the solution now.
“I try to be a resource if I can be a resource instead of complaining,” said Williams.
Ultimately, Williams said his goal is to leave a legacy for his son and show young people they can help others and change their circumstances.
“It’s about changing the mindset,” said Williams.