Ray Hildago is a local free lance writer.

By Ray Hildago

On a Friday, nearly two weeks ago, Summer In the City,  a community service organization in Detroit largely comprised of young volunteers,  finished up its 14th season with more than 1,200 people gathering at the Crowell Recreation Center on Detroit’s west side to celebrate.

There was food and art and music at the celebration that included both volunteers and members of the community. But more importantly there was a feeling of accomplishment.

“What's exciting about Summer in the City,” said co-founder Ben Falik,“ is that even as things have expanded and evolved beyond anything we could have imagined, we haven't lost sight of what inspired us in the first place -- the idea that young people can be the change they wish to see in Detroit.”

Since its inception in 2002, more than 10,000 volunteers have performed more than 400,000 hours of high-impact community service that includes painting murals, planting community gardens and playing with elementary school campers at enrichment sites throughout the city. The program runs from June through August.


Co-founder Ben Falik

Many summers ago with fellow co-founders Michael Goldberg and Neil Greenberg, Falik says he championed the vision of a more unified Metro Detroit community, and tapped into the positive energy of its young people.

Initially, Summer in the City Detroit deployed volunteers -- suburban high school students -- from different carpool sites in the suburbs to designated locations in Detroit. 

These days, volunteers come from both the suburbs and the city, as well as from a businesses community that has been eager to spend working hours giving back to the community.

The program not only benefits the city, but the volunteers, as well.

For University of Michigan student and crew member Emily Aaron, this summer marks the bittersweet end of her three-year tenure with the organization; one of the more memorable chapters in her life as the leader of its Del Rey Play Program.

“It’s always fun to come back after the school year and see the kids [from Del Rey] still remember you,” she said. “They run up to you and give you a big hug because they’re so excited to see you and let you know you kind of made a difference in their life. And they want to hang out again.”