Community

Conversation on

Mental Health:

Addressing Emerging

Issues in the Black

Community

[posted December 5, 2025]

A vital community dialogue on mental health—focused specifically on challenges emerging within the Black community—will take place on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Lawrence Technological University. Please note: This event has been rescheduled from its original date of Saturday, December 13.

A Space for Healing, Awareness, and Empowerment

Mental health continues to be an essential topic within the Black community, where individuals often face unique cultural, social, and systemic pressures. This conversation aims to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and create pathways toward collective well-being.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful dialogue and share perspectives in a supportive environment committed to growth and community connection.

Event Facilitator

The discussion will be facilitated by Dr. Theadia Carey, M.D., whose distinguished expertise helps guide conversations around mental health with compassion, clarity, and depth.

Event Details

• New Date: Saturday, January 10, 2026
  (Previously scheduled for Saturday, December 13)

• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

• Location: Room 221, Building 7 – Science Building Lawrence Technological University (Accessible via the southbound Northwestern Highway service drive)

Hosted By

This event is presented in partnership with the Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club and the Southfield Esquires Mentoring Program, organizations committed to community uplift and youth empowerment.

JOI Members Lend a Hand to Residents in Need

[posted November 21, 2025]

On Saturday, November 15, members of the Southfield University Academy JOI Club stepped up to support their community in a big way. Partnering with Interfaith Volunteer Caregivers, the students spent the day assisting residents throughout Southfield and lower Oakland County with essential fall yard work.

Armed with rakes, gloves, and plenty of determination, JOI members helped multiple homeowners with tasks such as clearing leaves, pulling stubborn weeds, and even moving heavy rocks. Their efforts not only improved the appearance of each yard, but also provided meaningful support to residents who needed an extra hand preparing their homes for the winter season.

This service project reflects the JOI Club’s mission of leadership through community involvement. By dedicating their Saturday to helping others, these young volunteers demonstrated the power of teamwork, compassion, and civic responsibility.

The Southfield University Academy JOI Club continues to show that even small acts of service can make a big impact—bringing out the best in their members and in their community.

Community

Discussion on Mental

Health in the Black

Community

[posted November 10, 2025]

The distinguished Dr. Theadia Carey, M.D., and an associate have graciously accepted our invitation to lead an important discussion addressing mental health issues emerging within the Black community.

This conversation will explore current challenges, cultural perspectives, and community-centered approaches to supporting wellness and resilience. Students, faculty, and community members are all encouraged to attend and engage in this meaningful dialogue.

Event Details
📅 Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
🕘 Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
📍 Location: Room 221, Building 7 – Science Building
Lawrence Technological University
(Accessible via the southbound Northwestern Highway service drive)

This forum is sponsored by the Southfield Esquires Mentoring Program and the Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club. Join us as we learn, listen, and connect in the spirit of healing and collective growth.

Southfield-Lathrup

Village Optimist Club

Brings Smiles to

Thousands at Annual

Trunk or Treat

[posted October 27, 2025]

The Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club joined in the fun at the Southfield Police Department’s annual Trunk or Treat event, on October 26, where more than 4,000 residents came out to celebrate Halloween and connect with local community organizations.

The Optimist Club’s festive trunk, decorated for the season, was one of many that helped make the evening a memorable and family-friendly success. Alongside handing out treats, club members shared information about the Optimists’ mission—to bring out the best in youth, our communities, and ourselves. Families and visitors had the opportunity to learn more about the club’s ongoing programs, including youth recognition initiatives, community service projects, and local partnerships that support students and families throughout the year.

The Southfield Police Department’s Trunk or Treat has become a beloved annual tradition, providing a safe and fun way for children to enjoy Halloween while building connections between residents and local organizations.

The Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club looks forward to participating again next year—and continuing to share their message of optimism and community service with even more neighbors.

Optimist Club of Southfield-Lathrup Village Invites Local Youth to Enter 2025–2026 Essay Contest

[posted October 15, 2025]

The Optimist Club of Southfield-Lathrup Village is excited to announce its annual Optimist International Youth Essay Contest for the 2025–2026 year. This year’s inspiring theme is: “How My Acts of Service Help Me Understand What My Community Means to Me.”

Encouraging Young Voices

The Essay Contest, sponsored by Optimist International, gives young people the opportunity to express their thoughts and ideas about the world in which they live. Students are encouraged to share personal experiences, community engagement, and their unique perspectives through written expression.

In addition to building valuable writing and communication skills, participants also have the chance to earn cash awards and college scholarships.

Awards and Scholarships

Local club recognitions and awards will be presented as follows:

• 1st Place: $200

• 2nd Place: $100

• 3rd Place: $50

The First-Place winning essay will advance to the Michigan District Contest, where it will compete for a $2,500 college scholarship. The Second-Place finisher will receive a $1,500 scholarship, and the Third-Place finisher will receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Who Can Enter

Youth under the age of 19 as of October 1, 2025, who live, attend school, or participate in a youth mentoring program in Southfield or Lathrup Village, are invited to enter. Participants must not have yet completed secondary school. There is no minimum age requirement.

How to Enter

Students can pick up applications and contest rules at their school or through the link below.

Completed entries — including the application, essay cover page, and essay — must be submitted by Saturday, January 31, 2026.
All entries should be emailed to: slvoptimist@gmail.com

Southfield-Lathrup

Village Optimist Club

Shines at Back-to-School Fair

[posted August 22, 2025]

On August 14, the Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club proudly participated in the Southfield Public School District’s annual Back to School Fair—a true celebration of community spirit and collaboration.

The event, held on the football field, brought together 32 community partners and 13 schools, each lined up under tents filled with school supplies, resources, and support for families. Hundreds of students and adults attended, receiving not only the tools they need for success but also the encouragement of a community dedicated to lifting them up.

Representing the Optimist Club was William Carey—a Science Specialist Teacher at University K-12 Academy and Advisor to its Junior Optimist Club—and Club Secretary Cherryl Thames. Together with our partners, we joined a lineup of local organizations committed to ensuring students are set up for a strong school year.

The fair was as lively as it was purposeful. The Southfield Warriors football team volunteered their strength to help unload and set up supplies. Families enjoyed food trucks while entertainment filled the air, including performances from Levey’s Marching Band, the Southfield A&T Drum Line, and its spirited Cheer Team.

Mr. Carey, in his dual role as educator and Optimist, exemplified the heart of the event: connecting youth with positive role models and opportunities. His leadership, along with the energy of so many partners, turned the fair into more than a resource hub—it became a celebration of hope and readiness.

From start to finish, the fair was nothing short of a 5-star kickoff to the new school year. The Southfield-Lathrup Village Optimist Club is proud to have been part of such a phenomenal example of community engagement in action.