Leon El-Alamin, founder and executive director of the MADE Institute, gives a tour in one of the two houses he has outfitted in Flint. His non-profit provides life changing programs for an undeserved community of ex-offenders, fighting for prison reform for people like himself and Michael Thompson.
(Jake May | MLive.com)Jake May | Mlive.com
“FLINT, MI – A Flint organization fighting recidivism has received a $283,375 grant from Islamic Relief USA to continue operations in Genesee County.
The MADE Institute, an organization that offers returning citizens and at-risk youth employment, education and housing opportunities, recently announced the grant.
Funding will be used to purchase five additional transitional houses on the city’s north side and work on the institute’s commercial building, according to a news release from the organization.
“There is a great need for additional transitional housing for our program participants. Having a safe, secure place to stay helps them get back on track and to start their new life on the right path,” Leon El-Alamin, founder and executive director of the MADE Institute, said. “We purchase the properties then our EPIK participants work to rehab them. It is a great way for them to get real life experience while rehabbing the property for future participants to live in while receiving services from us.”
The MADE Institute has helped more than 1,000 members of the Genesee County community through its various programs, which include entrepreneurship, trades, re-entry care packages, transitional housing and other support services.
This is the second year of a partnership between the MADE Institute and irusa, according to the news release.
“We are grateful for the partnership we have with IRUSA. Their support is critical for our continued growth,” said El-Alamin. “Many of the people who come to us are released with only the clothes they have on their back, and they have nowhere to go. We provide the support they need to have a new lease on life.”
