Southwest Solutions and Development Centers, two Detroit nonprofits, have merged to form MiSide as part of their efforts to improving the lives of individuals and families.
The newly formed MiSide is a community impact network, serves nearly 25,000 clients across Detroit and Wayne County, working to ensure that children, individuals, families, and communities have access to health care, quality education, a comfortable home, and the money they need to build a life.
Across the state, more than 660,000 people have unmet behavioral health needs and southeast Michigan ranks second in the state. MiSide intends to address this trend by providing a more personal level of care that helps with every side of life meet the needs of each community it serves through its four pillars of service:
- MiHealth – integrated behavioral and physical health services for children and adults.
- MiWealth – employment and education services for adults and youth.
- MiHousing– affordable housing for families and individuals.
- MiEarlyYears– early childhood education and family services.
The services offered by MiSide are the same as previously provided by Southwest Solutions and Development Centers. The group will continue to provide veteran services through its permanent supportive housing community, Piquette Square, and initiatives like the Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) and Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF).
MiSide has expanded access to programs like its certified community behavioral health clinic, which provides treatment to clients experiencing mild to moderate symptoms and the Head Start and Early Childhood programs.
“MiSide was formed on the belief of gathering the best and brightest within an organization that will allow for an accessible, easy-to-use resource that supports every side of life,” says Sean de Four, president and CEO of MiSide. “Last year, Southwest Solutions and Development Centers served more than 22,000 individuals. Now, as MiSide, we can reach more people in Wayne County and help people of all ages succeed and prosper in life.”
All Southwest Solutions and Development Centers staff members have remained on staff as MiSide employees. The nonprofit also welcomes 25 individuals serving on its board of directors to help guide the organization across all four service pillars. The MiSide team and board members will contribute to its mission, programs, culture, and commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Sean De Four, former president and CEO of Southwest Solutions, serves as president and CEO of MiSide. Cathy Liesman of Development Centers will retire by the end of 2023 as a personal decision.
To learn more about MiSide, its mission and the services it provides or to donate please visit MiSide.org.
