GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Brenda Cage previously worked as the head custodian for Grand Rapids Public Schools, retiring after 30 years with the district. She says she isn’t done serving our youth just yet.
She says she started Women on the M.U.V. as a social club for other like-minded retirees, including many former teachers looking to support local teens.
At the start of the school year, the group reaches out to nearby high schools to find interested families. Members of Women on the M.U.V. will then fundraise, even digging into their own pockets to provide clothing, hair needs and essentials like soap and deodorant to the participating youth.
There’s also tutoring on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and a hot meal is provided.
12-year-old Joi Armstrong is a participant of Young Women on the M.U.V. and said, “She helps me get my grades up and we also can do fun activities here. We went fishing, we celebrate holidays here. Like, last week for Halloween, we decorated pumpkins and we ate candy and stuff.”
Cage said, “It makes them feel good. It raises their self-esteem. They take pride in the way they look and if affects everything, mentally, everything.”
They’re having a fundraiser Saturday, Nov. 11 at their facility located at 950 28th Street SE, Suite 202E (building E) in Grand Rapids. Detroit native and award-winning gospel comedian Aunt Mable will be there from Atlanta performing from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
If you would like ticket information or would like to help with the organization by volunteering or making donations, reach out to Cage at WomenOnTheMUV@gmail.com.
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