.jpeg)
Meet Our Founder
JuaNicka Jackson is a proud Detroit native, born and raised, with more than 10 years of experience in the human services field. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Services from the University of Phoenix in 2015 and her Master of Social Work (Clinical Social Work) in 2020.
Throughout her career, JuaNicka has worked with diverse populations, including early childhood, children, youth, young adults, families, veterans, and survivors of human trafficking. Her experience has strengthened her passion for advocacy, resource connection, and helping individuals overcome barriers while rebuilding and improving their lives.
JuaNicka is dedicated to empowering individuals by identifying community needs, connecting people with resources, and creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. Her commitment to serving others and addressing unmet needs inspired her to establish Top Tier Youth of Detroit (TTYD) in December 2025.
As a Detroit native, JuaNicka understands the challenges many families and communities face.She believes every individual deserves access to basic necessities, life skills, and opportunities for success regardless of socioeconomic status, race, gender, ability, or physical or cognitive differences.
Through TTYD, JuaNicka is committed to supporting children, adolescents and young adults with families by providing essential resources, building community partnerships, and creating pathways that help individuals not only overcome challenges but achieve long-term success.
ABOUT US
Founded in the heart of Detroit, our organization was created by people who have lived in this
community their entire lives. We are parents, mentors, and neighbors who have experienced
firsthand both the challenges and the beauty of raising children in the city with limited support.
Our shared experiences give us a genuine understanding of what it means to struggle, persevere,
and still believe in a better future for our families and youth.
We know what it’s like to navigate life in urban areas where opportunities can feel out of reach
and resources are scarce—but we also know the incredible strength, resilience, and determination
that define Detroiters. That’s why we are deeply committed to building pathways that empower
youth and families to thrive, not just survive.
Our organization serves children, teens, and young adults from early childhood through age 25,
offering essential resources, mentorship, life-skill development, and emotional wellness support.
Every program we offer reflects our firsthand understanding of what Detroit’s families truly
need—community, compassion, opportunity, and a belief in what’s possible.
As individuals who have walked the same streets, attended the same schools, and faced the same
barriers, we are driven to give back to the city that shaped us. By supporting Detroit’s youth, we
are not only changing lives—we are strengthening families, rebuilding communities, and
investing in a brighter, more equitable Metropolitan Detroit for generations to come.
MISSION
Top Tier Youth of Detroit empowers youth across Metropolitan Detroit—from early childhood through young adulthood—by providing equitable access to essential resources, emotional wellness support, mentorship, and life-skill development opportunities.
We are committed to fostering resilience, self-sufficiency, confidence, and community engagement so every young person has the support needed to thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
VISION
We envision a thriving Metro Detroit where every young person—from early childhood to age 25—has the opportunity, confidence, and support to reach their highest potential.
We strive to build a future where basic needs are met, emotional wellness is prioritized, diversity is celebrated, and youth and young adults are empowered to lead purposeful, self-sufficient lives while strengthening their families and communities.
CORE VALUES
Empowerment
Inspiring youth and families to build confidence and create brighter futures.
Equity
Providing fair access to opportunities and resources for all.
Compassion
Leading with empathy, respect, and understanding.
Collaboration
Partnering with families, schools, and the community to create lasting impact.
Integrity
Acting with honesty, accountability, and transparency.
Growth
Encouraging lifelong learning, resilience, and personal development.
Community
Strengthening Detroit through connection, service, and shared responsibility.
Diversity & Inclusion
Celebrating every individual and fostering a welcoming, respectful environment.
OUR LOCATIONS
Detroit, MI