Since 1998, C.U.P. has been providing a voice for the people of Detroit edifying our communities through promoting change and unity.
Our MISSION
Our mission is to unite Detroit communities through partnership with families, churches and local businesses and increase awareness while meeting diverse neighborhood needs culturally, economically and stimulating education among and within all cultures.
“Shirley Burch has changed the mindset in Northeast Detroit, and beyond, through the impact C.U.P. has made in our community.”
C.U.P. In The Community
Renovated Dad Butler Park with Able To Play equipment
Provide Back to School Health Checks
Provide school supplies to over 500 children annually
Designed state of the art community playground with Detroit Recreational Department
Donate over 400 turkey and food baskets annually Thanksgiving
Opened neighborhood Mini Police Station with Wayne County Sheriffs and Michigan State Police
Partner with over 10 churches
Partner with over 20 businesses
And so much more…
C.U.P. originated out of Lomax Temple AME Zion Church under Pastor Joel D. Miles in 1989. Shirley Burch and Carolyn Green and team first outreach location was blessed to utilize the annex of Anderson Memorial Church on Jos Campau Street under pastoral leadership the late Rev. Tyrone Anderson. After two years, C.U.P. moved to 7 Mile and Dequindre to continue operating a free after school summer workshop for children ages 5 to 15. Our program consisted of leading with prayer and exposure to homework assistance, music/singing lessons by Dr. Vernett Smith, career days from professionals such as FBI Agent Munson, Commissioner Martha Scott, 11th Precinct Officers, Detroit Edison, Joe Cazeno and many more.
Our students were exposed to free field trips and numerous activities. They were taught to fish in Dexter, MI, how to bait their lines and clean their catch. A luxury bus, donated by Arthur Blackwell, took children across the Detroit Bridge to Canada to visit Rosa Parks Historical Pathway to Freedom.
We give all praise to GOD for what we taught young people during the late 80s and 90s. Dream big. Think big. You will accomplish big accomplishments to enhance the world.
In 1989, Shirley partnered with Sam Shina, manager of Imperial Market, inside the Belmont Shopping Center opened in 1958 on E. 8 Mile at Dequindre. GOD favored a 3-way partnership with Imperial and Tom Petzold, owner of Belmont. Our acronym BIC, Belmont Imperial C.U.P. embraced the dual meaning of Bringing In Change. This partnership still thrives strong and continues to stimulate the communities of our city.