The Village Blueprint
Village Blueprint seeks to strengthen our community by embracing the families of young scholars who participate in our Queens and Pharaohs Clubs.
We recognize families as the foundation of our community and believe in creating more opportunities for caregivers and children to enhance their familial connections. Through special events and trips, Village Blueprint cultivates a safe space where caregivers and their young scholars can share magical experiences and rediscover the joy of play, nurturing both the child and the inner child.
1st Annual Village Blueprint Brunch—December 7th, 2025
At Our Community Reads, we believe deeply in the power of village. The Village Blueprint was created with intention—to connect with and build trusted community alongside the caregivers of the young people we serve. Because parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, and guardians are not just supporters of our Queens and Pharaohs Clubs—they are a vital part of how our young people see themselves, what they believe is possible in their everyday moments, and the futures they are already building.
When caregivers feel seen, valued, and connected, it ripples outward. It shapes confidence. It nurtures dreams. It strengthens homes and, ultimately, the communities we all want to see thrive.
On Sunday, December 7th, 2025, we experienced a beautiful taste of what consistency and investment in people can create. Our 1st Annual Village Blueprint Brunch was filled with parents and young scholars from our program, and the room was full of warmth, laughter, conversation, imagination, and care. We talked. We dreamed. We played. We ate well. And most importantly, we gathered in the safety of one another’s presence—laying plans and planting seeds as we look ahead to expanding this work in 2026.
We are incredibly grateful to every parent who showed up and trusted us with their time, their stories, and their hopes. Thank you to everyone who supported and made this day extra special: The Peace HUB Center in Ypsilanti, Bonnie Billups Jr. and staff, for holding such a welcoming space; Nothing Bundt Cakes for sponsoring the Topaze Community Reading Circle; and Shanese Johnson and Shayla Card-Nowlin for your creativity, energy, and unwavering commitment to our families.
This is what village looks like. This is what happens when we invest in people—together.
Village Blueprint is how we invest in families—centering caregivers as the foundation of thriving children, nurturing connection, and creating space for joy. This is how we strengthen communities, shape confident futures, and build together.
