About The L.I.V.E. Outreach

Our Founder's Story

Founded in July 2014 by Malika Williams, The L.I.V.E. Outreach is a community-focused nonprofit organization dedicated to giving back to Detroit's children and families. Malika, a mother of four, knows firsthand the challenges of growing up in the foster care system and turning one's life around. With a passionate team behind her, she built The L.I.V.E. Outreach on the belief that our children are our greatest investment in the future. What began as a small community effort has grown into an organization that serves hundreds of families across the Detroit metropolitan area each year.

Our Mission

The mission of The L.I.V.E. Outreach is to refresh, renew, and revive the lives of children and families in the Detroit metropolitan area. We provide essential resources including toiletries, books, and clothing while building supportive community connections. We strive to ensure that every child and family we serve has what they need to learn, innovate, and thrive.

Our Vision

We envision a Detroit where every child has access to the basic necessities, educational resources, and community support they need to succeed. The L.I.V.E. Outreach works toward a future where young people are empowered to become valiant, extraordinary people who contribute to and strengthen their communities.

Our Story: The Heart Behind L.I.V.E. Outreach

The L.I.V.E. Outreach was born from lived experience. Our founder, Malika Williams, grew up in the foster care system and understands the daily challenges that foster youth face. Rather than let those challenges define her, Malika channeled her experiences into purpose, creating an organization that directly addresses the needs she once faced herself.

Malika is a self-published author of an autobiography titled "I'm just trying to L.I.V.E.," which provides insight into her life growing up in foster care and how she managed to turn challenging circumstances into a learning experience. This journey transformed her passion into her purpose.

In May 2014, Malika received an Associate's Degree in Business Administration from Macomb Community College. She continued her education and, in May 2020, earned her Bachelor's Degree from Ferris State University in Integrative Studies. Malika also serves on the Board of Directors for Literary Legacies in Chicago, IL, and is a Trustee for the library board in the city of Harper Woods.

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, where she currently resides, Malika is a dedicated mother of four. Community advocacy is a significant part of her life. She enjoys assisting with community clean-ups, feeding the homeless, and much more. Malika believes you must be the difference you want to see.

What L.I.V.E. Means

Our name carries our mission: (L)earn to (I)nnovate while creating (V)aliant (E)xtraordinary people. Every program, every volunteer hour, and every donated item moves us closer to that goal. We are not just providing resources; we are investing in the potential of Detroit's young people.

A Growing Impact in Detroit

Since 2014, The L.I.V.E. Outreach has steadily expanded its reach across the Detroit metropolitan area. What started with toiletry drives has grown to include book donations, clothing collections, and community engagement programs. We partner with local organizations, schools, churches, and businesses to ensure that our resources reach the families who need them most.

We are always looking for ways to improve and welcome any ideas. If you have a suggestion, please email us at theliveoutreach@gmail.com.

Our Team

The people behind the mission

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Malika Williams

Founder & Executive Director

Malika Williams founded The L.I.V.E. Outreach in July 2014, drawing on her own experience growing up in the foster care system to create an organization dedicated to serving Detroit's foster youth and families. A mother of four, Malika holds an Associate's Degree in Business Administration from Macomb Community College and a Bachelor's Degree in Integrative Studies from Ferris State University. She is the author of "I'm just trying to L.I.V.E.," an autobiography that shares her journey through foster care and how she transformed challenging circumstances into purpose. Malika serves on the Board of Directors for Literary Legacies in Chicago, IL, and is a Trustee for the library board in the city of Harper Woods. Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Malika is passionate about community advocacy, including community clean-ups and feeding the homeless. She believes you must be the difference you want to see.