Empowering Youth Through Construction: Top Notch Kids Celebrates a Decade of Transformative Impact

In a world where gun violence has become a pervasive issue, a West Michigan organization, Top Notch Kids, has been working tirelessly for the past 10 years to provide a constructive alternative for young people. By introducing them to the world of construction, the organization aims to steer them away from the dangers of firearms and towards a future filled with purpose and opportunity.

Redefining Strength: How Top Notch Kids is Reshaping Perceptions of Power

Harnessing the Power of Construction

When most people think of guns, they envision the destructive power of firearms. However, Top Notch Kids is challenging this perception by introducing young people to a different kind of "gun" – the tools of the construction trade. Cory McLiechey, the president of the organization, explains that these construction tools, such as nail guns and caulking guns, possess a unique kind of power that can be harnessed for positive change."Kids look at a gun as power. They've got a lot of torque to them. But the home improvement gun has a torque too, and you're making money every time you pull the trigger with this gun. You pull the trigger with the other gun, that's death or prison or just the worst situation you could ever imagine," McLiechey says.By shifting the focus from destructive firearms to the productive tools of the construction industry, Top Notch Kids is empowering young people to see that true strength lies not in the ability to cause harm, but in the ability to create and build.

A Community-Driven Approach

Top Notch Kids recognizes that gun violence is a complex issue that requires a collective effort. McLiechey emphasizes that the problem is not just a local one, but a national and even global concern that demands the attention and involvement of the entire community."This is all of our problem as a community – as Grand Rapids, as the state of Michigan, and the United States, because gun violence has plagued the whole country, and it's global. We all have to collectively come together and do our part, and if people don't want to, or don't care, they're going to continue to be the ones sobbing and crying at funerals," he says.To address this challenge, Top Notch Kids has forged partnerships with organizations like the Boston Square Neighborhood Association and Essie Properties LLC, leveraging their resources and expertise to create meaningful opportunities for young people.

Embracing Mistakes as a Learning Process

Top Notch Kids recognizes that the path to success is not always linear, and that mistakes are an integral part of the learning process. William Bryant, who owns Essie Properties and collaborates with the organization, emphasizes the importance of patience and understanding when working with young people."Children need chances. We expect them to make mistakes, because it's a learning process. You don't get penalized for the first mistake or the second mistake. It's a process. I guess that teaches patience," Bryant says.By creating an environment where young people feel supported and encouraged to take risks and learn from their experiences, Top Notch Kids is fostering a sense of resilience and self-confidence that can serve them well in their future endeavors.

Expanding Horizons: From Residential to Commercial Construction

Over the past decade, Top Notch Kids has primarily focused on introducing young people to residential construction sites. However, the organization is now taking a significant step forward by expanding its reach to a commercial construction site at the corner of Wealthy Street and Division Avenue.McLiechey expresses his gratitude for this new opportunity, stating, "We hope that other construction companies want to implement this program within their wheelhouse. There are thousands of kids that need an opportunity, to make a difference in their lives."This expansion into the commercial construction sector represents a crucial milestone for Top Notch Kids, as it allows the organization to expose young participants to a wider range of construction experiences and potentially open up new career paths for them.

Inspiring the Next Generation: The Stories of Carvel and Cavalli King

The impact of Top Notch Kids can be seen in the stories of young participants like the twin brothers, Carvel and Cavalli King. These brothers, who are always on the lookout for opportunities to earn money, have found a meaningful outlet through the organization's programs.Cavalli shares his experience, saying, "We usually do cleaning. I did mopping for a bunch of rooms and window cleaning. He has done walls and bathrooms and stuff. We're just cleaning up right now."Carvel adds, "It's really fun, because you get to learn a bunch of things, and you could pursue a career in this. You could definitely be a construction worker, or you could just do this for fun. You can make friends your age sometimes. It really just depends on what you're really into."The stories of Carvel and Cavalli King illustrate the diverse benefits that Top Notch Kids offers, from practical skills development to the fostering of social connections and the exploration of potential career paths.As Top Notch Kids celebrates its 10-year milestone, the organization's commitment to empowering young people through the transformative power of construction remains unwavering. By redefining strength, fostering a community-driven approach, and embracing the learning process, Top Notch Kids is paving the way for a future where young people can thrive, free from the grip of gun violence.