The power of youth advocacy and promoting mental health cannot be underestimated. The role of individuals like Laron Evans in promoting these values cannot be ignored. Laron is a community leader, mental health professional, and youth advocate with vast experience in promoting mental health, developing youth development programs, and providing direct service to juveniles.

Laron is currently the Executive Director of the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, a role he has held since April 2022. Before this, Laron was the Sr. Manager of In-School Initiatives at Teen HYPE. He developed and implemented strategic plans for annual program cycles, collaborated with Development staff, and oversaw evaluation surveys. He also served as the Director of Counseling Services at the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, where he developed and implemented essential youth development programs and managed all administrative tasks related to operating the YMCA Career and College Prep (I Can Achieve Program and WIOA) community programs.

In addition to his work at the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit, Laron has served as a Clinical Therapist at the Juvenile Assessment Center and as a Match Support Specialist at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metro Detroit. He has also worked as a Project Graduation Coach at Detroit Parent Network and a Direct Care Counselor at Isabella County Day Treatment Program.

Laron’s passion for youth advocacy and promoting mental health is evident in his work. He has conducted individual, family, and group therapy sessions and identified mental health or other problems using approved assessment instruments, social history, and consultation with the community and Juvenile Justice resources. Laron has also assisted parents and their children in developing specific goals and action plans to graduate high school and attend college/post-education, worked in collaboration with parents, students, schools, and community organizations to develop partnerships that capitalize on the assets of area resources and institutions, and administered risk and needs assessment, treatment plan, data collection, and weekly progress notes.

Laron’s work at the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit is a testament to his commitment to promoting mental health and youth development. The YMCA is an inclusive organization that prioritizes nurturing children, social responsibility, and healthy living. For over 168 years, the YMCA has served the Metro Detroit region where children and families can grow. Laron’s leadership at the YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit embodies these values and inspires many who believe in the power of youth advocacy and promoting mental health.