DETROIT – A grandmother in Detroit who has been caring for her five grandchildren on her own has more space to accommodate them thanks to the generosity of others.
In October 2022, Local 4 did a series of stories on chronic absenteeism in Detroit Public Schools. During this series, they highlighted the district’s Family Resource Distribution Center, which supplied families with resources to DPSCD families. Burnett was using one of the tools the district uses to help keep kids in class. She’s retired and on a fixed income and wasn’t sure how to make ends meet.
After her story aired, people reached out to help her. What she needed was a safe place to stay and thanks to the kindness of others, she and her grandchildren have that.
One of those moved by Burnett’s story was Jim Pierson of Ann Arbor. For more than a year, he and his wife Cindy have been on a mission to help Jonnetta Burnett. Earlier in December, they helped her move from a cramped 700-square-foot flat to a beautiful historic home in northwest Detroit.
“My daughter passed and left me with my five children. With the five children, it was a struggle until I met all these wonderful people,” Burnett said. “They helped me with my five grandchildren. It wasn’t easy but I made it and I’m happier here and I’m so happy. They’re happy and they love it because they have the space and room. They can run around and have fun with it.”
All five of her grandchildren are thriving. The oldest two have above a 3.0 grade point average.
Burnett said she’s grateful for all the support from the Piersons, Detroit Public Schools Community District and all the viewers who helped her family.
“Thank you. Thank you,” Burnett said. “It’s a blessing. Thank y’all.”
The Piersons said they currently own the home, but they hope that by June, Burnett will be able to buy the house and acquire some wealth. Her next need is a bigger and better transportation, like a minivan. She’s been driving her grandchildren to school every day and they’ve never missed class.
We want to honor those making a difference. Click here to nominate someone who’s Going 4 It in your community. We’ll be featuring your nominees every month on Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit.