DETROIT – In the heart of Detroit, Kayla Donaldson dedicates her life to improving the lives of some of the city’s most vulnerable communities.
Her journey is one of resilience and compassion, focusing on helping the homeless and survivors of sex trafficking.
Donaldson spends much of her time in the basement of Fort Street Presbyterian Church, preparing supplies for those in need.
Her passion for this work is deeply personal.
“I was a teenage runaway, and I started off in a small town and plunged myself right onto the streets of the South Bronx, New York,” said Donaldson. “But I had some good people. I had some real angels that stood by me and they showed me what not to do.”
With the support of “Real Angels” who guided her, Kayla overcame many of life’s hardships, including homelessness.
Inspired by her experiences, Donaldson launched a simple yet impactful initiative: filling purses with hygiene items for homeless women, women who find themselves in situations she once faced. This idea has since grown into a full-scale operation.
“People see these problems of homelessness and murder and sex trafficking and drug trafficking and AIDS, and nobody can solve this whole problem,” Donaldson said.
However, Donaldson and her team ensured the items reached those in need by donating hygiene products, warm clothes, food, survival gear, and basic necessities.
“And every week we had to take care of all of these homeless people, and it’s just what comes from people’s hearts,” Donaldson said.
This effort led to the creation of Magdalene’s Mission, a nonprofit named after Mary Magdalene, the best friend of Jesus.
“She sat beside him the whole time, right there with him and his mother. I want to be that when people are in their darkest hour, and people are going through their hardest time, I’m right there with you,” Donaldson said.
For Donaldson, the mission is about more than just survival; it’s about restoring dignity and hope.
“I can’t solve all your problems. The sign doesn’t say Kayla saves, but I can be there. I can help you. I can give you what you need long enough to survive. I can connect you to the resource that will get you out of the street,” Donaldson said.
Every Tuesday night, Donaldson ventures out into Detroit to deliver supplies, focusing on women facing the hardships of street life.
“My favorite part is when the girls see us, and they run from across the street, ‘You’re here,’ and they run across the street, and they grab us, and they hug us, ‘Oh, thank goodness you’re here,’” Donaldson said.
Yet, no one in need is ever turned away.
In recognition of her efforts, Donaldson was recently joined by WDIV Vice President and General Manager Bob Ellis to receive this month’s Go-4-It award.
The accolade highlights her dedication to the community and the impact of her work.
Donations and volunteer opportunities are available for those interested in supporting Donaldson’s mission.
