The Jonathan Effect

America may be called the "land of opportunity," but countless kids and teens are struggling like young Davids in the urban wilderness, attempting to fight the giant of poverty under insurmountable odds. What could make a difference? The presence of a "Jonathan" in their lives to offer them the life-giving support they need to survive and thrive. The church is the best source of these Jonathans, as they partner with local schools and provide struggling youth with the relational connections that can help them overcome their circumstances. It's a strategy that works, as author Mike Tenbusch demonstrates through his own inspiring story. A Detroit native and longtime advocate for youth education, he brings you into the classrooms of the toughest schools in America so you can see firsthand the hardships of surviving as a child in these settings. And he introduces you to many real-life Jonathans who are making a tangible difference. The need is tremendous. If you have ever wondered how you, your company, or your church can be a part of the solution to the challenge of extreme poverty, this book will inspire you to take action. By coming alongside our nation's most vulnerable young people, you will help unleash the Jonathan Effect that will turn the tide in the battle against poverty.

Mike Tenbusch is the CEO of Uncommon Solutions, LLC, a consulting firm helping urban schools, churches, and impact organizations create strategies to improve conditions and outcomes for kids. Born and raised in Detroit, he has had a life-long calling to make Detroit a better place to be a kid and to raise a family, and he served as chief impact officer for United Way in Southeastern Michigan as part of his twenty years of leading change in the city. A graduate of the University of Michigan Law School, Mike co-founded Think Detroit (now Detroit PAL), an organization that now serves 14,000 children each year. He also served on the Board for Detroit Public Schools, helped a charter school district graduate more than ninety percent of its first high school class, and created a plan and led the effort to turnaround the city's most challenged high schools. Named one of Crain's 40 under 40 in 2008, he launched a training center for young people in partnership with best-selling author, Mitch Albom. He and his wife, Maritza, live with their three children outside Ann Arbor, Michigan.