Meet SAMIKA DOUGLAS of Douglas Enterprise/Sammie’s Village Child Development Center

Today we’d like to introduce you to SAMIKA DOUGLAS.

Hi SAMIKA, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Benton Harbor, Michigan, in the 1980s during the height of the crack epidemic, my childhood was far from easy. As the third child of teenage parents battling drug addiction, stability was a rare commodity. Life threw a relentless barrage of lemons – frequent moves to escape the physical abuse my mother endured, the constant shadow of my parents’ struggles, and the sting of being labeled and told I would amount to nothing because of my family’s circumstances.

Despite the chaos, two anchors held me steady. My father, despite his addiction, remained my hero, a testament to the complex and often contradictory nature of human beings. And then there was my grandmother, Mary. With no formal education, she single-handedly raised eight children, embodying resilience and unwavering care for others. Witnessing her strength in the face of adversity became a powerful early lesson.

Hearing the dismissive predictions about my future – being told I was destined for nothing because of who my parents were – ignited a fire within me. I decided then that I would become the person I desperately needed but didn’t have in my early life. That desire to be the support, the advocate, the beacon of hope that was sometimes missing became my driving motto.

This personal history fueled my journey into community advocacy. My early experiences instilled in me a deep understanding of the systemic challenges faced by vulnerable populations, particularly youth and families. My professional path, from crisis intervention in Benton Harbor to community resource planning and my current focus on establishing Sammie’s Village Child Development Center, has been a direct response to those formative years. I channeled the pain and the lack into a passion for creating the very support systems I once longed for. Today, I stand as a seasoned advocate, driven by the belief that no child should be defined by their parents’ struggles and that everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive. My story is one of turning adversity into action, of choosing to build instead of being swallowed by the lemons life threw my way.

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Absolutely not. The path has been anything but smooth. While my early experiences ignited a fierce determination, the journey has been fraught with significant struggles.

Navigating the foster care system was a deeply destabilizing experience. Being separated from my siblings created a profound sense of loss and a lack of consistent family support. The very system meant to protect children often left me feeling isolated and adrift.

Adding to this trauma, I also endured molestation, a violation that left deep emotional scars and impacted my sense of safety and trust for years. This was a heavy burden to carry, especially without the consistent support of a stable family unit.

The absence of my mother, particularly during her time in prison, created another layer of instability and grief. While my grandmother was a constant source of love, the void left by my mother’s absence was palpable.

Furthermore, the constant uprooting – moving from city to city, town to town – meant perpetually being the “new kid.” This constant disruption made it incredibly difficult to form lasting friendships and build a sense of belonging. Each new school, each new neighborhood, required adapting and starting over, leaving a residue of feeling like an outsider.

Even the experience of being in a drug rehabilitation center with a parent was complex. While there was a shared struggle, it also blurred the lines of childhood and responsibility, adding another layer of emotional complexity to an already turbulent upbringing.

These struggles – foster care separation, molestation, the absence of my mother due to incarceration, and the constant instability of moving – were significant hurdles. They shaped my resilience, yes, but they also left wounds that required time and conscious effort to heal. It was through navigating these very difficult terrains that my commitment to creating stability and support for others truly solidified. My journey has been about not just surviving these storms, but learning to build a lighthouse for others who might be facing similar darkness.

Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My primary focus right now is establishing Sammie’s Village Child Development Center. This is the heart of my current efforts and a culmination of my lifelong dedication to youth development and community well-being. Under the umbrella of the broader Samika Douglas Enterprise, which encompasses my various endeavors in advocacy, education, and support, Sammie’s Village is my most significant current project.

Sammie’s Village Child Development Center is more than just a daycare; it’s envisioned as a holistic and intergenerational learning hub rooted in community well-being. Drawing on my 15+ years in community advocacy, crisis intervention, and resource planning, the center will provide a nurturing and stimulating environment where children thrive.

We are committed to a child-centered approach, emphasizing academic readiness alongside social-emotional growth, resilience, and a love of learning. Our intergenerational curriculum will intentionally create opportunities for meaningful interaction and learning between young children and older adults, fostering mutual respect and enriching the learning experience for all. We aim to be a community cornerstone, supporting children and their families through resources and strong connections.

While in the establishment phase, Sammie’s Village will specialize in high-quality early childhood education for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. We will be known for our inclusive, intergenerational environment, individualized learning, and strong community partnerships. My background in trauma-informed care and social justice will ensure an equitable approach for all families.

What sets us apart is our deep community integration, our commitment to addressing barriers to early education, and the personal drive behind it: to be the support I once lacked. Our intergenerational focus, intentionally weaving in the wisdom and experience of older adults, will offer a unique and enriching dimension to our curriculum.

I am most proud of the intention behind Sammie’s Village – to create a “village” where children feel safe, valued, and empowered. The brand will stand for resilience, community, and the belief in every child’s potential, enhanced by the enriching connections of an intergenerational model.

Sammie’s Village will offer developmentally appropriate and engaging programs led by qualified educators within an intergenerational framework. Beyond childcare, we aim to be a family resource, offering connections and fostering a strong community. We are committed to an inclusive environment where every child and participating elder belongs and can flourish through shared learning and connection.

My work with Sammie’s Village is a direct extension of my lifelong commitment to creating positive change. It’s about building a future where children and elders learn and grow together, supported by a caring community.
What we do and specialize in:

Developmentally Appropriate Curriculum: Our curriculum will be play-based, child-centered, and designed to meet the unique developmental needs of each child. We will emphasize hands-on learning, exploration, and creativity.
Social-Emotional Learning: Recognizing the crucial role of emotional intelligence, we will integrate social-emotional learning into our daily activities, helping children develop empathy, self-regulation, and positive relationships.
Community-Integrated Approach: We aim to be deeply connected with the Grand Rapids community, offering resources and support to families and partnering with local organizations to enrich our programs.
Inclusive and Equitable Environment: Creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all children, regardless of their background or abilities, is paramount. We will actively promote diversity and celebrate individual differences.
What sets us apart:

My personal journey and the driving force behind Sammie’s Village are what truly set us apart. Having navigated significant adversity in my own childhood, I bring a deep understanding of the importance of a supportive and nurturing early environment. This isn’t just a business venture; it’s a personal mission to be the “person I didn’t have” for the children in our community. My extensive experience in community advocacy and working with vulnerable populations through organizations like Project Green and Healthy Homes Coalition of West MI informs our approach, ensuring we are addressing the holistic needs of families.

I am most proud of the intention behind Sammie’s Village. It’s not driven by profit alone, but by a genuine desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of young children and their families in Grand Rapids. The “brand” of Sammie’s Village will be built on trust, care, and a deep commitment to the well-being of our community’s youngest members.

Sammie’s Village will offer:

Full-time and part-time childcare services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers.
Developmentally appropriate learning experiences led by qualified and caring educators.
Family engagement initiatives to support parents and strengthen the home-school connection.
Potential for specialized programs based on community needs, drawing on my experience in areas like early intervention and trauma-informed care.
The Broader Samika Douglas Enterprise:

Beyond Sammie’s Village, the Samika Douglas Enterprise reflects my multifaceted commitment to community.

Quench Queens (Traveling Bartender): This allows me to connect with people in a social setting, building relationships and often serving as a listening ear within the community.
Samika Douglas Mobile Notary: Providing accessible notary services is a way to empower individuals by ensuring their important documents are handled correctly and efficiently.
Samika Douglas Consultant (Small Business/Non-profit): This leverages my experience in both sectors to support other individuals and organizations working to make a positive impact. I specialize in helping them navigate the complexities of establishment, growth, and community engagement.
Work with Non-profits (Bibleway Empowerment Center, Project Green, Healthy Homes Coalition of West MI): My roles here – as Outreach Coordinator, Director of Advocacy, and Community Organizer – are integral to my mission. I am actively involved in addressing critical community needs, from advocating for environmental justice to promoting healthy housing and empowering individuals through outreach.
What sets the entire Samika Douglas Enterprise apart:

The unifying thread across all my endeavors is my lived experience and my unwavering commitment to being the support system I once lacked. My approach is deeply rooted in empathy, resilience, and a genuine desire to see individuals and communities thrive. I bring a unique perspective, informed by personal challenges and years of diverse professional experience, to everything I do.

I am most proud of the authenticity and the “why” behind the entire Samika Douglas Enterprise. It’s not about building a business empire, but about creating a network of support, education, and advocacy driven by a genuine desire to uplift my community.

The Samika Douglas Enterprise is built on the foundation of my mission: to use my skills, knowledge, and passion to create positive change. Whether it’s providing a celebratory atmosphere through Quench Queens, ensuring legal documents are handled correctly with my notary services, guiding aspiring entrepreneurs and non-profits through my consultancy, or advocating for systemic change with organizations like Project Green, the core value is always empowerment and community well-being. I strive to be a multifaceted resource, a connector, and a catalyst for positive change in Grand Rapids and beyond.

Ultimately, Sammie’s Village is a cornerstone of this vision, representing the foundational support I believe every child deserves. It’s about planting seeds of hope and opportunity early, nurturing growth, and building a stronger, more compassionate future, one child and one community at a time.

Any big plans?
Looking ahead, my primary focus is the successful launch and growth of Sammie’s Village Child Development Center here in Grand Rapids. This is more than just a business for me; it’s the culmination of years of experience and a deeply personal mission. My immediate plans revolve around securing the necessary licensing, finalizing the curriculum with its intergenerational components, hiring a dedicated and passionate team, and establishing strong partnerships within the Grand Rapids community. I envision Sammie’s Village becoming a recognized leader in early childhood education, known for its inclusive environment, innovative intergenerational approach, and strong family support.

Beyond the initial launch, I’m looking forward to seeing Sammie’s Village truly become a vibrant hub– a place where children thrive, families feel supported, and older adults find meaningful engagement. I plan to continuously evaluate and adapt our programs based on the needs of the community and the latest research in early childhood development and intergenerational learning.

On a broader scale, under the umbrella of Samika Douglas Enterprise, I aim to further develop and integrate my various ventures. I see opportunities for synergy between Sammie’s Village and my consultancy work, potentially offering workshops or resources for parents and early childhood professionals. I also plan to continue my advocacy work with organizations like Project Green and Healthy Homes Coalition, ensuring that the lessons learned and connections made through Sammie’s Village inform and strengthen my broader community impact.

One big change I’m planning for is the physical establishment of Sammie’s Village. This involves securing a suitable location in Grand Rapids, at or near 200 Eastern/750 Cherry. that can accommodate our intergenerational program and create a welcoming and stimulating environment for children and seniors alike. This will be a significant undertaking, but one I am incredibly excited about.

I also envision expanding the “Samika Douglas” brand to become a more recognized voice in the areas of community empowerment, early childhood advocacy, and the power of lived experience. This might involve more public speaking engagements, workshops, or even writing to share my story and insights.

Ultimately, my future plans are centered around deepening my impact in the Grand Rapids community and beyond. I’m looking forward to witnessing the positive ripple effects of Sammie’s Village, empowering the next generation and fostering stronger community bonds through intergenerational connections. It’s about building on the foundation I’ve laid and continuing to be the person I didn’t have for others.

Pricing:

• As Sammie’s Village Child Development Center is still in the establishment phase and not yet operational, specific pricing information is not yet finalized or available for public sharing. Factors such as the exact location at or near 200 Eastern/750 Cherry, staffing ratios, program hours, and potential funding opportunities will all influence our tuition rates.

Contact Info:

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/samika.denise
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samika-douglas-9a770131