Vertical Integration
There is a well-known strategy in business called Vertical Integration. In plain language, Vertical Integration is an intentional effort to structure a business, from start to finish, for maximal profit and efficiency. One of the fathers of Vertical Integration is Henry Ford. Over the course of his career, Henry Ford purchased and aligned timberland, sawmills, coal mines, railroads, Great Lakes freighters, and even a glasswork to lower costs and maximize the production of automobiles.
Youth Violence Prevention
In addition to the practice of urology, I am actively involved in the business of youth violence prevention. Addressing the issue, and the roost caused behind it, requires that communities deploy a continuum of evidence-based interventions.
In Muskegon County, Michigan, we are currently delivering evidence-based, youth violence prevention programs in health care setting, middle schools, and in high schools. In addition, we partner with local organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs of Muskegon Lakeshore and Pathfinders of Muskegon to help continue and amplify these prevention efforts outside of health care and outside of school.
The Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore
The Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore is a community-based organization dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for youth in the Muskegon area. The club aims to empower young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens.
Through a variety of programs focused on academic success, healthy lifestyles, character development, and leadership, the Boys and Girls Club offers a positive space for children and teens to learn, grow, and build lasting relationships. The club works with local families, schools, and volunteers to create meaningful opportunities and enrich the lives of youth across the Muskegon Lakeshore.
Pathfinders of Muskegon
Pathways of Muskegon is a local organization dedicated to supporting youth and young adults in the Muskegon area as they navigate education, career exploration, and personal development. The program provides resources, mentorship, and guidance to help individuals overcome barriers and achieve their educational and employment goals.
By fostering essential life skills, offering career readiness training, and connecting participants with community resources and opportunities, Pathways Muskegon plays a vital role in empowering young people to build successful futures. The organization collaborates with schools, local businesses, and social service agencies to ensure each participant receives tailored support suited to their unique needs and aspirations.
Vertically Challenged
On June 30th, Grand Rapids Wood TV 8 reported the United States Department of Education was withholding over $6 Billion in summer and after-school programming. This unexpected funding freeze occurred as Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore, Pathfinders Muskegon, and summer school programs were already in progress. For a time, these organizations faced the real possibility of having to close their programs – leaving the health and safety of youth participating in these programs in jeopardy.
Vertical Integration – A 100,00 Foot View
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded youth violence prevention programs I work with are currently facing their own funding uncertainties. In times of stress and uncertainty, it is easy to focus on the needs of the programs we are familiar with and invested in the most.
Through vertical integration, Henry Ford aligned numerous, varied organizations (businesses) with one another and create improved efficiency, innovation, value, growth, and sustainability.
I believe a more successful long-term approach, however, is to continue to strengthen relationships with similarly focused groups across our community, and to have open and honest discussions about how we can, through collaboration, more effectively vertically integrate our efforts.
In doing so, we will be able to offer increased program continuity and reduce barriers to innovation as well as strengthen our collective resiliency, advocacy leverage, and opportunities for more stable and sustainable future funding