Internships offer immense value. They provide hands-on skills, help clarify career pathways, build professional networks, boost employability, and often lead to full-time jobs. At Covenant House Michigan (CHMI), our internship program brings together more than 30 interns from universities across the nation.
These dedicated students serve as Resource Specialists in our Total Me Zone Program, providing vital support from case management and mentorship to facilitating life skills workshops and community resource fairs.
Each intern brings unique skills, perspectives, and passion to our mission of ending youth homelessness.
Evolution of the Program
Tracy Hill, Director of Clinical and Supportive Services, and a former Covenant House Michigan intern herself, has been instrumental in evolving the program.
“I was the first intern here,” Tracy shares. “Once I was in this seat, I knew I wanted to branch out and include more learning experiences.”
What began as a social-work-focused initiative now spans departments, welcoming students studying English, communications, nonprofit management, and more.
“I started reaching out to schools… tracking down the right departments that would fit into the work we do,” Tracy explains.
The 2025 cohort included development interns like Katie Conroy and Bella Cattane, who brought their communications and project management skills to fundraising, grant writing, and event planning. For many interns, CHMI becomes a place of personal and professional discovery.
Katie Conroy, an adult learner and senior English major at Wayne State University, was unsure how an internship at CHMI would fit with her publishing and writing goals. But through her work, starting with administrative tasks and growing into grant writing, Katie found a new appreciation for fund development.
“I now have a new understanding of what it would be like to pursue a career in fund development for nonprofits,” she reflects.
She also helped redecorate a lounge for the youth which showed her how small actions can restore dignity and hope.
Bella Cattane, also an English major at Wayne State, discovered a passion for event planning and community outreach through her work with Chloe Edmonds, Covenant House Michigan’s Event and Volunteer Coordinator.
“I never thought of event planning as an option before,” Bella says. “Getting to shadow Chloe and then doing the work, my interest developed there.”
Bella helped coordinate volunteer outreach for Sleep Out, CHMI’s largest annual fundraiser, and managed meal sponsorships for residents.
“Seeing all the residents line up in the chapel made me feel really proud,” she recalls.
Compassion and Growth
The Covenant House Michigan internship program is a community where diverse backgrounds converge for a common purpose: supporting youth as they rebuild their lives. Whether through grant writing, event planning, organizing the clothing closet, or offering a listening ear, each intern’s contributions create positive change.
Bella and Katie highlighted the supportive environment cultivated by the Covenant House Michigan staff.
“I cannot say enough good things about the work environment,” Katie says. “It’s a whole lot of just genuine kindness and love.”
Bella noted the team’s patience and commitment to teaching.
“Everybody on the development team is very willing to teach because that’s what they’re there for. They know it’s a learning experience.”
For Tracy, the nurturing atmosphere is intentional.
“We are going to make sure by the time they leave here, they have all the tools they need to go out and work anywhere and be comfortable,” she says.
We are proud of our 2025 intern cohort. Thank you for bringing your whole selves to Covenant House Michigan. You helped make our house a home, and reminded us that every skill, story, and person has a place in our mission.
