Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Linda Little, President & CEO, NSO, Detroit’s Neighborhood Service Organization, Detroit, MI.
Hear Linda and Jeffrey discuss 70 years of impact, child abuse prevention, and how the “Don’t Touch Me” campaign strengthens Detroit families in the SoundCloud podcast shared below:
Jeffrey had several questions for Linda in this conversation:
- This year marks NSO’s 70th anniversary. Tell us about your organization and what it does for the community in Detroit. How would you describe the organization’s guiding philosophy and the role it plays in Detroit’s social safety net?
- Looking back, what would you say have been the most transformative milestones in NSO’s mission to serve Detroiters? How has the organization evolved to meet Detroit’s changing needs over the decades?
- The “Don’t Touch Me” campaign is a major new initiative. What inspired NSO to launch a statewide awareness effort focused on child abuse prevention?
- What specific goals does NSO hope to achieve with the “Don’t Touch Me” campaign, and how will you measure its success? Is there legislation under development to support your goals?
- Child abuse is often underreported. How does NSO plan to break through stigma and empower children, caregivers, and community members to speak up? And how does the organization support families in crisis—especially when a child may be at risk?
- How can community members, donors, or local organizations get involved to help advance NSO’s mission and support the “Don’t Touch Me” campaign?
- As NSO celebrates 70 years, what does the next decade look like? Are there new programs, partnerships, or facilities on the horizon that you’re excited about?
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Linda is the leader of the Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO), a Detroit nonprofit marking its 70th anniversary this year. For seven decades, NSO has been a cornerstone in Detroit and continues to lead with compassion and innovation across housing, health, and human services.
NSO helps individuals move from crisis to stability through comprehensive, wrap-around support. What began in 1955 as three settlement houses joining forces to better serve their neighborhoods has evolved into a nationally recognized model for addressing homelessness, behavioral health, and community well-being.
By the numbers (2023–2024):
More than 161,000 services delivered across NSO programs
13,000+ individuals served
82% of residents exiting the Detroit Healthy Housing Campus moved into permanent housing
100% of staff trained in trauma-informed care
In addition to its ongoing programs, NSO recently launched its #DontTouchMe movement, a campaign dedicated to end child abuse and advocate for justice system reforms. The initiative raises awareness, provides same-day crisis response and family support, and trains law enforcement and community partners to better protect survivors — and legislation to support its goals is in development at the state level.
She discusses the organization’s 70-year legacy, current initiatives, and its vision for the future.
She reflects on:
NSO’s 70 years of impact and how its mission has evolved.
The organization’s holistic approach to health and housing.
The growing reach and goals of the #DontTouchMe movement.
What’s next as NSO continues to build hope and opportunity for Detroiters.
