Dr. Sarah Pitts is That Girl!

Dr. Sarah Pitts Exclusive feature with Being That Girl!

Interview with Dr. Sarah Pitts, Co-Founder of MET Plus

Q: As a Detroit native who has remained deeply rooted in your community, how has your upbringing in the DPSCD system influenced your leadership style and your passion for community advocacy?

Dr. Sarah Pitts: Growing up in Detroit and attending schools within DPSCD gave me firsthand insight into both the promise and challenges that exist within our education and community systems. I was surrounded by resilience—from teachers who invested in us, to neighbors who looked out for each other. That environment shaped my leadership style to be compassionate but driven. I lead from a place of empathy, always focused on impact, and I advocate fiercely for communities that deserve more resources and recognition.

Q: You have extensive experience in managing operations at MET PLUS. Can you share a specific initiative or program that you’re particularly proud of, and how it has impacted Detroit residents?

Dr. Sarah Pitts: One initiative I’m especially proud of is our Community Wellness and Workforce Access Program, which combines employment training with mental health support and wraparound services. We’ve helped hundreds of Detroiters—especially single parents and returning citizens—gain job readiness, secure employment, and improve their overall well-being. It’s powerful to see people go from feeling stuck to feeling seen, supported, and empowered.

Q: With a strong background in Human Resources, Finance, and Mental Health, how do you integrate these disciplines to create effective and accessible employment training programs?

Dr. Sarah Pitts: These areas are deeply interconnected. Someone may have the skills to do a job, but if they're battling anxiety or financial instability, they may struggle to show up or stay consistent. At MET Plus, we design holistic programs that recognize the whole person. We combine HR best practices with financial literacy coaching and access to mental health professionals. It’s not just about getting a job—it’s about staying employed, thriving, and building generational stability.

Q: You co-founded MET Plus with your husband, Chet M. Pitts Sr. How has that partnership shaped the organization and your shared vision?

Dr. Sarah Pitts: Co-founding MET Plus with my husband, Chet, has been one of the greatest blessings and challenges of my life—in the best way. We each bring different strengths to the table: Chet is a visionary with deep roots in the community and a tireless spirit, while I focus heavily on strategy, structure, and wraparound services. Our partnership is built on shared purpose, faith, and commitment to service. We’ve been able to push forward a mission that’s not just professional for us—it’s personal. That unity has shaped MET Plus into an organization that leads with both heart and accountability.

Q: You're clearly dedicated to both youth and senior populations. What unique challenges and opportunities have you encountered in serving these two very different age groups?

Dr. Sarah Pitts: Serving both youth and seniors reveals two ends of the same spectrum—both need support, engagement, and purpose. With youth, the challenge is often exposure and access. For seniors, it’s about dignity, care, and connection. We’ve created programs like our “Generations United” initiative, which intentionally brings both groups together to learn from each other. Seniors serve as mentors, and youth help with tech and mobility support. It’s been beautiful to watch the respect and relationships that form across generations.

Q: As someone who wears many hats — wife, mother, entrepreneur, and community leader — how do you maintain balance while staying effective in your multiple roles?

Dr. Sarah Pitts: Balance is a myth; alignment is the goal. I don’t always get it perfect, but I’ve learned to prioritize what matters most in each moment and lean on my support system. My family is a big part of my “why.” I also believe in self-care through faith, quiet reflection, and making time to celebrate small wins. Knowing my purpose and staying rooted in service helps me stay grounded—even on the busiest days.

Q: You mentioned the importance of innovation and community advocacy in addressing overlooked issues. Can you give an example of a problem in the Detroit community that you believe is being overlooked, and your approach to solving it?

Dr. Sarah Pitts: One overlooked issue is transportation accessibility for job seekers and seniors. Many of our residents miss opportunities not because they’re unqualified, but because they can’t physically get there. We’ve piloted ride-share partnerships and local shuttle programs to bridge this gap. Innovation doesn’t always mean technology—it can mean rethinking logistics to improve quality of life.

Q: Looking forward, what is your vision for the future of MET PLUS and the broader Detroit community? What key changes or developments would you like to see in the next 5 to 10 years?

Dr. Sarah Pitts: I envision MET Plus expanding as a national model for workforce equity and community care. In the next decade, I want to see Detroit lead the way in closing racial wealth gaps, reimagining education, and uplifting underserved populations with dignity and innovation. I also want our organization to deepen our impact through data, storytelling, and sustainable funding—ensuring we don’t just react to need, but we stay ahead of it.

Q: MET Plus offers a wide range of care-based services, including Mental Health Therapy, Home Help Aid Assistance, and Long-Term Services & Support. How do these programs reflect your mission, and why are they so important for the Southeast Michigan community?

Dr. Sarah Pitts: These services are truly at the heart of what we do—restoring dignity, providing stability, and advocating for holistic well-being. Our Mental Health Therapy program supports individuals who've experienced trauma, creating a safe space for healing in a region that often faces high barriers to access. With Home Help Aid Assistance, we ensure that seniors and persons with disabilities can maintain independence in their own homes by assisting with daily tasks. And our Long-Term Services & Support program helps people avoid institutional care and instead receive compassionate, community-based support. Together, these offerings represent our belief that care should be accessible, empowering, and rooted in the unique needs of every individual we serve.

Q: The Met Plus Senior Village Project is a deeply meaningful endeavor for the organization. Can you share what this initiative represents and why it’s so important for the future of senior care in Detroit?

Dr. Sarah Pitts: The Met Plus Senior Village Project is more than just a development—it’s a mission in motion. Founded by Chet M. Pitts Sr., our President and Founder, this initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to creating dignified, affordable, and community-based housing for seniors in the heart of Detroit. The property at Lemay and East Jefferson was generously donated in 2016, and it sparked a powerful journey toward transforming senior living in our city. This isn’t just about housing—it’s about restoring value to a population that has given so much, providing them with comfort, connection, and care. The Village will be a place where our elders can thrive—not just survive—and we welcome all who believe in that vision to join us in making it happen.

Q: MET Plus has recently launched citywide community giveaways across DPSCD school districts, distributing clothes, shoes, food, furniture, and more. How does this connect with your broader mission, and how does it tie into the Senior Village Project?

Dr. Sarah Pitts: These giveaways are an extension of our belief that every generation deserves dignity and access to basic needs. When we serve youth in schools by providing essentials, we’re not only easing burdens for families—we’re planting seeds of hope and security. These same values are embedded in the Senior Village Project, where we aim to ensure our elders are not overlooked or underserved. By engaging both youth and seniors in our programming—whether through mentorship, volunteerism, or support services—we're building a bridge between generations. It’s all connected. A strong, supported youth leads to empowered families, and empowered families lead to communities where seniors can age with grace and support. That’s the MET Plus way.

Please visit www.metplus.org for more information about how you can involved.