In addition to his work on the field, Tarik Skubal has been active off the field, making a significant impact on the Detroit community. Earlier this year, Tarik and his wife Jessica donated to the Detroit Tigers Foundation to support the foundation and Alternatives for Girls, an organization dedicated to empowering homeless and at-risk young women by providing critical interventions and support. The donation from Tarik and Jessica focuses on helping domestic violence survivors get a fresh start through Alternatives for Girls¡¯ new housing unit, Dr. Maya Angelou Village.
Alternatives for Girls and Full Circle Communities are developing Dr. Maya Angelou Village, a 100 percent affordable housing project designed to serve individuals and families. The development will have a total of 45 units, 23 of which are dedicated solely to Alternatives for Girls. The project will offer high-quality, safe and affordable housing, and will also include indoor and outdoor community amenity spaces and case management offices to provide residents with the services they need to achieve the healthiest outcomes. Tarik and Jessica¡¯s donation covers the cost of fully-assembled ¡°welcome home baskets,¡± which include essential household supplies (bedding, pots, pans, cleaning supplies, etc.) for individuals and families moving into each of the 23 units. Additionally, Tarik and Jessica visited Dr. Maya Angelou Village this August.
Before 2024, Tarik made an unrestricted donation to the Detroit Tigers Foundation, which has awarded more than $26 million in grants, Tigers tickets and college scholarships since its inception in 2005.
Tarik has participated in the Tigers Autograph for a Cause program for four seasons (2021-24). His Autograph for a Cause cards benefit the Detroit Tigers Foundation and the Little League program in his hometown of Kingman, Ariz.
Tarik Skubal exemplifies all the qualities of a nominee for the Roberto Clemente Award through his extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions both on and off the field.