Young people would like to stay in Flint, and the community sure needs them to take an active role in the city’s resurgence. There are obstacles and Flint Mayor Karen Weaver wants to help the millennials overcome them. She hopes the young, ambitious demographic targeted in her Millennial Day forums will help city stakeholders better understand […]
Michigan’s corporations are often under fire for not giving enough, so it’s worth taking a moment to recognize the efforts of organizations that support annual giving programs like the Comcast Foundation, which will disbursing more than $350,000 to area organizations this year. These donations change lives. Rather than returning to an empty home after school, […]
Giving and getting holiday gifts. It’s a tradition that we honor in most every household across Michigan, particularly in December. There’s a lot of meaning behind gift-giving. When, why and what we give helps to define relationships, strengthen bonds and provide a sense of belonging to each other, according to psychologists. The practice of giving […]
Today’s students face a lot of competition for their attention both inside and outside the classroom. There’s gaming devices and television, not to mention social media and cell phones. Also adding stress to their young lives are common experiences like peer pressure and the need for acceptance, let alone the everyday challenges they may face […]
Every movement starts with an idea. In the case of the Flint Forward (#FlintFwd) campaign, the idea was to promote the strength, creativity, and versatility of the community it represents. #FlintFwd began as a social media strategy to inspire a city bombarded by unflattering images and bad news. Flint business owner, investor and champion Jocelyn […]
It’s an age-old question in major cities across America – how do you prevent neighborhood decay? While there are no silver bullets or magic wands that solve the problem, communities have traditionally developed their own unique strategies. Whether it’s boarding up doors and windows in dangerous structures or repurposing empty lots, residents are the common […]
Flint sparks with potential. It has an enviable kind of “can do” spirit that just cannot be manufactured. It was born here. At its center is a remarkable group of resilient citizens who never ever give up. It’s that kind of community spirit that buoys the interest and investment of Flint-based organizations like the C.S. […]
Known as “the General” to friends and close associates, Sandra Patton earned her nickname from leading weekly meetings where she encourages others fighting life’s battles. From Genesee County and beyond, she and a devoted group of participants meet to support those facing adversity and related suffering and discouragement. At home her focus and prayers are […]
What we do, they do. Our kids are like sponges. They soak up everything around them, even when you are certain they are not paying attention. That’s why we decided to invest in Growing Healthy Communities series (and Building Healthy Communities program coverage) beginning this month. It’s an exclusive 12-month series that looks inside our […]
Raising a child in the second decade of the 21st century is difficult. The tools and resources they need to succeed are oftentimes overwhelming. There are answers and they start with learning good nutrition and having access to healthy food choices. That is a family issue and community challenge. Something needs to change in our […]