On Oct. 9, there are few places that Malinda Baker would rather be than the “Moving You Forward Opportunity Expo” taking place at Kettering University. She says she’s planning on attending the large-scale resource fair, “because it’s an opportunity to efficiently learn about so many different local programs. So often services go unused, because people simply […]
It’s always challenging coming up with a new idea, but the Heritage & Harmony Festival is truly an ideal way of celebrating food, art and music in Flint. Organized by the Civic Park Historic Business District Association, the three-day 2nd annual event takes place July 2-4 in Civic Park. In many ways, the festival is […]
For Beverly Biggs-Leavy, the road to rebuilding just keeps getting wider. Like a number of other restaurateurs, she was forced to close in 2016 in the wake of Flint’s water emergency. Beverly’s Cakes and Catering had been one of community’s most popular eateries, a vision of business ownership made reality, then vanished. Now Biggs-Leavy’s plan […]
A site associated with historic labor conflict is becoming a location for environmental preservation and leisure activity. Chevy Commons, made famous as the scene of 1936 “sit-down strike” held by Flint auto workers, has gained attention and is attracting more resources to support development of the district. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (MEDQ), City […]
While downtown Flint renovations are moving at an exponential pace, some of the neighborhoods of Flint are experiencing a much slower transition. But, thanks to concerned neighbors banding together and organizing clean-ups, change is happening. Shady Acres Mobile Home Park, at 4615 Western Road, used to be filled with families and more than 100 single-wide […]
Talk of change is becoming increasingly common among Flint residents. From front-lawn chats to community meetings, neighbors are inspired by the progress they see in the city and they’re often more motivated to contribute their time and energy toward greater success. An ongoing series promoting organizing and leadership skills is one of the latest opportunities […]
Many have already taken the first step. Other local residents who want to learn how they can impact their communities are welcome to attend the “Neighbors Changing Flint: The First Step Is Yours” training series, says Ashley Everhart, agency director of the Neighborhood Engagement Hub. Set for 5:30 p.m. Wednesday March 28 at Asbury United […]
Flint residents are incredibly committed to restoring their neighborhoods. It’s something the Neighborhood Engagement Hub recognizes. The nonprofit organization works to improve the quality of life for communities by working directly with residents and neighborhood organizations, helping them get their projects from the starting point to the finish line. “They have been a part of […]
Service to the community is something Jeanette Edwards, president of the Brownell-Holmes Neighborhood Association, takes seriously. “As long as the block club needs me to be president, I will be president,” she says. Edwards created the association when she saw a need for more organization in her North Flint neighbor-hood. It’s 56 members strong, and a good […]
For Natalie Pruett the job is both business and personal. An independent planning consultant for the City of Flint, her vision for the community helps shape its future. But as a resident and hometown native Pruett’s work also affects her and her neighbors. She authored Flint’s five-year blight elimination plan, initiated in 2015, as a […]