April, 2023

Welcome to this month's Impact Connection. Each month we will bring you information about upcoming events and about the nonprofit organizations and leaders making a difference in our community!

Celebrating Nonprofits!

At I100 MD, our focus is always on the nonprofit heroes that are doing the hands-on work every day to fuel transformation in our community. But at this time of year, with member voting, the Big Give, and grant awards right around the corner, we want to shine a bright light on these great organizations. We are offering a host of events leading up to the Big Give, as well as sharing news and events from the nonprofits themselves.

We are excited to report that our grant to Developing K.I.D.S. has had an enormous impact in the community. Developing K.I.D.S. provides high-quality youth development activities year round for kids ages 5-18, and also supports alumni in their transition into adulthood. DK offers both youth and family programs intended to build up at-risk youth with a focus on encouragement, relationship-building, and education.  All programs are offered at no cost to participants and families.

Our $100,000 grant, awarded in 2021 for their Evolution of Developing K.I.D.S. project, has served 598 youth from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. A quarter of the grant went toward the purchase of a new building so that DK can have its own permanent and dedicated space for all age groups. The remainder of the grant provided critical operating funds that expanded literacy services, helped develop programming that will be used both now and at the new youth center, and provided mental health service for kids. In September of 2023, DK will move to its new home, and will be able to expand its reach even more.

Kim Johnson, Developing KIDS founder and CEO has recently been recognized as a 2023 McGregor Eugene A Miller Fellow. If you are interesting in learning more about Developing KIDS, you can visit their website https://developingkids.org/

Here's what's been going on at LifeBuilders:

*Our Summer Day Camp will host 100+ kids for 3 weeks for $30 per child. Kids will play games, do crafts, and work on relationship-building in a safe environment.

* We recently received a grant enabling us to add to the number of homes we have rehabilitated (now at 80). Once renovated, we rent or sell them to residents at very affordable rates, helping them build wealth.

* Our teen employment program is helping teens to build work experience and learn how to earn and save money.

* Learn more HERE.

The City of Pontiac has long been considered an under-resourced and marginalized community. Systemic barriers to employment, transportation, quality housing, and affordable food have plagued our city for years. Please join the Pontiac Community Foundation for a celebration of their 5th anniversary. You will learn how PCF works to improve the quality of life for Pontiac residents by immersing yourself in our four focus areas: Neighborhood Investment, Economic Vitality, Civic Engagement and Racial Equity.

Learn more HERE.

Lighthouse's Family Shelter renovations are well underway! The new flooring is nearly complete, and the sturdy, easy-to-clean furniture is being installed in each unit. The families already living there have been so thankful for the room updates, and for the peaceful, comfortable, and safe environment as they move towards housing stability. If you want to help the families with household items, there are wishlists available from both Amazon and Walmart. Amazon: (CLICK HERE)

Walmart: (CLICK HERE).