S.O.S. is one of the organizations that recently applied for and obtained an SMF grant to expand on outreach activities and increase collaborations amongst local groups, including youth and adults in the Southtown area. Part of the mission that drives S.O.S is to provide “quality training, mentoring and strategy assistance that drives social change in community, homes and individuals.”
“It is SOS’s belief that training and other capacity building tools should be offered to community based organizations to be more strategic in their outreach and mentoring efforts,” said Troy Evans, Executive Director of S.O.S. “As the dynamics of inner-city Grand Rapids and surrounding cities are rapidly changing and evolving, the need for intentional outreach efforts and gang related violence awareness, prevention and intervention have never been more essential. These community issues affect businesses, impressionable youth, elderly and the community at large,” further added Troy.
S.O.S. Community Agent Program (CAP) provides coaching and training in the areas of conflict resolution and anger management to youth and young adults in highly targeted areas in Grand Rapids. “Here at S.O.S., we attempt to address the needs of our community. Now that we know that gangs exist and associated violence is a problem, S.O.S. believes that we must begin a path of education, connection and mentorship in order to effectively begin the process of social and economical change,” indicated Troy.
S.O.S. stands for Strategic Outreach Services, an approach that allows the organization to strategically address the issues of gang involvement in the Grand Rapids area. Community Outreach is an indispensable method for ensuring that our concerns reach the whole community; providing the maximum community benefit.
Posted by aaguilar as Southtown Stories at 3:17 PM EST
No Comments »
Join us in celebrating Lighthouse Communities Annual Fundraiser dubbed “Community Spirit Awards” in anticipation to a night of pride and recognition for the work being done in our neighborhoods in the fields of community and economic development.
Details on the event and sponsorship opportunities will be available on our website next month. An award nomination process will be announced in February 2009. For more information call us at (616) 451-9140.
We’ll see you next March!
Posted by aaguilar as General Announcements at 3:12 PM EST
No Comments »
On Friday, October 24, 2008 Roosevelt Park Lofts held an open house to showcase the newly developed multi-use building space. Against the odds of our Michigan weather, over 100 residents, business owners, funders, and local community groups attended this successful event.
Roosevelt Park Lofts located at 1363 Grandville Ave SW, is now open and offers studio, two and three bedroom lofts. Thanks to all of you who joined us.
For rental information, please contact American Preferred Management Company at 616-942-6553.
Posted by aaguilar as Lighthouse Developments at 1:50 PM EST
No Comments »
Hello, my name is Jean English and I am the Administrative Assistant at Lighthouse Communities. I joined the team in October of 2006.
I wear several different hats during the course of the day here at Lighthouse Communities, but the most interesting part of my job is greeting visitors, friends and family members at the front desk. I also enjoy working along with people who really care about our community.
I have lived in this community since 1980 and have seen the changes that have taken place along Madison Avenue over the last few years, so I have a personal connection with the work being done at Lighthouse Communities and I feel honored to be a part of the team.
Posted by aaguilar as Lighthouse Staff at 1:42 PM EST
No Comments »
Southtown residents will be encouraged to participate in new and existing block clubs through an incentive program under the Southtown Matching Fund. Block club will be awarded funds based on the extent of their projects and resident participation. The block club incentive has been created to help block clubs bring neighbors together to plan a community building project on their specific block to involve a diverse group of people. “We want to create a sense of community where people feel welcome, connected, safe and proud to live,” is what Erica Hooser, Neighborhood Coordinator for Lighthouse explained. This is another way we can foster communication, understanding, cooperation and connections to create more positive relationships between neighbors and the many cultures within our neighborhoods.
Applications will be received year round and funding decisions will be made on a monthly basis. Block club groups may apply for up to $1,000 per project.
Please call Erica Hooser at 616-451-9140 ext 223 for program details or visit our website for information.
Posted by aaguilar as General Announcements at 2:24 PM EDT
No Comments »
Peacemakers is one of the organizations funded during round 2 of the Southtown Matching Fund. Peacemakers offers an opportunity to create change in Southtown by working with youths in the community, thus keeping them away from the streets where they are more vulnerable to criminal activity, specifically those youths who have some form of gang affiliation. It is Peacemakers’ goal to act proactively as volunteers performing peace patrols and enhancing police-community relations.
Peacemakers are a unit trained in the way of conflict resolution and serves as a critical liaison between law enforcement and the community. Peacemakers’ primary responsibility is to patrol the streets. “We want to create an atmosphere of peace, an umbrella throughout the neighborhood,” said Alphonso, one of the volunteers for Peacemakers.
The heart of Peacemakers is made up of men and women who take violence in our neighborhoods personally. Each member will volunteer at least 40 hours toward the development and success of the Peacemakers program. Peacemakers will be placed in target areas from mid-afternoon to late evening. Peacemakers will provide a visual and physical deterrent with their presence alone.
Posted by aaguilar as General Announcements at 12:42 PM EDT
No Comments »
Congratulations to the second round of applicants who were recently approved for a Southtown Matching Fund (SMF) grant. We are excited about your projects and look forward to working with all of you in creating a more vibrant community.
In just a few months, we have seen a tremendous response from residents and community groups who have been interested in the Fund. Again we received more requests than we could fund.
The Southtown Matching Fund supports community building efforts that bring people and community stakeholders together to help revitalize Southtown. The SMF goals are to increase public safety, improve housing conditions, and increase neighborhood-based leadership and involvement.
Southtown Matching Fund – 2nd round awardees:
• SECA
• Restorers, Inc.
• Logan Street Block Club
• Peacemakers
• Strategic Outreach Ministries (Revolution Christian Ministries)
Please visit our website for details on upcoming funding opportunities.
Posted by aaguilar as General Announcements at 10:04 AM EDT
No Comments »
It’s finally here! Roosevelt Park Lofts open house is scheduled for Friday, October 24, 2008, 12:00-1:30 pm.
Roosevelt Park Lofts is a sleek apartment complex that joins the trend of modern living housing being developed in town. It features 21 urban style lofts ranging from 850 sq. ft. to over 1600 sq. ft. of living space, and 1,800 sq. ft. of commercial space. All units come with central air conditioning, dishwashers, microwaves, and in-unit washer and dryers. The brick walls portray a rustic look that blends perfectly with the contemporary fixtures added to each unit thus defining a character of their own.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see for yourself.
The lofts are located at 1363 Grandville Ave SW, the center of a district undergoing major improvements.
For leasing information, contact American Preferred Management at (616) 942-1792.
See more photos below.
Posted by aaguilar as Lighthouse Developments at 9:14 AM EDT
No Comments »
In the Summer of 2007, Lighthouse Communities bought an obsolete facility located at 1363 Grandville Avenue SW with a purpose in mind - adding to the revitalization of the Roosevelt Park neighborhood that is redefining its character and becoming a vibrant community. Lighthouse is happy to be part of this process of change and bring in more resources.
Roosevelt Park Lofts is a 35,000 sq. ft. mixed-use development that will create 21 apartment units and 2,000 sq. ft. of commercial space, a $4 million investment. Construction will be complete September 22. If you would like to see for yourself the scope of renovations and the new units, Lighthouse will be having an open house on Friday, October 10, 2008 at 2:00 pm. We will bring you more details in our next e-news issue.
This development complex is located at the core of a district undergoing major improvements. Several grocery stores, restaurants, retail, schools, and a bus stop are all located within a 3-4 block radius.
Below are exterior and interior pictures of the upcoming Roosevelt Park Lofts.
Click here to view floor plans, read about the amenities and fixtures of the project. For leasing information, contact American Preferred Management at (616) 942-1792.
Posted by aaguilar as Lighthouse Developments at 10:56 AM EDT
No Comments »
Partnerships have a priceless value to Lighthouse. Our work is based on collaborations and partnerships of varying nature. The Southtown Matching Fund (SMF) is no exception to the rule. SouthEast Community Association (SECA), the local neighborhood association, was recently awarded two SMF grants. The funds have helped SECA raise resident involvement and build social ties among residents through a community green garden, a different way of bringing people together. Families and their children, youth and adults have all come to SECA to help maintain the garden, gather and share with one another fresh vegetables and offer SECA support as it strives to organize residents and improve the neighborhood. Gert Hobson, SECA’s Board President announces with great pride, “the project brings food from the field to the table in hard economic times” but, more importantly, it has involved neighbors that SECA had not met before. “They come to collect food, but they water it, they weed it, they maintain it,” said Gert. Kids had come from all over including areas from outside SECA to help the garden and bring food home. Bringing people together is the real harvest that results from this effort.
The other project is the Madison Square Street Fair, this is a special event to celebrate all the good things that are happening right here in our neighborhoods. SECA, along with other community partners, held the first street fair on Saturday, August 30, 2008. About 2,500 people attended the fair. SECA trained several volunteers to make this event happen. “It was a success”, said Gert, as many other people expressed interest in becoming active in their community. As a result, of this community organizing effort, three new block clubs have been formed. Events like this create “ownership of the community and bring about awareness and support to area businesses and patronage,” added Gert.
A lot of training, organizing and coordination took place before this event happened. The street fair is a good example of community building efforts and we hope to continue to promote such initiative.
Posted by aaguilar as Southtown Stories at 10:46 AM EDT
No Comments »
