Model D

12/07/2025

Christi Coady Narayanan retired last month after 35+ years leading Opportunity Resource Fund. Incoming President and CEO Byna Elliott now carries the mission forward—empowering communities across Michigan. To learn more, visit

11/07/2025

For over 35 years, Christi Coady Narayanan led the Opportunity Resource Fund (OppFund) as President and CEO. She retired last month, passing the torch to Byna Elliott to carry on the organization’s mission of empowering communities across Michigan. To read more, visit

07/07/2025

A burning field, forest, or prairie in your local park may be an alarming sight, but sometimes it's actually a sign of an intentional, controlled process with significant benefits for the environment.
Huron-Clinton Metroparks
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A burning field, forest, or prairie in your local park may be an alarming sight, but sometimes it's actually a sign of an intentional, controlled process with significant benefits for the environment.

02/07/2025

Locking up offenders doesn't repair the broken relationships underlying most crime. Detroit Justice Center says we can do better – and create a safer community in the process. Learn more at

Metro Detroit Restorative Justice Network exists to advocate for a new definition of justice and a more effective call to accountability when Detroiters hurt one another.

30/06/2025

Through the Supplemental Science program, Huron-Clinton Metroparks staff work with school staff to offer science lessons in schools, usually multiple times a week throughout the school year. Learn more at

Through the Supplemental Science program, Huron-Clinton Metroparks staff work with school staff to offer science lessons in schools, usually multiple times a week throughout the school year.

27/06/2025

Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services)agencies are redefining crisis response through deep partnerships with EMS, law enforcement, and fire departments. These cross-sector collaborations have become a vital part of Michigan’s evolving approach to mental health care. Read more at

Across Michigan, community mental health (CMH) agencies are redefining crisis response through deep partnerships with EMS, law enforcement, and fire departments. These cross-sector collaborations have become a vital part of Michigan’s evolving approa

27/06/2025

When parents can’t find affordable child care, everyone pays the price.

At All Gods Children Developmental Learning Center in Detroit, CEO Arleen Allen is doing more than providing early education—she’s advocating for a system that supports families, educators, and the economy.

From struggling to retain qualified staff to helping working parents navigate slow-moving subsidies, Allen’s story highlights why Michigan must do more to value early learning—and those who provide it.

Read how this center is bridging gaps and what solutions leaders say could make a difference ⬇️🔗

bit.ly/AllGodsChildrenDevelopmentalLearningCenter

26/06/2025

Today, as immigrants are being vilified, scapegoated and pulled off the streets by masked agents, it’s important for us to remember that the Detroit that so many are nostalgic for was designed and built by immigrants. Learn more at

26/06/2025

Urban Neighborhood Initiatives' Leaders in Training program equips Southwest Detroit youth with career skills, mentorship, and leadership opportunities rooted in community development. Read more at

Leaders in Training helps young people in the Springwells neighborhood explore careers, access resources, and lead change in their community through personalized support and hands-on experiences.

24/06/2025

USDA programs, which once helped Southeast Michigan emergency food providers source food, are being slashed. With over a billion dollars cut nationwide, experts warn of long-term consequences for food access, nutrition and local economies.
Forgotten Harvest
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Emergency food providers in Southeast Michigan, including Gleaners and Forgotten Harvest, are facing major shortfalls due to cuts to USDA programs like TEFAP. Experts say the ripple effects could worsen food insecurity, hurt local farmers, and revers

22/06/2025

Years ago, in Detroit, “community development was more like shoelaces, string, and Scotch Tape,” says Maggie DeSantis. But through collaboration, professionals in the field have developed a talent pipeline and garnered more respect for the field. Read Sarah Williams’ Q&A with DeSantis to learn about the evolution of the work below.
Building the Engine of Community Development in Detroit
Community Development Advocates of Detroit
Corporation for a Skilled Workforce

Maggie DeSantis conceived Building the Engine of Community Development in Detroit. One piece of that process was creating a pipeline to nurture future community development leaders.

21/06/2025

Today’s teens face numerous challenges to their mental health, and nearly one in five teens surveyed reported experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. In 2023, nearly a third of U.S. teens received mental health treatment, according to the CDC report. In Michigan, some of those teens saw practitioners and joined groups at OnPointAllegan, which provides behavioral health and homelessness services in Allegan County. To learn more, visit

Today’s teens face numerous challenges to their mental health, and nearly one in five teens surveyed reported experiencing a major depressive episode in the past year. In 2023, nearly a third of U.S. teens received mental health treatment, according