Community Newsletter | April 1st, 2026
Dear Northside Neighbors, Partners, & Community,
As we step into April, we’re continuing to build momentum across the Northside! From celebrating recent milestones to supporting residents through key resources, we’re staying busy and looking ahead to opportunities to stay engaged.
On March 4th, we celebrated the graduates of our Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program. These individuals completed an intensive training designed to prepare them for meaningful careers in healthcare, and we couldn’t be more proud of their dedication and hard work.
Each graduate represents what’s possible when opportunity meets commitment, and we’re excited to see the impact they will make in the workforce and in our community.
A big thank you to our partners The Kalamazoo Promise, Michigan Career and Technical Institute, and Michigan Rehabilitation Services! Their time, resources, and dedication makes opportunities like this possible for Northside residents!
On March 11th, NACD hosted a Career Preparation Evening, providing hands-on support to individuals looking to strengthen their resumes, build confidence, and prepare for upcoming job opportunities.
From resume edits to interview coaching and personal branding, it was a powerful evening of connection, growth, and empowerment. Thank you to our partners and all who attended for making this event a success.
Upcoming April Events
Diapers, Wipes, & Period Product Distribution | Every Monday & Wednesday, 9:00AM - 1:00PM
Through our partnership with Care Collective of Southwest Michigan, NACD continues to provide essential items to support families in our community. Appointment required, please call 269.344.5490.
LAST CHANCE: Volunteer Income Tax Assistance | April 6th, 1:00 - 4:00PM
Free tax preparation services are available for eligible individuals and families through the VITA program. Get help filing your taxes accurately and on time.
Fatherhood Network Dad Café | April 9th, 6:00 - 8:00PM
Dads across Kalamazoo are invited to connect, share, and grow together through the Fatherhood Network’s Dad Café, a space for meaningful conversation, support, and community. These gatherings provide an opportunity for fathers to build relationships, exchange experiences, and strengthen their role within their families and community. Whether you're a new dad or have years of experience, Dad Café offers a welcoming environment to connect and be supported.
Monthly Community Board Meeting | April 21st, 6 - 7PM
This is your opportunity to stay informed on local initiatives, share your concerns, and help shape the future of the Northside. Diapers, wipes, and period products will be available to attendees.
NAACP Gun Law Forum | April 23rd, 4:30 - 6:00PM
The NAACP Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch will be hosting a Gun Law Forum at NACD, creating space for community members to learn, ask questions, and engage in meaningful dialogue around current gun laws. This forum is designed to provide clear, accessible information while encouraging thoughtful conversation.
Event Center Job Fair | April 28th, 4:30 - 6:30PM
NACD will be hosting an Event Center Job Fair, connecting community members with employment opportunities tied to the upcoming Kalamazoo Event Center. Come ready to connect, ask questions, and take a step toward new opportunities. In partnership with Greenleaf Hospitality Group, CSM Group, and Barton Malow.
He Reigns Magazine 20-Year Anniversary Celebration | July 25th, 2:00PM
Join He Reigns Magazine as they celebrate 20 years of uplifting and empowering the Kalamazoo community! This special event brings together community members, partners, and supporters to honor two decades of impact.
For 20 years, He Reigns Magazine has served as a platform to highlight voices, share stories, and promote businesses and initiatives that strengthen the local community. This celebration is both a reflection on that journey and an opportunity to look ahead to what’s next.
Northside Day 2026 is a celebration of community, culture, and the collective impact of the Northside.
Neighbors, families, businesses, and partners will come together for a day filled with connection, energy, and pride. From the 5K Walk/Run to the Community Celebration at LaCrone Park, Northside Day highlights what makes this neighborhood special while creating space for new opportunities, relationships, and investment in its future.
It’s also a reflection of NACD’s mission: To advocate and promote a healthier environment, job creation, financial independence, safety and neighborhood revitalization.
Northside Day brings people together, creates access to opportunity, and continues the work of strengthening the neighborhood for generations to come.
Whether you’re looking to show your support, grow your business, give back, or simply be part of something meaningful, there’s a place for you in Northside Day 2026:
Donate!
Support the work happening year-round on the Northside and help make Northside Day possible. Click the button below to donate!
Sign up for the 5K Walk/Run!
Sign up to participate in this year’s 5K and move forward together as a community. This all-ages 5K run/walk will take you through the heart of the Northside, beginning at NACD and finishing at LaCrone Park, where the celebration continues.
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Start: NACD (612 N Park St)
Finish: LaCrone Park (535 W Paterson St)
Registration: $25/person
All registered participants receive:
Race bib
Finisher medal
Post-race community welcome at the park
All ages welcome.
Become a Vendor!
Support the celebration and grow your business! We welcome:
Food trucks
Craft + retail vendors
Local businesses
Community organizations + resource tables
Vendor fee: $50
Vendor must provide tents, tables, chairs. Electricity is not guaranteed.
Become a Volunteer!
Northside Day is powered by community, and we’d love your help! Volunteer roles include:
5K route support
Festival support & family activities
Youth volunteers welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult.
Thank you for being part of this community and for continuing to show up, stay engaged, and invest in what’s ahead. As we move into the months ahead, we remain committed to listening, learning, and working alongside residents to ensure that progress reflects the voices and needs of the Northside.
Every conversation, every partnership, and every shared moment helps move this work forward. Whether you attend an event, volunteer your time, support our programs, or simply help spread the word, your involvement makes a meaningful difference.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Yarbrough
Executive Director
Northside Association for Community Development
