Community Newsletter | August 1st, 2026
Dear Northside Neighbors, Partners, & Community,
As we welcome August, we're excited to celebrate one of the most anticipated times of the year for our neighborhood: Northside Day. Over the past month, we've continued creating moments for residents to learn, connect, and prepare for the future through programs like Food Smarts, our new Wills & Trusts Workshop Series, and the official proclamation of Northside Day by the City of Kalamazoo. Each of these opportunities reflects the power of partnership and the incredible momentum we've built together as a community.
Now, we're looking ahead to a month filled with celebration, connection, and opportunity. Whether you're joining us for National Night Out, attending Northside Day, or accessing important community health resources, we hope you'll take part in the events that continue to strengthen the Northside.
Let's take a look back at July and what's ahead this month.
On July 8th, Food Smarts returned to NACD, bringing together residents for another series focused on practical nutrition education and healthier living.
Throughout the program, participants learned how to make healthier, budget-conscious food choices, improve their understanding of nutrition, and build confidence in planning, shopping for, and preparing nutritious meals. By combining classroom instruction with real-world strategies, Food Smarts empowers individuals and families to make lasting changes that support their health and well-being.
A special thank you to Kalamazoo Valley Community College for partnering with NACD to make this valuable program available to our community. Together, we're helping build healthier families and a healthier Northside.
On July 20th, NACD was honored to receive an official Northside Day Proclamation from the City of Kalamazoo during the City Commission Meeting.
This proclamation recognizes the significance of Northside Day and celebrates the history, culture, and contributions of the Northside community. It also highlights the importance of coming together each year to strengthen relationships, celebrate neighborhood achievements, and invest in the future of our community.
We extend our sincere appreciation to the City of Kalamazoo for this recognition and for continuing to support the work taking place throughout the Northside.
On July 23rd, NACD launched the Wills & Trusts Workshop Series, providing residents with valuable information about estate planning, wills, trusts, and protecting their families' futures.
Planning ahead is one of the most meaningful gifts we can leave our loved ones, and this workshop offered participants practical guidance in an approachable and welcoming setting.
Thank you to our partners Hamilton Law and United Way of South Central Michigan for helping bring this educational series to the Northside.
If you missed the first workshop, additional sessions will be held throughout the coming year, with the next workshop scheduled for October 8, 2026.
Here’s what NACD has coming in August!
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.
Veteran 1st Office Hours | August 3rd & 17th, 1:30 - 3:30PM
Veteran 1st Office Hours continue to provide dedicated one-on-one support for veterans and their families. Participants can connect with resources related to housing, food security, mental health, benefits navigation, and other supportive services. If you or someone you know is a veteran seeking assistance, we encourage you to stop by.
National Night Out | August 4th, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Join NACD, community partners, and neighbors for National Night Out, an evening dedicated to strengthening relationships between residents, community organizations, and public safety partners. This family-friendly block party will be filled with outdoor games, raffle prizes, bike giveaways, free food and drinks, interactive activities, and more!
Northside Day 2026 | August 8th, 9:00 AM - 8:30 PM
The wait is almost over! Northside Day is nearly here, and we invite everyone to join us for a day dedicated to celebrating everything that makes the Northside special.
From the morning 5K Walk/Run, to the Community Celebration at LaCrone Park, and finishing with Beats on Northside Alley in the evening, Northside Day is an opportunity to reconnect with neighbors, support local organizations and businesses, and experience the energy and spirit that define our community.
There's something for everyone to enjoy! Bring your family, invite your friends, and help us make the inaugural Northside Day one to remember:
8:00 AM | 5K Walk/Run Registration Begins @ LaCrone Park
9:00 AM | Race Begins
10:30 AM | Race Ends
11:00 AM | Community Celebration Begins
3:00 PM | Community Celebration Ends
5:30 PM | Beats on Northside Alley Begins @ NACD
8:30 PM | Beats on Northside Alley Ends
Monthly Community Board Meeting | August 18th, 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 after the meeting. We need your input, Northside!
Free STD/STI Testing | August 21st, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Protecting your health starts with access to information and care. Community members are invited to receive free, confidential STD/STI testing in a safe and welcoming environment. Testing services will be provided at no cost, and participants will have the opportunity to connect with health professionals, ask questions, and access additional health resources. No insurance is required.
Join us on Saturday, August 8th as we celebrate everything that makes the Northside special during Northside Day 2026!
Kick off the day at the Community Celebration from 11:00 AM–3:00 PM at LaCrone Park, where you'll enjoy live entertainment hosted by Quincy Ellis & Dajzon Hughes, featuring DJ Kee, Suicide Squad Dance Team, Markeva Love, and Yolonda Lavender. Bring the whole family for bounce houses, kids' activities, delicious food trucks, local vendors, community resources, giveaways, and so much more.
Then, as the sun goes down, the celebration continues at Beats on Northside Alley from 5:30–8:30 PM at NACD (612 N. Park St.). Enjoy an evening of live music from The Skeletones and DJ Chuck, great food from local vendors, and the chance to connect with neighbors while celebrating our vibrant community.
A BIG thank-you to the sponsors who have made Northside Day possible. Their support helps make this inaugural celebration possible, and we're grateful for their commitment to the Northside!
Please note that NACD will be closed on August 12th and August 13th.
Our office will reopen with normal business hours following the closure. We appreciate your understanding and encourage anyone needing assistance to plan accordingly.
As we prepare to celebrate Northside Day, we're reminded that the strength of our community comes from the people who continue to show up, support one another, and invest in a brighter future for the Northside.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you attend our events, volunteer your time, support our programs, or simply help spread the word, your involvement makes a lasting impact.
We look forward to celebrating Northside Day with you on August 8th!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Yarbrough
Executive Director
Northside Association for Community Development
