Community Newsletter | December 2nd, 2025
Dear Northside Neighbors, Partners, & Community,
The holiday season is here, a time for gratitude, generosity, and coming together as a community. December gives us a chance to reflect on the work we’ve accomplished this year and look ahead to all that’s still possible. Before we step fully into the month, we want to share a few highlights from November and invite you to join us in one of the most important moments of the year: Giving Tuesday.
Today, December 2nd, is Giving Tuesday, a global day of generosity and a powerful opportunity to invest directly in the future of the Northside. Every contribution, big or small, helps fuel the initiatives and work that strengthen families, create opportunity, and uplift our neighborhood.
When you give to NACD, you help us:
Provide workforce development training that lead to real careers
Support families through essential resources
Provide pathways to stable, accessible housing
Revitalize key neighborhood spaces
Create programs that empower youth, seniors, and returning citizens
Build a safer, stronger, more connected Northside
Your support makes a real difference right here at home. Donate today and help us continue building opportunity on the Northside.
On November 4th, we were honored to host The Kalamazoo Promise for a special drop-in event offering one-on-one support for students and families. Scholars received guidance on remaining credits, training opportunities covered by The Promise, and next steps toward achieving their goals. We’re grateful to play a role in helping our young people navigate their educational journey with confidence.
Just a few days later, The NACD team joined community leaders for the long-awaited ribbon cutting of the US-131 Business Route Interchange, a project more than 25 years in the making. This milestone brings improved safety, better traffic flow, and easier access to US-131 for Northside residents, opening new doors for economic development and strengthening regional connectivity.
And last Wednesday, the NACD team enjoyed spreading holiday cheer by personally delivering Thanksgiving baskets to seniors in our housing community. It was a joy to connect, share warmth, and ensure our elders felt supported heading into the holiday season.
As we shift into December, there are still several meaningful opportunities to gather, learn, and stay connected before the year ends. Here’s what’s coming up this month at NACD:
Basic Electric & Electrical Safety Graduation | December 11th, 11:00AM - 1:00PM
Join us to celebrate the accomplishments of the newest graduates our Basic Electrical & Electrical Safety Training Program. This marks an important step forward for students who have invested their time and talent into building new skills that open doors to empowering careers.
Safe & Healthy Homes | December 11th, 5:30 - 7:30PM
Join NACD, the Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services Department, and the Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition for an evening focused on practical ways to stay safe during emergencies, reduce environmental pollution, and maintain a healthier home for you and your family.
Monthly Community Board Meeting | December 16th, 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.
Our partnership with Care Collective of Southwest Michigan continues this month! Diapers, wipes, and period products will be available for distribution at NACD every Monday and Wednesday from 9 AM - 2 PM. Please call our office to schedule an appointment and access these essential items for your household: 269.344.5490
NACD offices will be closed from December 24th - December 29th, and December 31st - January 1st for the holiday season. We hope this time brings rest and renewal to all in our community. Our team will reopen on January 2nd, ready to continue serving and supporting the Northside.
As we move through this season of giving, we want to express our sincere gratitude for your support, partnership, and belief in what’s possible for the Northside. Your generosity on Giving Tuesday, and throughout the year, plays a crucial role in helping us build a community rooted in strength, opportunity, and unity.
Jonathan Yarbrough
Executive Director
Northside Association for Community Development
