Community Newsletter | July 1st, 2026
Dear Northside Neighbors, Partners, & Community,
As we welcome July, we're grateful for another month of meaningful connections, new opportunities, and continued progress across the Northside.
Throughout June, residents came together to celebrate our seniors, connect with employers building the Kalamazoo Event Center, and access important health resources through new community partnerships. These moments reflect what makes the Northside so special. We are a community that continues to show up, support one another, and invest in a stronger future.
As summer continues, NACD remains committed to creating opportunities that strengthen families, improve quality of life, and ensure residents have access to the resources they need to thrive. We invite you to stay engaged, attend upcoming events, and continue building momentum with us throughout the season.
Let's take a look back at June and what's ahead in July.
On June 11th, NACD welcomed Northside seniors for an evening of fellowship, laughter, and connection during our Northside Senior Night.
The evening brought together residents to enjoy a shared meal, friendly games, prizes, and meaningful conversations in a welcoming environment. Events like these provide valuable opportunities for seniors to stay connected, build relationships, and enjoy time with neighbors while celebrating the important role they continue to play in our community.
Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the evening such a success. We look forward to more Senior Nights in the near future!
On June 23rd, NACD hosted another Career & Opportunity Fair focused on employment opportunities connected to the construction of the Kalamazoo Event Center.
Residents had the opportunity to meet directly with project representatives, learn about available positions, explore workforce pathways, and gain insight into the skills and qualifications needed to become part of this transformational project.
Providing direct access to in-demand career opportunities remains an important part of NACD's commitment to workforce development and ensuring Northside residents benefit from major investments taking place within our community.
We sincerely thank Greenleaf Hospitality Group and CSM Group-Barton Malow for their continued partnership and investment in creating pathways to employment for Northside residents.
On June 26th, NACD proudly partnered with Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services to begin offering Free STD/STI Testing through an onsite mobile health unit.
Providing confidential, accessible health services directly within the neighborhood removes barriers to care and helps residents take proactive steps toward protecting their health and well-being. Participants were able to receive free testing, speak with healthcare professionals, and connect with additional health resources in a welcoming and judgment-free environment.
We are grateful to Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services for partnering with us to expand access to essential healthcare resources for our community. We look forward to continuing this important partnership in the months ahead.
Here’s what NACD has coming in July!
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 | July 6th & 20th, 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.
Food Smarts | July 8th & 15th, 5:30 - 7:00PM
Food Smarts returns to NACD this July to help individuals and families build practical skills for healthier living. Participants will learn how to make healthier, budget-conscious food choices, improve food literacy, and gain confidence in planning, shopping for, and preparing nutritious meals. Registration is required, and space is limited.
Monthly Community Board Meeting | July 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 after the meeting. We need your input, Northside!
Wills & Trusts Workshop Series | July 23rd, 6:00 - 7:00 PM
Planning for the future is one of the greatest gifts you can leave your loved ones. This workshop will help participants better understand wills, trusts, estate planning, and the legal tools available to protect their families and assets. Whether you're beginning the planning process or looking to update existing documents, this educational series provides valuable information in an approachable setting. Additional workshops will be held in the near future. In partnership with United Way of Southwest Michigan and Hamilton Law.
Free STD/STI Testing | July 24th, 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.
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!
Beginning in July, NACD will be canvassing neighborhoods throughout the Northside to better understand the needs, priorities, and experiences of our residents.
Our goal is simple: to listen.
By speaking directly with residents, we'll gain valuable insight that helps guide future programs, advocacy efforts, and community investments. If you see one of our canvassers in your neighborhood, we encourage you to stop, say hello, and share your thoughts. Your feedback will help shape the work we do moving forward.
Interested in becoming a Canvasser? We're still looking for individuals who are passionate about connecting with neighbors and helping strengthen our community. If you're interested in joining our canvassing team, we'd love to hear from you.
The countdown to Northside Day 2026 is officially underway, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate with our community.
Northside Day is a celebration of the people, organizations, and partnerships that make our neighborhood a vibrant place to live, work, and grow. Residents from across Kalamazoo will come together for a day filled with connection, fun, and community.
One of the biggest highlights of the day is the Northside Day 5K Walk & Run, which welcomes participants of all ages and fitness levels. Whether you're walking with friends, running for a personal best, or simply looking for a fun way to support the community, we'd love to see you at the starting line.
Registration includes:
Race bib
Finisher medal
Community celebration following the race at LaCrone Park
Not interested in participating in the 5K? There are still ways you can support!
Donate!
Your support helps make Northside Day possible while strengthening the programs and services NACD provides throughout the year.
Can’t donate, no worries! We’d still love to see you! Bring your family and friends to enjoy the Northside Day celebration featuring local vendors, community organizations, entertainment, family activities, and opportunities to connect with neighbors from across the community.
We hope you'll join us as we celebrate everything that makes the Northside special.
Whether you participate, volunteer, sponsor, or attend, Northside Day is an opportunity to celebrate everything that makes the Northside special.
Travel Advisory: Kalamazoo Avenue Construction Begins This July
The City of Kalamazoo's major reconstruction of Kalamazoo Avenue is expected to begin in mid-July and will impact travel throughout Downtown and surrounding neighborhoods, including routes commonly used to access the Northside and NACD.
Here's what to know:
Construction will begin near Park Street and move east toward Pitcher Street, one block at a time.
At least one lane of traffic on Kalamazoo Avenue is expected to remain open for most of the project, though temporary full closures may occur during utility work.
Some intersections may experience short-term closures and traffic pattern changes.
Park Street is expected to remain open throughout construction.
The project includes extensive underground utility upgrades, new sidewalks, improved crosswalks, updated traffic signals, and roadway improvements that will continue through 2028.
If you are traveling to NACD, attending programs, or visiting the Northside, please allow for extra travel time and pay attention to posted detours and traffic updates.
We encourage residents, community partners, and visitors to plan ahead and stay informed as construction progresses. NACD will continue sharing updates that may impact access to our office and neighborhood events.
More information and visuals can be found in this MLive article.
Thank you for your patience as these improvements move forward and help create a safer, more connected Kalamazoo for everyone.
We look forward to seeing you throughout July!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Yarbrough
Executive Director
Northside Association for Community Development
