Community Newsletter | June 3rd, 2026
Dear Northside Neighbors, Partners, & Community,
As we move into June, we're taking a moment to celebrate the meaningful connections, learning opportunities, and community conversations that took place throughout May.
From helping residents build healthier habits through Food Smarts, to connecting community members with opportunities related to the Kalamazoo Event Center, to launching new support services for veterans and their families, May continued the momentum in creating meaningful opportunities for residents to learn, connect, and thrive.
At NACD, we remain committed to creating opportunities that empower residents, strengthen families, and improve quality of life throughout our neighborhood. Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, partnered with us, and continues to invest in the future of the Northside.
Let's take a look back at some of the highlights from May and what's ahead in June.
Throughout May, in partnership with Kalamazoo Valley Community College, NACD was proud to host Food Smarts, an engaging, evidence-based nutrition education program designed to help individuals and families develop practical skills for healthier living.
Participants spent three weeks learning how to make healthier, budget-conscious food choices, improve their understanding of nutrition, and incorporate more whole foods into their daily routines. The program provided hands-on strategies for meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation, helping participants build confidence in making informed decisions for themselves and their families.
One of the program highlights was a guided tour of Park Street Market led by culinary experts, connecting classroom learning to real-world shopping experiences and demonstrating how healthy choices can be both accessible and affordable.
We're grateful to everyone who participated and took steps toward improving their health and wellness. Programs like Food Smarts help create a stronger, healthier Northside one family at a time.
On May 14th, NACD welcomed residents, community stakeholders, entrepreneurs, and job seekers for a Community Town Hall focused on the future of the Kalamazoo Event Center.
The event provided attendees with important updates on construction progress, workforce opportunities, vendor opportunities, and the overall impact the project will have on our community. Residents had the opportunity to learn about career pathways connected to the project, gain insight into food and beverage vendor opportunities, and engage directly with project representatives during a question-and-answer session.
These conversations are critical to ensuring the Northside remains informed, represented, and positioned to benefit from the opportunities being created through this transformational development.
A special thank you to Greenleaf Hospitality Group and CSM Group-Barton Malow for their partnership and commitment to keeping our community informed and engaged throughout the process.
In May, NACD proudly launched Veteran 1st Office Hours, creating a dedicated space where veterans and their families can connect with resources, support, and advocacy services.
Through this partnership, veterans have access to guidance related to mental health and wellness, housing and food security, community resources, benefits navigation, justice system support, and overall quality-of-life services. These one-on-one sessions are designed to meet veterans where they are and help them access the tools they need to thrive.
Veteran 1st's mission is to empower veterans and their families by providing equitable access to care, resources, and advocacy. Their vision is to create a thriving veteran community where those who served our nation can find belonging, support, and opportunity.
Veteran 1st Office Hours take place on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month from 1:30 - 3:00pm at NACD. We are grateful to Veteran 1st for bringing these valuable services to the Northside community. Together, we're helping ensure that no veteran is left behind.
Let’s take a look a other upcoming June 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.
Northside Senior Night | June 11th, 5:30 - 7:00PM
Join us for a night ofconnection, fellowship, and community designed to honor the important role seniors play in shaping the story of our neighborhood. Guests can enjoy catered food, board games, prizes, and opportunities to connect with friends and neighbors in a welcoming environment. We look forward to celebrating our Northside seniors and the contributions they continue to make to our community.
Monthly Community Board Meeting | June 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 after the meeting. We need your input, Northside! Join us, bring your voice to the table, and be part of the conversation as we continue working toward a stronger Northside. Let’s keep the momentum going!
Voter Town Hall | June 25th, 5:30 - 7:00PM
Join us for an informative community conversation focused on the upcoming August Primary and General Election. Residents will have the opportunity to learn about important election dates, absentee voting, voter registration resources, and what to expect at the polls. The event will also feature a panel discussion with local elected officials and provide opportunities for attendees to ask questions and engage in civic dialogue.
Free STD/STI Testing | June 26th, 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.
On June 19th, we join communities across Kalamazoo and the nation in celebrating Juneteenth, a day that commemorates the end of slavery in the United States and honors the achievements and contributions of Black Americans throughout history.
Juneteenth serves as both a celebration and a reminder of the ongoing work required to build equitable, thriving communities where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. As an organization committed to advocacy, empowerment, and community development, NACD recognizes the importance of honoring this history while continuing to invest in a stronger future for the Northside.
In observance of Juneteenth, NACD will be closed on Friday, June 19th. Our staff will be participating in community celebrations and events taking place throughout Kalamazoo as we join others in recognizing this important day.
We encourage residents to take part in local Juneteenth celebrations, support Black-owned businesses, and reflect on the history, progress, and possibilities that continue to shape our community.
Excitement continues to build for Northside Day 2026 as we work together to create one of the community's most anticipated celebrations of the year.
Northside Day reflects NACD's mission to promote neighborhood revitalization, economic opportunity, community engagement, and a healthier future for all residents. From the annual 5K Walk/Run to the Community Celebration at LaCrone Park, the event brings together neighbors, families, businesses, and organizations in a powerful demonstration of community pride.
There are still several ways to get involved:
Donate!
Your support helps make Northside Day possible while strengthening the programs and services NACD provides throughout the year.
Register for the 5K Walk/Run
This all-ages event begins at NACD and finishes at LaCrone Park, where participants will be welcomed into the community celebration.
All registered participants receive:
Race bib
Finisher medal
Post-race community welcome at the park
Become a Vendor
We welcome:
Food trucks
Craft and retail vendors
Local businesses
Community organizations and resource providers
Vendor fee: $50
Volunteer
Northside Day depends on community volunteers to make the event successful. Opportunities include:
5K route support
Festival operations
Family activities
Community engagement
Youth volunteers are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
Whether you participate, volunteer, sponsor, or attend, Northside Day is an opportunity to celebrate everything that makes the Northside special.
Consumers Energy has announced that its Direct Payment Office located at 2500 E. Cork Street will permanently close on July 1, 2026.
Customers who currently make payments at this location are encouraged to explore alternative payment methods, including online payment options and in-person payments through authorized partner locations. Consumers Energy has indicated that seven partner payment locations are available within ten miles of the current office. You can view these locations here.
Customers who use the Direct Payment Office will receive additional information directly from Consumers Energy regarding the transition.
Please help us share this information with neighbors, friends, and family members who may be affected by this change so they have time to prepare and explore available payment options.
As we reflect on the opportunities, conversations, and connections that took place throughout May, we're reminded that meaningful community change happens when residents, partners, and organizations come together with a shared vision for the future.
Thank you for continuing to engage, participate, and invest in the Northside. Whether you're attending a community meeting, participating in a program, supporting Northside Day, or connecting a neighbor to resources, your involvement helps strengthen our community and expand opportunities for everyone.
Moving into summer, NACD remains committed to advocating for residents, building partnerships, and creating pathways that support a healthier, more vibrant Northside. We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming events and continuing this work together.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Yarbrough
Executive Director
Northside Association for Community Development
