Community Newsletter | March 3rd, 2026
Dear Northside Neighbors, Partners, & Community,
As we move into March, we’re reflecting on a busy and impactful February while looking ahead to new opportunities to connect, learn, and build together on the Northside.
On February 4th, community members gathered to explore career pathways connected to the Kalamazoo Event Center project. It was encouraging to see residents engage with skilled trades opportunities and learn more about workforce pathways that strengthen both individual futures and our neighborhood economy.
Thank you to CSM Group, Barton Malow, & Greenleaf Hospitality Group for your partnership in this event!
On February 24th, NACD hosted our Homeownership Education & Resource Fair, bringing together residents and housing professionals for an evening of information, questions, and practical next steps. From understanding affordability to navigating the home-buying process, the event helped equip families with tools to move toward long-term housing stability.
A big thank you to our partners: Lockett-Jones Realty Group, Fifth Third Bank, Harrington Team-Blue Horizon Realty Group, Keller Williams, Guild Mortgage, Churchill Mortgage Farmers Insurance, Old National Bank, Advia Credit Union, Kalamazoo Neighborhood Housing Services Inc, Huntington National Bank, First National Bank of Michigan, Consumers Credit Union, Chase, Horizon Bank, Treadstone Funding, and Comerica Bank.
On February 26th, we were proud to host the Imagine Kalamazoo 2035 “Design It!” Northside Neighborhood Meeting. It was inspiring to see neighbors come together to share ideas about housing, streets, parks, and neighborhood spaces. These conversations directly shape the strategies that will guide Kalamazoo’s Master Plan in the years ahead.
Thank you to everyone who showed up, shared their voice, and invested in the future of the Northside.
Let’s take a look at what we have coming up during the month of March.
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.
Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program Graduation | March 4th, 2:00 - 4:00PM
Join us as we celebrate the graduates of our Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program. These students have completed an intensive program and are stepping into meaningful healthcare careers. We are proud of their dedication and excited for what’s ahead.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance | March 9th, & 23rd, 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. Please call 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment.
Monthly Community Board Meeting | March 17th, 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.
Northside Day 2026 is right around the corner, and there are many ways to be part of this year’s celebration:
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.
Become a Sponsor!
Northside Day is a catalyst for the future of our neighborhood. All proceeds support NACD’s work in:
Workforce development
Housing access
Neighborhood revitalization
Sponsors play a vital role in supporting the execution of Northside Day. Their investment helps cover event costs, elevate the overall experience, and ensure that this celebration remains accessible to the entire community.
For questions or inquiries about sponsorship, please email info@nacdkzoo.com.
Thank you to our Northside Day 2026 Sponsors!
Life EMS | Kzoo Parks | Hamilton Law
At NACD, our mission remains the same: to advocate for a healthier environment, job creation, financial independence, safety, and neighborhood revitalization.
Thank you for being part of this work. Whether you attend an event, volunteer your time, support a program, or simply stay informed, you are part of the momentum shaping the Northside’s future.
We look forward to seeing you in March!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Yarbrough
Executive Director
Northside Association for Community Development
