Community Newsletter | May 2nd, 2026
Dear Northside Neighbors, Partners, & Community,
As we move into May, we’re taking a moment to reflect on a powerful and productive April while looking ahead to new opportunities to connect, learn, and grow together as a community.
This month’s newsletter also addresses concerns around recent flooding in the Northside neighborhood. We want you to know that we are actively working with the city to provide solutions for this matter.
On April 9th, we were proud to be the host location for the Fatherhood Network’s Dad Café, a space for fathers to connect, share experiences, and support one another.
These conversations continue to build stronger families and a stronger Northside. A big thank you to the Fatherhood Network for bringing such an impactful moment to NACD!
On April 23rd, in partnership with the NAACP, the NAACP Gun Law Forum created a space for meaningful dialogue around gun laws, safety, and community impact.
We’re grateful to everyone who attended and contributed to this important conversation.
Thank you to the NAACP Metropolitan Kalamazoo Branch for your partnership!
On April 28th, residents had the opportunity to connect directly with employers and explore career pathways at The Kalamazoo Event Center Career Expo. Events like this are critical in bridging access to employment and economic opportunity for Northside residents.
We thank Greenleaf Hospitality Group and CSM Group-Barton Malow for their partnership in making this event happen!
On April 23, our Executive Director spent the afternoon onsite at the Kalamazoo Event Center and connected with Access for All graduate, Zeke Morgan.
Zeke successfully completed the program here at NACD in September 2025, and today, he’s putting those skills to work onsite, helping build the very project that represents opportunity for our community.
At NACD, we are committed to creating pathways through workforce training and directly connecting residents to meaningful employment.
Seeing our Community Benefits Agreement come to life in real time is powerful. We’re incredibly proud of Zeke and the work he’s doing.
Let’s take a look at what events are taking place in May.
Upcoming May 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.
Veteran 1st Office Hours | May 4th & 18th, 1:30 - 3:30PM
We’re proud to launch Veteran 1st Office Hours, providing dedicated time and space to support veterans in accessing resources, navigating benefits, and building connections.
Veteran 1st provides equitable access to care, resources, and advocacy for veterans and their families across Michigan and beyond.
Veteran 1st office hours will be ongoing on the first and thrid Mondays of each month.
Food Smarts | May 13th, 20th, & 27th, 4:30 - 5:30PM
Food Smarts is an engaging, evidence-based nutrition education program designed to help participants build practical skills for healthier living. Through interactive and supportive learning experiences, participants will:
Gain confidence in making nourishing food choices
Improve food literacy
Learn how to incorporate more whole foods into daily life
The program also includes a guided tour of Park Street Market led by culinary experts, bringing hands-on learning into a real-world setting.
Community Town Hall - Kalamazoo Event Center | May 14th, 6:00 - 8:00PM
Join us for an important community conversation about the Kalamazoo Event Center. This is your opportunity to stay informed about employment opportunities, construction updates, and more!
Monthly Community Board Meeting | May 19th, 6 - 7PM
his 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!
Northside Day 2026 is already building momentum, and thanks to the incredible support of our community, we’ve reached $75,000 raised toward our $150,000 goal!
This milestone is a reflection of what’s possible when neighbors, families, businesses, and partners come together with a shared vision for the Northside. Every dollar raised helps create a day filled with connection, enthusiasm, and opportunity, from the 5K Walk/Run to the Community Celebration at LaCrone Park.
Northside Day is a direct extension of NACD’s mission: to advocate and promote a healthier environment, job creation, financial independence, safety, and neighborhood revitalization. It’s about investing in our community today while building a stronger future for generations to come.
We’re halfway there, and we need you to help us finish strong! Whether you’re looking to support, participate, or get involved, there’s a place for you in Northside Day 2026:
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.
We hear and understand the frustration caused by the recent flooding and fallen trees impacting homes and properties across the Northside. NACD is actively working with the City of Kalamazoo to address these issues and will continue advocating to ensure community concerns are heard and acted on.
City crews are continuing response efforts following the recent storms, and residents in need of assistance are encouraged to call 1-800-RED-CROSS for shelter or volunteer support, or 311 for concerns related to flooding, debris, and property damage.
We know this has been a difficult time, and we encourage you to reach out. Your voice matters, and NACD is here to support you and connect you to the resources you need as we move forward together.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Yarbrough
Executive Director
Northside Association for Community Development
