Community Newsletter | October 1st, 2026
Dear Northside Neighbors, Partners, & Community,
Welcome to October! September was a month of celebration and connection on the Northside, from honoring the newest graduates of our Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program to bringing neighbors from across Kalamazoo together at Neighborhoods Connect.
This month also brings some moments of recognition that belong to this whole community. On October 2nd, I will be accepting a Solidarity Award from the Workforce Development Institute in Detroit, and NACD will be receiving the Housing Award of the Year from Community Homeworks. These honors reflect the work we do together, and the neighbors, partners, and supporters who make it possible.
Plus, we have an abundance of opportunities for Northside Neighbors, Partners, and Community to convene, access resources, and celebrate the Northside.
From Veteran 1st Office Hours to Diaper Distribution, our Flu Clinic, and Northside Senior Night, October is packed with ways to get involved, get resourced, and stay connected.
Let's take a look back at September and what's ahead in October.
On September 8th, NACD celebrated the newest graduates of the Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program. It was a proud moment for the graduates, their families, and the Northside community investing in their futures. Congratulations to each graduate on this achievement and on the start of an important career in healthcare!
On September 9th, NACD hosted Kalamazoo Neighborhoods Connect, bringing together neighbors from across the city to build relationships, share ideas, and learn from one another. With extra time for roundtable discussion, participants collaborated across neighborhood boundaries on the things that matter most to our neighborhoods.
We have some exciting things to celebrate in October!
WDI Solidarity Award
I am excited to be accepting a Solidarity Award from the Workforce Development Institute in Detroit, MI on October 2nd, recognizing the commitment of NACD to workforce development happening here on the Northside.
Community Homeworks Housing Award of the Year
NACD has received the Housing Award of the Year from Community Homeworks, a recognition of our work to support housing in the Northside community. Thank you to everyone who has helped make this work possible.
Together, these awards reflect what NACD has always believed: that a stronger Northside is built on good jobs and good homes. Workforce development and housing go hand in hand, and we remain committed to creating opportunities that help our neighbors thrive in both.
Let’s take a look at our October 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 | October 5th & 19th, 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.
Kalamazoo Public Library (KPL) Sistas Connected: A Soulful Recess | October 8th, 12:00 - 5:00PM
An exclusive half-day retreat for Black women in non-profit leadership, facilitated by Capt. Stacey R. Ledbetter (ret) of Black & Blue Networking and Consulting, LLC. This interactive experience is designed to strengthen professional and personal connections among sister-colleagues through group activities, food and fellowship, and a "Sista Dialogue & Decompress" space for reflection and honest conversation.
Monthly Community Board Meeting | October 20th, 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!
Northside Senior Night | October 21st, 5:30 - 7:30PM
Join us for a night of connection, 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.
Flu Clinic | October 23rd, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Join us at NACD for a free flu clinic! Flu shots will be available on a drop-in basis at no cost. No appointment is necessary.
In partnership with Kalamazoo County Health & Community Services.
American Heart Association of Michigan Heart Walk | October 24th, 9:00AM - 12:00PM
Lace up and join the American Heart Association - Michigan for the Kalamazoo Heart Walk at Honor Credit Union Stadium. Registration is available online.
KPL Music for Learning | October 27th, 6:00 - 6:45PM
Learn how music can build language, literacy, and speech development while having fun with your child! Thelma Carter, an experienced educator, will guide you through musical activities and give you tips for encouraging your child’s development. Best for ages birth to 4.
Ask a Banker w/ Advia Credit Union | October 29th, 4:00 - 6:00PM
Join us for an Ask a Banker session with Advia Credit Union, focused on financial literacy and how Advia can support residents' banking needs. This is a great opportunity to get your questions answered and connect with resources to help you build a stronger financial future.
Speaking of Advia, an ATM will be installed at their Northside location, making it even easier for residents to access banking services close to home!
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3rd. Your voice matters, and so does your vote. Take some time before then to find out where your polling location is, so you know exactly where to go and are ready when the day arrives.
As Halloween approaches, we want everyone in our community to have a fun and safe night. Trick-or-treaters, stay visible with lights or reflective gear, cross at crosswalks, and stick with a group or a trusted adult. Drivers, slow down, put the phone away, and stay alert for kids in the street, especially around dusk and near driveways and crossings. A little extra care keeps the Northside safe for everyone.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you attend our events, volunteer your time, support our programs, or simply help spread the word, your involvement makes a lasting impact.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Yarbrough
Executive Director
Northside Association for Community Development
