Community Newsletter | September 2nd, 2025
Dear Northside Neighbors, Partners, & Community,
As we step into September, I want to take a moment to thank you for the ways you continue to show up for our community. In July, I had the privilege of meeting many of you during our Meet & Greet at NACD. Your energy, ideas, and commitment to the Northside inspire me every day. Together, we began shaping a vision for the future rooted in five key priorities:
Equitable Economic Development - supporting Black- and community-owned businesses, entrepreneurship, and bringing back vibrant retail and services.
Transformative Workforce Development - creating pipelines to good-paying jobs, training, and opportunities for youth and returning citizens.
Bold Neighborhood Revitalization - turning vacant lots and buildings into safe, beautiful spaces that reflect our pride.
Access to Housing - expanding pathways to affordable homeownership and keeping residents rooted in the neighborhood.
Safe & Connected Communities - building trust, improving walkability and lighting, and working together to prevent violence.
These priorities are a shared roadmap for Northside success. And we are already seeing progress. This summer, three families became homeowners on Ransom Street. Each home sold is another step toward stability, independence, and keeping our community strong.
We also want to celebrate the success of the graduates from our Basic Electrical & Electrical Safety class. These residents completed hands-on training that equips them with valuable skills for the workforce and for everyday life. This is exactly the kind of transformative development we envision: providing real tools and opportunities that empower our neighbors to build sustainable futures.
Want to be a part of the next cohort, or know someone who does? We’re now accepting signups for the Basic Electrical & Electrical Safety training program until September 24th, with classes starting on September 29th. This is a great opportunity to gain practical, hands-on skills that can open doors to new career paths and everyday confidence. Check out the intake form below!
On August 5th, we had a wonderful turnout for National Night Out at NACD. Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate community, enjoy food and music, and connect with neighbors and partners. Events like these remind us that we are stronger together.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to share that NACD will soon be offering room rentals in our building, with a new online request system to make the process simple and accessible. These spaces will be open for community meetings, events, and gatherings that continue to bring us together. Take a look below!
Finally, I encourage you to check out our upcoming events here at NACD. These moments are where we come together, share ideas, celebrate, and strengthen the bonds that make the Northside home. Check out some of our upcoming events:
CNA Fall Cohort Graduation | September 9th, 2 - 4PM
Join us in celebrating the 2025 Fall graduates of the Certified Nursing Assistant training program!
Safe & Sustainable Living w/ Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition | September 11th, 5:30 - 7:30PM
Learn how to stay safe during emergencies, discover ways to reduce environmental pollution, and explore tips for maintaining a healthy home.
Community Board Meeting | September 16th, 6 - 7PM
This is your opportunity to stay informed on local initiatives, share your concerns, and help shape the future of the Northside.
Kalamazoo Event Center Community Info Session| September 23rd, 6 - 7:30PM
Discover available career paths, connect with industry leaders, and find out how you can be part of a project that's reshaping our community.
Thank you again for your support, your trust, and your partnership. Every step we take is made possible by the strength of this community. Together, we will continue to build a Northside that reflects our values, creativity, and pride.
Sincerely,
Jonathan Yarbrough
Executive Director
Northside Association for Community Development