Community Newsletter | September 1st, 2026
Dear Northside Neighbors, Partners, & Community,
What a month August was. Northside Day 2026 brought our community together in a way we'll never forget. From the 5K Walk/Run, to the Community Celebration at LaCrone Park, to Beats on Northside Alley. And thanks to all of you, we met our $150,000 fundraising goal. Paired with a truly joyful National Night Out, August reminded us just how much strength there is in this community when we move forward together.
Let’s recap the last month on the Northside.
On August 4th, NACD joined community partners and neighbors for National Night Out, and the turnout said it all. Residents came out in force to fellowship, have a good time, and celebrate community alongside public safety partners and local organizations.
Attendees enjoyed food, music, and a few giveaways throughout the evening while getting the opportunity meet partner organizations, get connected to resources, and spend some time in our Community Garden.
What a day for the Northside! On August 8th, our community came together for the inaugural Northside Day, and it exceeded every hope we had for it. From sunrise to sunset, neighbors, families, businesses, and friends showed up to celebrate everything that makes the Northside special, and together, we made history.
The day featured three marquee events, each one a celebration in its own right.
5K Walk/Run
Northside Day kicked off bright and early at LaCrone Park, where runners and walkers of all ages laced up to start the day off right. The energy on the course set the tone for everything that followed.
Community Celebration @ LaCrone Park
From 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, LaCrone Park came alive with performances, food, vendors, and neighbors reconnecting with one another. It was a true reflection of the strength, pride, and connectedness of our community.
Beats on Northside Alley
As the sun went down, the celebration moved to NACD for Beats on Northside Alley, closing out an unforgettable day with live music and entertainment on Northside Alley.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, donors, sponsors, and every single person who came out and participated, Northside Day 2026 officially met its $150,000 fundraising goal. This milestone reflects what our community can accomplish when we move forward together.
This fundraising is a critical piece to supporting NACD’s work in Workforce Development, Housing, and Neighborhood/Economic Development.
To every donor, sponsor, volunteer, and neighbor who showed up: thank you. Northside Day would not have been possible without you, and we cannot wait to build on this momentum for years to come.
Be on the lookout early next year for details about Northside Day 2027 and let’s keep moving forward together!
Now, as we look ahead to September, there's a full calendar of ways to stay connected, get support, and keep building on everything we accomplished together in August.
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.
CNA Training Program Graduation | September 8th, 2:00PM
Join us as we celebrate the newest graduates of the Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program, a proud moment for these graduates and for the Northside community investing in their future.
Kalamazoo Neighborhood Connects | September 9th, 7 - 8:45PM
Neighborhoods Connect is a space to connect with neighbors from across Kalamazoo, build relationships, and work together on the things that matter most to our neighborhoods.
Veteran 1st Office Hours | September 14th, 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.
Monthly Community Board Meeting | September 15th, 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!
Free STD/STI Testing | September 18th, 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.
Please note that NACD will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day. Our office will reopen with normal business hours the following day. We appreciate your understanding and encourage anyone needing assistance to plan accordingly.
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.
We look forward to seeing you around the Northside this September!
Sincerely,
Jonathan Yarbrough
Executive Director
Northside Association for Community Development
