Building Community: Local First

The budding group of members experienced exponential growth, so, in 2007, four years after its inception, Local First hired Elissa Sengalli Hillary as director and acquired nonprofit status in order to begin fundraising. In just two years, Local First membership grew from 150 to over 500 locally owned businesses and was able to hire additional staff to assist Hillary in brainstorming new undertakings the organization could sustain.

Building Community: Communities in Schools

Communities in Schools (CIS) is a national organization that removes barriers that typically derail students from attending or finishing school, some of which are outside their control. Some barriers include receiving adequate nutrition, help with homework, ample homework supplies, and sufficient healthcare.

Building Community: For a Brighter Tomorrow

Since its inception, For a Brighter Tomorrow has assisted 333 clients, including reuniting five mothers with their children, all with a volunteer staff of just three. Their purpose is to connect individuals with the resources they need to overcome addiction, which often includes funds for transportation, clothing, court fees, gas, and so on.

Building Community: Groundwork for Resilient Communities

For 23 years, Groundwork for Resilient Communities (formerly known as the Michigan Land Use Institute) has successfully built programs with the belief that a clean environment and strong economy go hand in hand.

Building Community: Big Water Creative Arts

they wanted to hold songwriting workshops and other programs to connect kids and allow them to express themselves creatively through music. The idea came after the two led a workshop for adults on Mackinac Island. They decided to broaden the project into something more formal, thus beginning what would become Big Water Creative Arts.

Building Community: Huron Pines

One such organization is Huron Pines, a nonprofit located in Gaylord. Since 1973, it has focused on the environmental conservation of lakes, forests, and streams with the ultimate goal of protecting the Great Lakes.

Building Community: Empowering and Restoring America’s Veterans

Helping veterans transition from active duty back to everyday life is one of the greatest investments a community can make.

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