June 1, 2020
Stroll & Roll currently postponed. Please see note below.
We are a strong community, and we want our friends and neighbors to know we are here, we remain strong, and together we will endure and overcome.
By foot, by bicycle, by stroller, or by wheelchair...get some fresh air and stroll or roll around the block or so...wave a friendly hello to friends and neighbors- from a social distance of at least 6 feet of course, and bring along a face covering if you plan to stop at a store or enclosed area.
Before heading out, use the window sign provided to write a short, positive message to your neighbors (make sure they can see it from the sidewalk!) and then place the sign in your front window.
Take a selfie in front of your sign, post it and tag the Coalition for Community Development Facebook Page or Instagram (ccd_muskegonheights) for a chance to
Win over $75 in Meijer Gift Certificates.
For more information: HealthyHeights14@gmail.com
Additional details:
Stroll & Roll window signs are distributed the week of May 4 via the Muskegon Heights Neighborhood Associations Council (MHNAC) and Coalition for Community Development (CCD). You may also download a copy of the sign from this website (click on document this page for PDF download). To contact the MHNAC email: mhneighborhoodcouncil@gmail.com.
NOTE: Our community needs support in other ways at this time. We are suspending this campaign and will review and resume when our community indicates the time is right. Thank you to all who helped share the information over this past month, we know it helped show just how connected we are to one another. Individuals may feel free to continue to download and post the window sign and submit to or provide to Neighborhood Association Council at email above for future drawings.
Muskegon Heights Stroll & Roll is a collaboration with MHNAC and CCD. This uplifting, simple yet heartfelt initiative also welcomes the participation and support of local Muskegon Heights businesses and organizations as well. Contact us if you would like to participate: healthyheights14@gmail.com
STAYING CONNECTED DURING SHELTER-IN-PLACE
April 6, 2020
Dear CCD Friends and Neighbors,
Much has changed in the world around us these last several weeks, and everyone is doing their best to adjust. We hope this email finds you and your loved ones healthy and secure during these challenging times.
We know that in the days and weeks since the schools closed, and where sheltering-in-place has become necessary, friends and neighbors still want to find ways to connect and look out for each other, to maintain our sense of community through it all.
As we seek to diminish the effects of COVID-19 through social distancing, fulfilling the CCD mission must continue: Seeking to build relationships with neighbors to support a thriving community in Muskegon Heights.
The residents of Muskegon Heights are resilient, strong, and compassionate. Many volunteers and organizations have stepped up to assist with critical services such as food access, healthcare, housing assistance, and financial relief. We want to pass along links at the bottom of this email to websites that have compiled lists of resources available.
We also know that social isolation, the longer this continues, takes a toll. We need to know we are not alone, even if we are not physically together. We need to continue to maintain and build those relationships with our neighbors.
Our board and committee members are planning ways to stay engaged while still maintaining social safety measures. You will hear more about these efforts and program adjustments going forward. We know this community will find ways to stick together and get through this.
Kindest regards,
Kathy Rohlman, Board President
Kerri VanderHoff, Executive Director
Link to list of compiled resources (food access, housing assistance, etc): Click here
MHPSAS School/student learning plans and meal delivery: Click here
MADL - Public library information: Click here
Read the 2019 Year in Review newsletter here:
The South Heights Photovoice Initiative full booklet with Photographs and Narratives is located here:
CCD Trustee Mildred Johnson recognized by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County
Read more about it, click here:
Celebrating Positive and Thoughtful Growth
Collaboration, partnerships, and increased opportunities are the themes for this past year at the Coalition for Community Development. We think our beloved founder Dr. Doris Rucks would be proud of the positive and thoughtful growth occurring within this grass-roots, mission-driven organization.
Although accomplishments over the past fourteen years have been many, CCD's all-volunteer structure had reached capacity. CCD simply could not provide the dedicated oversight needed to expand further programming and positive impact in the Muskegon Heights community.
We are pleased to say, with careful planning and the help of a wonderful capacity-building grant by Women Who Care, this past August the CCD attained that next level. The organization's first, part-time executive director was hired. Since then, many exciting developments are moving forward.
Our Literacy Committee partnered with a well-known children's book author who visits the classroom regularly for writing activities. A collaboration with MSU and Mercy Health is facilitating dialogue among residents, empowering neighbors to help identify ways to build healthier communities. A Winter Garden Club is in the works, science curriculum is being developed, field trips and experiential learning are increasing, and community beautification efforts are expanding.
We now have the structure in place to continue this momentum, but it will also take the continued support of our dedicated volunteers and generous donors. If you want to learn more about volunteering with this great group of people, please contact us, we would love to hear from you! Donations are always welcome too, your financial gift would ensure we make the most of these opportunities.
Cooking Matters Series
We've had great fun and shared delicious healthy recipes with families through this partnership with the YMCA. Let us know if you are interested in participating in the next series by sending us a message through the form at the bottom of the home page.
