We’re excited to announce that CEDAM is celebrating 10 years of hosting AmeriCorps programs! Throughout the year, we’ll be interviewing alumni, highlighting current members, and sharing the impact our members have on their communities. To kick things off, check out these 10 fun facts about CEDAM’s AmeriCorps programs: More than 250 Michiganders have served with...
CEDAM is excited to welcome and introduce our new events & membership specialist, Shawn Masters! Shawn joins our team with a long history working in the nonprofit sector and a strong connection to our organization’s mission. Emily: Tell me about your experience in the nonprofit world? Shawn: My very first experience with nonprofit work, I...
By Luke Forrest, executive director This week marks the official start date of Michigan’s newest state agency, the Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO). It’s not an event that seems to have garnered much attention, which maybe isn’t surprising given that it’s August—it’s been more than two months since the department was first announced,...
Ionia’s Sweep the Streets project had one simple goal: Bring pride back to our downtown community. You can use this model in your small town, too. If you are ready to roll up your sleeves and get to work, check out this simple community development project that can quickly deliver a big dose of community...
STATEWIDE CONTACTS Emily Reyst Communications & Training Specialist, CEDAM emily@cedamichigan.org | 517.485.3588 Eric Hufnagel Executive Director, MCAH ehufnagel@mihomeless.org |517-853-3885 Housing is Out of Reach in Michigan for Low-Wage Workers Michiganders earning minimum wage must work 58 hours per week to afford a one-bedroom rental home Michigan, June 18—The National Low Income Housing Coalition released their...
By Natalie Rogers, junior policy associate Community Development Corporations (CDCs) address a wide-range of problems and are well positioned to do the work their community needs and wants. While CDCs have the potential to address local issues in their community, their funding models often limit what they are able to accomplish. The limitations under the...
By Sarah Teater, Community Development Fellowship coordinator Community economic development projects are underway across the state thanks to a new fellowship managed by CEDAM. Last year, CEDAM was granted the opportunity to find the first cohort of community development fellows for Project Rising Tide. The fellows bring a diverse range of skills to their positions,...
By Chris Wardell, administrative assistant Last month, I wrote about CEDAM’s two AmeriCorps programs—AmeriCorps State and AmeriCorps VISTA—and how the additional capacity an AmeriCorps member offers can help your organization reach even higher goals and make a greater impact in your community. (Did you miss the story featuring the AmeriCorps impact in Ludington and Saginaw...
CEDAM is excited to introduce its new executive director, Luke Forrest! Luke was previously the director of civic innovations at the Michigan Municipal League (MML). He officially joined the team this past Monday, April 22. Our communications specialist interviewed him to learn more about his background, what he’s looking forward to in his new role...
By Natalie Rogers, junior policy associate On a sunny Saturday afternoon at the South Lansing Capitol District Library, Dr. John Aerni-Flessner stood in front of a packed room of Lansing community members. The MSU Residential College for the Arts and Humanities (RCAH) assistant professor was there to present the early findings from a research project...
