Written by CEDAM’s Madeleine March-Meenagh, junior program evaluation associate and Brian Rakovitis, manager of financial empowerment initiatives COVID-19 has robbed us of our health and economic security; now it seeks to steal our youth’s hope for the future. A recent study shows the pandemic has precipitated an aspirations crisis for youth and young adults. The...
A quick glance at Michigan’s growing CSA field By Brian Rakovitis, manager of financial empowerment initiatives Removing barriers to postsecondary attainment in Michigan provides more opportunities for low- and moderate-income communities, improves the quality of life for residents, and helps combat inequality. Savings play an important role in achieving increased attainment. Studies have found that...
Contributors: City of Lansing, CEDAM, John Hopkins Center for Government Excellence (GovEx) First… A bit of background As the old saying goes, you can’t see the forest for the trees. When you are too close to a situation you sometimes need to step back and gain some perspective, even invite a fresh pair of eyes...
Across Michigan, 43% of households struggle to afford the basic necessities of housing, child care, food, technology, health care, and transportation. This data comes from the United Way’s ALICE Report, but CEDAM also hears this anecdotally from members around the state who are working hard to create affordable housing, increase child care options, and train...
The Lake Trust Foundation, a CEDAM member, awarded more than $45,000 in scholarships to Michigan residents during its annual scholarship award celebration on September 4, 2019. Lake Trust Foundation President David Snodgrass presented LaToya Wright of Muskegon with a Community Impact Scholarship that rewards an aspiring community-oriented entrepreneur who wishes to run a business with...
Lapeer County Community Foundation Launches Child Savings Account Initiative FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Lapeer County, Michigan – The Lapeer County Community Foundation (LCCF) is pleased to announce the Lapeer County Education Attainment Fund (LEAF). Beginning this fall, every kindergartener in the county will have an education savings account at ELGA Credit Union. The...
By Chris Wardell, Administrative Assistant CEDAM members provide critical resources, implement innovative programs and make our communities stronger. You do a lot with a little, and, impressively, you continuously strive to accomplish even more—whether it’s serve more clients, raise more money or offer a new program, you’re working to make it happen. What if...
By Katie Lietz, program director at Lakeshore Food Club The Lakeshore Food Club put more fresh fruits and vegetables in the hands of people at risk for food insecurity in the summer of 2018. We sincerely thank Rural Partners of Michigan (RPM)* for the financial support that has helped launch our Grow A Row campaign...
By Christopher Wardell, administrative assistant CEDAM AmeriCorps member Alexandra Makohn recently graduated from Michigan State with a BA in international development, but before starting her full-time career, she wanted another experience. She saw a real need to help people live and afford a home in her own neighborhood, so she set out to find ways...
By Danielle Siegel, AmeriCorps VISTA member, Community Foundation for Oceana County Have you seen one of the new Little Free Libraries popping up around Oceana County? Jumping into the early literacy effort is Eagle Scout Thomas Carey of Shelby Boy Scout Troop #1151. With the help of a local builder, Carey built and installed three...
