[This post is part of the monthly CEDAM Member News Roundup series. If you have news to share/an event to promote, send it our way or leave a message in the comments section at the bottom of this post.]
CEDAM member Chippewa-Luce-Mackinac Community Action Agency is one of 14 recipients nation-wide of the 2010 National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award. The award, given by the National Community Action Partnership, recognizes CLMCAA’s use of community development to reduce poverty and increase economic security.
The IRS announced six Michigan organizations that will receive grant money to run free VITA tax preparation sites. Four of the six are CEDAM members: Accounting Aid Society, Community Action Agency of Jackson-Lenawee-Hillsdale, Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan, and Northwest Michigan Community Action Agency.
Northern Initiatives received a $100,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Microentreprenuer Assistance Program. The grant money will help Northern Initiatives assist rural entrepreneurs in starting up their own small businesses in the U.P.
A new housing project in Lansing called Restoration Works will turn two derelict houses into living classrooms, and eventually livable homes. The Ingham County Land Bank, Allen Neighborhood Center, and Lansing Community College are working together to save the two houses while using a hands-on approach to teach LCC students about home restoration, energy efficiency, construction, electrical engineering, and other topics.
A news article last month celebrated Avalon Housing’s Edible Avalon program. The program coordinates community gardens for Avalon Housing residents, allowing them access to fresh and healthy produce. A video about Edible Avalon also went online last month.
Shop MI Downtown for the Holidays started last month and will continue through December. The campaign is backed by a number of CEDAM supporters and sponsors, and it seeks to challenge Michigan residents to shop at locally-owned stores in downtowns or Main Street districts for the holidays. People may also take pictures of downtown stores for the chance to win an overnight stay in one of five downtown Michigan establishments.
