SMEADcreative

19/05/2025

14/05/2024

09/05/2024

Many people have been asking how they can help and support those impacted by the tornado. We are collaborating with many partners in the region to aid in recovery. Here are some ways you can lend a hand.

💚 DONATE FUNDS
Disaster Relief Fund at https://unitedforscmi.org/disaster-relief-fund/

Community Urgent Relief Fund at https://www.kalfound.org/grants/community-urgent-relief-fund]

St. Joseph County United Way at https://bit.ly/4bd1CyX

👕 DONATE ITEMS
UPDATE 5/14: A Donations Management Center is open to accept and distribute donations to those affected by the tornado. Donations of food, clothing, toys, small appliances, or furniture are NOT accepted.

9246 Portage Industrial Dr., Portage MI 49024
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, Monday-Friday

🖐️ VOLUNTEER
Those interested in volunteering can sign up for the Michigan Volunteer Registry at https://mivolunteerregistry.org. This site is used to mobilize individuals who are interested in volunteering in the event of a natural or public health emergency.

09/05/2024

Community gardens are a wonderful way to bring people together and foster a sense of, well, community.

Keep on the lookout for any Building Block's signage in local community gardens. I'm always happy seeing my work out in Kalamazoo.

23/01/2024

After a dedicated recruitment process, we are pleased to announce that we have selected 8 ELLAS Advisory Board members with one additional seat for fiscal sponsor Gryphon Place. This incredible group of leaders will be tasked to set the strategic direction for ELLAS along with the hiring of a new Executive Director.
Thanks to The Stryker Johnson and Kalamazoo Community Foundation we have secured funding to grow our important work for the upcoming four years.
We want to Thank Elena Mireles-Hill with Liberación Consulting and Lisa Garcia (both founders of ELLAS) for supporting us in the recruitment of these members.
Gryphon Place has served as the fiscal sponsor for ELLAS since its inception and we are excited to continue to support the important work of ELLAS in its new chapter! ¡Adelante!

14/11/2023

Results are in! Over 1,000 Community Enhancement projects completed in our beautiful Kalamazoo community this year! Whether it’s reforesting blocks with native plants, or lighting up blocks with street lights to address night safety, or repairing unsafe porches, Building Blocks remains resident-driven and extremely reliable in implementing tangible results 💚 Please consider making a donation to support this work and our Kalamazoo neighborhoods!

18/07/2023

Check out what’s been happening with Building Blocks!

We reach the midpoint of our busy season at Building Blocks with energy and excitement! Our Spring Catalyst program was a huge success. Kalamazoo residents from 55 homes worked collectively on their blocks to plan and complete over 165 resident-led enhancement projects in Northside, Eastside, Oakwoo...

01/06/2023

Samson's Haircare is now offering free haircuts to any children currently being fostered or who have been adopted. The owners are foster dads and take great care!