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NWI News and Events
Photo of sunflower in Riddle school garden courtesy of Katie Olender
Panera Bread Distribution Every Thursday from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm NorthWest Initiative 530 W. Ionia St., 48933 517-999-2895 Angel Food Ministries Place orders in the middle of the month and pick up at the end of the month. Call Julie @ (517) 485-0174 (Must enroll prior to distribution) Food Movers Distribution Call to enroll: (517) 482-1270 (517) 999-2894 (Must enroll prior to distribution) Letts Community Center (Supplemental Bread Location) Monday– Thursday; 12-6pm. 1220 W. Kalamazoo St. 517-483-4311 |
| Get Involved! |
| NorthWest Initiative - North Neighborhood Center 530 W. Ionia St., Suite D, Lansing, MI 48933 Phone: 517-999-2894 Fax: 517-999-2897 |
NWI now on Facebook & Twitter—check us out!
Assistance? Click here to see how we can help!
FREE Tax Preparation for Low Income Families
Are you paying someone to prepare your taxes for you?
STOP! We will file your federal, state and Lansing city taxes for
FREE!! If your household income is $49,000 or less, we will
prepare your taxes, electronically file them, and you could
have your return, in your bank account in approximately 10
days (or less).
Get the biggest refund possible! We make sure you get back
every cent you have coming to you. We train our volunteers
to catch those credits others miss, (or charge you for). Our tax
site will be open Monday and Wednesdays from 4pm-8pm;
Fridays from 10am-2pm; and Saturdays from 9am-3pm. To
schedule your appointment for the NorthWest Initiative
tax site, call 2-1-1 after January 1, 2012. To volunteer at
our site, call Jonathon at 517-999-2894.
NWI Now Offering Cooking Classes!
New Cooking Club—join our Nutrition Educator Stephanie
and AmeriCorps members Johnny & Christian 4-5pm, March
8, (call to sign up and for locations). Our first cooking class is
designed to help YOU create a variety of healthy and
delicious meals for you or your family. Individuals at
all levels of cooking experience are welcome to participate.
The classes will meet every other Thursday.
New Growing and Cooking with Herbs—join our AmeriCorps
members Johnny and Christian as they teach you how to
grow and cook with herbs.
The first classes are Herbs 101, 6-8:30 pm, March 13,
2012, and Herb Gardening II, 6-8:30 pm, April 8, 2012. Both
classes will be held at Foster Community Center’s Library
(200 N. Foster Ave., Lansing, MI 48912).
For more information on any of the classes listed above, call
Johnny or Christian at (517) 999-2894.
Implementing the Affordable Care Act:
Expanding access to health care in Michigan
You are cordially invited to attend a FREE educational
luncheon Symposium:
SAVE THE DATE!
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Monday, March 19, 2012
Clark Conference Center
First Floor, East Wing, Sparrow/St. Lawrence Campus
1210 W. Saginaw St., Lansing (Parking in the ramp)
A light luncheon will be served to participants.
Learn how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could affect all
Lansing residents’ lives! Guest speakers include State
Senator Jim Marleau and Don Hazaert, executive director,
Michigan Consumers for Healthcare Coalition.
Contact NorthWest Initiative to RSVP by March 14th for this
FREE informative event
Phone: (517) 999-2894 or via email: northwest.
lansing@gmail.com
IMPORTANT: RSVP today as seating is limited
This event sponsored by Northwest Initiative
A community development organization serving Northwest
Lansing
Co-sponsors to date:
Lansing Juneteenth Committee, Lansing Latino Health Alliance,
Michigan Consumers for Healthcare, Michigan League for Human
Services, Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, United Cerebral Palsy
Women’s Center of Greater Lansing
Seeking Community Gardeners
Ever wanted to grow your own food and simply don’t have the
land space? The Food Systems Project coordinates three
community gardens and we are seeking individuals
interested in manning their own plot. FSP can provide the
plants and land, you just have to show up, keep your plot
weeded and watered and bear the fruit of harvest. So if you
want to save money, eat healthy, connect with nature and get
some exercise, contact Joy at 999-2894; joy@nwlansing.org.
New Health Workshops—Brown Bag Lunch Series
Starting 11:30 am—1:00 pm, Tuesday, April 17, and every
Tuesday for the next 8 weeks, NWI will host a series of health
related workshops.
Topics may include diabetes prevention, smoking cessation,
living with asthma, etc. On April 17 we will be discussing
stress and unemployment and on April 24th we will be
learning about nutrition education.
Bring your lunch and come and hear a guest speaker on
each topic. There will be plenty of opportunity for questions
and answers. The series will be held at NWI. For more
information, call Christian at (517) 999-2894 or
email Christian@nwlansing.org.
Money Smart Week: April 21-28, 2012
Did you know that during Money Smart Week, you can attend
dozens of free workshops to help you get smarter about
YOUR money? NorthWest Initiative will be hosting the
Financial Literacy & Credit Repair workshop 5-8 pm,
Tuesday, April 24, at the downtown Library.
To register for this workshop, call (517) 999-2894 or email
jonathon@nwlansing.org. For a complete listing of other
workshops, visit www.chicagofed.org/webpages/education/
msw/mi/index.cfm or call the Capital Area District Library
(downtown) at (517) 367-6300.
FREE Supplemental Food for Low Income Families
NorthWest Initiative holds a free weekly supplemental food
distribution program (fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy, eggs
from the Food Bank, and whole-grain bread courtesy of
Panera Bread) for low income Lansing residents living in the
48906, 48915, and 48933 zip codes. Residents must
register and show identification to participate.
The food distribution occurs every Thursday, from 12:00
Noon to 3:00 pm at 530 W. Ionia St., Suite F, Lansing, MI
48933. Please do not arrive before 11:00 am and if the
parking lot is full, park across the street in the parking lot of
the big blue and white house/office building. For information,
call Christian at 999-2894.
AN AMAZING JOURNEY
In April of 2011, ARRO was blessed to get funding from the
Presbyterian Church, Self Development of People to do the
advocating that we have wanted to do for years. Part of that
funding was to do the "Ban the Box", which we called "Fair
Chance Coalition to Ban the Box Campaign". For the past 7
months we worked very hard to put together our state side
kick off event for the legislation we are working on. With the
help of the Legislative Black Caucus, and Cooley Law
School, On January 17th, 2012 we had Michelle Alexander
come to Lansing where she spoke at Cooley Law School
about her book "The New Jim Crow". We had an amazing
event, lots of great publicity, we have been invited to do radio
announcements all over the state.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THIS AMAZING EVENT;
INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPHS AND LINKS TO ARTICLES &
VIDEOS!
NWI Seeking Volunteers for MSU Concessions Fundraiser
NorthWest Initiative is looking for volunteers to help staff our
booth at a variety of MSU athletic and special events. If you
have experience running a concession stand, enjoy working
with a great group of people, and desire to help us earn
money selling food and beverages, please call our office at
999-2894 and leave your name and telephone number or
email peggy@nwlansing.org. Our goal is to raise $5,000 in
unrestricted funds for NorthWest Initiative programs and
services. Come and join in on the fun!
NWI Developing a “Village” Program for Senior Citizens
NorthWest Initiative in partnership with AARP of Michigan and
other local partners are in the process of developing a Village
Program specifically designed to help senior citizens age in
community and help them to stay in their homes as long as
possible. The planning committee is in need of more senior
citizen input into the development of this program. Initially, the
Village Program will be for residents of northwest Lansing.
The next meeting is 5 pm, on Wednesday, March 14th at
the NWI office. If you would like to join the committee,
please call Laura, Breghan or Peggy at 999-2894 or email
northwest.lansing@gmail.com.
Do You Need Health Coverage, Emergency Food, Adult
Dental Care, or Other Assistance?
The NorthWest Initiative’s Outreach Program is here to help
you sign up for a variety of programs and services to assist
you and your family. We can help you sign up for the Ingham
Health Plan, MIChild, Healthy Kids, Plan First, Medicaid, food
stamps, SafeLink cell phones, and much more.
We also offer additional services for those who are returning
to Ingham County from a correctional facility (non-MPRI).
Visit our Outreach Program at 530 W. Ionia St., Suite D,
Lansing, MI 48933 (Monday-Friday—10am-3pm), or call our
ARRO Program at 517-999-2894 to schedule an
appointment.
Ingham County’s Adult Dental Clinic is open for income
eligible residents, call 517-887-4423 or 517-887-4609 to
schedule an appointment.
Would You Like to Receive the NWI Newsletter
Electronically?
To help decrease our mailing costs, we are giving you the
option to receive an electronic copy of the of the Grand
Happenings newsletter instead of a paper copy, please
email laura@nwlansing.org.
You can now follow NorthWest Initiative on the
following social media websites:
- www.facebook.com/nwlansing
- Twitter us at NWIlansing
Assistance? Click here to see how we can help!
FREE Tax Preparation for Low Income Families
Are you paying someone to prepare your taxes for you?
STOP! We will file your federal, state and Lansing city taxes for
FREE!! If your household income is $49,000 or less, we will
prepare your taxes, electronically file them, and you could
have your return, in your bank account in approximately 10
days (or less).
Get the biggest refund possible! We make sure you get back
every cent you have coming to you. We train our volunteers
to catch those credits others miss, (or charge you for). Our tax
site will be open Monday and Wednesdays from 4pm-8pm;
Fridays from 10am-2pm; and Saturdays from 9am-3pm. To
schedule your appointment for the NorthWest Initiative
tax site, call 2-1-1 after January 1, 2012. To volunteer at
our site, call Jonathon at 517-999-2894.
NWI Now Offering Cooking Classes!
New Cooking Club—join our Nutrition Educator Stephanie
and AmeriCorps members Johnny & Christian 4-5pm, March
8, (call to sign up and for locations). Our first cooking class is
designed to help YOU create a variety of healthy and
delicious meals for you or your family. Individuals at
all levels of cooking experience are welcome to participate.
The classes will meet every other Thursday.
New Growing and Cooking with Herbs—join our AmeriCorps
members Johnny and Christian as they teach you how to
grow and cook with herbs.
The first classes are Herbs 101, 6-8:30 pm, March 13,
2012, and Herb Gardening II, 6-8:30 pm, April 8, 2012. Both
classes will be held at Foster Community Center’s Library
(200 N. Foster Ave., Lansing, MI 48912).
For more information on any of the classes listed above, call
Johnny or Christian at (517) 999-2894.
Implementing the Affordable Care Act:
Expanding access to health care in Michigan
You are cordially invited to attend a FREE educational
luncheon Symposium:
SAVE THE DATE!
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, Monday, March 19, 2012
Clark Conference Center
First Floor, East Wing, Sparrow/St. Lawrence Campus
1210 W. Saginaw St., Lansing (Parking in the ramp)
A light luncheon will be served to participants.
Learn how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) could affect all
Lansing residents’ lives! Guest speakers include State
Senator Jim Marleau and Don Hazaert, executive director,
Michigan Consumers for Healthcare Coalition.
Contact NorthWest Initiative to RSVP by March 14th for this
FREE informative event
Phone: (517) 999-2894 or via email: northwest.
lansing@gmail.com
IMPORTANT: RSVP today as seating is limited
This event sponsored by Northwest Initiative
A community development organization serving Northwest
Lansing
Co-sponsors to date:
Lansing Juneteenth Committee, Lansing Latino Health Alliance,
Michigan Consumers for Healthcare, Michigan League for Human
Services, Michigan Legislative Black Caucus, United Cerebral Palsy
Women’s Center of Greater Lansing
Seeking Community Gardeners
Ever wanted to grow your own food and simply don’t have the
land space? The Food Systems Project coordinates three
community gardens and we are seeking individuals
interested in manning their own plot. FSP can provide the
plants and land, you just have to show up, keep your plot
weeded and watered and bear the fruit of harvest. So if you
want to save money, eat healthy, connect with nature and get
some exercise, contact Joy at 999-2894; joy@nwlansing.org.
New Health Workshops—Brown Bag Lunch Series
Starting 11:30 am—1:00 pm, Tuesday, April 17, and every
Tuesday for the next 8 weeks, NWI will host a series of health
related workshops.
Topics may include diabetes prevention, smoking cessation,
living with asthma, etc. On April 17 we will be discussing
stress and unemployment and on April 24th we will be
learning about nutrition education.
Bring your lunch and come and hear a guest speaker on
each topic. There will be plenty of opportunity for questions
and answers. The series will be held at NWI. For more
information, call Christian at (517) 999-2894 or
email Christian@nwlansing.org.
Money Smart Week: April 21-28, 2012
Did you know that during Money Smart Week, you can attend
dozens of free workshops to help you get smarter about
YOUR money? NorthWest Initiative will be hosting the
Financial Literacy & Credit Repair workshop 5-8 pm,
Tuesday, April 24, at the downtown Library.
To register for this workshop, call (517) 999-2894 or email
jonathon@nwlansing.org. For a complete listing of other
workshops, visit www.chicagofed.org/webpages/education/
msw/mi/index.cfm or call the Capital Area District Library
(downtown) at (517) 367-6300.
FREE Supplemental Food for Low Income Families
NorthWest Initiative holds a free weekly supplemental food
distribution program (fresh vegetables, fruits, dairy, eggs
from the Food Bank, and whole-grain bread courtesy of
Panera Bread) for low income Lansing residents living in the
48906, 48915, and 48933 zip codes. Residents must
register and show identification to participate.
The food distribution occurs every Thursday, from 12:00
Noon to 3:00 pm at 530 W. Ionia St., Suite F, Lansing, MI
48933. Please do not arrive before 11:00 am and if the
parking lot is full, park across the street in the parking lot of
the big blue and white house/office building. For information,
call Christian at 999-2894.
AN AMAZING JOURNEY
In April of 2011, ARRO was blessed to get funding from the
Presbyterian Church, Self Development of People to do the
advocating that we have wanted to do for years. Part of that
funding was to do the "Ban the Box", which we called "Fair
Chance Coalition to Ban the Box Campaign". For the past 7
months we worked very hard to put together our state side
kick off event for the legislation we are working on. With the
help of the Legislative Black Caucus, and Cooley Law
School, On January 17th, 2012 we had Michelle Alexander
come to Lansing where she spoke at Cooley Law School
about her book "The New Jim Crow". We had an amazing
event, lots of great publicity, we have been invited to do radio
announcements all over the state.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT THIS AMAZING EVENT;
INCLUDING PHOTOGRAPHS AND LINKS TO ARTICLES &
VIDEOS!
NWI Seeking Volunteers for MSU Concessions Fundraiser
NorthWest Initiative is looking for volunteers to help staff our
booth at a variety of MSU athletic and special events. If you
have experience running a concession stand, enjoy working
with a great group of people, and desire to help us earn
money selling food and beverages, please call our office at
999-2894 and leave your name and telephone number or
email peggy@nwlansing.org. Our goal is to raise $5,000 in
unrestricted funds for NorthWest Initiative programs and
services. Come and join in on the fun!
NWI Developing a “Village” Program for Senior Citizens
NorthWest Initiative in partnership with AARP of Michigan and
other local partners are in the process of developing a Village
Program specifically designed to help senior citizens age in
community and help them to stay in their homes as long as
possible. The planning committee is in need of more senior
citizen input into the development of this program. Initially, the
Village Program will be for residents of northwest Lansing.
The next meeting is 5 pm, on Wednesday, March 14th at
the NWI office. If you would like to join the committee,
please call Laura, Breghan or Peggy at 999-2894 or email
northwest.lansing@gmail.com.
Do You Need Health Coverage, Emergency Food, Adult
Dental Care, or Other Assistance?
The NorthWest Initiative’s Outreach Program is here to help
you sign up for a variety of programs and services to assist
you and your family. We can help you sign up for the Ingham
Health Plan, MIChild, Healthy Kids, Plan First, Medicaid, food
stamps, SafeLink cell phones, and much more.
We also offer additional services for those who are returning
to Ingham County from a correctional facility (non-MPRI).
Visit our Outreach Program at 530 W. Ionia St., Suite D,
Lansing, MI 48933 (Monday-Friday—10am-3pm), or call our
ARRO Program at 517-999-2894 to schedule an
appointment.
Ingham County’s Adult Dental Clinic is open for income
eligible residents, call 517-887-4423 or 517-887-4609 to
schedule an appointment.
Would You Like to Receive the NWI Newsletter
Electronically?
To help decrease our mailing costs, we are giving you the
option to receive an electronic copy of the of the Grand
Happenings newsletter instead of a paper copy, please
email laura@nwlansing.org.
| Share your Ideas Are you interested in what this community is doing to improve the area and want to help the people living and working in the Northwest Lansing area? Spare some time for a good cause, come and share some of your ideas with us! Our agency is fuelled by the support and ideas of prominent community leaders like you! (Contact info below) |
| Donate It feels good to give and it helps your community. Every effort is appreciated and together we can make a difference and have fun while doing it! You can even specify which programs you would like to fund! (Contact info below) |
| Volunteer We are always looking for volunteers to work in our office, school gardens, and to help with projects like flower planters, events, advocacy and more! Giving your time for a good cause is a rewarding experience! (Contact info below) |
| Intern We are always looking for student interns to work in a wide variety of settings, with skills ranging from human services and social work to computer technology. NWI is a great place to gain some experience and to begin your career! (Contact info below) |
| Contact Us! If you would like to learn more about becoming a partner, sponsor, volunteer or intern; contact Peggy at 517-999-2894; peggy@nwlansing.org |
After School Garden Club 3:45-4:45 @ Riddle, MMLA, Willow & Cavanaugh schools from October-June. Call Joy to enroll (517) 999-2894 NAMI Support Group (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Thursdays; 7 - 8:30 pm 530 W. Ionia St., 48933 NWI Youth Programs Saturdays; 9 am-12:00pm Grace Lutheran Church Celebrate Your Health Club 3rd Saturday of the month 9:30 – 11:00am Trinity Lutheran Church (501 W. Saginaw) Corner of Chestnut & Saginaw in Lansing For more information on any of the above programs, call Peggy @ 999-2894 |
| Food Resources |
| Weekly Programs |
School Garden-Based Nutrition Education Documentary CLICK HERE to watch the Food Systems Project documentary on our School Garden-Based Nutrition Education Program! |
| Lets Garden Lansing! A group of community partners have come together to provide a calendar listing of gardening education events and workshops throughout the Lansing area. For more information, visit www.letsgardenlansing.org . Stay Connected with Nixle! The City of Lansing has launched a new Community Information Service designed to deliver important and timely information to residents in our area using the latest technology. Stay connected to your community, from the public safety and traffic alerts that are relevant to you, to the important neighborhood advisories you want to know about, as well as, other valuable community information. Register now and learn more at www.nixle.com |
NWI Seeking Volunteers for MSU Concessions Fundraiser
NorthWest Initiative is looking for volunteers to help staff our booth at a variety of MSU athletic and
special events. If you have experience running a concession stand, enjoy working with a great
group of people, and desire to help us earn money selling food and beverages, please call our
office at 999-2895 and leave your name and telephone number or email peggy@nwlansing.org.
Our goal is to raise $5,000 in unrestricted funds for NorthWest Initiative programs and services.
Come and join in on the fun!
cost and are selling them for $20 a shirt. To reach our $3,500 goal, we must sell 233 t-shirts.
We are taking orders for FSP T-shirts from December-mid-March and will print shirts in March to
deliver by April 1st. All shirts will be green. Please send payment to 530 W. Ionia St., Suite D,
Lansing, 48933 to secure your shirt order; designate number of shirts and shirt size (S,M,L,XL).
Checks may be made out to NorthWest Initiative with Food Systems Project donation written in
the memo line. All questions may be directed to Joy Baldwin, Project Coordinator at 999-2894.
Join Us at the Monthly Celebrate Your Health!
It’s a new year and you know what that means… a new YOU!! If you’re like the rest of us, you’re
relieved the holidays are over and you’re ready to start anew!
Being that you've decided on a New Year’s resolution, you’re probably ready to make some
changes and get healthier! If this is the case, I've got the perfect idea for you! You should join us at
Celebrate Your Health Club AND for our monthly fitness event!
New for 2012, we are moving our Celebrate Your Health Club meetings to the 4th Saturday of the
month, 9:30 – 11:00am and now men are invited to attend! We host informative speakers on
relevant health issues affecting men and woman, and provide a delicious breakfast! We will be
choosing one fitness event that we all can benefit from!! And generally, it's FREE or low cost!
If you would like more information on any of these events or if you are interested in speaking at or
hosting an event, please contact Stephanie at lansingneighbors@gmail.com. Hope to see you
soon!
FREE Tax Preparation for Low Income Families
During the first two weeks of February, NWI tax volunteers were able to prepare 80 returns and
help residents receive $150,000 in tax credits and refunds that will be spent right in our local
economy! It’s not too late to get your taxes prepared for free if your income is less than $49,000
per year. NWI will prepare your taxes, electronically e-file them, and you should have your refund
in 10 days or less! Our tax site is open on Monday and Wednesdays from 4pm-8pm; Fridays from
10am-2pm; and Saturdays from 9am-3pm until April 16th. To schedule your tax appointment, call
2-1-1 and be sure to request NorthWest Initiative’s site.
The Michigan Fair Chance Coalition
ARRO has diligently been working over the past few months on our advocating program funded by
the SDOP. We have formed the Michigan Fair Chance Coalition to Ban the Box. OUR MISSION:
The Fair Chance Coalition is a group of individuals and organizations working to reduce barriers
to employment based on an individual’s prior conviction record.
We want to “ban the box” on employment applications that ask questions like: Have you ever been
convicted of a crime (felony or misdemeanor)? Passing legislation will help taxpayers,
communities and families by giving individuals with past convictions a chance to become self-
supporting. Communities are safer and stronger when individuals with prior convictions are able
to find jobs, housing and be able to support their families. If you would like to join us in our efforts
contact Monica or Karen at 517-999-2895 or e-mail bantheboxin2012@gmail.com.
Donations are kindly welcomed. Checks should be made out to Northwest Initiative and mailed
to: 530 W. Ionia Street, Suite D, Lansing, MI 48933, please put ARRO in the memo line.
Help Support the Programs of NorthWest Initiative
As we near the end of 2011, have you considered making a tax-deductible donation to NorthWest
Initiative? We are always in need of unrestricted funds to purchase needed items that our grants
do not cover, such as garden tools, seeds, clear plastic bags and food preparation gloves for our
weekly free bread and food distribution, food for the children’s weekend survival backpack
program, signs and marketing for the Westside Farmer’s Market, Grand Happenings bi-monthly
newsletter, used furniture and office equipment. All donations help to support the ongoing
programs and services of the organization. No amounts are too small and we certainly welcome
larger donations too! Make checks payable to NorthWest Initiative and mail to 530 W. Ionia St.,
Suite D, Lansing, MI 48933. We thank you for your support of our organization!
NorthWest Initiative is looking for volunteers to help staff our booth at a variety of MSU athletic and
special events. If you have experience running a concession stand, enjoy working with a great
group of people, and desire to help us earn money selling food and beverages, please call our
office at 999-2895 and leave your name and telephone number or email peggy@nwlansing.org.
Our goal is to raise $5,000 in unrestricted funds for NorthWest Initiative programs and services.
Come and join in on the fun!
- Buy a T-Shirt to Support School Gardens!
The Food Systems Project coordinates four
school gardens and nutrition education
classes with 1,100 students every month.
FSP also manages three community
gardens; providing fresh and free produce
for 45 families in northwest Lansing.
FSP also brought you the Westside
Farmers’ Market, a free exercise program, and weekly food
samplings at a variety of events. All in all; our programs assisted
over 6,000 individuals and provided 4,000 pounds of produce for our
community.
- This year, WE NEED YOUR HELP! The Michigan Nutrition
Network supports staff and programming; but doesn’t cover the cost
of gardening supplies or AmeriCorps members. FSP needs to raise
cost and are selling them for $20 a shirt. To reach our $3,500 goal, we must sell 233 t-shirts.
We are taking orders for FSP T-shirts from December-mid-March and will print shirts in March to
deliver by April 1st. All shirts will be green. Please send payment to 530 W. Ionia St., Suite D,
Lansing, 48933 to secure your shirt order; designate number of shirts and shirt size (S,M,L,XL).
Checks may be made out to NorthWest Initiative with Food Systems Project donation written in
the memo line. All questions may be directed to Joy Baldwin, Project Coordinator at 999-2894.
Join Us at the Monthly Celebrate Your Health!
It’s a new year and you know what that means… a new YOU!! If you’re like the rest of us, you’re
relieved the holidays are over and you’re ready to start anew!
Being that you've decided on a New Year’s resolution, you’re probably ready to make some
changes and get healthier! If this is the case, I've got the perfect idea for you! You should join us at
Celebrate Your Health Club AND for our monthly fitness event!
New for 2012, we are moving our Celebrate Your Health Club meetings to the 4th Saturday of the
month, 9:30 – 11:00am and now men are invited to attend! We host informative speakers on
relevant health issues affecting men and woman, and provide a delicious breakfast! We will be
choosing one fitness event that we all can benefit from!! And generally, it's FREE or low cost!
If you would like more information on any of these events or if you are interested in speaking at or
hosting an event, please contact Stephanie at lansingneighbors@gmail.com. Hope to see you
soon!
FREE Tax Preparation for Low Income Families
During the first two weeks of February, NWI tax volunteers were able to prepare 80 returns and
help residents receive $150,000 in tax credits and refunds that will be spent right in our local
economy! It’s not too late to get your taxes prepared for free if your income is less than $49,000
per year. NWI will prepare your taxes, electronically e-file them, and you should have your refund
in 10 days or less! Our tax site is open on Monday and Wednesdays from 4pm-8pm; Fridays from
10am-2pm; and Saturdays from 9am-3pm until April 16th. To schedule your tax appointment, call
2-1-1 and be sure to request NorthWest Initiative’s site.
The Michigan Fair Chance Coalition
ARRO has diligently been working over the past few months on our advocating program funded by
the SDOP. We have formed the Michigan Fair Chance Coalition to Ban the Box. OUR MISSION:
The Fair Chance Coalition is a group of individuals and organizations working to reduce barriers
to employment based on an individual’s prior conviction record.
We want to “ban the box” on employment applications that ask questions like: Have you ever been
convicted of a crime (felony or misdemeanor)? Passing legislation will help taxpayers,
communities and families by giving individuals with past convictions a chance to become self-
supporting. Communities are safer and stronger when individuals with prior convictions are able
to find jobs, housing and be able to support their families. If you would like to join us in our efforts
contact Monica or Karen at 517-999-2895 or e-mail bantheboxin2012@gmail.com.
Donations are kindly welcomed. Checks should be made out to Northwest Initiative and mailed
to: 530 W. Ionia Street, Suite D, Lansing, MI 48933, please put ARRO in the memo line.
Help Support the Programs of NorthWest Initiative
As we near the end of 2011, have you considered making a tax-deductible donation to NorthWest
Initiative? We are always in need of unrestricted funds to purchase needed items that our grants
do not cover, such as garden tools, seeds, clear plastic bags and food preparation gloves for our
weekly free bread and food distribution, food for the children’s weekend survival backpack
program, signs and marketing for the Westside Farmer’s Market, Grand Happenings bi-monthly
newsletter, used furniture and office equipment. All donations help to support the ongoing
programs and services of the organization. No amounts are too small and we certainly welcome
larger donations too! Make checks payable to NorthWest Initiative and mail to 530 W. Ionia St.,
Suite D, Lansing, MI 48933. We thank you for your support of our organization!
