You’ve got to have a network that you trust above yourself. We always see ourselves less than what we are, and sometimes you have to trust the voices of those around you.

Another year in the rear-view mirror. A chance to reflect and consider: What did we do best in 2020, that year marked by so much change? What did we learn about ourselves, our community, our human fragility and our resilience? What will we take with us into 2021?

This last decade of work would not have been possible without Mary’s joy, generosity, and guidance. She lived with us in a state of possibility. She knew the value of core city Muskegon--her home--and that knowledge guided how she lived. To honor and celebrate Mary’s legacy, Community enCompass is establishing the Mary Jamieson Down Payment Assistance (DPA) Fund for families eligible to purchase an EACH house.

On December 8, 2020, Muskegon City Commissioners unanimously voted to approve Community enCompass’ E.A.C.H. Project (enCompass Affordable Community Housing), a pilot program that will offer new, affordable home ownership opportunities in our core city neighborhoods!

Holly Alway, Injury Prevention Coordinator at Mercy Health, has served on the Community enCompass board the last 3 years. We are so grateful for Holly’s service and will miss her professional presence, questions that make us pause, and her bend towards action.

Before she made her exit, Holly gave us one last gift: a reflection on her time on Community enCompass’ Board…

You are a part of our story! For our final publication of 2020, we reflect on “All That Connects Us” here in Core City Muskegon, and ask that you help us move into the New Year with confidence.

When a leak sprang from her kitchen window earlier this year, Rita Harris called 211 to find a handy person. That’s when she learned about the Senior Home Repair program--a program of Community enCompass, funded through the Muskegon County Senior Millage.

“The Phoenix,” born from the ashes, is the first new construction, multi-family development in the heart of the Nelson Neighborhood, and is designed to match the size, scale, and character of the surrounding houses and buildings in the neighborhood.

When Community enCompass began considering who would provide the vision for a new mural at Sacred Suds Community Center, the answer came quick: the Youth Empowerment Project (YEP!), of course. Click to read a behind-the-scenes look at the YEPs summer mural collaboration with artist Edwin Anderson.

While the decision to cancel Taste and See 2020 was difficult, the loss has brought about unexpected gains. Adaptation sparks innovation, and new things are in the works here at Community enCompass as we focus on walking alongside neighbors in these ever-changing times.

Cindy, AmeriCorps Team Member with Community enCompass, is now facilitating a limited, socially distant version of a “food for health” class called “Fresh Conversations” for residents of Jefferson Towers.

The residents’ reasons for attending the class are many: some come to learn about food as medicine, some to get new recipes and exchange tips, some for the safe socializing with a “support group” feel.

Community enCompass is seeking a Muskegon-based teaching artist to join high school youth (YEPs) in conversations about public art and activism. Through these conversations, YEPs will assist the teaching artist in conceptualizing a large-scale mural for the front (52ft x 9ft) and left side (13ft x 9ft) of the Sacred Suds Community Center, located at 289 E. Larch.

In late spring, Community enCompass received news that the Muskegon Prescribes Food for Health program had received a $100,000 Community Impact grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. With many virus precautions still in place, this major grant expands the MPFH’s capacity to meet the moment.

New neighbors are facing food insecurity, and some for the very first time. As a community development organization, before jumping into problem-solving mode, Community enCompass must always ask: Who owns the solutions?

Community enCompass Spring Newsletter, bringing you “Odes to Joy” — the melody of bold action and neighbors helping neighbors — from right here in Muskegon.

Snapshots from Community enCompass as programs adapt alongside neighbors whose daily life and livelihood has been impacted by the virus.

Jennifer Hollins recently bought a house. Jennifer hadn't been planning on buying a house, until one day her landlord knocked on her door with an offer. “I had never thought about buying this place,” Jennifer said. “My landlord just knocked on my door one day and said, ‘I’m selling this house. Would you be willing to sign a land contract to own the property?’, and here we are!” Jennifer couldn’t believe her luck, “It was a good opportunity and I took it.”

Except, we have started at the end. This story begins months earlier when Jennifer was facing eviction, from the very home she now owns.

Another year in the rear-view mirror. A chance to reflect and consider: What did we do best in 2019? What did we learn? What will we do in 2020?

To raise funds, YEPs have hosted a Soul Food Fundraiser, will be collecting cans and bottles (every 10 cents counts!) throughout Feb and March, and are brainstorming other fundraising opportunities. But we also need support from neighbors like you! Would you sponsor a YEP to go on this life-changing spring break tour of Historically Black Colleges and Universities?