Sarah Spohn
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Articles by Sarah Spohn
Local band invites community to be part of a ‘live studio audience’ for music video recording
They say that “video killed the radio star,” but a local seven-piece band is hoping for the hypest live audience to show up and show out for an upcoming music video shoot. If you’ve spent hours watching MTV and longing to be in a music video, here’s your chance! Benjamin Hall is the frontman of The Further Adventures of FatBoy and JiveTurkey, an eclectic group that originated in Detroit in 2005.
MI CDFI Coalition members, collaborators help create connections and collective identity in communities Original
Block by Block is a solutions journalism series that is supported by IFF, CEDAM and Invest Detroit, and is focused on community development leaders and initiatives in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. There are many factors that contribute to the success of a community — the small business landscape, housing stock, job prospects, childcare, and more.
Partner Partner Content Through comprehensive care, this clinic is reducing the risk of recurring childhood maltreatment
This article was made in partnership with Parkview Health. Statistics from Parkview Health show that around 40% of kids seen in the emergency room for concerns of abuse or neglect were seen again in the ER days or years later. It’s a statistic that Dr. Tony GiaQuinta, physician leader for Parkview’s Children’s service line, would like to change for the better. “What we were seeing was this repetitive cycle of child abuse and neglect that was not being corrected the first time,” GiaQuinta says.
Minock Park Place provides new affordable senior housing for Detroit’s older residents
As residents get older, they often are forced to leave their homes – unable to keep up with the maintenance, mortgage payments, or new mobility issues. Many social security-age senior citizens often live on fixed incomes, and are especially vulnerable when rental housing costs rise. Perhaps they’re not in the assisted living or nursing home stage yet, and have a strong desire to remain in their homes. Sometimes that is not financially feasible.
Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood Archives – Common Ground
Minock Park Place provides new affordable senior housing for Detroit’s older residents In the heart of Detroit’s Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood, a 42-unit, mixed-use development has given senior citizens brand-new affordable housing. Minock Park Place was seven years in the making, and marks the first affordable senior housing community in the neighborhood, located at 19505 Grand River Ave. — a vital commercial and cultural artery.
Minock Park Place Archives – Common Ground
Minock Park Place provides new affordable senior housing for Detroit’s older residents In the heart of Detroit’s Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood, a 42-unit, mixed-use development has given senior citizens brand-new affordable housing. Minock Park Place was seven years in the making, and marks the first affordable senior housing community in the neighborhood, located at 19505 Grand River Ave. — a vital commercial and cultural artery.
Grandmont Rosedale Archives – Common Ground
Minock Park Place provides new affordable senior housing for Detroit’s older residents In the heart of Detroit’s Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood, a 42-unit, mixed-use development has given senior citizens brand-new affordable housing. Minock Park Place was seven years in the making, and marks the first affordable senior housing community in the neighborhood, located at 19505 Grand River Ave. — a vital commercial and cultural artery.
Minock Park Place provides new affordable senior housing for Grandmont Rosedale neighborhood’s older residents
As residents get older, they often are forced to leave their homes – unable to keep up with the maintenance, mortgage payments, or new mobility issues. Many social security-age senior citizens often live on fixed incomes, and are especially vulnerable when rental housing costs rise. Perhaps they’re not in the assisted living or nursing home stage yet, and have a strong desire to remain in their homes. Sometimes that is not financially feasible.
Detroit Housing for the Future Fund returns to drive affordable housing, stable neighborhoods
Block by Block is a solutions journalism series that is supported by IFF, CEDAM and Invest Detroit, and is focused on community development leaders and initiatives in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. After investing more than $58 million and adding almost 1,000 units of affordable housing in the City of Detroit through the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund (DHFF), the impactful investment fund returns.
Partner Partner Content How Parkview is building brighter futures at the Better Future Clinic
This article was made in partnership with Parkview Health. Statistics from Parkview Health show that around 40% of kids seen in the emergency room for concerns of abuse or neglect were seen again in the ER days or years later. It’s a statistic that Dr. Tony GiaQuinta, physician leader for Parkview’s Children’s service line, would like to change for the better. “What we were seeing was this repetitive cycle of child abuse and neglect that was not being corrected the first time,” GiaQuinta says.
fund Archives - Common Ground
Detroit Housing for the Future Fund returns to drive affordable housing, stable neighborhoods The second phase of the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund (DHFF) returns, offering communities across the city the opportunity for more affordable, stable neighborhoods.
Placemaking Archives - Common Ground
Detroit Housing for the Future Fund returns to drive affordable housing, stable neighborhoods Latest in Placemaking From Pews to Pints: Why some rural Michigan churches are reopening as breweries The desire to keep existing churches and historical buildings intact has motivated and inspired a number of Michigan’s 400 licensed brewery owners.
Community developers’ pride for area fuels investment, catalyst for change, growth in Detroit neighborhoods
Block by Block is a solutions journalism series that is supported by IFF, CEDAM and Invest Detroit, and is focused on community development leaders and initiatives in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Sometimes new developments can raise eyebrows. Residents wonder who the folks behind the big signs are, why they chose their neighborhood, and how it will impact their daily lives and homes — for good or bad.
Opportunity Resource Fund Archives – Common Ground
Community developers’ pride for area fuels investment, catalyst for change, growth in Detroit neighborhoods Community developers know, care for, and invest in their neighborhoods. Together with community development institutions (CDFIs), small development projects can have a huge impact on their neighborhoods, serving as a catalyst for future growth.
community Archives - Common Ground
Community developers’ pride for area fuels investment, catalyst for change, growth in Detroit neighborhoods Latest in community Metro Detroit schools see progress in reducing chronic absenteeism. Here’s how they’re doing it Statewide chronic absenteeism rates remain above pre-COVID-19-pandemic levels, but Metro Detroit schools are tackling chronic absenteeism by removing barriers to attendance and creating enriching, fun school experiences for students.
Adaptive re-use of LaunchCode’s facility opens doors for future technology development workforce
This story is part of a four-part series about the community development financial institution IFF’s innovative and impactful resources positively shaping the Midwest communities in which they serve. This series is supported by IFF. Impactful developments don’t always come from brand-new, ground-up builds. Sometimes significant renovations to an existing building can open the doors for expanded capacity, programming and a further revitalization of the surrounding community.
Education + Talent Archives – Common Ground
Impactful developments don’t always come from brand-new, ground-up builds. Sometimes significant renovations to an existing building can open the doors for expanded capacity, programming and a further revitalization of the surrounding community. With support from IFF, LaunchCode was able to complete an adaptive re-use of a former state unemployment office for their technology workforce development nonprofit.
First-ever Red Cedar Roots Festival to Bring Same Culture, Energy as Great Lakes Folk Festival
The Great Lakes Folk Festival was a staple annual event in East Lansing for decades. Since the festival was canceled in 2018, organizers and attendees alike have been hoping to bring something similar back to the area. On Friday, Aug. 14 and Saturday, Aug. 15, the Red Cedar Roots Festival will bring the same type of rich culture and diverse musical lineup folks were familiar with.
CDFIs investments in childcare allows daycares like Detroit’s Lil Love Bugs to further invest in children’s futures Original
Block by Block is a solutions journalism series that is supported by CEDAM, Michigan CDFI, and Invest Detroit, and is focused on community development leaders and initiatives in Michigan. Having quality, affordable childcare doesn’t just have an impact on parents and families, it affects the workforce as well. When working parents cannot access or afford childcare, they are not able to show up as fully in their careers or communities.
One Detroit Credit Union brings two new CDFI branches to serve the underserved, unbanked communities
Block by Block is a solutions journalism series that is supported by IFF, CEDAM and Invest Detroit, and is focused on community development leaders and initiatives in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. You’ve probably heard of the term food desert, but have you heard of a bank desert? The notion is the same — and the serious impacts are similar. Lack of bank service access can result in less opportunities for financial health and wealth-building for communities.
One Detroit Credit Union brings two new CDFI branches to serve the underserved, unbanked communities
Block by Block is a solutions journalism series that is supported by IFF, CEDAM and Invest Detroit, and is focused on community development leaders and initiatives in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. You’ve probably heard of the term food desert, but have you heard of a bank desert? The notion is the same — and the serious impacts are similar. Lack of bank service access can result in less opportunities for financial health and wealth-building for communities.
financial institutions Archives – Common Ground
One Detroit Credit Union brings two new CDFI branches to serve the underserved, unbanked communities In an effort to serve the underserved, One Detroit Credit Union is expanding its reach with two new branches, both in shuttered former financial institutions. In doubling-down on their commitment to provide more than banking to Metro Detroiters — these branches offer the community products, services and resources for financial health and wealth building.
Modular building, 3D construction paves way for innovative solutions to the housing crisis Original
Block by Block is a solutions journalism series that is supported by IFF, CEDAM and Invest Detroit, and is focused on community development leaders and initiatives in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Housing is expensive, but vital to communities. Across Michigan, there are challenges and hurdles for all developers throughout the present-day affordable housing development landscape.
Summer Solstice Jazz Festival Celebrates 30 Years of Tradition & Timeless Music
Summer is here and with it comes festival season. The 30th annual Summer Solstice Jazz Festival returns to downtown East Lansing on Friday and Saturday, bringing free live music and activities. In 1996, former East Lansing Arts Commission co-chair Al Cafagna had an idea to host a solstice celebration, similar to those popular in Europe. The heart of the event is to celebrate the spirit of jazz music in downtown East Lansing. The event has grown from 800 attendees to about 10,000 over its 30 years.
Neighborhoods Archives - Common Ground
Latest in Neighborhoods Coalition building for immigrant justice: How one alliance is strengthening support FAIR Flint strengthens immigrant support through advocacy, resources, and coalition building. CEDAM Bootcamp alumni make real community impact through development, place-based solutions For Jubek Yongo-Bure and Dakota Riehl, attending the CEDAM Real Estate Development Boot Camp a few years ago was critical to their careers.
Community Development Financial Institutions help rural Northern communities fund affordable housing, education, support small business growth
Block by Block is a solutions journalism series that is supported by IFF, CEDAM and Invest Detroit, and is focused on community development leaders and initiatives in Michigan, Ohio and Indiana. Although urban and rural communities might look a lot different physically, their baseline needs are often the same. Residents often look for high quality education, affordable housing in a walkable downtown with nearby small businesses, and a sense of community, place or belonging.
Education Archives - Common Ground
Latest in Education Metro Detroit schools see progress in reducing chronic absenteeism. Here’s how they’re doing it Statewide chronic absenteeism rates remain above pre-COVID-19-pandemic levels, but Metro Detroit schools are tackling chronic absenteeism by removing barriers to attendance and creating enriching, fun school experiences for students.
Benjamin Twiggs Archives - Common Ground
Rural communities often experience a lack of capital access due to bank mergers, or community banks leaving their areas. CDFIs step in to bridge the gap by providing crucial capital, workshops, and referrals to rural communities — funding affordable housing, high-quality education, and community development with small business growth.
Community Development Archives – Common Ground
Latest in Community Development How a community dance movement fuels connection, wellness and economy Backyard Boots & Beats is not only bringing people together through line dancing—it’s creating consistent foot traffic, supporting local venues, and building an ecosystem where community-driven entrepreneurship can thrive. Preserving Homes, Changing Lives IFF, a Community Development Financial Institution, empowers underserved communities through flexible, nontraditional lending.
IFF’s energy-efficient work allows nonprofits to reduce energy costs, increase their mission-driven impacts across Indiana communities
Nonprofits and organizations working diligently on their mission-critical work within their communities don’t always have the time or resources to upgrade their facilities. Their buildings might be lacking adequate or energy-efficient heating, cooling, or utilize outdated lighting, which can be costly and end up draining their already thin budgets.
IFF’s energy-efficient work allows nonprofits to reduce energy costs, increase their mission-driven impacts across Indiana communities
This story is part of a four-part series about the community development financial institution IFF’s innovative and impactful resources positively shape the Midwest communities in which they serve. This series is supported by IFF. Nonprofits and organizations working diligently on their mission-critical work within their communities don’t always have the time or resources to upgrade their facilities.
energy-efficient Archives - Common Ground
Most nonprofits try to do the most impactful work they can in the communities they serve with the fewest resources and dollars available to them. When they can find more efficient ways to do just that, it’s a win-win for all parties involved. IFF has been a partner in helping nonprofits across Indiana complete upgrades, reduce operating costs and increase the quality of their facilities.
Indiana Archives - Common Ground
In Bay County, a coalition formed to help families fill their dinner plates. The coalition is tackling the problem in several different ways.The Bay Area Community Foundation established a Food Insecurity Emergency Fund for both Bay and Arenac counties. At the same time, the United Way of Bay County is collecting food to divide between food banks and recruiting volunteers to meet increased demand.
East Lansing Art Festival to Feature More Than 160 Artists, Performances and ‘Joy Stations’
Tens of thousands of visitors will pack downtown East Lansing this weekend as the 63rd annual East Lansing Art Festival transforms the city into a sprawling outdoor gallery featuring artists from across the U.S. and Canada, live entertainment and hands-on activities.
Detroit Housing for the Future Fund returns to drive affordable housing, stable neighborhoods
After investing more than $58 million and adding almost 1,000 units of affordable housing in the City of Detroit through the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund (DHFF), the impactful investment fund returns. Announced during the March 31 State of the City address, Mayor Mary Sheffield spoke about the Local Initiatives Support Coalition (LISC) and the second phase of this fund. “Affordable housing is foundational to Detroit’s future,” Mayor Sheffield says.
As housing costs rise, CEDAM’s TIF guide frames the way for communities to utilize and personalize tax incentives to meet housing needs
The statewide housing crisis is impacting every community in Michigan, and municipalities and developers are working hard to address the rising cost of housing. By utilizing different strategies, tools, and resources, the goal is to create and sustain varied styles and sizes of affordable, accessible housing across the board. One of these tools is housing tax increment financing, or TIF.
Housing Archives - Common Ground
Coverage of low-income and affordable housing solutions, housing developments, and resources for the unhoused.
Building Communities Archives – Common Ground
How one ailing mall found a new strategy for success Midland Mall has reached full occupancy, but its focus extends beyond retail. By curating a mix of tenants and experiences, the mall is positioning itself as a shared community space where people can gather, connect, and spend time, not just shop.
East Side Archives - Common Ground
Coalition bridges the gap for families during the SNAP and WIC pause In Bay County, a coalition formed to help families fill their dinner plates. The coalition is tackling the problem in several different ways.The Bay Area Community Foundation established a Food Insecurity Emergency Fund for both Bay and Arenac counties. At the same time, the United Way of Bay County is collecting food to divide between food banks and recruiting volunteers to meet increased demand.
Development Archives - Common Ground
Latest in Development How real estate developers are using predevelopment assistance to revitalize communities Predevelopment assistance provides local real estate entrepreneurs with a pathway to community investment and growth. Michigan Municipal League collaborates, educates, and advocates for the state’s communities Michigan Municipal League shares innovative programs, fosters collaborations, and connects communities with resources.
Detroit Archives - Common Ground
As housing costs rise, CEDAM’s TIF guide frames the way for communities to utilize and personalize tax incentives to meet housing needs How these two physicians are saving the bedtime story Dennis and Archer, both Black doctors and authors in their own right, have used the trajectories of their careers to serve as representation for the generations coming after them.
Greater Grand Rapids Archives – Common Ground
One of every five* new mothers experiences perinatal mood disorders, but only a small number receive the help they need. The Michigan Health and Hospital Association is working to change that.
Ypsilanti Archives - Common Ground
As housing costs rise, CEDAM’s TIF guide frames the way for communities to utilize and personalize tax incentives to meet housing needs Where county officials say local elections are secure despite Trump calls to ‘nationalize’ them Washtenaw County elections officials say they're well-prepared to protect against fraud in this year's midterms and any other election.
Block by Block Archives – Common Ground
As housing costs rise, CEDAM’s TIF guide frames the way for communities to utilize and personalize tax incentives to meet housing needs How real estate developers are using predevelopment assistance to revitalize communities Predevelopment assistance provides local real estate entrepreneurs with a pathway to community investment and growth.
Housing Archives - Common Ground
Latest in Housing How Housing First stabilizes mental health Without stable housing, meaningful mental health treatment is nearly impossible.
Southwest Michigan Archives – Common Ground
As housing costs rise, CEDAM’s TIF guide frames the way for communities to utilize and personalize tax incentives to meet housing needs CEDAM has released a new housing TIF guide to help Michigan communities understand and apply tax increment financing as a tool to support local housing development and affordability goals.
Detroit Author Curtis Chin is bringing stories of family, food, and identity to Port Huron
Curtis Chin, author of “Everything I Learned, I Learned in a Chinese Restaurant,” Courtesy. Joseph Turbok, senior librarian for the adult services at the St. Clair County Library System, works to bring programs, services, and authors to library locations across the community. He’s one of many people working behind-the-scenes to bring Detroit author Curtis Chin to the Blue Water region.
Kids and Education Archives – Common Ground
Latest in Kids and Education Students create innovative solutions in alternative energy, healthcare, science Teams from five Great Lakes Bay Region high schools are currently working on the Phase Two of their innovative solutions to real-world issues for the 13th annual A.H. Nickless Innovation Award competition.
Erinys Quartet to Bring Recital to East Lansing on Thursday
The internationally performing Erinys Quartet is making its East Lansing debut on Thursday at the Cook Recital Hall on MSU’s campus. The ticketed event will begin at 7:30 p.m. and is open to the public, as part of the Guest Recital Series for the MSU School of Music, underwritten by WKAR. The Erinys Quartet includes Elizabeth Stewart (violin), Joosep Reimaa (violin), Marija Räisänen, (viola), and Stergios Theodoridis (cello).
Bright New Chapter: RJ’s Burgers & Ice Cream Co. Opens in East Lansing
Bright neon lights, pink-striped walls and gleaming white counters set the tone inside RJ’s Burgers & Ice Cream Co., where a vibrant interior mirrors Robert and Yvette Wilkie’s journey toward building something joyful in the wake of an unimaginable loss. In 2011, the couple’s son, RJ, died just days after he was born. The immense grief led them to start baking sweet treats as a type of therapy, which resulted in the opening of RJ’s Heavenly Delights in Jackson three years later. Then on Dec.
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