People Strategy

The Community Builders, Community Life Team provides supportive services to the current residents of Clement Kern Gardens to improve educational outcomes, household health, and economic self-sufficiency. The Plan was developed in collaboration with residents, based on their expressed needs and aspirations, as well as in-depth resident surveys. With the support of the CNI Grant, the City will fulfill this vision by empowering CKG households with the tools they need to engage in new opportunities coming to Greater Corktown. Service Coordination is provided to work with each household to design a road map tailored to their unique needs. 

 

The goals of the People Strategy are that: 

  • Households are economically stable and self-sufficient 
  • All households will be connected to primary care providers and health insurance, and residents will gain access to the tools necessary to lead healthy, active lives
  • Children enter kindergarten ready to learn 
  • Children are proficient in core academic subjects. Youth, including youth with disabilities, graduate from high school college- and career-ready

With the Choice Neighborhoods Grant, Clement Kern Gardens residents will have dedicated Case Management to connect them with supportive services, offered by over 30 partners. Case Management and services will be coordinated by The Community Builders' Community Life team as the People Implementation Entity, using their Family-Centered Coaching model. Highlights of services programs in each area are detailed below:

  • Health

    • Connection to Primary Care Providers and other health services 

    • Insurance navigation support 
    • Dedicated fitness space and programming for youth & adults 
    • Trained, paid Resident Champions to support peers in reaching health goals 
    • Healthy food access & nutrition education 
    • Mental and emotional health supports 
  • Education

    • Academic Navigator support for all families with children to track enrollment and academic progress, from cradle to career 

    • New Early Childhood Education Center with a blended funding model to serve all incomes 
    • Wraparound early literacy services, including peer support from Resident Champions 
    • Academic tutoring, enrichment & mentoring programs to support college and career readiness 
  • Economic self-sufficiency
    • Providing training and guidance to support the launch of residents' small businesses
    • Committed Job Specialist + slots in training programs for skilled trades, early child development, and more 
    • Workforce readiness, financial counseling, homeownership counseling, and digital literacy support 
    • Entrepreneurship training and grants 
    • Youth career development, including dedicated spots in Grow Detroit’s Young Talent program

Contacts

Theresa Mitchell
Community Life Senior Manager
(313) 635-5445
[email protected]

Kimberly Cooley
Education & Resource Manager
[email protected]
(313) 484-4709

Melinda Smith
Community Life Service Coordinator
[email protected]
(313) 484-4702

Tracey Rucker
Community Life Service Coordinator
[email protected]
(313) 484-4816

LaShanda Kline
Office Administrator
[email protected]
(313) 635-7951 ext. 7951

 

Resources