Flint Neighborhoods Take Big Steps Toward a Cleaner City in 2025 Step-Up, Pick-Up Challenge

Flint, MI — Five neighborhood groups, dozens of dedicated volunteers, and more than 13,000 pounds of trash removed—this year’s Step-Up, Pick-Up competition once again proved the power of community action in Flint.

Organized by the Green Life environmental initiative at Communities First, Inc. (CFI), the annual Step-Up, Pick-Up program challenges neighborhood groups across Flint to compete in litter collection and neighborhood beautification efforts—while promoting sustainability, health, and civic pride. The 2025 competition saw 679 bags of trash collected, 243,023 steps taken and 385 hours of volunteer time committed across the city.

“We are so proud of the community for stepping up once again,” said Glenn Wilson, president and CEO of Communities First. “Our neighborhoods are cleaner, stronger and more connected thanks to these amazing volunteers. Step-Up, Pick-Up continues to be a shining example of what it means to build healthy, vibrant communities together.”

This year’s first-place winner is the Eastside Neighborhood Cleanup, earning the top prize of $1,000 for their outstanding cleanup efforts. The Mott Park Neighborhood Association took second place ($500) and also received an additional $250 for providing technical support and advice to other organizations as a past winner. The Flint Film Foundation secured third place ($250).

The Mott Park team also earned top honors in two additional categories: Most Steps Taken and Most Volunteers, showcasing their deep commitment to both physical wellness and community service.

“This event is more than just picking up trash—it’s about people coming together to improve their neighborhoods one step at a time,” said Joel Arnold, Planning and Advocacy Manager at CFI. “These efforts show the strength and heart of Flint’s residents, and we’re honored to help support that spirit of stewardship.”

· 1st Place – Eastside Neighborhood Cleanup ($1,000)

· 2nd Place – Mott Park Neighborhood Association ($500 + $250 for technical support)

· 3rd Place – Flint Film Foundation ($250)

Special Awards:

· Most Steps Taken – Mott Park Neighborhood Association

· Most Volunteers – Mott Park Neighborhood Association

Litter Champions: Each of the following individuals received a $50 Meijer gift card in recognition of their personal dedication to a cleaner Flint:

· Kane Symons

· Brandon Benard and Lily Bowman

· Cory Taylor

· Jordan Eisman

· Kathleen Spencer

· Dylan Symons

· Tammy Mont

· Chad Schlosser

· 13,580 pounds of trash removed

· 679 bags collected

· 243,023 steps taken

· 385 hours of volunteer time

· 43 individual volunteers

These community wins were made possible with generous support from Meijer, whose ongoing commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing has helped make Step-Up, Pick-Up a reality each year for the past three years.

Green Life is an environmental education initiative by Communities First, Inc. that promotes sustainable practices and raises awareness about environmental issues like climate change, waste reduction and water conservation. Through cleanups like Step-Up, Pick-Up, Green Life empowers residents to take direct action in making their neighborhoods healthier and more beautiful.

In addition to the annual competition, Step-Up, Pick-Up events are held throughout the year, giving neighborhood groups, schools and local organizations the opportunity to get involved in beautification projects like litter collection, planting and community maintenance.

Founded in 2010, Communities First, Inc. is a nonprofit Community Development Corporation based in Flint and serving over 35,000 community members across Michigan and Indiana. CFI’s mission is to build healthy, vibrant communities through economic development, affordable housing, and innovative programming. Learn more at www.communitiesfirstinc.org.