Flint, MI – The Friends of Berston is inviting faith communities throughout Flint and Genesee County to come together in collective support of the Berston Blessing Faith Initiative – a community-wide expression of unity and generosity to help fund the renovation and expansion of the iconic community center.
“Berston Fieldhouse is more than a building. It is a cornerstone of hope, opportunity and unity in Flint. Continued investment in Berston Field House is an investment in our future,” said Christ Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church Pastor Allen C. Overton, Sr. “Berston Fieldhouse is a beacon of resilience, pride, and possibility. Supporting Berston means supporting the heart of Flint.”
For generations, Berston has served as a trusted community hub where residents of all ages and backgrounds come together to learn, compete, create and grow. The Field House is being transformed into a state-of-the-art recreation and community center that will triple its size and significantly expand access to athletics, health and wellness, arts and culture, education, mentorship and safe spaces for children, families, young adults and seniors. In 2025, Berston served more than 42,000 visitors. The expanded campus will more than double its impact and capacity to serve the community.
“Berston Field House is a space that represents a promise to our young people that they are seen, supported and safe. As superintendent of Flint Community Schools, I know that our responsibility does not end when the school bell rings,” said Kevelin B. Jones II. “Our students need places that nurture their potential, build their confidence, and keep them connected to positive pathways. Investing in Berston is investing in the heart and future of Flint.”
The Friends of Berston has raised $23.6 million for the renovation and expansion, and $17.4 million is needed to complete the project. Faith communities and their members can support the initiative in several ways, including taking up special offerings, making a collective donation on behalf of their congregation and sharing the Berston Blessing Faith Initiative with others.
The Initiative will culminate in a community-wide celebration recognizing the collective impact of the Berston Blessing and honoring each participating faith community. TheBerston Blessing Community Celebration will take place at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church, located at G-5443 N. Saginaw Rd., Flint, Michigan, on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at 3:30 p.m. To ensure all contributions are recognized as part of this collective effort, donations should be mailed or delivered to Friends of Berston at 3300 N. Saginaw Street, Flint, Michigan, by Monday, April 20, 2026. Checks should be made payable to Friends of Berston. Office hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
“At Berston, we serve people of all faiths, ages, and backgrounds and the Berston Blessing offers a powerful opportunity for all people, of all faiths, to unite in support of this generational investment,” said Friends of Berston Executive Director James Avery. “It is truly a blessing to have the support of our faith community. Your trust and investment in Berston’s future will surely aid the success of our mission and vision in serving more Flint and Genesee County residents.”
Berston Field House Renovation and Expansion project is currently supported by the City of Flint, County of Genesee, State of Michigan, Charles Stewart Mott Foundation, Serra Foundation, the Ruth Mott Foundation, Larry L. and Susan Payeur Koehler, Prasad and Jayashree Kommareddi, the Greg and Angie Krueger Charitable Fund, Madonna and Jeff Bennett, Woodrow Stanley Youth Foundation and individual donors and businesses.
Photo cutline: Progress is underway on a new 57,000-square-foot addition that will feature basketball courts and an elevated track, enhancing recreational opportunities at Berston Field House.
ABOUT FRIENDS OF BERSTON
The Friends of Berston is the nonprofit organization that programs, operates and manages the historic Berston Field House – a community-based recreational center in Flint, Michigan offering a variety of programs to support youth and families. With a focus on education, athletics, the arts, and community service, Berston has been a community hub serving as the lifeblood of Flint and Genesee County for generations. The Next 100 campaign aims to continue Berston’s legacy by building a state-of-the-art facility and renovating existing spaces to provide a place of hope and achievement for the entire community.
