Flint, Michigan – The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation has granted $675,000 to the Evergreen Community Development Initiative to support upgrades to the Flint Development Center. The funds will be used to update playground equipment, install new basketball courts, renovate the building’s western wing and install new boilers.
“The Flint Development Center provides so many important programs and supports for residents,” said Ridgway White, president and CEO of the Mott Foundation.
“We hope this grant will help to ensure FDC’s space better reflects the organization’s outstanding service to the community,” White added. “It’s especially exciting that there will be more safe, vibrant recreational spaces for Flint kids.”
FDC staff have been working since 2016 to fully renovate the building, located at 4121 Martin Luther King Ave. The western wing of the facility is the last to be updated and renovated, according to Shelly Sparks, executive director. When completed, rooms in that wing will be available to be rented out to community groups.
“These needed improvements will give North Flint residents a safe and inviting community center where they can continue to engage with one another and connect with other organizations within FDC,” Sparks said. “It will be exciting to watch kids run and play on the new playground and basketball court. And upgrades to the current facility will significantly reduce the annual utility costs, decrease maintenance costs and enhance the overall user experience of the facility, which is exciting for us.”
The grant to the Evergreen Community Development Initiative is part of an effort to support upgrades and new spaces at multiple Flint community centers. Last month, Mott announced a total of $750,000 in grants to the city of Flint to support upgrades to buildings, systems and interior spaces at the Brennan and Hasselbring senior centers. Earlier this year, the Foundation granted $575,000 to the Latinx Technology & Community Center to redevelop the organization’s second floor to provide additional space for community programs, staff offices, and youth and adult educational programming.
“Community centers are trusted places that residents turn to for personal connection, fun activities and important resources,” said Kimberly Roberson, director of Mott’s Flint Area grantmaking program.
“They open their doors for residents of all ages to learn, play and grow,” Roberson added. “That’s why it’s so important to help make sure these spaces are available to residents for years to come.”
