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In the Community

Read about Lighthouse's staff service days and other activities we are involved with in the community ... read more

Local News

I thought because I was over the age of 55 that I would never own a home. You made my dream come true!

- program participant


Welcome to our Neighborhood Services page!


When Lighthouse Communities talks about revitalizing a neighborhood, we are talking about the community as a whole.  It is about the buildings, the businesses, the physical conditions of our neighborhoods and the people.  This holistic approach also drives our Neighborhood Services and we strive to bring to the community a host of tools, information and resources to help neighbors and community groups make their neighborhood and thriving place.


Our purpose

The purpose of the Neighborhood Services Department is to advance Lighthouse Communities’ focus on people development by providing residents, businesses and neighborhood organizations with access to information and resources that can help increase their capacity, build their leadership and expand their opportunities to thrive, thus promoting a more vibrant community where families and their children attain a better quality of life.  Neighborhood Services will oversee all of Lighthouse’s community building strategies.


Neighborhood Services Programmatic Areas

Southtown Matching Fund (SMF) – The SMF is mostly a City of Grand Rapids CDBG funded grant program targeted to Southtown.  Launched in May of 2008, the SMF represents a new model for community organizing that is based upon competitive participation, project impact, and capacity to address neighborhood issues and organize for change.  Lighthouse’s model of community organizing aims at bringing people, businesses and community groups together to expand social networks, build neighborhood-based leadership, promote youth projects, and make our neighborhood more self-sustainable.

Leadership and Capacity Building Training – In an academy fashion, implement and coordinate a leadership and capacity building curriculum through a series of trainings, workshops, focus groups and peer learning opportunities directed to residents and businesses.  The curriculum combines Lighthouse’s and the expertise of specialized organizations and consultants from throughout the City of Grand Rapids to provide quality education and training opportunities.  Trainings are ongoing and free of charge to participants.  Visit our events page to view our Calendar for a listing of trainings available.

Neighborhood Pride – In cooperation with partnering organizations and volunteer groups, our department seeks to build neighborhood pride.  Our goal is to hold various events and activities (i.e., an annual neighborhood event or special events such as volunteer recognition, fairs, art projects, sports and youth activities) to celebrate neighborhood achievements, improve the perception of the neighborhood, and create a stronger sense of neighborliness among residents, businesses and community groups.  The SMF support projects, events and activities that help build neighborhood pride.

Partnerships and collaborations – Under the SMF, we continue to nurture our current and future partnerships and collaborations to maximize the impact of our programs and services, increase access to information and resources, and advance our neighborhood revitalization efforts.  Whether it is through the SMF or our various services and programs, we encourage area residents and organizations to contact Lighthouse to discuss your partnership ideas or proposals.

Youth development – Together with our partners, the Neighborhood Services department helps build the leaders of the future by engaging youth and at-risk youth in neighborhood activities/projects that will contribute to their growth and success.  Through the SMF, we seek to promote projects that foster creativity, innovation and leadership.

Outreach and communications – Making sure our goals are met as planned is just as important as communicating our successes, getting feedback on the work being done, cultivating our partners and relationships, and engaging stakeholders in our neighborhood revitalization efforts to keep our synergy going.  As part of the Neighborhood Services’ outreach and communications strategy, we hold regular partner meetings, disseminate information and materials on ongoing activities, expand our electronic communications, and seek positive media coverage on our work and our neighborhoods.  We also welcome successful stories from our partners.

Community service and Volunteers – Early in 2009, Lighthouse adopted a service day once a month to either work on a Lighthouse project or help out partners, neighborhood organizations or leaders with their projects.  This is a great opportunity to give and to receive, build neighborhood pride, show our commitment to the neighborhoods we serve, and boost the spirit of community that lies beneath the surface of our daily work.  We welcome your support as we try to create a group of committed volunteers who want to give their time, energy and skills to our community.  Contact our neighborhood coordinator  for information on volunteering or service days.