FRIENDS OF PARKSIDE
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Mission Statement
The Friends Of Parkside is established to promote solidarity among Parkside residents; help build the self-esteem of youth residents; offer educational and employment-related resources to the community, and promote the health and well-being of residents.
About This Cause
The Organization Governance and Leadership The Friends of Parkside (FOP) maintains a governance structure that prioritizes resident accountability and racial equity. Over two-thirds of the Board of Directors are Parkside residents, and more than 50% of board members and senior staff identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). The Board Chair is always a current resident, ensuring that the organization stays responsive to residents' concerns. The Executive Director, a former Parkside resident, leads a 100% African American staff, many of whom live in the Villages at Parkside, fostering both racial equity and environmental justice. With up to 15 board members, FOP’s structure guarantees it remains resident-led and closely aligned with community priorities. Philosophy/Approach Friends of Parkside is dedicated to improving the Parkside community. FOP sees itself as part of this community and serves as a link between Parkside residents and the larger east side area. FOP believes that everything happening in or around The Villages at Parkside impacts the community, and that residents working alongside community stakeholders can enact positive change. Community Integration and Collaboration FOP sees itself as both a member of the Parkside community and a bridge to the broader east side community, working to create partnerships between residents and external stakeholders. The organization believes that all developments within or around the Villages at Parkside affect the community, and it leverages partnerships to empower residents in making positive changes. Focus Areas Primary Focus: The Villages at Parkside (TVP), a public housing complex near the Warren and Conner intersection in Detroit. Secondary Focus: The surrounding east side community, where FOP extends its support and advocacy efforts. Vision and Goals FOP is dedicated to fostering a healthy, safe, and thriving community, focusing on these key areas: Health and Safety: A drug-free environment with improved well-being, particularly for pregnant women, mothers, seniors, infants, and youth. Informed and Empowered Community: Encourage collaboration among residents to address challenges impacting quality of life. Economic Growth: Promote employment, business opportunities, and personal development within the community. Community Commitment: Motivate families and individuals to actively improve and sustain the community. Environmental Justice: Advocate for climate resilience, green infrastructure, and air quality improvements, ensuring the community has access to safe, healthy environments free from environmental risks. Commitment to Racial, Environmental, and Climate Justice FOP actively participates in environmental and climate justice coalitions, ensuring its programs reflect community priorities and grassroots voices in both governance and culture. Through these coalitions, FOP advocates for sustainable practices that benefit public housing residents, integrating racial equity and environmental justice into all advocacy efforts. The Villages at Parkside Community The Parkside community is bordered by Frankfort Avenue to the north, East Warren Avenue to the south, Conner Avenue to the west, and Gray Avenue to the east. FOP Main Areas, Programs & Projects (Partial Listing) To achieve its goals, Friends of Parkside focuses on three main areas—Youth and Family, Computer Technology, and Community Health and Safety. Key programs and projects include: Parkside Food Pantry Bright Futures Youth Program Parkside Computer Lab Health & Safety Workshops Dear Santa Helper Project Annual Parkside Health & Safety Fair Annual Halloween/Harvest Fest Parkside Covid-19 Resource Project Parkside Senior Bingo Treaters Welcome Here Parkside Energy Efficiency Project Parkside Community Meetings Annual Parkside Curb ball Tournament Annual Back 2 School Rally Volunteers Impacting Parkside (VIP) Parkside Tech Hub Parkside Food Pantry Parkside Community Connector Newsletter Parkside Copies, Fax, & Scan Services for Residents Action Alerts Annual Parkside Christmas Decorations Giveaway and more! PARTNERS, PARTNERSHIPS, AND SUPPORTERS (Partial listing) AARP Senior Planet AARP Senior Community Employment Program Blue Cross Complete of Michigan Chandler Park Conservancy Partnership Climate Heatwave Housing Health Partnership Co.Act Detroit/Kresege Comcast NBC Universal Connect313 Continental Management DECIDERS/University of Michigan School of Medicine Detroit Health Department Detroit Housing Commission Detroit Urban Research Center Forgotten Harvest Gleaners Community Food Bank Mercy Primary Care Center Michigan Community Health Workers Alliance Michigan Community Service Commission National Association of HUD Tenants The Carls Foundation United Way for Southeastern Michigan Wayne Metro Community Action Agency