We aim to make Post/ Franklin a neighborhood of choice. We will improve the quality of life in our neighborhood by lighting the sidewalks, improving the properties, promoting positive youth development, assessing and responding to community issues, increasing educational opportunities that lead to economic self sufficiency, taking back our streets, and developing a sense of pride, trust, respect, and honor among our neighbors, local businesses, local organizations, and city government.

Description:
Creating Change has completed several projects in order to achieve our goal of safe, clean, and healthy neighborhoods. We have organized neighborhood wide street clean-up. We have collaborated with other city organizations to further achieve our vision. We have created our "Building Hope" program, in which we work with low income home owners to make improvements on the exteriors of their homes in order to beautify the neighborhood, engage citizens in the area, and continue our vision. We are also in the process of organizing a Block Party, which we think will help add to our current successes in resident cohesion.

History:
Creating Change was initiated by a Yes We Can! grant from the Kellogg Foundation in 2005. Since that time, the organization has employed a full-time organizer who has worked mainly with residents in the Post-Franklin Neighborhood to improve the quality of life for all neighbors. Creating Change has also partnered with various resident groups across the city of Battle Creek, such as Crimewatch, and has worked closely with Neighborhood Services in different capacities to affect change. Most recently, Creating Change has developed a home improvement program (Building Hope) and youth program, leading to the hiring of both a part-time home repair specialist and part-time neighborhood youth worker.

Contact people:

Jaime Nelson, Program Director, (phone), (email) Jeremy Andrews, Project Director, (phone), (email)

Main office number: (269) 963-8670

Address:

2055 E. Columbia Avenue Battle Creek, MI 49014 (See a map)

Web Site: None specified

Directions:

When travelling through Battle Creek on 194(m66), take the Columbia Ave exit. Head East on Columbia Avenue for approximately 2 miles to the Trinity Lutheran Church on the left. It is across from Riverview Recreation.

Miscellaneous Information

Besides English, which languages are spoken at your agency?
	French
What is the minimum age for volunteers at your agency?
	All ages welcome--project specific
Is your agency wheelchair accessible?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 10?
	Yes
Does your agency have the capacity to host groups of more than 20?
	Yes