NorthWest Initiative

NorthWest Initaitive (NWI) is a nonprofit community development organization working to create a healthier and more vibrant community for residents of northwest Lansing. NWI currently has three major program areas as follows: * Food Sytems Development - children's garden based nutrition education at Riddle, Willow, Cavanaugh elementary schools and the Mid-Michigan Leadership Academy during academic school year; summer garden camps; 4 community gardens; monthly physical fitness activity; free food samplings at Food Movers, special events, etc * Outreach - provides door-to-door canvassing in northwest Lansing helping residents access needed community resources; helps people sign up for the free Ingham Health Plan; Medicare; Medicaid: MIChild; Plan First; Food Stamps; free cell telephones; CATA bus passes; free VITA tax preparation site; free Panera bread distribution and produce every Thursday from 11am-4pm; specialized ex-offender outreach program; and much more. * Youth Engagement - summer food program (serving free breakfast and lunch to neighborhood children); free summer youth enrichment camp for children ages 9-18; program held every Saturday morning from 9am-12noon (during school year). Youth participate in leadership and skill development; learn financial literacy; entrepreneurial skills; how to make positive choices in their lives; how to build self-esteem; manage a youth and community garden at Grace Lutheran Church; and go on fun, educational field trips!