About Milwood Commons
A neighborhood nonprofit, a gathering place, and a learning center - serving Milwood since 2014
WHO WE ARE
Mission
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It is only through conversation, connection, and relationship that we can hope to inspire positive change in the lives of those around us. We seek to partner with individuals, families, schools, organizations, and businesses to challenge one another and strengthen our community.
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Empathy can unite and bind together people, despite their differences. Through time, dedication, and communication, we wish to establish relationships with our neighbors that promote respect, trust, consideration, cooperation, and friendship.
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Commitment to good for others with joy, grace, and equity so that every individual might know that they have value, a purpose, and the potential for growth and success - through relationships, resources, and healthy community.
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We work to model honesty, authenticity, and transparency within our organization, in our interactions with our neighbors and partners, and in our personal lives. We adhere to our mission and values, ensuring that they are at the forefront of everything that we do.
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We encourage all people to seek to love and understand one another. We welcome all individuals to utilize the resources we provide, regardless of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or disability.
Celebrating the value of each individual, Milwood Commons is committed to supporting the growth of children, families, and individuals by bridging the gap between what is available and what is accessible
Values
HOW WE GOT HERE
A short history
Milwood Commons is a non-profit organization focused on community development initiatives to grow a stronger, more connected Milwood.
The Milwood Commons building has been part of the Milwood community since 1966. For many years, it was home to various faith communities who sought to serve the city of Kalamazoo in a variety of ways. Additionally, the building has hosted different preschools and child care programs.
Milwood Commons was formed in 2014, and its first initiative was to obtain licensing to assume ownership of the current child care center located in the building. This center eventually became Milwood Commons Learning Center, and shared space with the current building owners, Threads Church.
Having a high quality, affordable early learning environment for kids remained an important need within the neighborhood. Milwood Commons spent the first several years focusing its efforts and resources into helping the learning center establish and grow!
Milwood Commons started to develop connections and build relationships. We repeatedly found ourselves with opportunities to help families, employees, and neighbors gain access to available resources. In 2023, after navigating the pandemic, we found ourselves longing for deeper connections with the neighborhood and had the opportunity to purchase the building from Threads Church.
The summer of 2024, the Board of Milwood Commons connected with a passionate group of neighbors and began to imagine new ways of supporting the neighborhood beyond the learning center.
Currently at Milwood Commons, we rent space to Kalamazoo Free Blades and the newly formed Mockingbird Counseling. We host Knit for Brains, neighborhood listening meetings, birthday parties, National Night Out, clothing swaps, and more! The onsite community garden, Grow and Gather, is thriving and continues to expand each year.
As we look forward to the future of Milwood Commons, we hope to become better listeners, stronger partners, and even more committed advocates for the Milwood community.
Together, we can grow an even stronger Milwood.
Board
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Nicole Tiongson
President
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Jennifer Nardi
Treasurer
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Marcy Havlatka
Board Member
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Amy Boley
Board Member
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Brendan O'Boyle
Board Member