Our 24 Pillars

Melvindale Thrive Initiative is a community organization. Our programs and opportunities are intended to welcome people of different ages, races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, languages, incomes, abilities, disabilities, family structures, gender identities, sexual orientations, veteran or military status, and backgrounds.  Everyone is welcome at MTI.

PILLAR 1 — ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, REDEVELOPMENT & COMMUNITY REVITALIZATION

Melvindale Thrive Initiative will support responsible redevelopment and community revitalization with an emphasis on returning vacant, deteriorated, abandoned, underused, and blighted property to productive community use.

MTI may identify properties appropriate for nonprofit facilities, arts and culture, housing, green space, community programming, mixed-use development, small-business activity, public gathering space, or other uses that improve the community.

This work may include property research, acquisition opportunities, title and site-control research, feasibility studies, environmental and survey work, nonprofit real-estate development, architecture, engineering, financing, grants, charitable investment, community-development financing, partnerships, and long-term operating planning.

The major active project under this pillar is MTI's proposed Performing Arts & Community Resource Center / Community Hub. The established vision includes a true performing-arts theater, youth and adult arts and enrichment rooms, literacy programming, family and senior programming, community-safety meeting space, Resource Navigation, nonprofit offices and storage, outdoor gathering and programming areas, and potentially a residential component if qualified housing and development professionals determine that it is feasible and appropriately structured.

Economic development also means strengthening commercial corridors, encouraging responsible property reuse, bringing activity back to neglected sites, supporting local businesses and entrepreneurs, and creating reasons for residents and visitors to spend time and money in Melvindale.

MTI's role can include organizing, researching, advocating, seeking funding, building partnerships, and helping assemble qualified development teams. Major acquisitions, financing, construction, and contractual commitments require appropriate Board authorization and professional review.

PILLAR 2 — NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION, BEAUTIFICATION & COMMUNITY PRIDE

MTI will work to create cleaner, better-maintained, more welcoming neighborhoods and commercial areas.

Beautification is not simply about flowers. It affects community pride, property values, safety, neighborhood appearance, environmental quality, and the way residents feel about where they live.

Programs may include litter removal, cleanup days, weed and overgrowth removal, flower planting, planter improvements, native plantings, pollinator gardens, small community gardens, streetscape improvements, storefront-area beautification, Adopt-a-Block projects, youth beautification teams, and partnerships with residents and businesses.

MTI also wants to teach residents inexpensive and realistic ways to improve their properties. Workshops and demonstrations may cover creating flower beds, choosing affordable plants, preparing soil, planting native flowers, controlling weeds, maintaining gardens, supporting pollinators, conserving water, and improving curb appeal.

Vacant and unusually shaped parcels may also become maintained neighborhood assets such as flower gardens, vegetable gardens, butterfly gardens, native wildflower areas, rain gardens, pocket green spaces, youth gardening areas, benches, or environmental-learning spaces.

The purpose is education, assistance and pride—not shaming residents.

PILLAR 3 — CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENT & COMMUNITY CONNECTIVITY

MTI will support efforts that make it safer and easier for residents to move between neighborhoods, schools, businesses, parks, community facilities, and other important destinations.

Melvindale's railroad and transportation infrastructure create physical barriers that divide parts of the city.

One major concept already developed is the Melvindale Community Connector—the study and development of a safe, ADA-accessible pedestrian and bicycle connection across the active rail corridor.

The exact location and final type of connection would be determined through engineering, railroad coordination, traffic and safety data, accessibility review, community input, cost analysis, and cooperation with an eligible public-sector project sponsor.

This pillar may also include safer pedestrian routes, bicycle connections, sidewalk and crossing improvements, ADA accessibility, lighting, wayfinding, trails, safer routes for children and seniors, and connections between neighborhoods and future community assets.

Large public-infrastructure projects would normally require partnerships with appropriate governmental or transportation entities. MTI can help develop the concept, organize community support, research funding, and advocate for improvements.

PILLAR 4 — YOUTH EDUCATION, ENRICHMENT & EXPANDED LEARNING

MTI will provide accessible educational and enrichment opportunities for children and teenagers outside the regular school day.

Programs may occur after school, during summer, on weekends, during school breaks, and through special community programs.

Activities may include arts and crafts, reading, literacy, STEAM, science projects, technology, gardening, nutrition, recreation, cultural activities, safety education, mentoring, teamwork, practical life skills, and hands-on learning.

MTI's goal is to give children opportunities close to home to learn, create, explore their abilities, make friends, build confidence, and discover new interests.

Expanded-learning activities should feel different from the regular school day. Young people should create, build, record, experiment, test, revise, solve problems, work together, make decisions, and share completed work.

MTI will also seek backpacks, school supplies, notebooks, pencils, folders, hygiene products, learning materials, books, technology, and other resources that help students participate successfully.

PILLAR 5 — ARTS, MUSIC, CULTURE & PERFORMING ARTS

Arts and creative opportunity are central to MTI's mission.

Programs may include painting, drawing, watercolor, mixed media, crafts, photography, journaling, creative writing, digital design, cultural art, recycled art, seasonal projects, music, singing, music production, theater, drama, dance, public art, arts-based STEAM, family creative programs, youth showcases, senior arts, and veteran arts.

MTI will invite local artists, instructors, musicians, performers, volunteers, cultural organizations, and community partners to share their experience and skills.

Arts provide more than entertainment. They support self-expression, confidence, social connection, communication, cultural understanding, problem-solving, mental wellness, creativity, and community pride.

The long-term performing-arts vision includes a real theater, with a professionally designed stage, permanent tiered or raked seating, theatrical lighting and sound, a control booth, backstage areas, dressing rooms, rehearsal space, prop and costume storage, lobby and reception space, and opportunities for theater, music, dance, comedy, cultural programming, lectures, and special events.

PILLAR 6 — STEAM, TECHNOLOGY, CAREER EXPLORATION & LIFE SKILLS

MTI will connect science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics with hands-on experimentation, creativity, career exploration, and practical skills.

Participants may explore engineering and design challenges, creative technology, environmental science, sound and acoustics, digital art, photography, music production, building activities, renewable energy, gardening science, research, presentations, and other projects.

Students will learn by measuring, building, testing, comparing results, determining what worked, changing what did not work, and trying again.

Career exploration may introduce students to artists, musicians, engineers, designers, technology professionals, skilled trades, nonprofit careers, public service, entrepreneurship, college programs, apprenticeships, certifications, and other pathways.

The program also develops communication, teamwork, leadership, time management, persistence, decision-making, problem-solving, adaptability, organization, and presentation skills.

MTI's learning progression is:

Try it → Make something → Learn how it works → Improve it → Make it your own → Share it.

PILLAR 7 — LITERACY, READING & LIFELONG LEARNING

MTI will increase access to books and encourage reading, writing, family literacy, learning, and curiosity.

Programs may include book distributions, read-aloud programs, family reading events, literacy kits, Little Libraries, reading volunteers, creative writing, journals, literacy games, school-readiness materials, and partnerships with schools, libraries, teachers, authors, and literacy organizations.

When available, MTI will seek multicultural and multilingual books, including materials in English, Arabic, Spanish, and other languages reflecting the community.

The goal is not simply to hand out books. It is to help children become comfortable and confident readers, encourage families to read together, and make books and learning easier to access.

The recovered master work specifically included the Read With Me Literacy Initiative, book distributions, read-aloud activities, family reading events, literacy kits, and multilingual books.

Long-term literacy work may also include adult literacy, digital literacy, financial literacy, health literacy, and education that helps residents understand community resources.

PILLAR 8 — YOUTH LEADERSHIP, MENTORING & COMMUNITY SERVICE

Young people will be given meaningful responsibility within MTI rather than being treated only as recipients of programs.

MTI's Youth Leadership Corps and Youth Advisory Council will provide teenagers with opportunities to build leadership, mentoring, teamwork, communication, civic-engagement, problem-solving, and event-planning skills.

Youth may assist with children's programs, mentor younger participants, help organize events, participate in gardening and environmental projects, assist with neighborhood cleanups, support safety programs, help with literacy activities, prepare program materials, and earn documented community-service hours.

Young people should also have a voice in programs created for them. They may recommend activities, evaluate programs, identify community needs, suggest improvements, help plan projects, and participate in organizational discussions through appropriate youth-governance structures.

The objective is to develop future volunteers, mentors, community leaders, nonprofit leaders, and civically engaged adults.

PILLAR 9 — COMMUNITY SAFETY, NEIGHBORHOOD WATCH & EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Community safety is a major MTI priority.

Neighborhood Watch will focus on education, communication, prevention, responsible observation, resource connection, and lawful reporting.

It will not encourage vigilantism, harassment, confrontation, public accusations, or rumor-spreading.

Safety programming may include vehicle-theft prevention, protecting electronic keys and fobs, lighting and cameras, theft deterrents, removing valuables from vehicles, fraud and scam prevention, internet safety, neighborhood communication, and public-safety education.

Emergency-preparedness programming may cover family emergency plans, emergency kits, severe weather, fire safety, first-aid and CPR awareness, power outages, emergency communication, evacuation planning, transportation, and preparedness for seniors and people with disabilities.

MTI will seek participation from law enforcement, emergency-management agencies, health organizations, fire/EMS, safety organizations, and qualified professionals when appropriate.

PILLAR 10 — TRAFFIC, TEEN DRIVING, BICYCLE, PEDESTRIAN, SCOOTER & E-BIKE SAFETY

MTI will work to prevent traffic-related injuries involving drivers, young drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicycles, scooters, and e-bikes.

Programming may include helmet education, reflectors, bicycle lights, visibility equipment, pedestrian safety, safe riding, traffic laws, safe routes, distracted-driving prevention, reckless-driving awareness, seat-belt education, defensive driving, driver responsibility, and teen-driving education.

MTI may bring qualified speakers and safety professionals into schools and community programs.

Community Safety Day and similar programs may include demonstrations, educational materials, helmets, reflectors, safety gear, family information, and partnerships with law enforcement and traffic-safety organizations.

The existing MTI master program specifically includes helmet and reflector education, bicycle lights, pedestrian safety, scooter/e-bike awareness, driver-safety information, family handouts, and Community Safety Day activities.

The purpose is prevention before someone is seriously injured or killed.

PILLAR 11 — FOOD SECURITY, NUTRITION, FARMERS MARKET & LOCAL FOOD SYSTEMS

MTI will address food insecurity while increasing access to healthy food, nutrition education, gardening, local agriculture, and community food resources.

Programs may include healthy snacks during youth activities, nutrition education, Thanksgiving and Christmas assistance, halal and culturally appropriate food options, vegetable gardening, future food-pantry services, and food-resource navigation.

The planned Melvindale Farmers Market will connect residents with farmers, growers, food producers, artists, crafters, small businesses, nutrition education, youth activities, gardening education, and community events.

MTI intends to work toward SNAP/EBT participation and other nutrition-access opportunities when eligible.

PILLAR 12 — COMMUNITY GARDENS, ENVIRONMENT, SUSTAINABILITY & GREEN SPACES

MTI will develop environmental and gardening projects that improve neighborhoods, increase green space, educate residents, support pollinators and wildlife, and create opportunities for community stewardship.

Programs may include community gardens, raised food beds, native plants, pollinator gardens, butterfly gardens, wildflower areas, rain gardens, pocket parks, youth gardening, water conservation, recycling, litter reduction, tree planting, environmental education, and volunteer stewardship.

A major initiative is the Melvindale Community Eco-Park.

The preservation-first concept includes mature-tree preservation, native flowers, butterfly and pollinator areas, raised flower and vegetable beds, youth gardening, educational signs, rainwater collection, solar-powered irrigation, seating, low-impact walking areas, environmental education, and community planting and stewardship.

PILLAR 13 — HEALTH, WELLNESS & PREVENTION

MTI will promote healthier lives through prevention, education, nutrition, activity, social connection, environmental health, and access to reliable community resources.

Programs may include healthy snacks, nutrition education, gardening, hydration, physical activity, recreation, oral-health information, preventive-health education, first-aid and CPR awareness, safety education, mental-health resource connections, and health-resource navigation.

Qualified health professionals and partner organizations may be invited to provide education and services.

MTI will not replace physicians, nurses, mental-health professionals, counselors, or licensed providers. Its role is education, outreach, prevention, and connection.

PILLAR 14 — FAMILY SUPPORT & BASIC NEEDS

MTI will provide or coordinate practical assistance for families experiencing financial hardship, emergencies, or temporary instability.

Programs may include backpacks, school supplies, diapers, baby supplies, children's clothing, hygiene items, household essentials, coats, winter clothing, holiday meals, culturally appropriate food, and referrals to public benefits and community programs.

Assistance should be offered respectfully and as privately as practical so families can receive support without embarrassment.

Programs will grow according to actual funding, donated inventory, storage capacity, volunteer availability, and safe distribution procedures.

PILLAR 15 — SENIOR ENGAGEMENT, RECREATION & SOCIAL CONNECTION

MTI will create opportunities for older adults to remain active, creative, informed, socially connected, and involved in community life.

Programs may include arts and crafts, gardening, social gatherings, recreation, educational workshops, community events, volunteering, intergenerational activities, technology education, mentoring, and opportunities for seniors to share their knowledge and experience.

Older adults should not be viewed only as people who need help. They may be mentors, artists, gardeners, instructors, volunteers, board or committee participants, storytellers, and community leaders.

This pillar focuses strongly on participation and connection.

PILLAR 16 — SENIOR, DISABILITY & INDEPENDENT-LIVING SUPPORT

MTI will help seniors and residents with disabilities remain safe, informed, connected, and as independent as possible.

Potential assistance may include reduced-cost lawn care, seasonal yard maintenance, snow-removal referrals, transportation referrals, household assistance, accessibility resources, licensed repair referrals, public-benefit information, Resource Navigation, volunteer check-ins, and social activities.

MTI's recovered planning specifically includes low-cost lawn care, seasonal maintenance, accessibility services, transportation, qualified repair referrals, Resource Navigation, and public-benefit information.

MTI will distinguish clearly between appropriate volunteer assistance and work requiring licensed, insured, or qualified professionals.

PILLAR 17 — VETERANS & MILITARY FAMILY PROGRAMS

Veterans and military families will be welcomed throughout MTI.

Programs may include veteran arts and crafts, gardening, mentoring, volunteer service, social gatherings, community events, Resource Navigation, and connections with qualified veteran-service organizations.

Veterans may participate as mentors, artists, gardeners, safety-program contributors, volunteers, instructors, advisors, and community leaders.

MTI's existing work specifically states that veterans and military families are welcome throughout the organization and may participate in arts, gardening, volunteering, mentoring, resource programs, and community events.

PILLAR 18 — COMMUNITY RESOURCE NAVIGATION, RESIDENT EDUCATION & WELCOME SERVICES

MTI will help residents find reliable assistance and understand how to access complicated public and nonprofit systems.

Resource areas may include food assistance, public benefits, senior and disability services, transportation, independent living, health, veteran programs, housing, utility assistance, legal referrals, workforce services, education, literacy, and emergency assistance.

Resource Navigators will help residents find the right door. They will not replace government workers, attorneys, doctors, social workers, or licensed professionals.

This pillar also includes Welcome Home Melvindale, providing useful information for newcomers, renters, homeowners, immigrant households, and residents who need help understanding services and community resources.

PILLAR 19 — COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT, VOLUNTEERISM & CIVIC PARTICIPATION

MTI is a grassroots organization built around neighbors helping neighbors.

Volunteer opportunities may include youth programs, cleanups, gardens, food assistance, arts, literacy, administrative work, community events, senior assistance, safety education, donation sorting, outreach, and community-service placements.

MTI will recruit residents, teenagers, retirees, businesses, colleges, schools, service organizations, nonprofits, veteran organizations, and other groups.

The broader goal is resident leadership, teamwork, mentoring, shared problem-solving, cross-generational participation, and collective impact.

PILLAR 20 — PARKS, RECREATION, EVENTS & COMMUNITY CONNECTION

MTI will provide positive opportunities for people to gather, recreate, learn, socialize, and build relationships close to home.

Activities may include recreation, arts and crafts, seasonal events, family activities, outdoor activities, community celebrations, senior programs, youth recreation, gardening, environmental programs, performances, social gatherings, and intergenerational activities.

Programs will be designed for children, teenagers, adults, families, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities, and other community members.

The purpose is to reduce isolation and build stronger relationships among neighbors.

PILLAR 21 — HOUSING, HOME IMPROVEMENT & AGING IN PLACE

MTI will help residents identify resources that allow them to remain safely and successfully in their homes.

This work may include lawn and yard assistance, seasonal cleanup, snow-removal connections, accessibility resources, smoke-detector outreach, home-safety education, minor exterior assistance, critical-repair referrals, licensed contractor referrals, and connections to existing housing programs.

Priority populations may include seniors, residents with disabilities, veterans, and households with limited incomes.

MTI's role is often to connect residents with appropriate grants, programs, volunteers, businesses, or qualified professionals rather than attempt to perform every repair itself.

PILLAR 22 — SMALL BUSINESS, ENTREPRENEURSHIP & LOCAL COMMERCE

MTI will encourage local business participation and create opportunities for entrepreneurs, farmers, artists, crafters, vendors, contractors, and service providers.

Activities may include business partnerships, sponsorships, local purchasing when practical, vendor opportunities, farmers-market participation, community events, entrepreneurship education, referrals, and partnerships that bring activity into local commercial districts.

The Farmers Market can provide a relatively low-barrier direct-sales opportunity for farmers and small businesses while increasing foot traffic for nearby businesses.

MTI will encourage businesses not only to donate money but also to share expertise, services, volunteer time, products, employment information, and community connections.

PILLAR 23 — PERFORMING ARTS & COMMUNITY RESOURCE CENTER / COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE

MTI is actively working toward a permanent Performing Arts & Community Resource Center.

The facility is envisioned as a year-round community hub rather than simply an office.

It may include a true performing-arts theater; youth arts and enrichment rooms; literacy and STEAM space; adult, senior, family and veteran programs; Resource Navigation; Neighborhood Watch and safety meetings; nonprofit offices; volunteer coordination; records and storage; community gatherings; outdoor performance areas; accessible outdoor programming; gardens; and public art.

A residential component may also be evaluated if experienced housing and development professionals determine that it is feasible and properly structured.

The purpose is to create permanent community infrastructure capable of supporting many MTI pillars under one roof.

PILLAR 24 — ACCESSIBILITY, INCLUSION & MULTILINGUAL COMMUNITY CONNECTION

Everyone is welcome at Melvindale Thrive Initiative.

MTI serves a diverse community and intends to create opportunities for people of different races, ethnicities, cultures, religions, ages, languages, incomes, disabilities, abilities, family structures, sexual orientations, gender identities, veteran or military status, and backgrounds.

Our programs should remove barriers whenever reasonably possible.

Accessibility may include accessible locations and routes, seating and rest areas, large-print or simplified materials, adaptive art tools, sensory-friendly options, understandable instructions, disability-aware volunteers, and appropriate accommodations.

Important community information should be available in Arabic and Spanish when resources permit, with other translation or interpretation arranged when possible. MTI's organizational plan specifically calls for accessible programming and multilingual outreach in Arabic and Spanish.

MTI leadership itself includes people with disabilities, including the Founder/President, so disability inclusion is not an abstract concept within the organization.

No resident should feel that MTI belongs to somebody else.

Children are welcome. Adults are welcome. Seniors are welcome. Veterans are welcome. Residents with disabilities are welcome. LGBTQ+ residents are welcome. Longtime residents and newcomers are welcome. People of every racial, ethnic, cultural and religious background are welcome.

Melvindale Thrive Initiative is for the community. Everyone is welcome.