NorthWest Initiative

Mission: To advance the development of healthy, vibrant communities by building capacity to identify needs and formulate strategies to create change.

NorthWest Initiative (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 Systems Development – children’s garden based nutrition education at Riddle and Willow elementary schools during academic school year; summer garden camps; free food samplings at our cooking demonstrations, 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: MI Child; Plan First; Food Stamps; free cell phones; CATA bus passes; free VITA tax preparation site; free Panera bread and produce distribution; specialized ex-offender outreach program; and much more.
• Youth Engagement – free summer youth enrichment camp for children ages 9-18. 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!