Friends Of Parkside

THE FRIENDS OF PARKSIDE

“Started by Parkside residents for Parkside residents and the larger community”

INTRODUCTION

The Friends Of Parkside (FOP) is a not-for-profit, grassroots community-based organization located on Detroit’s east side in The Villages at Parkside, formerly known as Parkside Homes, a public housing complex. FOP was incorporated in March of 1991 by residents of Parkside.

FOP is governed by a Board of Directors comprising up to 15 members. The board includes residents of Parkside as well as representatives from other local agencies and institutions.

MISSION / PHILOSOPHY / APPROACH

The Friends Of Parkside was established to promote solidarity among Parkside residents, build the self-esteem of youth, offer educational and employment resources, and enhance the health and well-being of the community.

As a grassroots organization, FOP sees itself as an integral part of the Parkside community. We serve as a bridge between residents and the broader east side community, believing that anything happening in or around The Villages at Parkside affects each member of the community. We are committed to working together with other community stakeholders to create positive change.

FOCUS AREA

FOP’s primary focus area is The Villages at Parkside (TVP), a public housing complex on Detroit’s east side near the Warren and Conner intersection. Our secondary focus area includes the surrounding community.

VISION / GOALS

• A healthy, drug-free, and safe Parkside Community, especially for pregnant women, mothers, seniors, infants, and youth.
• An informed and knowledgeable community willing to work together to address issues that threaten the quality of life in the Parkside Community.
• Gainful employment, business opportunities, and personal growth in the Parkside Community.
• Families and individuals committed to improving the community.

FOP MAIN AREAS

To accomplish its goals, FOP focuses on the following areas: youth and family support, volunteer and workforce development, computer technology, community health and safety, and community organizing and advocacy.

FOP PROGRAMS & PROJECTS (Partial Listing)

In alignment with our goals and focus areas, we operate a variety of projects and initiatives, including:

• Parkside Food Pantry
• Bright Futures Youth Program
• Annual ‘Dear Santa Helper Project’
• Community Tech Workers Project
• Parkside Academic Sports Team
• Parkside Tech Hub
• Annual Health, Safety, & Job Fair
• Annual Back 2 School Rally
• Parkside Senior Bingo
• Annual Halloween/Harvest Party
• ‘Treaters Welcome Here’
• Parkside Energy Efficiency Project
• Parkside Community Meetings
• Parkside Video Voice Project
• Annual Parkside Curbball Tournament
• Volunteers Impacting Parkside (VIP)
• Parkside Community Connector Newsletter

For more information, please call 313-822-0311, email info@friendsofparkside.org, or visit www.friendsofparkside.org.