Leadership Next creates meaningful community impact

As volunteers with United Way's Leadership Next program, we partner with residents and community organizations interested in improving the physical and social qualities of their respective neighborhoods. And while impacting the region is our primary goal, Leadership Next also provides us a number of opportunities to grow personally and professionally, and to learn about other organizations, communities and initiatives.

We had a chance to experience all of this and more when we helped the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation in April with a community revitalization project. About 25 volunteers put shovels, rakes and others tools to use while rejuvenating Stoepel Park, on Detroit's west side. We helped ensure that 600 area kids have adequate ball fields for their summer little league season.

Tom Goddeeris, executive director at GRDC, thanked the group for its contribution to the project, and also provided an overview of his group's work in the community.

Leadership Next would like to thank all of the volunteers who worked through the dreary, drizzling morning at Stoepel Park. The fields looked great after you were done. For those who missed the event, don't worry, more opportunities to make a difference are on the horizon.

We will continue to increase our involvement and seek to engage in similar projects across the region regularly, so stay tuned. Through these efforts we are confident that Leadership Next will make communities stronger and enhance the vibrancy of our region.

Check out videos and pictures from the morning!