Becki Kenderes, GRDC’s Sustainable Communities Program Manager has been elected to serve on the board of Community Development Advocates of Detroit (CDAD). As part of the larger, city-wide organization, Becki will represent District #1 to champion causes for community development in northwest Detroit.
CDAD serves as the “trade association” for Detroit’s community development industry. Its members include community development corporations, neighborhoods associations and block clubs. CDAD’s mission is to serve its members through advocacy, training, technical assistance, education and facilitating common action. CDAD is now organized around districts, mirroring the new City Council Districts.
Becki’s term is a two-year commitment. Previously, District #1 representative seat was vacant for one year, so we are quite fortunate to have representation on the CDAD board. Becki agrees: “It would be a shame not to have representation for our district in this city-wide community development initiative.”
Serving on the board is a commitment of time and energy for sure, but Becki is committed to District #1 and looks forward to the involvement. In fact, this commitment is a sign of Becki putting down some roots in Grandmont Rosedale, something she’s more than happy to do: “There is community in Grandmont Rosedale like I’ve never seen and I have lived in five continents. I gravitated toward the community here. I’ve been uprooted so many times. I have no family here, but there is stability here and I connect with people here.” Having lived in such far flung places as Brazil, Korea, Morocco, and Virginia, Becki knows a thing or two about how different communities build community and she’s working to be sure Grandmont Rosedale is a great place to live, work, and play.
One of Becki’s more recent projects at GRDC is organizing the installation of the mosaics on the dugouts at Stoepel Park. Working with artist Hubert Massey and many kids from Grandmont Rosedale, Becki organized last summer’s installation of the mosaic that is currently on the dugout closest to Westwood. Becki knows how important it is for our kids to have ball fields that they can be proud of. Becki also understands that a good portion of this pride comes from having a say in the artwork that is to be installed and having a hand in the installation. Thus far this year, Hubert Massey and members of Grandmont Rosedale have met and discussed designs for the seven remaining dugouts. The installation of the remaining mosaics involves not just a great deal of work, it also means a considerable amount of funding is necessary. Becki secured a promise from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation to match, dollar for dollar, donations for the campaign up to $13,000. Her hard work has been rewarded. The Mosaics in the Park campaign exceeded its goal of $13,000 and the installation of the mosaics will be in mid-July. Truly Becki is making a lasting impression on her adopted home, Grandmont Rosedale. We’re lucky to call her our neighbor.