letter from director
September 29, 2015
Dear Friends,
Reeling from the loss of General Motors and 80,000 local jobs, the City of Flint is now in great transition. We see strategic investment and planned growth in the downtown areas, as the City sheds its decades-old image as an industrial landmark and redefines itself as a vibrant college town. However, the urban corridors and inner-city areas of this former industrial landmark is vastly becoming an industrial wasteland where the destitute, downtrodden and desperate - without refuge, direction, and hope - succumb to violence, vandalism, and apathy as the conditions around them continue to deteriorate.
To this, I say, the abandonment of responsibility by those most responsible is tantamount to criminal negligence. The same efforts employed to bring holistic transition to Flint’s downtown areas must be extended in full measure to its surrounding urban neighborhoods, regardless of the known challenges. This monumental task must be met with tenacity, innovation, and a long-term commitment.
To that end, the Urban Renaissance Center purposes to develop, foster, and administer strategic social services to residents of the Civic Park Historic District and surrounding neighborhoods that empower individuals, strengthen families, and secure communities. Through programmatic linkages and formal collaborations with local and regional social service agencies and educational institutions, we collectively employ comprehensive programs that offer positive alternatives to the ills of urban life.
I believe that by working hand-in-hand we can turn the tide and make our City a national model for urban revitalization. In the words of President Obama, “Yes, we can” make a difference in Flint! We must, with unison resolve, work to restore, rebuild, and revitalize our city by breaking generational barriers, reshaping communities and changing destinies.
The nation is watching. God is watching. Our children are watching. Our future depends on it.
Sincerely,
R. Sherman McCathern .
