My first week and a half in Detroit and at the Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation (GRDC) has been an interesting one! I am really enjoying my placement at GRDC. GRDC is a place that seems to have a very strong presence in the Detroit community,and even with just a little time here I can tell has done the community lots of good. My office is a beautiful space. The office is in the center of the Grand River Corridor that intersects the Grandmont Rosedale community. This location really makes me feel like part of the community! There is a lot of space for community meetings, which works really well with the mission of GRDC. (Below are pictures of the larger meeting space)
I really resonate with the projects and goals that GRDC has. Overall, The Grandmont Rosedale Development Corporation is a non-profit community development corporation serving a cluster of five neighborhoods in NW Detroit known as the Grandmont Rosedale Community. The organization has ton a of work around creating more valuable and safe communities. The area that my nonprofit works at looks beautiful, and is a fantastic community. There are a ton of great places in the area such as local restaurant called Big Mama’s where I have already fallen in love with the fried chicken (see my picture below of their delicious meal!). GRDC works with the area to establish more cute places like Big Mama. My specific project actually focuses on developing businesses in the area. I am currently developing a survey to assess local the businesses’ needs and interests. I am almost done developing the survey and will be working with one of our community partners to contact businesses! I am really excited My non profit’s hard work and visible improvement of the area really makes me feel like I am working at a great place!
Settling in at Detroit has caused me a mixed bag of emotions. I have been a little slow adjusting to the office environment after coming back from China and before that U of M. I am feeling a little bit lonely,but am starting to slowly adjust to my tiring day! I am slowly starting to enjoy the city, but I still have a ton more to see. I really want to make it a priority to see the city!
Until Next Time!
Robert.
