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Jane Parikh Simons

Jane Parikh Simons's Latest Articles

David Merritt at the Give Merit/FATE space.
A former UM basketball star is on a mission to help redevelop this West Side Detroit neighborhood

A faith-based effort is underway to revitalize a West Side Detroit community. And the ambitious undertaking is enlisting residents to help plan the development and give the neighborhood its own name.

Kenny Tanner stands in front of his home on Mount Vernon Street.
Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis is helping Detroiters tackle much-needed home repairs

This sought-after program is helping Detroiters get the funds they need to make pressing repairs to their homes.

David Sampson, CEO of Mariners Inn, stands in front of a building that is part of a redevelopment project that will enable his organization to provide seamless transitions to affordable housing for the clients served.
Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis helping affordable housing in Detroit become a reality

In 2020, four affordable housing developments landed a total of $1.8 million in grants through the Affordable Housing Program, which will result in 318 units throughout the city. Previously, an AHP grant hadn’t been secured in Detroit since 2014: “This comeback and revitalization is for everybody.”

Girl Scouts is building girl leaders through accessible, easy, fun outdoor adventures

Outdoor education has always been a big part of Girl Scouting, but these days that goes beyond going away to Girl Scout camp for the week. Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan is putting particular focus on making access to outdoor adventure and the leadership skills that come with it available to girls in cities and towns throughout its nine-county service area.   

Belem Morales shared with girls during a Mentoring Monday session how she became an attorney and what it took to do that.
Volunteer Opportunities Fit All Schedules at Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan
Gold Award Girl Scout recipient inspires others with her community service project

In true Girl Scout form, Isabella Cook saw a problem, took action to address it, and helped make the world a better place along the way. When Isabella Cook attended court she felt completely comfortable.  After all, it was her grandmother sitting on the bench in Oakland County’s Family Court and Isabella was there as part of “Bring Your Child to Work Day.”  But Isabella couldn’t help but notice how anxious and afraid the other children in court felt and her grandmother told her that testifying in court was often frightening and difficult for kids.    

The eclectic mix of retail and restaurants in the East Warren neighborhood is growing and creating a renewed sense of hope for residents there.
Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis strengthens ties to Detroit

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis may be headquartered in Indiana, but its district includes both Indiana and Michigan, where cities across the region are benefitting from partnerships between the bank and various community-based financial institutions and philanthropic organizations. The bank is making sure that Detroit is no exception.

Girl Scouts in the Girl Empowerment Program receive instructions before building robots in a Robotics workshop.
Empowering Girls to Lead and Succeed
Justin Williams, GSSEM's Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer has been with the Council since January.
Facing the Future: Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan elevates equity

For the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan diversity, equity and inclusion are more than just words.  In January, GSSEM made an intentional decision to hire its first Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer, making it the first Girl Scout Council in Michigan and one of only a handful throughout the United States to do what numerous colleges and universities and businesses have already done.

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