Joy-Southfield preparing to launch a childhood obesity prevention program

The childhood obesity epidemic threatens to make this the first generation of youth who will have a shorter life span than their parents. In 1964, 5% of children were obese; in 2009 that number has grown to 20%. An additional 10% of youth are overweight. Data released by the Centers for Disease Control in Jan, 2010, show that 43% of obese teenagers already have abnormal cholesterol levels - placing them at greatly increased risk for developing life-threatening heart disease.

We agree with First Lady Michelle Obama that this situation can be corrected. We have assembled a team of local partners who will help us establish an evidence-based program to educate youth about healthy options and to make those options more readily available within our community. Program elements will include: school- and community-based preventive education; a community gardening program with youth involvement; a local farmers market; increased access to exercise facilities; and increased access to healthy food through existing local stores. Check back for future updates. Post a reply if you are interested in volunteering to help support these programs.

Annual Dinner March 21, 2010

Come check out our 3rd annual "Visions of Joy" dinner and silent auction at the Detroit Yacht Club on Sunday, March 21, 2010 at 4PM. Click here to download the flyer and registration form from the Joy-Southfield website. Great food, live entertainment, scintillating conversations and a chance to support the community-building programs of Joy-Southfield CDC.

3rd Annual Motown Fundraiser Sets New Record

On Friday, October 2, 2009 about 150 Joy-Southfield supporters gathered at Genitti's Dinner Theater & Restaurant in downtown Northville for an evening of food, fun, music & dancing. After enjoying a 7-course family-style Italian feast, participants moved to the theater where the Next Generation Funk Brothers (former back-up musicians for Motown recording artists) put on an amazing performance. To paraphrase Martha & the Vandellas, we were "dancin' in the seats" (and aisles). The meal was served by guest table hosts and all of the tips received were donated to Joy-Southfield. To date, the event raised more than $20,000 and donations are still coming in. Look for the 4th Motown Fundraiser event about the same time next year.

"Wouldn't have made it without you."

Every time we offer our free clinic for the uninsured, we request that our patients give us anonymous feedback about the value of our services. Frequently, patients add unsolicited comments to the satisfaction surveys. Such was the case at our Tuesday evening clinic last night. Here are a few examples.

"Thank you for being here, Joy-Southfield! Wouldn't have made it without you."

"The staff are very friendly and answer every question."

"[My] Health is extremely improved."

Our health care if free, but we make every effort to make sure it is high quality. Our patients let us know how we're doing.

Health System Reform

Amidst all the talk about health care reform, it's important to recognize that access to health care is only part of the equation. A person's health is also affected by access to quality education, affordable housing, economic opportunity, healthy foods and recreational facilities - to name a few. This is why Joy-Southfield Community Development Corporation is supplementing its free health care for the uninsured with an array of other community revitalization programs. These include: home repair, renovation and affordable resale of vacant homes, home foreclosure prevention counseling, youth mentoring, and local economic redevelopment. We're implementing "health system reform" in West-side Detroit. Check out our website (joysouthfield.org) to learn more about these programs and how you can participate in them. You can also sign up for our monthly e-newsletter.

ReFresh Detroit! grant to help revitalize commercial strip

Joy-Southfield Community Development Corporation (JSCDC) recently submitted a successful application to the City of Detroit Mayor's Office of Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization (ONCR) to obtain ReFresh Detroit! designation for the local commercial district. This will provide local business owners with access to free architectural consultations and matching funds for facade improvements. The Joy-Southfield ReFresh Detroit! District extends on Joy Road between Evergreen Road and Southfield Freeway. Interested business owners can contact JSCDC at (313) 581-7773, ext. 104.

Double dose of salsa - Oct 8 at 6PM

Healthy eating and physical activity - great ways to reduce your risk for developing chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure. Joy-Southfield Health & Education Center is combining them in their upcoming healthy salsa class. We start at 6PM with a demo on how to make healthy and tasty salsa from fresh ingredients - take some home with you. Then about 7 PM, we plan to head outside for a live performance by Los Gatos, a well-known local Afro-Cuban jazz band. There will be a salsa dance instructor to help you get in the groove. Join us at the Joy-Southfield Health and Education Center located at 18917 Joy Road, Detroit, MI 48228. The event is free. See our website for more info: joysouthfield.org