The Cadillac Area Habitat for Humanity was selected as part of a Chamber of Commerce program to bring a new multi-use space to town.
The goal is to have a place that can be used by residents for everything from DIY training to family gatherings.
For the last 32 years the Cadillac Area Chamber of Commerce has put together a leadership program that teaches people business skills that include communication, fundraising and project management.
Through the 9-month program, participants like Flora Grundy say the program is well worth the work.
“We have an amazing leader for it, and I’ve really gotten a lot out of it so far. So, it’s just the networking, and it’s the learning. There’s so much more that goes on in this community that, you don’t really see, and this really gets you in the middle of it and the mix of it,” said Grundy. “So, you can see the different things with manufacturing and all the other education, different things like that, and then it gets you connected with people that you need to be connected with as well.”
Part of the Cadillac area chamber of commerce leadership program includes working on a community project from the ground up.
From selecting the project, fundraising, marketing and a bit of sweat equity.
This year the leadership program and the chamber chose the Cadillac Area Habitat for Humanity proposal to serve as the groups project.
The goal is to construct a community building that will offer free educational classes, a place for parties and even home equipment rental.
“So, we are so excited to have this year’s leadership class pick us because we get to work alongside them,” said Cadillac Habitat for Humanity executive director Amy Gibbs. They’re going to help volunteer. They’re going to help build. They’re going to help pull all this together. And it’s just going to be an amazing project and space once it’s done.”
In order for the community center to come to life, the first thing the leadership group is tasked with is raising money.
The next fundraising event for the build is titled ‘Thrifted Threads and Belly Laughs on March 8th.
Comedians from Traverse City and Detroit will be at the Wexford County civic center to raise money for the community center build.