Mission
Community Family Life Center’s (CFLC) mission is to serve individuals, youth and their families with programming focused on social, educational, physical and economic well-being. CFLC is a neighborhoodbased, non-profit organization that serves as a hub for the Sugarbrook Neighborhood and the greater Ypsilanti area.
Reducing Food Insecurity
Instilling Hope
Vision
Our vision is to enhance the quality of life and fill the unmet needs of our community.
Founders
WILLIE POWELL
Willie is the founder and Executive Director of Community Family Life Center. He was born and raised in Ypsilanti and received his K-12 education within the Ypsilanti Public School System. Willie is a graduate from The University of Michigan and holds a degree in Business Administration.
Willie brings over 25 years of experience in fiscal management, accounting, and auditing. Through his work at the City of Ann Arbor, Willie served within the Department of Community Development and was given the opportunity to come alongside non-profit organizations to help strengthen their financial capacity. In addition, he has served as the Executive Director of the City of Ann Arbor Employees’ Retirement System.
Willie believes that strong community partnerships are the catalyst to bringing about social and economic change within low- resourced communities. Therefore, he is passionate about collaborating with community leaders and partners to develop programs for the adults, children, and families who live in the Sugarbrook and surrounding communities.
GERALDINE POWELL
Geraldine is the co-founder of Community Family Life Center and is a certified personal trainer and fitness coach. She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and attended Detroit Public Schools. She holds a degree in communications and accounting from Eastern Michigan University.
Geraldine has worked with children, youth, and families for over 30 years. She has served as the Executive Director of Wee Wisdom Early Childhood Center and has coordinated numerous after school, summer, and nutritional programs for children and youth. Geraldine brings a wealth of knowledge regarding the educational, nutritional, social-emotional, health, and physical development of children. In addition, she is the founder of Lifestyle Fitness Coach, LLC and holds numerous certifications in fitness and nutrition.
Geraldine is passionate about supporting the holistic well-being of adults, children, and families. She pursues opportunities to teach proper nutrition, wellness, and fitness to adults, children and families in Sugarbrook and its surrounding communities.
Board of Directors
Theresa Beasley
Chairperson
Jeff Bennett
Treasury
Louis Andrews
Trustee
Andrew Robinson
Trustee
Hourris Little
Trustee
Partners
Comcast Community Impact
Comcast Community Impact provides backpacks to CFLC to be handed out for free to the Ypsilanti School children.
Erickson Elementary School
CFLC partners with Erikson Elementary School and Family Learning Institute to provide a physical space for their after-school, tutoring program. CFLC also provides support in gathering and storing equipment and supplies necessary for the program.
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity of Huron Valley’s Community Development Team works alongside CFLC to guide a long-term, resident-led neighborhood planning process. Since 2016 we have been providing opportunities for residents of Sugarbrook to come together to express their gifts, dreams, and concerns for their community.
Family Learning Institute
The Family Learning Institute is a volunteer-based nonprofit agency dedicated to closing the achievement gap in Washtenaw County. We provide free tutoring in the areas of math and reading for students in grades 2-5 who are from economically disadvantaged families and are struggling in school. CFLC partners with Erikson Elementary School and Family Learning Institute to provide a physical space for their after-school, tutoring program.
Food Gatherers
Since 2012, Food Gatherers has partnered with CFLC to coordinate volunteers, organize, and distribute free food to qualifying residents living in the Sugarbrook and surrounding communities. The Food Pantry at CFLC currently distributes food to 120-130 families monthly.
Univeristy of Michigan Community Programs and Services
The University of Michigan partners with CFLC to provide the Sugarbrook Community with health and wellness activities. The University of Michigan, Community Health Services Department (CHS) partners with CFLC to provide health and wellness activities to the Sugarbrok Community. CFLC has also received grant funding support for the Promoting Healthy Families Project.
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation
Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Department use CFLC indoor and outdoor facilities during the summer months to host its Playground Program for youth in the surrounding areas.
Washtenaw County Sheriff Department of Community Engagement
CFLC partners with the Washtenaw County Sheriff Engagement Program to provide recreational activities to at risk youths in the community.
Washtenaw Literacy
CFLC provides a private space within our facilities to Washtenaw Literacy where they provide an adult literacy tutoring program. CFLC and Washtenaw Literacy collaborated in their pursuit of a grant awarded Comcast Cable to purchase the necessary equipment to support adults seeking to improve their computer literacy.