North End Matters

AALI Journey

AALI Journey

On September 25, we launched the first session of the AALI Journey: Finding Your Voice Amidst the Changing Demands of Our Communities. The guests of the first session, Leona Smith of NECIC, Victor Coleman Jr. of FirstEnergy Corp, and Deanna West-Torr

We’re not going to dance around the topic for this one because we know what you’re thinking: “Why should I pay $9.95 for each AALI Journey webinar? Why should I even pay anything at all for this?” Your money and time are valua

“The first thing is to be honest with yourself. You can never have an impact on society if you have not changed yourself.”

After months of preparation, we are happy to present the revamped version of The AALI Journey!

“I first got connected with NECIC when I began volunteering as a receptionist for them. I quickly learned that this is the place to be if you want to know what’s going on in Mansfield. If you don’t know how to do something or if you want to know who your contacts are or if you want to help make things happen in the North End, NECIC can help.”

“People are so closely linked in the North End, that once one person achieves something, they want to help their neighbors do it, too. It’s the most beautiful chain reaction you’ve ever seen.”I have an incredible relationship with this town. My family lived in an apartment building in the North End until I was five years old. My grandmother was a bartender and many of my afternoons as a kid were spent sitting at the bar, drinking Pepsi and eating Jones potato chips. Life in the North End was full of family and friends, sharing and bartering. People who don’t have a lot of money are incredibly resourceful. You learn to value relationships and appreciate so many different ways of living. It was such a vibrant and beautiful neighborhood then, and it still is now.I moved away from Mansfield for two years, but once I found out I was pregnant with my daughter, I came right back. I wanted to raise her here. This area will always be home to me. No matter where I move or where I live, this is home.

You've always wanted to start your own business, but you don't know where to start. Or maybe you recently launched a business but don't have a business plan necessary to get the loans you need. To help you with these and other entrepreneurial aspirations, we''re launching the Business Plan Writing Course and Microloan program. If you complete the course, you will be eligible to apply for a microloan (of at least $500)!

After several requests from business leaders in the community to create diversity programs, NECIC is excited to announce the launch of AALI, the African American Leadership Initiative!

A presentation about the program and applications for CDBG and HOME funds will also be available at the meeting. Staff will be on hand to answer questions.