Human Services

SUSTAINING COMMUNITY THROUGH ARTISAN SKILLS AND AGRICULTURAL TECHNIQUES

Tillers International (Tillers) is a non-profit organization for international rural development, specializing in farming with oxen. Based in Scotts, Mich., at the Cook’s Mill Learning Center, Tillers offers classes in appropriate technology, farming techniques, draft animal power, blacksmithing and metal work, timber framing, woodworking, cheese making, and many other agricultural and artisanal skills for members of the Kalamazoo community and beyond. Tillers also hosts interns, both international and domestic, and international guests for intensive periods of hands-on training. Whether participants are looking for a new hobby, a new land- or skill-based livelihood, or an opportunity to contribute their knowledge and skills to local or international projects, Tillers welcomes people from all over the globe and offers myriad unique educational opportunities.

In 2014, Tillers embarked on a new initiative, the creation of a roadside Processing and Market Building. This new structure will serve as a place for Tillers’ Young Farmer Incubator Program to wash, sort, and properly store their produce for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs and farmers’ markets. It will also serve the local public as a roadside fresh produce market stand. This initiative will be of special interest in the Kalamazoo area in relation to KVCC’s new Health Focused Campus.

www.tillersinternational.org/farming/farming.html

CHANGING YOUNG LIVES FOR THE BETTER

The Young Adult Diversion Court (YADC) is a problem-solving solution for first-time criminal offenders, persons 17 through 20 years of age, who are sentenced to probation on a misdemeanor charge under a diversion statute, and who are at risk of losing that diversion status which then results in a conviction of a criminal charge and a criminal record. This program was launched in 2014.

YADC is radically different from traditional probation or any other specialty programs, in that the 8th District Court is partnering with other Kalamazoo County governmental departments and with community-based agencies to create an integrated and comprehensive court review program that focuses on the issues that have led these young adults into the justice system. YADC represents a paradigm shift from a traditional systemwide punitive format to a positive, self-actualizing model addressing each individual’s needs as a whole person.

YADC encourages and facilitates enrollment in education and counseling; explores healthy life choices; provides the opportunity to find one’s own voice through curricula, instruction and mentorship; and promotes individual exploration of personal growth and esteem, social development, relationship to family and community, as well as community responsibility and job exploration.

yadckalamazoo.weebly.com

For over 30 years, Disability Network Southwest Michigan has been the first stop for people with disabilities and their families – providing independent living, information and referral, peer support, and advocacy and community education services to people across all disabilities. Disability is a normal part of life. It will impact each and every person in the U.S., directly or indirectly through a family member or friend. Disability does not discriminate. More than 80% of Americans will experience disability in their lifetime, either first-hand or by knowing someone with a disability. Too often, living with a disability limits choices for involvement and presents barriers to full and equal participation in community life. Disability is a civil rights and diversity issue. Since disability is about all of us, it requires us to build inclusive communities and to change attitudes about living with a disability. To ensure that the skills and talents of workers and community members with disabilities are not wasted, the independent living programs maximize the leadership, empowerment, independence and productivity of individuals with disabilities and create inclusive communities in which to thrive. Disability Network Southwest Michigan is filling a gap in programming in our community. Its Independent Living Program reduces or eliminates barriers to employment, education and self-sufficiency for people with disabilities and helps people with disabilities achieve social/emotional self-sufficiency by teaching effective problem solving and self-advocacy skills.

www.dnswm.org