By Dr. Jeff Bird—
MUNCIE, IN—I had the privilege to interview 5 leaders from the Industry neighborhood recently. These influencers have made a substantial impact in this area of our city.
First, I met with Joy Ridiger, the executive director of Urban Light Community Development. The organization works at “Building Community together.” Zsenaria Hopkins also works at ULCD helping to coordinate Neighborhood Engagement, one of the focus areas of ULCD. Ridiger has been leading the organization for 8 years now. She graduated from Purdue University and came to Muncie to lead the ULCD, as she was drawn to its vision and purpose. Zsenaria was born in Muncie but spent most of her life in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She came back to Muncie to be closer to family and moved into the Industry neighborhood.
She became involved in volunteering for neighborhood cookouts and when the opportunity to work with Joy came up, she jumped at the chance to take on the role and have a greater presence in the work they were trying to accomplish. The ULCD focuses on housing revitalization by developing diverse housing options with both the rental and ownership options. Another area of focus is the Lighthouse, a faith-based, 3-phase recovery house for women. Lastly, Neighborhood engagement focuses on bringing opportunities to bring those living in Industry together to listen, engage, and act to improve the neighborhood.
Next, I met with Pastor Maria Wilson from Urban Light Church, who grew up in the Industry neighborhood, and Pat Akins, an Industry neighborhood supporter and activist. We discussed several issues facing the Industry neighborhood and action items they have worked to address. Pastor Maria has worked for several years to finally get the funding necessary to build a new Social Services Hub to be named the Mitchell Hub with significant funding coming from many sources highlighted by gifts from the IU Health Foundation and the United Way. Another area of focus for them has been addressing health care disparities in the neighborhood. Much progress has been made addressing blood pressure issues, empowering screening and treatment options for residents. They also expressed other goals including a new grocery store and a community center.
Pictured L-R: Pat Akins, Pastor Maria Wilson. Photo by Dr. Jeff Bird.
Last, I met with Carl Malone, who is the superintendent of Muncie Parks and serves as the president of the Industry Neighborhood Association. Carl also grew up in Muncie, graduated from Muncie South, and then served our country in the Army for almost a decade, then returning home to impact Muncie. He has been active in many organizations as a volunteer including the Boy Scouts and NAACP among others. Carl said “I was born and raised in Industry Neighborhood and am looking forward to growing membership in the Association and promoting personal pride, worth and values for all residents.”
This neighborhood is activated and on the rise due to the leaders working on making Industry the best it can be.
Watch what happens over the next few years. Great things are coming.
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