Author

Al Jones

Al Jones

Al Jones is a freelance writer who has worked for many years as a reporter, editor, and columnist. He is the Project Editor for On the Ground Kalamazoo.

Al Jones's Latest Articles

Jonathan Yarbrough
Back to build bridges: Yarbrough brings homegrown vision to Northside leadership

Northside native Jonathan Yarbrough has been named executive director of the Northside Association for Community Development. Seen as a "connector, bridge-builder, and advocate," he plans to "move the needle" on the neighborhood’s legacy while driving community-focused growth.

Kalamazoo County Housing Portal opens with $2.8 million for new projects

On June 2, the Kalamazoo County Housing Department opened its online portal for projects seeking financial support from the county’s Homes for All Housing Millage. “It’s open and we have money for funding,” says Kalamazoo County Housing Director Mary Balkema. “We’re really hoping that developers and nonprofits go in and really have some good applications for funding.”

Ministers lead Dominion March to galvanize community to end gun violence in Kalamazoo

Following the recent gun deaths of two Kalamazoo youth, the Northside Ministerial Alliance organized a Dominion Walk for peace and against gun violence that drew over 250. “There’s more of us in the community than there are shooters, and so if we make our voices loud and do what we’re supposed to, I think we can make it better.”

Kalamazoo’s ‘Speak It Forward’ continues to help others find their voice and celebrate success

Speak It Forward hosts the Kirk Latimer Celebration of Success, the group's 16th event that will highlight a year's worth of working with youth and honor its late co-founder. The event takes place at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, at Chenery Auditorium.   

The Kalamazoo Promise keeping its generous promise and more for 20 years

Still going strong after two decades, the Kalamazoo Promise has grown and pivoted to adjust to current trends and needs. "We started to realize that every student's story is unique." 

Among those turning the first shovels of dirt at Mt. Zion Baptist Church's Legacy Senior Living project  are Rev. Christopher Moore, First Lady Gwendolyn Moore, Pastor Addis Moore and Edison Community Partners Senior Development Jason Muniz.
Persistence and prayer make senior housing a reality in Kalamazoo’s Northside Neighborhood

Legacy Senior Living, a 70-unit affordable apartment complex for people age 55 or older is expected to be completed in the next 17 to 18 months. More than 200 people attended Mt. Zion Baptist Church's groundbreaking for the of two, three-story buildings.

Kalamazoo launches the ‘Plan It!’ phase for creating a new 10-year master plan

“In Kalamazoo, we have a proven track record of turning community vision into action: Ninety-nine percent of the actions in Imagine Kalamazoo 2025 have been completed or are in progress. This wouldn’t be possible without our community showing up and sharing their voices, ideas, and energy to help shape our community.” 

Rx Kids expands its prescription for health, hope, and opportunity in Kalamazoo

Kalamazoo Rx Kids will provide participants a one-time, lump-sum, prenatal allowance of $1,500 and an additional $500 per month for the first 12 months of a newborn's life. Sponsored by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation and partners, the program will begin in February.

Kalamazoo’s homeless face cold waves — natural and political

As the unhoused struggle to get out of the cold they  also facethe harsh possibility of a loss of services from local and state organizations as the new Trump administration looks to freeze federal grants and loans. The status of the funding freeze is fast-moving and may have changed by the time you read this story. 

New income-based senior apartments take on tenants at 530 Rose in downtown Kalamazoo

The new 64-unit senior housing development, 530 Rose Place, is a five-story structure that includes off-street parking on the ground level and lounges on each of its living floors. It will feature a central courtyard that will have greenspace and a fountain.  

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