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Community Garden
Raised vegetable and herb beds supporting fresh-produce access, education, and neighborhood engagement.
Developing, Empowering & Cultivating Lives Beyond
Building stronger communities from the ground up.
DECLB Community Initiative transforms underutilized spaces into community resources that support fresh-food access, neighborhood beautification, connection, service, and long-term opportunity.
Growing Food. Cultivating Community. Building Legacy.
CommunityResident-centered service
Food AccessFresh produce & essentials
BeautificationCleaner, greener spaces
LegacyBuilding for generations
Our Story
A family legacy turned into community service.
DECLB honors five grandmothers whose names represent the foundation of this organization: Delphine, Evelyn, Carlene, Lillie, and Brenda.
Their legacy is carried forward through our name and our purpose: Developing, Empowering & Cultivating Lives Beyond.
“We believe meaningful change can grow from people working together, caring for their neighborhood, and creating opportunity where it is needed most.”
The Legacy Behind DECLB
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Their Love & Legacy Are Carried Forward
through every seed we plant, every neighborhood we serve,
and every community we help grow.
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Our Mission
To develop, empower, and cultivate lives by transforming underutilized spaces into community resources that promote fresh-food access, beautification, connection, service, and long-term neighborhood opportunity.
Our Vision
Cleaner, greener, healthier, and more connected communities with fresh food, welcoming gathering spaces, family-friendly amenities, and opportunities for residents to work together.
Programs & Projects
Community resources designed to make a visible difference.
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Food & Essentials Pantry
A neighborhood resource focused on food, household essentials, and support for individuals and families in need.
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Seasonal Clothing Support
Clothing drives and giveaways organized through a dedicated clothing-resource space.
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Beautification & Green Space
Flowers, native plants, pollinator-friendly landscaping, seating, and welcoming community features.
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Community Connection
Volunteer activities, resource sharing, neighborhood outreach, and opportunities for residents to work together.
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Future Growth
Long-term development may include additional family and youth-friendly community amenities as land and funding allow.
Phase 1 Concept
5501 & 5511 Baldwin — Community Garden & Food Access Space
This preliminary concept illustrates DECLB Community Initiative’s vision for transforming the two lots into a welcoming neighborhood resource with raised garden beds, gathering areas, food and clothing support, accessible paths, rainwater collection, landscaping, and a welcoming entrance.
Final placement, dimensions, and features may change based on land approvals, site conditions, funding, and community input.
Tap or click the plan to view it full size.
Leadership
Board of Directors
Renondo Raheen Mills
President & Community Outreach Lead
Provides overall leadership, community representation, organizational direction, and outreach.
Tiesha Jones
Vice President
Supports organizational leadership and helps coordinate board priorities and operations.
Sheila Roberson
Secretary
Supports governance through meeting minutes, records, resolutions, and organizational documentation.
Rhonda Jones-Mills
Treasurer
Supports responsible financial oversight, budgeting, reporting, and stewardship of organizational resources.
Get Involved
There is a place for you in this work.
Whether you volunteer, donate supplies, share expertise, sponsor a project, or help spread the word, every contribution can help DECLB build stronger community resources.
Volunteer
Donate Supplies
Partner With Us
Sponsor a Project
Interested in helping?
Use the contact form below and tell us how you would like to get involved.
Contact DECLBSupport Our Work
Help us grow community impact.
As DECLB completes its organizational and federal tax-exempt steps, we are building the foundation for future fundraising, sponsorships, grants, and community support.
DECLB Community Initiative has submitted its Michigan nonprofit formation filing. Federal 501(c)(3) tax-exempt recognition has not yet been represented as approved on this website.
News & Updates
Follow our progress.
Nonprofit formation filing submitted
DECLB Community Initiative submitted its Michigan nonprofit Articles of Incorporation and is awaiting state review.
Board organization & federal setup
Next steps include the organizational board meeting, EIN, governance setup, and preparation for federal tax-exempt filing.
Contact
Connect with DECLB Community Initiative.
Have a question, partnership idea, volunteer interest, or resource to share? Send us a message.
Email: info@declbcommunity.org
Service Area: Detroit, Michigan