STORIES

A new community project is taking shape in Niles. Graduates of the Community Leadership Academy unveiled Four Flags Fit, an outdoor fitness club designed to bring residents together through shared physical activity, during a celebration Wednesday, July 29, at Apothica Teas in downtown Niles.

The club aims to give neighbors regular opportunities to be active together outdoors, with possibilities including walking, biking, skating, tennis, pickleball, and soccer. Cohort graduates Geneva Nneka Okeke and Deborah Fox presented the plan to a crowd of community members, families, and local leaders, capping off 13 weeks of leadership training, neighborhood assessment, and project development.

The celebration marked the completion of the second cohort of the Community Leadership Academy, a program led by Be Healthy Berrien and Corewell Health that equips residents with the skills, knowledge, and resources to create positive change in their neighborhoods. Emily Vilmure, supervisor of community programs for the Corewell Center for Wellness in Benton Harbor, led the cohort.

Following the presentation, Corewell Health presented the group with a $3,000 check to help bring the project to life.

Now the graduates are asking for input from their neighbors. A community survey invites Niles residents to share which activities they would like to see offered and whether they are interested in leading one. The survey is available at behealthyberrien.org.

The first Community Leadership Academy cohort graduated in Benton Harbor in December 2025 after developing a project focused on youth gun violence awareness. The Academy is funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund through a grant to United Way of Southwest Michigan, and the Niles cohort is part of a broader effort to expand the model across Berrien County.

About Be Healthy Berrien

Be Healthy Berrien, launched in 2010, is a countywide initiative improving community health through policy, systems, and environmental changes. It works to expand access to nutritious food and promote active living across Berrien County. The steering committee includes the Berrien County Health Department, Corewell Health, the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, and the YMCA of Greater Michiana, with United Way of Southwest Michigan serving as the anchor agency and fiduciary. Learn more at BeHealthyBerrien.org.

About United Way of Southwest Michigan
United Way of Southwest Michigan works to create and sustain a united & resilient community where everyone contributes, belongs and thrives. We harness resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners to address our community’s most pressing challenges and make lasting change. Join us in giving, advocating, and volunteering by visiting uwsm.org

About Corewell Health ™

People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 65,000+ dedicated people—including more than 12,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,500 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.

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A group of Niles area residents will unveil a community improvement project developed over the past few months during a celebration Wednesday, July 29, at Apothica Teas in downtown Niles.

The event runs from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. and marks the completion of the second cohort of the Community Leadership Academy, a program led by Be Healthy Berrien and Corewell Health that equips residents with the skills, knowledge, and resources to create positive change in their neighborhoods.

The project will be unveiled during the event, and attendees will be invited to provide feedback through a community survey and interactive display stations. Niles residents are encouraged to share their perspectives by completing the survey located here.

The evening will also celebrate the accomplishments of the cohort participants, who have spent the last 13 weeks building leadership skills and developing solutions to strengthen their community. Remarks from Be Healthy Berrien, Corewell Health, and United Way of Southwest Michigan will be followed by an awards presentation recognizing each graduate.

“The participants in this cohort already knew what mattered in Niles. They live it,” said Dawn Marie Smith, Director of Be Healthy Berrien. “This project gives neighbors more reasons to connect outdoors, spend time in shared community spaces, and feel more connected to one another.”

“We wanted this project to help people get outside, take advantage of the city’s outdoor amenities, meet their neighbors, and feel like they are part of something together,” said Courtney Jordan, cohort participant. “When people have inviting places to gather and spend time together, it strengthens community connections and helps improve quality of life.”

The first Community Leadership Academy cohort graduated in Benton Harbor in December 2025 after developing a project focused on youth gun violence awareness. The Academy is funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund through a grant to United Way of Southwest Michigan, and the Niles cohort is part of a broader effort to expand the model across Berrien County.

Apothica Teas, located at 222 E. Main St. in Niles, will host the event. Community members, families, and local leaders are welcome. Attendance is free, but registration is required by clicking the link.

About Be Healthy Berrien
Be Healthy Berrien, launched in 2010, is a countywide initiative improving community health through policy, systems, and environmental changes. It works to expand access to nutritious food and promote active living across Berrien County. The steering committee includes the Berrien County Health Department, Corewell Health, the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, and the YMCA of Greater Michiana, with United Way of Southwest Michigan serving as the anchor agency and fiduciary. Learn more at BeHealthyBerrien.org.

About United Way of Southwest Michigan
United Way of Southwest Michigan works to create and sustain a united & resilient community where everyone contributes, belongs and thrives. We harness resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners to address our community’s most pressing challenges and make lasting change. Join us in giving, advocating, and volunteering by visiting uwsm.org

About Corewell Health ™
People are at the heart of everything we do, and the inspiration for our legacy of outstanding outcomes, innovation, strong community partnerships, philanthropy and transparency. Corewell Health is a not-for-profit health system that provides health care and coverage with an exceptional team of 65,000+ dedicated people—including more than 12,000 physicians and advanced practice providers and more than 15,500 nurses providing care and services in 21 hospitals, 300+ outpatient locations and several post-acute facilities—and Priority Health, a provider-sponsored health plan serving more than 1.3 million members. Through experience and collaboration, we are reimagining a better, more equitable model of health and wellness. For more information, visit corewellhealth.org.

For generations, Southwest Michigan farmers have shaped the region’s economy and identity, with the Benton Harbor Fruit Market (BHFM) serving as a key connection point between growers and buyers. Today, that system faces growing challenges. Farmers struggle with uncertainty in selling their products, and many residents lack consistent access to fresh, locally grown food.

A regional feasibility study is now underway to explore whether a year-round local produce marketplace at BHFM could help address both problems. To be clear, this is a study only. No retail outlet is being built, and no development decisions have been made. The goal is to find out whether this kind of farmer-centered model could realistically work for this region.

The study is led by United Way of Southwest Michigan / Be Healthy Berrien in partnership with the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission. New Venture Advisors is conducting the study, with agricultural input from Dad’s Farm Market and Molter Produce. SBG Health Strategies is acknowledged for its role in securing the award. Funding is provided by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund.

“Farmers need buyers to show up, and buyers need to know there’s enough product. Rebuilding that trust and consistency on both sides is really the key,” one participant shared during a recent listening session.

Farmer input has been central from the start. A March 2026 listening session, co-hosted with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, gave farmers and food system stakeholders the opportunity to share candid feedback that will shape the study’s direction.

“If the pricing is right and the volume is there, I’d bring [the] product — but I need to know the market is serious,” another farmer noted.

The study will examine food hub operations and business planning, infrastructure and technology needs, workforce strategies, food access partnerships, SNAP/EBT integration, and long-term financial sustainability. It is expected to be completed in Q1 2027.

“This effort is assessing our region’s assets, needs, gaps, and opportunities,” said John Egelhaaf, Executive Director of the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission. “It’s an opportunity to explore how stronger connections between local production and access could support farmer viability, improve food access, and build a more resilient regional food system.”

Two public surveys are now open for farmers and producers as well as community residents across Southwest Michigan. Visit BeHealthyBerrien.org to find the links and share your perspective.

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About Be Healthy Berrien 
Be Healthy Berrien, launched in 2010, is a county-wide initiative focused on improving community health through policy, system, and environmental change. The initiative works to expand access to nutritious food and promote active living across Berrien County. It is guided by a steering committee that includes the Berrien County Health Department, Corewell Health, the Southwest Michigan Planning Commission, and the YMCA of Greater Michiana. United Way of Southwest Michigan serves as the anchor agency. Visit BeHealthyBerrien.org

About United Way of Southwest Michigan
United Way of Southwest Michigan works to create & sustain a united community where everyone contributes, belongs and thrives. We harness resources from corporate, nonprofit, and public partners to address our community’s most pressing challenges and make lasting change. Join us in giving, advocating, and volunteering by visiting uwsm.org.

About Southwest Michigan Planning Commission 
The Southwest Michigan Planning Commission (SWMPC) is the state-recognized regional planning and development agency serving Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren Counties. As an unbiased expert partner, the SWMPC connects municipalities with the tools and data needed to build strong infrastructure, spur economic development, and preserve natural resources. For more information or to explore local planning resources, visit swmpc.org.

Empowering local leaders to build a healthier Berrien County starts with residents who know their neighborhoods best. Be Healthy Berrien and Corewell Health have opened applications for the second cohort of the Community Leadership Academy—a free 12-week program for residents of Niles, Niles Charter Township, Buchanan, and Buchanan Township. The Academy is designed to build local civic leadership, and residents who have had fewer opportunities to participate in formal leadership roles—including those from underserved and underrepresented neighborhoods are especially encouraged to apply. The program strengthens participants’ skills, confidence, and connections that are essential to community‑driven solutions.

Supported by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund through a grant to United Way of Southwest Michigan, the Academy strengthens community-driven policy and systems change. Through interactive sessions and project-based learning, the Academy helps residents build skills and relationships to turn local priorities into action.

Why the Academy Matters

Accepting Applications: ZIP Codes 49120 and 49107

Interested in making a difference where you live? The Community Leadership Academy is now accepting applications for its second cohort. Residents who are passionate about their community and want to build skills, confidence, and connections to support local solutions are encouraged to apply. The program is free. Participants build practical skills connected to neighborhood well-being, including:

From Learning to Leadership

Who Should Apply

Adults 18+ living in Niles, Niles Charter Township, Buchanan, and Buchanan Township (ZIP codes 49120 and 49107) are eligible to apply. Residents who have had fewer opportunities to participate in community leadership roles are especially encouraged to apply. 

Program Details

• 12 weeks of interactive Wednesday evening sessions
• Location: Niles (details provided to participants)
• Meals provided; childcare stipends available
• Free to participants
• No prior leadership experience is required

Apply: Applications are open through April 1, 2026

Your ideas matter. Your neighborhood matters. Join the Community Leadership Academy and help shape a stronger, more connected Berrien County. Apply at behealthyberrien.org/cla/

Benton Harbor, MI — When neighbors come together to learn, listen, and lead, a community’s future begins to shift. Over the past several months, a group of Benton Harbor residents has been doing just that—meeting after work, asking hard questions, and building the skills needed to act on the issues that matter most to them.

On Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM community members, partners, and families are invited to gather at the Corewell Center for Wellness for an evening of celebration and connection as Be Healthy Berrien and Corewell Health marks a major milestone: the graduation of the inaugural Community Leadership Academy cohort.

The Community Leadership Academy is designed to develop everyday leaders and strengthen collaboration across neighborhoods in Berrien County. This first cohort of twelve participants transformed their learning into action through a Community Improvement Project (CIP) that raises awareness and education around youth gun violence—working toward a shared vision of a safer, healthier Benton Harbor where young people can thrive.

The event offers a chance to celebrate these resident leaders, learn from their journey, and see firsthand how community-driven solutions take shape.

Celebration Highlights

• Graduation & Awards Ceremony
  Participants will receive Certificates of Completion in recognition of their leadership journey.
• Community Leaders & Partners
  Local leaders and organizations will be on hand to connect, support, and build ongoing community capacity.
• Cohort Presentation
  Graduates share their story, what they learned, how they grew, and the vision behind their Community Improvement Project.
• Interactive Stations
  Hands-on exhibits that walk attendees through the project’s process, root causes, and next steps for community impact.

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Voices from the Academy

“This experience gave me the tools and skills to make a real difference. We’re not just talking about change; we’re creating it together,” said Cori Burton, Community Leadership Academy participant.

“The Community Leadership Academy is more than a program; it’s an investment in people. These graduates are helping shape the future of Benton Harbor,” said Dr. LaToya Mason, steering committee member and Dean of Health Sciences at Lake Michigan College.

Why This Matters

Funded by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund through a grant to United Way of Southwest Michigan, the Community Leadership Academy ensures that change starts from within the community by equipping residents with the tools, skills, and connections to lead solutions for community well-being.

The momentum continues. With a planned 2026 launch in the cities of Niles and Buchanan, the Community Leadership Academy is laying the groundwork to expand this resident-led model across Berrien County.

Event Details

Date: Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Location: Corewell Center for Wellness, 133 W. Main Street, Benton Harbor, MI 49022

This event is free and open to the public. Media, community members, families, and partners are encouraged to attend and celebrate the power of local leadership.

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Funding Strengthens Local Systems That Make Healthy Living Easier

Saint Joseph, MI — Across Berrien County, residents are finding new ways to live healthier— walking connected trails, shopping at local farmers markets, and participating in programs that strengthen neighborhoods. By improving walkability, expanding food access, and responding to residents’ needs— these community-driven efforts show how everyday life can flourish when health becomes a shared priority. A $55,000 award from community partner, Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals to United Way of Southwest Michigan helps strengthen the systems that make these opportunities possible.

The Be Healthy Berrien initiative serves as a catalyst for change, making nutritious eating and daily physical activity more attainable. Guided by Corewell Health’s Community Health Needs Assessment, the initiative focuses on underserved areas, improving food access and creating environments that support active, healthier, and more connected communities across Berrien County.

How the Work Moves Forward

Be Healthy Berrien doesn’t work alone. Every success is powered by community partnerships, local organizations, health systems, businesses, and residents who share a vision for a healthier county. Together, partners strengthen food systems, connect trails, and enhance systems that make healthy living more accessible.

These improvements are designed to last. By pooling resources, expertise, and community insight, the initiative builds system changes and environmental improvements into the places where people learn, gather, and thrive.

Investing in Health at the Community Level

Corewell Health’s mission to improve health, instill humanity, and inspire hope, guides this award. Because health begins in neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces, this investment helps create conditions where fewer people face preventable health challenges.

“Health is shaped by the environments where we live, work, and play,” said Natalie Baggio, president of Corewell Health Lakeland Hospitals. “Through this work, strengthening care, advancing wellness, and creating a healthier future for Southwest Michigan—our investment reflects a commitment to improving access to nutritious food and spaces for physical activity.”

“This support helps us deepen our impact,” said Dawn Marie Smith, Director of Be Healthy Berrien. “Together with community partners and residents, we can create healthier environments that make it easier for people to live well every day.”

Change in Action

• Community Leadership Academy: Supporting residents to lead health-focused neighborhood improvements.
• Trail Connectivity Projects: Creating safe, connected routes for walking and biking.
• Farm Hub Feasibility Study: Exploring a year-round retail hub to expand food access, support local farms, and integrate Food as Medicine strategies.
• Benton Harbor Farmers Market: Enhancing access to nutritious foods, nutrition education, and local growers.
• Healthy Corner Stores: Bringing fresh produce into neighborhoods where it’s needed most.

Want to be part of the change? Explore local trails and support local growers, your health and your community thrive together. Learn more at behealthyberrien.org.