“The Mott Foundation has made a lasting impact on my life—first as a child growing up in Flint, and now as a leader of a nonprofit working to strengthen our communities. One moment that stands out is when I was 6 years old and my bike was stolen. Our school’s community education director, whose role was supported by the Mott Foundation, scoured the neighborhood and found the bike and even had the person who took it apologize. I didn’t realize it then, but that experience was rooted in Mott’s commitment to caring for our community. Today, as co-founder of Flint-based Communities First, Inc., I see that same care in the Foundation’s support of our work. Their investment in our affordable housing projects has made it possible for us to create lasting change for residents in Flint and in the other communities we serve. Without the Mott Foundation’s support, it would be exceedingly difficult to move housing projects forward. Those in need of housing have benefitted from this partnership by having new places to call home.”
— Essence Wilson, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Communities First, Inc.