Building Stronger Communities Together: Inside the Nonprofit Hub at Child and Family Charities
The hum of conversation, the sound of shared purpose, and the steady energy of connection filled the air at the recent open house for the new Nonprofit Hub at Child and Family Charities. The event wasn’t just a tour of a new space—it was a celebration of collaboration, a tangible reflection of what happens when mission-driven organizations come together under one roof.
Standing among familiar faces and new friends, Cindy Hales, Vice President of Community Investment at the Capital Region Community Foundation, spoke with the same warmth and enthusiasm that have long characterized her work. Known for her deep ties to the local community, Cindy recalled personal moments that rooted this event in a larger story—the story of a community that grows stronger when it grows together. She mentioned her memories of the new playground project and the Old Town amphitheater, both vibrant examples of what’s possible when people unite around a shared vision.
“These projects show the heart of our community,” Cindy said. “They remind us that progress happens when we invest—not just in places, but in people.”
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Investing in People, Building Capacity
As Vice President of Community Investment, Cindy’s role at the Community Foundation is both broad and deeply personal. She oversees grantmaking, capacity-building initiatives, and partnership development, all designed to strengthen the nonprofits that serve the region.
From funding key community programs to facilitating peer learning opportunities, Cindy and her team ensure that organizations have more than just financial support—they have a foundation for sustainable growth. Her passion lies in connecting people and organizations in ways that multiply impact, and she often describes her work as “building bridges that help good ideas travel further.”
Behind every grant and program lies a simple but powerful belief: that local nonprofits are the heartbeat of the community. They are the ones creating lasting change, and it’s the Foundation’s mission to help them thrive.
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The Joy of Giving Back
One of Cindy’s favorite parts of her work is the moment she gets to call an organization to share good news—grant funding that will move their mission forward. “There’s nothing quite like hearing the excitement and relief in someone’s voice,” she said with a smile. “You know right away that those dollars will go straight to work making lives better.”
These moments are more than transactional—they’re transformative. Each grant represents countless stories of hope, progress, and possibility. Cindy shared how uplifting it is to receive heartfelt notes or updates from nonprofit leaders who describe the ripple effects of that support. Whether it’s a youth mentorship program expanding its reach or a housing initiative helping more families find stability, every success story reinforces why community investment matters.
“It’s not just about funding,” Cindy reflected. “It’s about fueling a movement of people who care deeply and act boldly.”
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The Power of Collaboration
That philosophy was on full display at the Nonprofit Hub open house. The Community Foundation’s involvement in the hub stemmed from a clear understanding: collaboration is one of the most powerful tools in community building.
The hub offers a shared workspace for mission-driven organizations to connect, communicate, and create together. Instead of working in isolation, nonprofits now have an environment where ideas can cross-pollinate naturally. Cindy described it as “a space where innovation happens at the coffee station.”
By bringing mission-adjacent organizations together, the hub fosters synergy that goes far beyond shared office space. It’s about shared energy, shared goals, and a shared sense of belonging.
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Connections That Spark Change
Within just a short time, the hub has already become a catalyst for collaboration. Cindy shared how a casual hallway conversation between Big Brothers Big Sisters and CASA sparked the idea for a joint volunteer recruitment initiative. These kinds of connections—organic, spontaneous, and rooted in shared purpose—embody the hub’s potential.
“The energy here is contagious,” Cindy said. “You can feel people getting inspired just by being around others who are doing good work.”
That environment, she added, helps smaller organizations feel less isolated and more supported. It also opens the door to partnerships that might never have formed otherwise. The result? A stronger, more connected nonprofit community that’s better equipped to serve the people who need it most.
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A Community in Motion
As the open house came to a close, gratitude filled the space. Attendees thanked Cindy and the Community Foundation for their commitment to making the hub possible—and for their continued dedication to investing in collaboration.
The event underscored what UnoDeuce Multimedia has always believed: when stories of community impact are told and shared, they inspire others to join in. The Nonprofit Hub isn’t just a building—it’s a living example of what happens when collaboration becomes a cornerstone of community development.
Before the day ended, a special acknowledgment went out to MidMichigan Interactive, whose digital expertise helps local businesses and organizations amplify their voices online. Their support reflects another form of collaboration—one that connects technology, storytelling, and community progress.
In the end, the Nonprofit Hub stands as more than a workplace. It’s a testament to collective vision—a space where partnerships grow, where hope is built, and where every conversation holds the potential to create lasting change.

We’re thrilled to welcome back alumnus Sean F. Cox (’83).
Join us as the Retired Chief Judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan shares insights from his career.

At the **UnoDeuce Multimedia studios**, located within the **Child and Family Charities Nonprofit Hub** in Lansing, Michigan, the atmosphere buzzes with purpose and collaboration. On this day, the conversation centers on one of Mid-Michigan’s most dedicated philanthropic organizations — the **Dart Foundation**. Sitting down with **Emily Matthews**, the foundation’s Executive Director, the discussion reveals not only the organization’s rich history but also its deep and ongoing commitment to improving quality of life across the region.

Founded in **1984 in Mason, Michigan**, the Dart Foundation has spent more than four decades supporting initiatives that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Its mission — *to improve the quality of life in the communities it serves* — is more than a guiding statement; it’s a philosophy rooted in listening, collaboration, and long-term investment in people.

### Investing in People and Possibility

Emily Matthews explains that the Dart Foundation’s work spans a wide range of focus areas, including **healthcare**, **education**, and **youth services**. These priorities are not abstract—they are reflected in the organizations and programs that thrive because of Dart’s continued support.

One such partner is **Big Brothers Big Sisters**, which happens to have an office in the very same building as UnoDeuce Multimedia and Child and Family Charities. Another major recipient is the **Impression 5 Science Center**, a cornerstone of STEM education in Lansing. Its exhibits and programs have inspired generations of young learners to explore, create, and dream.

“Education has always been a particular mission of the Dart family,” Matthews shares. “We’ve given a lot to STEM education because it opens doors for young people and fuels innovation in our community.”

These efforts represent more than just grant-making — they are about empowering organizations that strengthen the social fabric of Mid-Michigan.

### Listening First, Acting Second

What sets the Dart Foundation apart is its **proactive approach** to philanthropy. Rather than simply reviewing grant applications, the team actively seeks out opportunities to make an impact.

Please join Dean Sant’Ambrogio and former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court (and MSU Law alum), the Honoroable Elizabeth Clement, who currently serves as the President of the National Center for State Courts, for a conversation about judging, improving access to justice, the importance of state courts, and the future of the legal profession.

Beth Clement is the fifth President and CEO of the National Center for State Courts (NCSC), having assumed the role on May 1, 2025.

Prior to taking the helm at NCSC, Clement was a seasoned jurist and public servant. She joined the Michigan Supreme Court in November 2017, becoming the 113th justice and the 11th woman to serve on the bench. In November 2018, she was elected by the voters of Michigan to an eight-year term. In November 2022, she was chosen unanimously by her colleagues to serve as Chief Justice, making her the seventh woman to step into that role.

In her judicial leadership, she focused on modernizing Michigan’s court system, enhancing access to justice, improving transparency and efficiency, and strengthening collaboration across local, state, and executive branches. Her responsibilities included managing the judiciary’s annual budget, sponsoring legislative reforms, and coordinating policy with state and local partners. She served as the Chair of the Michigan Judicial Council, on the Governor’s Juvenile Justice Task Force, liaison for child welfare and juvenile justice issues, liaison for the over 200 problem solving courts across the state, and led the efforts to embrace generative AI in the appellate courts in Michigan.

Before her judicial career, Clement held key roles in all three branches of Michigan government. She worked in the legislative branch as a legal counsel and policy advisor; in the executive branch as Deputy Chief of Staff, Cabinet Secretary, and Chief Legal Counsel to Governor Rick Snyder; and she began her professional life in private practice, representing individuals in family law, probate, adoption, estate planning, and criminal cases.

Clement holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science (1999) and a Juris Doctor (2002), both from Michigan State University.

As President of NCSC, her initial priorities include: Listening to the needs of state court leaders and building actionable strategies to support courts and advance the rule of law; Revitalizing NCSC’s mission-driven purpose, with strong staff engagement; and diversifying funding streams to ensure sustainability and growth of NCSC’s impact. Clement is widely recognized for her bipartisan approach, her commitment to judicial independence, and her vision for courts that serve everyone fairly, efficiently, and transparently.