Community Action Network
P.O. Box 130076
Ann Arbor, MI 48113-0076
Phone: (734) 973-1183
Fax: (734) 973-8332
E-mail us

Who We are

Community Action Network's mission is to serve families in under-resourced neighborhoods in Washtenaw County by providing educational and life skills programs for children and teens, and supportive housing services for families. CAN advocates for low-income families with schools, community service providers, and government agencies. CAN develops awareness in the broader community of the challenges these families face. CAN strives to build strong, stable and safe communities, which benefits all Washtenaw County residents.

Announcements

Introducing online donations. Visitors and CAN supporters may make a donation right from this website. Just click on the "Helping CAN" button above. Then click on the "Make a donation online" link. You can either select or enter in the amount of your gift. It's that easy!

CAN In The News

Mike Conboy recognized for years of giving books away

'Help kids play together', Donations lead to 2 Hikone Community Center playgrounds in Ann Arbor

Press release submitted May 21, 2008, COMMUNITY ACTION NETWORK UNVEILS PLAYGROUNDS JUNE 13

Birthdays by Viggy Children get their special day, Posted by ALICE RHEIN, Sunday, May 11, 2008 , The Ann Arbor News

Community needs a blueprint for success of at-risk youth, April 2, 2008, Other Voices, The Ann Arbor News

Clouse exemplifies value of volunteers She's making a difference at Hikone, Wednesday, March 19, 2008 - Editorial - The Ann Arbor News

Hikone Playground Fundraiser

Update: $24,810 raised as of March 29. Thanks to our Generous Donors!!

*** Important Playground Dates and Information ***

See Ann Arbor News report and editorial about Ann Clouse's initiative to overhaul the tired old basketball court. Her successful request to Jenny Jones for $10,000 will result in a newly surfaced court, new baskets with nets and a fence around the court!

Honoring Cathy Baldwin and Nancy Bogen

This year we are undertaking a one-time fundraising effort to purchase new playground equipment for Hikone’s courtyards. These were established in 1970, when Hikone was first built. Over time the original play structures in these areas deteriorated, and were mostly removed. Nearby Hikone parents have stopped letting their children play in these now abandoned woodchip lots. But just think! Imagine instead a large playground with interactive equipment, and children getting fresh air and exercise, as their parents watch and socialize with one another on nearby benches. A more attractive and useful courtyard will foster neighborly relationships and community pride. You CAN help Hikone kids play safely outside again! Please take a look:

Small Area Plan Pictured (PDF)

Large Area Plan Pictured (PDF)

Playground Plan Blueprints (PDF)

Price List (PDF)

Remembering Linda Hiller

Linda Hiller (1943-2008)    

Linda Hiller was the Green Baxter Court Center Director before CAN took over, under the Options Center umbrella. When it went out of business, Linda Hiller and Joan Doughty took over the helm at CAN, and Linda kept GBC in her portfolio, while Joan took Hikone. Administrative duties were shared. Unfortunately, within a few months Linda became ill, - she had already battled a very aggressive form of breast cancer, and it was determined it had spread. Linda resigned after working under the CAN flag for only 8 months.

Linda Hiller approached her work with much grace and humility. She worked with people who faced many challenges - people who are often judged harshly by mainstream society. Linda viewed it as a privilege to be allowed into their lives, and she gave true meaning to the term “Servant Leadership.” Many people she worked with found solace in the activities she coordinated, and treasured the serenity she brought them. Frequently, she was a light in their personal darkness.

Linda''s Memorial Service is on Saturday, March 29, at 11:00 a.m. at the Interfaith Center for Spiritural Growth, 704 Airport Blvd, Ann Arbor, MI.

Memorial contributions to honor Linda's life and work are designated to the Green Baxter Court community, c/o Community Action Network. It is comforting to know Linda will continue to touch the people she served in life. Community Action Network is a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization and your donation should therefore be tax deductible.

For Linda Hiller's complete obituary (PDF), please click here