The LOXXVI Cornerstone class is pleased to have partnered with the Micah 6 Community, Pontiac, and looks forward to building a 26-foot by 90-foot greenhouse and planting seedlings for the group’s community garden. Class members appreciate the fact that this Day of Service will give all who participate the opportunity to help boost the revitalization work Micah 6 Community has been doing in the northwest area of Pontiac.
Micah 6 started with two guys, Coleman Yoakum and Dylan Pyeatt, involved in jail ministry as well as walking through neighborhoods with a soccer ball and playing the sport with youngsters. The two were joined by others, including college kids, and soon the group was organizing block parties, birthday parties and cookouts. They also worked with Habitat for Humanity and built a home for one of their favorite families.
They have taken a soccer ball all over the world, including Nicaragua, Egypt, Greece, Ontario, Little Rock and Detroit. Wherever they land, they play the well-loved game with kids on the streets and leave community in their wake.
In 2011, Coleman and Dylan recruited two friends and settled in Pontiac, buying a house in a neighborhood that had seen better days. They brought out the soccer ball and started playing in a park across the street from their house, and as happened when they went around the world, neighborhood kids were drawn to the game.
Today, the Micah 6 Community, manages 1.5 acres of community garden and green space. They have renovated a nearby building, christened it the Sprout Fresh Food Store, and plan to offer locally sourced fresh produce from the garden all year long. In the rear portion of the building, they are planning on creating a coffee shop to help create a gathering space to build community. As Micah 6 has grown, they have purchased a second home in the neighborhood and have become an active faith congregation.
As for that soccer ball? They still play, weather permitting, every Monday at 6 p.m.
Check out some of the great things that the Micah 6 Community is doing:
Get Involved
The Leadership Oakland Day of Service Project is a way for the current class to give back to the community. It is a great place to gain exposure for your business among Oakland County’s successful leaders. Sponsorship opportunities are available if you are interested in getting involved. Leadership Oakland invites all LO alumni and guests to participate in the LOXXVI Day of Service Project April 23. Individual donations, starting at just $25, are being accepted and will go toward the ongoing efforts of the Micah 6 Community to provide access to free or low-cost locally grown fruits and vegetables to area residents. To volunteer for the Leadership Oakland Day of Service Project, please email Kevin Bratton at kmbratto@oaklandcc.edu.