3D Master’s Class in Partnership with Midtown Initiative
At The Joseph Company, we believe leadership isn’t just something to talk about — it’s something to live out in service to others.
This spring, participants in our 3D Master’s Class — a guided leadership journey through the 3D Coaching Certification — will once again put leadership into action through a community impact project.
On March 31, 2026, our cohort will partner with the Midtown Initiative to support neighborhood revitalization efforts in the historic midtown corridor of St. Joseph.
About the Midtown Initiative
The Midtown Initiative was formed to promote economic development and community revitalization in areas of St. Joseph that were historically impacted by the practice of redlining — when financial institutions denied loans, insurance, and investment to certain neighborhoods.
Because of this history, many midtown neighborhoods experienced decades of disinvestment and declining property conditions.
Today, community leaders are working together to change that story.
Led by longtime civic leader Gary Wilkinson, Midtown Initiative is helping coordinate efforts to:
- Restore housing and reduce vacant properties
- Support small business development
- Promote neighborhood pride and investment
- Encourage collaboration between residents, nonprofits, businesses, and city leadership
The initial focus area includes the corridor between 12th and 18th Streets along Charles and Sylvanie, where infrastructure improvements and community revitalization efforts are already underway.
Putting Leadership Into Action
On the morning of March 31, our 3D Master’s Class cohort will serve the neighborhood in two ways.
Neighborhood Outreach
Part of the group will walk the surrounding neighborhoods distributing door hangers to residents. These materials will:
- Share the history and significance of the corridor
- Explain the restoration efforts currently underway
- Encourage pride in the neighborhood
- Invite residents to attend a future vision casting meeting where community leaders will share plans for continued revitalization
The goal is simple: connect residents to the vision and invite them to be part of the transformation.
Park Clean-Up
The other part of the group will serve at John Lucas Park, helping clean and restore the space by removing trash and debris so the park remains a welcoming place for neighborhood families and children.
Our Fundraising Goal
As part of this service project, cohort members will also be raising funds in support of local children.
Our Spring Cohort goal is $9,200 to help replace aging and increasingly unsafe playground equipment used by children connected to the St. Joseph YWCA.
These funds will help ensure that the children of the women served by the YWCA have a safe place to play, run, jump, and simply enjoy being kids.
How the Giving Works
Participants in the Spring 2026 cohort are seeking sponsors who are willing to support their two hours of community service.
Many sponsors choose to pledge an hourly rate to support the project.
Examples:
$25 per hour × 2 hours = $50
$50 per hour × 2 hours = $100
$100 per hour × 2 hours = $200
Every pledge helps move us closer to our goal of $9,200 for new playground equipment.
Make a Pledge and Make a Difference
To help us track progress toward our fundraising goal, please complete the pledge form below.
After submitting your pledge, you will immediately receive an email with a direct giving link to donate to the YWCA project fund, ensuring that:
- Your gift is received right away
- You receive proper tax documentation
- Funds go directly to the project through the YWCA’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
Thank you for helping us turn leadership into action.
Together, we continue building The City of Coaches.