Fostering Community Connections at Allen Neighborhood Center

In the economically diverse Eastside neighborhood in Lansing, Allen Neighborhood Center seeks to forge connections and create bonds between neighbors.

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Since its founding in 1999, Allen Neighborhood Center (or ANC as it’s often abbreviated) has grown from its roots as part of a community initiative focused on health, housing, and neighborhood stability into a multi-functional nonprofit organization that serves as a community resource center and entrepreneurial incubator. And it’s an organization that Lake Trust is honored to support through volunteerism and sponsorship dollars.

Located in an industrial building on the corner of E. Kalamazoo Street and Shepard Street in Lansing, ANC boasts a wide array of services all aimed at creating stronger connections in the community. Through the ANC Outreach & Engagement Center, neighbors can get connected with resources, information, and advocacy services around affordable housing and emergency shelter programs, energy-efficient home upgrades, healthcare program enrollment assistance, and much more.

Entrepreneurial support at the Maker Kitchen.

Entrepreneurial support at the Maker Kitchen.

Part of building a strong community includes supporting local entrepreneurs. People who are passionate about sharing their ideas, want to contribute back to the community, and who can later create more local jobs with the establishment of new businesses. But access to capital is often the biggest barrier new entrepreneurs face when trying to get started. To bring more healthy food opportunities to the Eastside neighborhood while helping food entrepreneurs at the same time, ANC established the Maker Kitchen in 2014. And the space is now powered by Lake Trust.

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In this mixed-use kitchen, entrepreneurs (referred to as Makers) have a safe space to try out their concept before committing to a brick-and mortar location. By working in this affordable space, the Makers have the opportunity to establish their brand, connect with customers, and build funds to support the growth of their business.

 

The thirty-three Makers currently operating out of the Maker Kitchen share a calendar to sign up for times to use the kitchen to cook, bake, and prep for upcoming events. Many sell their products at the ANC Farmers Market or can graduate their dine-in/takeout concept to the Rathbun Accelerator Kitchen, which includes a dining room and service counter. Pop-up events at ANC also gives the Makers the opportunity to connect with potential customers and test their wholesale business concepts before reaching out to possible clients.

By supporting local food entrepreneurs, we are able to grow our community's economic resilience and create jobs for our neighbors. It also provides food options for our community and keeps our dollars in our neighborhood.

- Joseph E., Executive Director at ANC

Makers are required to go through a curriculum-based program based on five themes: How to start a business, preparing for events, scaling a business, and preparing for next steps after graduating from the program. Makers attend classes once per month and guest speakers from area organizations (like Lake Trust) often speak at these classes and share their expertise. Based on these learnings, the Makers work with the team at ANC to set quarterly business goals and identify benchmarks for success.

Powering local success.

Powering local success.

The Maker Kitchen concept has helped many Lansing-area entrepreneurs find the education and support they needed to go out on their own. Some locally known graduates of the Maker Program include Tatse, Handie, Sweet Encounter Bakery, Tantay (one of Michigan’s first Peruvian restaurants), and Sleepwalker Spirits & Ale. So far, ninety-six Makers have graduated from the program and 25 percent have opened their own brick-and-mortar locations. Some Makers choose to make creations for wholesale orders or local catering companies and may not necessarily need a public storefront.

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By allocating a percentage of Lake Trust's sponsorship to our Entrepreneurial Support Fund, we are able to provide investment in equipment and supplies for our Makers to help their businesses continue to grow and thrive.

- Joseph E., Executive Director at ANC

Marcus Leslie, owner of Mr. Leslie’s Cheesecakes and a Lake Trust business member, recently credited Allen Neighborhood Center as a key element that helped fuel his success as an entrepreneur. After working out of ANC to start and grow his business, Marcus announced plans in January 20251 to relocate to a storefront in Holt. He currently sells his decadent cheesecakes at several Michigan Meijer stores, the Accelerator Kitchen storefront, and Capital City Market. To help other aspiring business owners on their journey, Marcus also offers entrepreneurial coaching services.

The importance of strong partnerships.

The importance of strong partnerships.

The success of incubator programs, like the Maker Kitchen, starts with strong community bonds and partnerships. People who care about the wellbeing of their neighbors. And those who want to make a positive impact for future generations. Makers are often referred to ANC from other local organizations, like Lansing Economic Area Partnerships (LEAP), the Ingham County Health Department, or other community partners. And sponsorship dollars from organizations who are passionate about seeing entrepreneurs succeed, like Lake Trust, can fuel the growth of local incubator programs.

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“Our partnership with Lake Trust has created stability in our program - dollars that we can depend on and match with other funding sources to ensure the continued success of our program, and continued support of our entrepreneurs,” says Joseph E. “Lake Trust has also been a supportive partner with their volunteer efforts, helping our programs well beyond our kitchens.” 

Nourishing strong neighborhood bonds.

Nourishing strong neighborhood bonds.

In addition to supporting entrepreneurs, ANC serves as a holistic hub for all things food. It’s the only Lansing-area farmers market that is open year-round, and ANC was the first farmers market in Michigan to accept SNAP benefits. Gardening classes are offered at the ANC GardenHouse, and neighbors can earn a certification in urban gardening. And start growing healthy vegetables of their own at home. For those who enjoy fresh veggies but don’t have the time or space to garden, a Veggie Box CSA program is available for people to purchase shares and receive locally grown fruits and veggies each week. Or neighbors can buy produce from ELFCO, the food CO-OP on the ANC block.

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To further ensure their neighbors in need have access to healthy food, the Breadbasket Food Pantry at ANC distributes nearly 2,500 lbs. of fruit, veggies, bread, and other goods to nearly 120 families each week.

 

When we work together to share our skills and talents to help our community, positive change can happen. Allen Neighborhood Center is a shining example of what it means to share the power in all of us. To meet needs. Teach. Empower people to take control of their wellness. And support the dreams of Michiganders.

Learn more about the Maker Kitchen and other community programs at Allen Neighborhood Center at allenneighborhoodcenter.org1 or say hello at 1611 E. Kalamazoo St. in Lansing.

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The sweet journey to entrepreneurship.

MEMBER SUCCESS STORY

The sweet journey to entrepreneurship.

As the owner and head baker of Mr. Leslie’s Cheesecakes, Marcus helps spread happiness throughout the Lansing community with his decadent desserts.

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1 Third party website. Lake Trust Credit Union is not responsible for the content, availability, security or compliance of any linked third party websites. In addition, the site's privacy policies may differ from those of Lake Trust.

2 Total aggregate balance of micro business loans must be $49,999 or less.