Building Assets to Strengthen Society

Building Assets to Strengthen Society (B.A.S.S) Inc

Building Assets to Strengthen Society (B.A.S.S.), Inc. is a community development organization located in Highland Park. Founded in 2006, the organization’s mission is to build upon the assets of residents and institutions to create positive community development including youth development, affordable housing, civic engagement, and economic development in Highland Park.

B.A.S.S. fulfills its mission by the operation of

• Park Place, a salon and business incubator
• My Brother’s Keeper and My Sister’s Keeper, youth mentoring and life skills training programs
• Leading and organizing residents to create various projects that address civic and community issues
• Providing information and referrals for individuals and families in need of employment, housing and other resources.

The MI-Community Center grant funds will be used to renovate and transform a 2,000 sq. ft. dilapidated commercial building into The Connector Community Center for Resources and Life Skills Training (The Connector). The Connector is located at 15863 Woodward Ave. and is connected to Park Place, BASS's current facility. It will be a community center that will provide flexible space, technology, and culturally relevant individualized and group programs where Highland Park residents living in poverty can connect with one another and the resources that will help them solve their socioeconomic problems and rise out of poverty. It will help residents use the internet and computer technology to solve problems related to employment, housing, health care, nutrition, fitness, literacy, financial management etc.

The Connector will be staffed with coaches and counselors who will support at least 300 residents annually with the following individualized and small group activities. 

• Computer Cafe & Training- To provide basic skills and how to search the internet for information and resources to solve personal, social and economic problems.
• Resources & Referrals-Staff will provide information and referrals to connect attendees to the wealth of resources that are available to assist with a host of problems, for example, substance abuse and mental health agencies.
• Counseling & Coaching- Staff will help persons establish goals and walk alongside those who need individualized social and emotional support to accomplish their goals.
• Classes & Workshops-Pre-employment training developing soft skills needed to obtain employment and job search training, health and nutrition education, GED, financial literacy, and other classes based upon the needs of those who attend The Connector
• Community Engagement-Community events, meetings, councils, collaborations, and organizing for socioeconomic advancement.