News Summary
Lisa Johanon has been awarded the 2025 Eleanor Josaitis Unsung Hero Award for her impactful contributions to community development in Detroit. Co-founder of the Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation, Johanon has dedicated herself to improving the lives of underserved residents since the 1990s. Her leadership has led to significant advancements in education, housing, and employment, benefitting the local community in both tangible and profound ways.
Detroit – Lisa Johanon has been honored with the 2025 Eleanor Josaitis Unsung Hero Award for her significant contributions to community development in Detroit. This award recognizes individuals whose impact often goes unrecognized, highlighting Johanon’s dedication to improving the lives of residents in underserved areas.
Johanon, who was fired from a national youth organization in the 1990s, made a steadfast commitment to the Detroit community. In response to the organization’s decision to halt activities in the city, she co-founded the Central Detroit Christian Community Development Corporation (CDC) and took on the role of executive director. Since its inception in 1993 as a youth program, CDC has grown into a nonprofit organization providing services in education, employment, housing, and overall community well-being.
The CDC primarily serves the 48202 and 48206 ZIP codes, an area extending from New Center to Dexter. Under Johanon’s leadership, the organization has expanded its reach and resources significantly. Those involved with CDC are guided by the principles of the Christian Community Development Association, which emphasize the importance of relocation to marginalized areas, reconciliation, and redistribution to address systemic inequities.
In accepting the Eleanor Josaitis Unsung Hero Award, Johanon expressed her surprise and gratitude, noting that her commitment to the community is not driven by a desire for personal accolades. Community members like Kevin Watkins, a board member of CDC, nominated her based on her humble yet impactful leadership style, emphasizing her hands-on approach to improving the lives of residents in the area.
Johanon has always believed that equitable access to resources is crucial. She advocates for high-quality education and employment opportunities for all, including underserved communities. Under her stewardship, CDC has expanded its offerings, launching programs in early childhood education, job training, and small business development.
The Pathways of Promise Early Childhood Learning Center is a notable achievement of CDC. It serves children ages 0 to 5 and focuses on literacy development through after-school programs and summer camps. The center has reported a significant rise in literacy rates, with students’ reading levels improving dramatically over the past year.
Additionally, CDC plans to establish a new private school offering grades 4 through 6 in partnership with Boldly Moving Education Ahead. In its housing initiatives, CDC has remarkable achievements, including the renovation of over 700 homes, the launch of 17 businesses, and assisting nearly 800 individuals in becoming first-time homeowners. The organization also manages over 100 affordable housing units through Solid Rock Property Management, providing essential housing support to families in need.
Last year, CDC’s home repair programs facilitated nearly $1 million in repairs, signaling a commitment to improving housing conditions within the targeted neighborhoods. The area served by CDC, particularly ZIP code 48202, has benefitted from increased property values and housing stabilization under Johanon’s guidance.
CDC has remained inclusive, providing services to all community members regardless of their religious affiliations. Starting with two part-time employees, the organization has transformed into a $6.5 million operation staffed by approximately 30 individuals, funded through a variety of sources including government grants, private foundations, and corporate donations.
In her role, Johanon has not hesitated to confront local issues impacting community safety, gaining the respect of local residents, including those posing challenges. She acknowledges the complexity of their work, emphasizing the ongoing need to strive for justice and equity irrespective of obstacles.
CDC’s newest initiative, the West Euclid Gateway project, aims to provide affordable housing by transforming vacant homes into 20 units for families earning 60% or less of the area median income. This venture is supported by the Detroit Housing for the Future Fund and involves collaboration with other local nonprofits. In addition to the West Euclid project, CDC has previously rehabilitated 244 housing units and constructed nine new homes in the Virginia Park area, enhancing community stability and livability.
Through Johanon’s unwavering dedication, CDC continues to play a pivotal role in community development efforts in Detroit, reinforcing their mission to uplift and empower residents while creating equitable opportunities for all.
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Additional Resources
- Detroit Free Press
- Model D Media
- WXYZ News
- Wikipedia: Community Development
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Community Development
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