April 21-25, 2025, marks National Community Development Week — a time to recognize the vital role community development plays in building vibrant, resilient communities.  

Community development initiatives enhance quality of life, promote economic stability, and foster stronger social connections. These efforts empower individuals, support local businesses, and contribute to the overall well-being of neighborhoods.  

Investing in community development is an investment in the future, ensuring everyone has access to a secure, supportive environment where they can thrive.

Meet Emily Arntz! As the Lead Programs Coordinator, Emily aims to integrate societal and health-related perspectives to create a more empathetic, holistic, and resource-oriented program. By bridging these fields, Emily strives to better serve the residents of Battle Creek and surrounding areas, ensuring they have access to meaningful support and services. 

What are your primary job responsibilities? Can you describe a typical day in your role in the community development office? 
I manage lead grants, which involves several key responsibilities. I monitor program budgets, ensure timely submission of reports, track the progress of various projects, and coordinate temporary relocations for clients. 

A typical day can vary significantly — it might involve focusing on just one task or juggling multiple responsibilities. Whether it's preparing detailed reports, coordinating with stakeholders, or ensuring clients have the resources they need, every day brings new challenges and opportunities to contribute to the community. 

Can you share a particularly memorable or impactful experience you've had in your role? What made it special? 
One particularly memorable and impactful experience happened just before I officially started my role. My supervisor, Helen Guzzo, invited me to the department's annual gingerbread house competition, even though my start date was still weeks away. It was such a thoughtful gesture and made me feel welcomed and valued before I had even joined the team. 

As it turned out, Helen and I were randomly paired together to build our gingerbread house. After a blind judgement, our gingerbread barn was declared the winner. The event was not only a fun and memorable moment, but it also left a lasting impression on me. Being included early on reassured me that I was about to join an amazing team. I feel incredibly grateful to be part of community development. 

What do you like to do in your free time when you’re not working? 
I enjoy traveling and experiencing new cultures, especially the food and architecture.  

If you could have any superpower to help you in your job, what would it be and why? 
If I could have any superpower, it would be unlimited funds and resources without barriers to help everyone. Does that count as a superpower? I’m a passionate advocate for the unhoused population and wish I could assist every single person in need. However, limited funds, resources, and the complexity of the issue often prevent us from fully addressing homelessness. Everyone deserves the right to access healthcare, safe and affordable housing, food, and clothing 

What skills and qualities do you think are essential for someone in your position? 
Being detail-oriented, organized, and timely is essential for this job. A key part of managing grants involves ensuring compliance with grant contracts. This requires a thorough understanding of each grant to keep community development aligned with funder guidelines. 

Since I submit reports every other week, I must stay on top of reporting timelines and track the progress of projects, including expenditures. I consistently strive to submit all reports ahead of their deadlines. 

What's your educational background? 
I graduated from Western High School in Parma, Michigan, and earned a Master of Social Work from the University of Utah in May 2021. I also recently obtained my Master Social Worker Limited License and am working toward full licensure with a macro designation. During my MSW program, I was an Area Health Education Centers Scholar, where I explored topics like Social Determinants of Health, cultural competencies, and inter-professional education. This experience broadened my understanding of how societal issues impact health and well-being.