Rooted in Equity. Growing Resilence.

Idlewild Community Alliance (ICA) – Rural Equity & Cultural Preservation

ICA carries forward Idlewild’s legacy of cultural richness, self-reliance, and Black land ownership through modern revitalization efforts focused on environmental justice, land use, and economic empowerment.

YCA’s Idlewild Community Alliance (ICA) is our rural outreach initiative rooted in the historic town of Idlewild, Michigan — once known as “The Black Eden.”

Urban Land & Environmental Impact

At Youth Community Agency (YCA), we understand that access to land is access to power — and healing. Our work across Metro Detroit and Idlewild centers on the belief that food justice, land ownership, and environmental stewardship are critical tools in the fight against generational poverty.

Through our Urban Land & Environmental Impact initiatives, we activate vacant and underutilized land into thriving spaces for urban farming, community engagement, and economic opportunity.

This work also extends to our clean energy advocacy, including collaborative efforts like the Frankfort YCA Mobility Hub—a solar-powered, community-based innovation launched in partnership with Mogul Life Business Clinic. This hub integrates solar charging, transit mapping, and public seating, demonstrating how environmental justice and green infrastructure can empower underserved neighborhoods.

These transformative efforts would not be possible without the dedicated support and advocacy of our partners. We offer our sincerest thanks to Mogul Life Business Clinic for standing with us as we expand green spaces, implement solar solutions, and create equitable pathways to land use and economic mobility for the families we serve.

Together, we’re not just growing gardens — we’re growing futures.
Together, we’re not just innovating solar solutions — we’re lighting the way for a greener Detroit.

ICA Focus Areas:

• Land Stewardship & Preservation: Redeveloping and activating YCA-owned properties for seasonal entrepreneurship and community use
  
  

• Glamping & Mental Health Retreats: Idlewild HoneyComb Hideaway offers nature-based healing for mothers, families, and creatives
  
  

• Community Farming & Food Access: Seasonal growing initiatives and wellness workshops
  

• Cultural Events & Youth Programming: Celebrations honoring Idlewild’s history while building new traditions

Looking Ahead to 2026:

• Launch of seasonal vendor markets on YCA-owned land
  
  

• Expanded environmental education workshops
  
  

• Economic development programs for Black rural entrepreneurs

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