Fall River City officials presented Love Your Block mini-grants to four Flint neighborhood nonprofits on Oct. 11, announcing awards and brief project descriptions and recognizing support from the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovation at Johns Hopkins University.

Dr. Sadler, a city staff member, described Love Your Block as “a program established in partnership with the Bloomberg Center for Public Innovations at John Hopkins University, bringing city leaders and residents together to revitalize neighborhoods 1 block at a time.” The city said the program, launched in 2021, provides fast-track services, coaching and small grants—up to $5,000—for resident-driven projects.

Mayor Paul Coogan presented checks and outlined the recipients and planned projects. The Bristol Black Cooperative will lead three projects — including story walks, community reading boxes, mile markers and a community garden at Cave Asad Tot Lot and Travassos Park — aimed at literacy, wellness and neighborhood connection. Fall River WIC and Health First Health Center will host the Flint Family Wellness Day and will work on three projects focused on physical, mental and emotional health, public art and signage to help Pleasant Street businesses stand out. The Spectrum Empowerment Project will undertake two projects to convert a corner lot on Pleasant Street into a community garden and seating area with a small performance stage for open-air theater and youth programming.

Dr. Sadler said the program “empowers residents by providing small grants that support volunteer fueled solutions developed by communities.” Mayor Coogan thanked the Bloomberg Center grant partners and said the awards represent the city’s commitment to resident-driven change.

No formal vote or ordinance was recorded in the presentation; the event consisted of grant announcements and ceremonial check presentations. The city did not specify exact per-recipient award amounts in the presentation beyond the program cap “up to $5,000” mentioned by staff. The presentation included brief remarks from nonprofit representatives invited to accept checks.

The grants are intended for small-scale neighborhood improvements such as community tool sheds, public art, vacant-lot activation, playground repairs, basic exterior home repairs, cleanups and placemaking signage. City staff encouraged creative proposals and said the program supports resident-led activation and neighborhood pride. The city noted Love Your Block provides both funds and coaching to residents, businesses and organizations. Future project timelines and detailed budgets were not specified during the presentation.