The Movement Street expands community service through culture and creativity

FLINT, Michigan — The Movement Street (TMS), founded by Lyric Amodia during the Flint Water Crisis, is a nonprofit focused on making community service accessible and engaging. Its programs combine hands-on service with art, wellness, and partnerships with local businesses.

“We make community service feel like culture,” Amodia said. “Our events blend hands-on service with music, visual art, movement/wellness, and local small-business partnerships so volunteering feels welcoming, social, and joyful—not transactional.”

Since its founding, TMS has shifted from organizing crisis response drives to establishing year-round programming. The organization now emphasizes consistency through partnerships and leadership pipelines rooted in neighborhood priorities.

“That moment sharpened our belief that communities deserve more than crisis response. They deserve consistent, joy-centered infrastructure for care,” Amodia said.

In Michigan, TMS organizes annual ThanksGIVEAWAY events in Flint and Detroit, purchasing groceries for more than 150 families each year. It also partners with Flint Freedom Schools on classroom supply drives, summer HBCU forums, and neighborhood cleanups.

“We mobilize volunteers, resource families, and classrooms, and connect residents to year-round opportunities,” Amodia said.

Nationally, the group has expanded through TMS Assembly workshops and wellness-based service days. These initiatives sustain engagement between larger events.

The organization reports engaging more than 3,400 volunteers with a retention rate of over 90 percent. Practices such as clear roles, short service sprints, and leadership opportunities are designed to encourage continued participation.

“These practices have helped us sustain over 90% volunteer retention,” Amodia said.

Accessibility is another priority. Events are often held in community spaces such as barbershops, galleries, schools, and parks, with partnerships that include local artists, instructors, and vendors.

“Creativity lowers the barrier to entry and affirms identity and joy as part of community care,” Amodia said.

Currently, TMS is recruiting young adults for executive boards in Flint and Detroit. Roles include programming, operations, communications, development, and leadership positions.

“It’s a launchpad for civic leadership, social impact careers, and creative entrepreneurship,” Amodia said.

The Movement Street continues to expand its model in Michigan and nationally. Its approach combines service, culture, and leadership development to support long-term community engagement.

To learn more about The Movement Street and its mission, visit: themovementstreet.org