BASS, Inc. (Building Assets to Strengthen Society)

Mission: To build upon the assets of residents and institutions to create positive community development including youth development, affordable housing, civic engagement, and economic development in Highland Park Michigan.

B.A.S.S. (Building Assets to Strengthen Society) is a community development organization in Highland Park founded and led by residents.

Seeing a need for energetic, nonprofit community development work in Highland Park, residents came together to form BASS in 2006 to provide sensible solutions. Our amazing team of regulars and part-time volunteers are committed to our mission. We take our convictions and turn them into action. We’ve consistently equipped, enabled, and empowered hundreds of youth and adults to improve the quality of their life and life in Highland Park, all thanks to the helping hands of this amazing community.

Our programs include:

• Economic Development: Park Place Salon & Business Center – B.A.S.S. operates an 8,000 sq. ft. business incubator. The business incubator provides first floor space and support for hair stylists, barbers, nail technicians, and fashion boutique entrepreneurs, and a recording studio. The incubator provides second floor multi-purpose space for community uses, headquarters for B.A.S.S., and other non-profit and for-profit businesses.
• Affordable Housing – B.A.S.S. receives referrals and provides housing and support to individuals and families transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing.
• Youth Development – B.A.S.S. supports the implementation and capacity-building of My Brother’s Keeper and My Sister’s Keeper, its two core pathways for youth development.
• Community Engagement – B.A.S.S. facilitates the launch, training, and leadership of other non-profits and participates in civic engagement and community service initiatives which promote community development including Safeguard Democracy, Building Trades Career Awareness, the Highland Park United Neighborhood Association, and the Highland Park Senior Advisory Council.