2015 - 2024 | Step to Greater HealthA Decade of Collective Vitality
Originally launched as a two-year initiative funded by the American Heart Association, Step to Greater Health evolved into a nine-year cornerstone of communal wellness in Detroit. When the initial funding concluded, the "Pulse" remained—transformed by the community into a self-sustaining practice of movement, autonomy, and care.
"We didn’t just walk the trails of Palmer Park—we reclaimed our pace and our plates. Over a decade of summers, we learned that health isn’t a destination; it’s a practice of collective movement."
Three Pillars of the Experience
THE SOMATIC JOURNEY
Spanning the trails of Palmer Park to the annual
Labor Day pilgrimages at the Dequindre Cut
and Heritage Park.
THE CULINARY LAB
Guest chef demonstrations, healthy dessert
workshops, and garden-to-table skills using
our community harvest.
THE RESTORATIVE SOCIAL
Creative expression through "Painting with a Twist"
and integrated wellness, including on-site
massage therapy for walkers.
The Pandemic & The Neighbors Program
During the pandemic, the program transcended physical boundaries through a 12-week virtual walking challenge sponsored by the Neighbors Program Project. This pivot provided co-branded apparel and fitness supplies, ensuring the community stayed connected through shared stories.
The Archive of Ten Summers
Over ten summers, this practice became a living record of our community’s resilience—from our early days at the cutting board to mastering the art of the healthy order in any environment. This gallery is a testament to a decade of "Environmental Somatics," where we learned that the food grown in our soil directly fuels the spirit of our movement.
In Loving Memory of Lois Scott and Kristina Easter. We move forward in honor of our spiritual ancestors—those who walked these trails with us and whose vitality remains woven into the fabric of this group. Their presence continues to anchor our collective rhythm.
