Community organization 517 Living (517Living.com) has been promoting goodness in the Greater Lansing (517) Michigan Area since 2014. Founded by Sarah Pierce, the website and social platform uses its ONE Calendar to build awareness of the Best Events happening throughout the year.
In 2022 Pierce introduced the prestigious merit 517 Living Community Member of the Month, bestowing the honor to Cardboard Profits founder Mike Karl in September of that year.
In this interview Karl shares details about who he is, what he does, and what he loves about living in the Greater Lansing Michigan Area.
Who are you?
I am a passionate organizer of LOVE, a gardener by hobby and general laborer by trade, with 25 plus years at GM. But my real job is helping people help each other through innovative projects that engage our community.
If you own or represent a business or organization, tell us about it (or them).
Cardboard Prophets – a street-based organization created to end homelessness through innovative ideas and programs that address barriers those in need face on a daily basis.
The Capital Area Diaper Bank – the only nationally recognized diaper bank within 90 miles of Lansing servicing 4 counties and over 20 agencies from schools to shelters in Clinton, Ingham, Eaton and Shiawassee counties.
The Fretail Store – the first of its kind FREE retail store in a mall setting in America, bringing dignity and love to those in need with a real shopping experience with no questions asked.
The Community Grocery Store – coming soon….
Tell us about a recent uplifting experience you had in the Greater Lansing Area.
Every day I see people come together to make change in Lansing. Recently, while having a meeting with one of our city council members, a young woman was in need of only $152 to secure her very first apartment after leaving the Rise Treatment program successfully. Thanks to our amazing community and its donations, we were able to fill that need to give her that helping hand to get to her next chapter. It was really special for me to have our city council member witness the work we do as a community in real-time and I also got a hug to seal the deal and that’s always an amazing feeling to see someone smile with that fear they had gone.
What’s the most recent “new” (to you) local business you’ve enjoyed discovering?
Delicious Delights Cakes in the Lansing Mall. Having a sweet tooth, it was a pleasant blessing but also seeing the Lansing Mall come back to life has been an experience of a lifetime for me.
What is one thing (big or small) that you love about living in the Greater Lansing Area?
The kindness of people here is what makes Lansing so unique to me. There are such big hearts here and I love it! | By Sarah Pierce
Sarah Pierce is the founder of the website and social platform 517Living. Promoting goodness and the best events in the Greater Lansing (517) Michigan Area, the process of building the platform helped Pierce overcome social anxiety, gave her a more purposeful life, and introduced her to the fascinating behind-the-scenes movers and shakers of her community who are much more “walk” than talk! 517 Living has enriched Pierce’s life, and she hopes it does the same for you.
