We firmly believe in celebrating
the life & art of our community, challenging the traditional
narrative that often defines
our neighborhood.
Our Story
In the spring of 2000, pastor Reverend Bertha L. Carter challenged her congregation.
She urged the North End congregation to address the neighborhood’s need for food security by establishing the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm. By growing healthy food, offering mentorships, conducting educational programs, supporting outdoor gatherings and art spaces, and generating jobs, the Farm has created a vibrant civic commons.
Mission
For over two decades, Northend Christian CDC has been a catalyst for positive change in Detroit’s North End.
Fostering a thriving and sustainable community through collaboration, innovation, and dedicated service. Our mission is to empower individuals and families by providing holistic programs that promote healthy lifestyles, celebrate cultural diversity, and support physical, social, and educational development. We are committed to addressing the holistic needs of our community through key focus areas, including youth development, economic empowerment, health and wellness, and social engagement.
Vision
NECCDC envisions a vibrant and inclusive North End Historic Community where individuals and families thrive.
Northend Christian Community Development Corporation (NECCDC) envisions a vibrant and inclusive North End Historic Community where individuals and families thrive. Our vision is to foster a resilient neighborhood, create sustainable green job opportunities, ensure access to quality and affordable housing, empower youth through dynamic development programs, and provide vital resources to underserved populations. We are committed to promoting healthy lifestyles through sustainable agriculture, education, and community beautification, building a future where everyone has the opportunity to flourish.
Our Team
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Jerry Hebron
Executive Director
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Natosha Tallman
Director of Programs
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Carol Trowell
Farmers Market Manager
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Billy Hebron
Farm Manager
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Carlos Leonard
Farm Manager Assistant
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Frank May
Farm Team Member
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James Lewis
Farm Team Member
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Donald Williams
Farm Team Member
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Laura Allen
Site Support Specialist
Read Our Bios
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Executive Director
Jerry Hebron is a permanent fixture in the North End community and the executive director of North End Christian Community Development Corporation since 2008. Under her leadership, North End CDC has expanded its capacity to meet the needs of the community via education, skilled training, and access to support its’ vision of empowering neighbors through community-based assets. Today, thanks to Jerry Hebron, and her 25 years of service in Michigan real estate, the North End CDC campus is six acres of food production, community event space, farmers market, native plants, fruit trees, perennial flowers, chickens, and business incubation.
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Director of Programs
Natosha Monique Tallman is a community-driven leader with over 15 years of experience in nonprofit management, fund development, and community empowerment. Her journey began in 2008 at Vanguard Community Development Corporation, where she quickly advanced from Executive Assistant to Program Director, launching workforce development initiatives for returning citizens. Natosha’s dedication to marginalized communities continued through her role in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Council of Michigan Foundation, where she worked to foster inclusive environments and equitable resource distribution across Michigan.
Since 2017, Natosha has served with the Northend Christian Community Development Corporation, evolving from Administrative Assistant to Director of Programs and, most recently, Co-Director of the Detroit Cultivator Community Land Trust. In these roles, she oversees daily operations, collaborative programs, and strategic fund development.
A co-owner of STUFFED Detroit LLC and founder of IMX Innovations Group, Natosha combines her community passion with entrepreneurial savvy, creating sustainable models that benefit local economies. With expertise in program management, risk assessment, and effective communication, she is committed to building resilient, self-sufficient communities through education, skilled training, and equitable support for all.
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Farmers Market Manager
Carol was born in Lincoln Park and raised in the City of Detroit where she has lived much of her adult life. She has been a licensed realtor for almost 40 years, and has served at various times as President of the Detroit Board of Realtors in 2010, Co-treasurer of same, Governor of a Multi-listing service, and on the Government Affairs, Special Activity and Grievance committees. She has also served at the state level on the Michigan Association of Realtors. Carol has been active as a volunteer throughout the City of Detroit most of her adult life. For the past 12 years she has served on the Board of the North End Christian CDC, and is currently a Founding Board member for the Detroit Cultivator Community Land Trust, and marketing manager for the Oakland Avenue Urban Farm. In 2020 she became a co-owner of the Black Bottom Garden Center in the Detroit’s historic North End neighborhood.
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Farm Manager
William E. Hebron, affectionately known as Mr. Billy, is a dedicated champion of community development and urban agriculture. With a storied career as a UAW Representative and Shop Chairman, Billy skillfully represented 3,000 workers, negotiated pivotal contracts, mediated disputes, and provided expert staff training over 25 years. Beyond his union contributions, he is an accomplished tuba player, having honed his craft at Juilliard School of Music and performed with the Tennessee and Southfield Orchestras, as well as Stax Records in Memphis.
After retiring, Billy and his wife, Jerry Ann Hebron, successfully ventured into real estate before founding Oakland Avenue Urban Farm (OAUF) in 2009 through the Northend Christian Community Development Corporation (NECCDC). As Farm Manager since 2010, Billy has masterfully transformed the farm from a modest two-lot community garden into a vibrant agricultural hub. NECCDC now oversees nearly 10 acres of land, with over three acres dedicated to production, cultivating more than 33 varieties of produce.
Oakland Avenue Urban Farm proudly holds USDA Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certification, upholding the highest standards in food safety and quality. Billy himself is a certified USDA GAP and Good Handling Practices (GHP) Auditor, having completed the rigorous verification program. His unwavering commitment to OAUF not only ensures the provision of fresh, affordable food to the community but also creates invaluable job opportunities in urban agriculture for individuals facing employment barriers. Rooted in his rich southern farming heritage, Billy's enduring efforts have significantly enriched Detroit's North End community, leaving a lasting legacy of growth and resilience.
Neighborhood Impact
25 Years of Transformation, Hundreds of Jobs Created, & Thousands of Detroit Families Fed
Get Involved
Join us as we work hand in hand with our neighbors to uplift & empower our community. Together, we can build a brighter future for the Historic North End of Detroit.