A decade ago, sisters Kim and Rhonda Theus looked around East Canfield Village—a neighborhood their parents once called home—and saw more than disinvestment. They saw a community with deep roots and a place full of strong families. They also saw the challenges: lots that needed care, environmental concerns that had gone unaddressed, and public spaces that deserved more.
Instead of waiting for change, they took action.
What began as a commitment to fight blight and restore neglected spaces became a larger movement—one that uplifts the voices of residents, protects the neighborhood’s identity, and ensures that East Canfield Village remains a place where people can thrive.
A Decade of Restoration and Impact
East Canfield Village has never been empty. It has always been home. Over the past ten years, Canfield Consortium has worked alongside residents to ensure that this neighborhood remains a place where families can thrive.
- We reclaimed neglected lots, turning them into green spaces and gathering places.
- We invested in local artists, creating murals and public art that tell the community’s story.
- We installed air monitors to advocate for environmental justice and clean air for all residents.
- We collaborated with partners to bring resources and investment back into the neighborhood.
One of the most visible achievements is the East Canfield Village Art Park, a space that blends art, nature, and community engagement. This park is not just about beautification—it’s about identity, history, and a vision for what this neighborhood can be.
A Decade of Listening and Advocacy
Canfield Consortium’s work has never been about imposing change from the outside—it has been about listening to the residents and supporting their vision for their neighborhood.
That’s why we focus on initiatives that:
- Improve the quality of life for residents.
- Promote environmental sustainability and clean air.
- Encourage creative expression through public art.
- Strengthen community connections and resources.
We believe that development should happen with the people who live here, not without them.
A Decade of Unfinished Work
Ten years is a milestone, but it is not the finish line. The work of Canfield Consortium has always been about long-term, meaningful change; and while we celebrate how far we’ve come, we know there is still much to do.
As East Canfield Village continues to evolve, so do the challenges. How do we ensure that new investments strengthen the community rather than displace the people who have always been here? How do we continue advocating for clean air, green spaces, and sustainable growth in a way that benefits residents first? How do we protect the character of this neighborhood while also making room for the future?
These are the questions that will guide our next decade.
The answers won’t come from outside developers or policymakers working behind closed doors. They will come from the people who live here. Canfield Consortium will continue to be a platform for residents to shape what comes next—because a thriving neighborhood is built from the inside out, with the voices of its people leading the way.
We are not done. Not even close.
And we invite you to be part of what’s next.
Thank You for 10 Years of Support
When Kim and Rhonda Theus founded Canfield Consortium it was about honoring the place their parents once called home. It was about making sure that the history, the people, and the spirit of East Canfield Village weren’t just remembered but actively nurtured. This work has never been about outsiders stepping in; it has always been about the people who have been here all along.
For Kim and Rhonda, this is personal. They have poured a decade of love, time, and dedication into this community because they believe in what it has been and in what it can become. Every garden planted, every piece of art installed, every neighbor engaged is part of something much bigger: a commitment to ensuring that East Canfield Village remains a thriving, vibrant place for generations to come.
To every resident who has been part of this journey, to the volunteers who have given their time, to the artists who have shared their talent, and to the advocates who have stood with us—thank you.
This milestone belongs to all of us.
We aren’t just preserving history—we are writing it.
As we step into the next decade, we invite you to be part of what comes next. There are many ways to get involved:
- Donate to support community-led restoration and arts initiatives.
- Volunteer to lend a hand in ongoing projects.
- Join our monthly meetings to stay informed and engaged.
- Reach out to learn more about how you can make an impact.
The work isn’t over. Together, we can ensure that East Canfield Village continues to grow—not just as a place on a map, but as a home, a legacy, and a community that stands strong.