CSVNP began a neighborhood support program in 1994 for the four neighborhoods closest to the downtown area. There are approximately 2400 housing units in these four neighborhoods. With the assistance of an initial grant from the LISC Americorp program, a neighborhood program director was hired to initiate & assist the neighborhood organizations in the Central Park, Fairfield Village, Grand Traverse and Carriage Town areas. That program has continued to flourish. Some of the neighborhood associations and their leaders have received awards from the Neighborhood Associations of Michigan.

The Neighborhood Empowerment Program, as it is now called, has been successful in assisting these neighborhood organizations in their efforts to create a stronger and more livable neighborhood through such activities as: the creation of a cul-de-sac program to reduce traffic and crime; annual neighborhood cleanups; annual adopt-a-house paint day; grant writing in support of neighborhood activities; and the; creation of crime watch programs; development of neighborhood long range plans.