In Spring 2025, CommunityWorks partnered with Michigan City’s Neighborhood Leadership Academy to provide the Unlocking Neighborhood Gifts workshop. Shellaya and Molly were participants in the NLA and have since launched an innovative, community-driven youth initiative that is making a lasting impact in their city. Read below to hear from Shellaya and Molly about this journey.
Michigan City Midnight Hoops (MCMH) began with a simple moment between two longtime friends, Shellaya Miller and Molly Heath. We have known each other for years through school and playing basketball together growing up.
During a Michigan City Neighborhood Leadership Academy (NLA) class, someone mentioned how Midnight Basketball used to be a program in Michigan City years ago. When that was said, we looked across the room at each other, immediately recognizing the opportunity. We both knew the positive role basketball had played in our own lives, and in that moment the idea to bring something similar back to the community was born. From that point forward, we began working together (with a lot of help) to turn the idea into reality.
The motivation behind MCMH was rooted in a desire to make a meaningful impact on youth and young adults in the area. Summers can be a time when many young people have fewer structured activities, and we wanted to create a positive outlet where people could come together.
Our goal was to provide a safe, welcoming space where youth and young adults could stay active, build relationships, and spend their time in a constructive way. We also hoped the program could contribute to lowering crime rates by giving participants something engaging and positive to do during evening hours.
The NLA played an important role in helping bring Michigan City Midnight Hoops to life. Through the Neighborhood Leadership Academy, we were able to learn how to turn an idea into a structured community initiative. The program helped us think through planning, organization, and sustainability, while also connecting us with other community members who wanted to see the program succeed. Those connections and the guidance we received helped build the foundation that allowed MCMH to launch and grow.
Along the way, there have been a number of unexpected wins and lessons. One of the biggest milestones has been officially becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Navigating that process has been a learning experience, and we continue to learn something new every day about what it takes to run and sustain a nonprofit. The journey has required a lot of patience, flexibility, and a willingness to grow, but each step has helped strengthen the program and its future.
Those moments are reminders that the program is more than just basketball—it is about connection, mentorship, and creating a sense of community.
The impact of Michigan City Midnight Hoops can be seen in the relationships it has built with youth and young adults throughout the community. Even outside of the program, participants often recognize us around town and ask when MCMH will start again. Many stop to share updates about how they are doing or what they have been working on since the last season.
Those moments are reminders that the program is more than just basketball—it is about connection, mentorship, and creating a sense of community. Seeing the excitement and continued engagement from participants shows that Michigan City Midnight Hoops has become something people genuinely look forward to each year.
You can cheer on Michigan City Midnight Hoops through following them on Facebook or donating to their work here.
Want to spark community-driven change in your city? Reach out to us to learn more.