Testimonials category: CO-OP Living

“I moved here to Washington Square Co-op in November of 2011 from Georgia. I had never lived in an apartment complex and did not know what to expect. A co-op in the south is where you buy feed and grain for your farms. I thought I was moving into a barn that had been made into apartments! Was I ever surprised to see what a beautiful place this is with the well cared for yards and really nice apartments.

I love living here and having so much to do and having a say on how the co-op does things. All the committees you can volunteer for and the wonderful friends you make here. We are a family and care and watch out for each other.

CSI Support and Development is a wonderful company and really cares about their members. They are always there to help and answer all our questions.

If you are looking for a safe and secure place to live, please keep Washington Square co-op in mind. We will treat you all kinds of ways you are bound to love one of them.”

— Josie Brock (Washington Square)

“I have been very pleased with living in the co-operative. I am a retired pre-school teacher. I like to stay involved, so I enjoy being in the co-op doing different things, helping people and volunteering. This keeps me feeling younger and healthier.”

— Mable P. Smith (LaBelle Towers)

“When I moved into the co-op, my main concern was low income housing. I had no idea of the full concept of co-op living. I was in for a great awakening. I had no idea what a wonderful impact, being a co-op member would have on my life. I was in education prior to moving into the co-op, but I am receiving an education I never knew would be possible. But from a different perspective, not only am I learning more, but I can share with others the beauty of co-op living. After attending approximately 18 conferences and being on many committees, also president and vice about 9 times. I have much to share. Co-op living redirected my life to heights I never dreamed of. Congratulations to IYC and CSI.”

— Lannie King (New Horizons)

“This is my first time living in a Co-op. I’ve met and associated with others that I probably would never have met. Living in a co-op offers me a family that’s always close by, while I still live independently in my own “home.” ☺ It also offers educational value!”

— Barbra Chavis (Gratiot Woods)

“When I lost my home and had to move I became very sad. I felt all alone. Since I moved into my co-op I have met wonderful people. I keep busy most of the time as secretary and treasurer, which I enjoy. Life is good now and I am happier than I have been in a long time.“

— Sandra Glover (Madison Heights)

“It has presented me with affordable housing in a safe and pleasant environment.”

— Sonia Green (Ecorse Manor)

“Living in a co-op keeps me more active, and gives me a reason to get up in the morning. Retirement can be very boring—so being active makes my life fuller. Moving to our co-op is the best thing I have ever done for myself.”

— Jeri Draughn (Trenton Towers)

Benefits of Co-Op Living category: CO-OP Living

Great Quality Homes

Whether the co-op is brand new or 50 years old, CSI is committed to maintaining the highest possible quality living. Resident-members form committees to ensure the quality of their home. Whether it be regular maintenance or writing the annual budget, the members who live in CSI co-ops work hard to ensure their home is well maintained for members now and in the future.

Affordability

CSI’s resident members write the annual budget for their co-op. They don’t ever have to wonder where the money goes, they have access to all financial information. By principle, all of CSI’s co-ops are not for profit. At the end of the year any extra bucket of money left in the budget stays with that co-op. In CSI’s co-ops the resident members decide how to utilize their surplus cash for the betterment of their co-op. Co-ops exist to benefit their members, not investors. The goal of CSI is to give our members the best place to live with affordable rents.

Democratic Control

In CSI’s co-ops, resident members actively participate in the decision process of managing their co-op. Members enjoy the equal rights of voting - one member, one vote.
The Board of Directors of CSI Support & Development is comprised of 13 elected resident members from the CSI family of co-ops across the country. The Board ensures that CSI never strays from our cooperative vision and principles and is the governing body of our entire organization.

Co-op Way of Life

Control of the co-op is not limited to raising a hand in a meeting. Our members at CSI are intimately involved in the day-to-day operation of their homes. From hiring vendors to choosing the color of the walls, they are the decision making body. In traditionally managed senior buildings, residents only have two choices: take it or leave it! In CSI’s co-ops, resident members volunteer to form committees and elect a council, also comprised of volunteer members. This leads to healthier, happier lifestyles as members stay active physically, mentally and socially.

Social Opportunities

The social agenda is created and directed by the members. The social opportunities at the co-ops are only limited by the members’ imaginations. Each member in the co-op has the opportunity to create and participate in social activities that build relationships and nurture a cooperative community. If you can’t find what interests you, you can jump in and start it!

Safety & Security

At CSI Support & Development, the safety of members is the number one priority. Each co-op routinely reviews house rules in the interest of promoting member safety. Also, CSI is committed to ongoing assessment of fire safety, cameras and controlled entry systems.

Continuing Education

CSI offers ample education programs where our members can learn new skills, hone existing skills and expand their personal horizons. CSI staff provides professional support at every level in order to help members effectively manage the day-to-day operations of their home. We constantly evaluate our continuing education programs to make sure we are meeting our members’ educational needs. In addition, all co-ops are supported by members of sister co-ops, both locally and nationally.

What is a Co-op? category: CO-OP Living

Living in a co-op means living in a building that is controlled by the resident members. The resident members vote on all major operating decisions, including writing the annual budget. The membership also includes privileges such as serving in elected or appointed positions, voting in co-op elections, CSI board elections, corporate bylaw changes or other matters coming before the members. Resident members have the opportunity to attend many different functions throughout the year, including the CSI annual luncheon. Becoming part of a CSI co-op allows you to enjoy the benefits of apartment living while retaining control of your environment.

Cooperative Principles

Based on the larger cooperative principles employed by cooperatives worldwide, the following seven principles guide the cooperative management system of CSI.

Democratic Control

Members control their environment & govern themselves through a democratically elected board of directors or building councils. Members enjoy the equal rights of voting one member, one vote.

Not-for-Profit Operation

The cooperative's objective is to provide suitable housing for the most reasonable cost possible. In co-ops, people are the concern. Co-ops exist to benefit their members, not investors.

Continuing Education

All co-ops emphasize continuing education, training, & the exchange of information. Cooperatives keep their members informed and encourage member participation in activities and programs.

Political, Social, Racial & Religious Neutrality

CSI Support & Development Services and its membership respect political, social, racial and religious differences.

Cooperation Among Cooperatives

Local, national, and international cooperative associations of all kinds are strengthened by sharing experience and by their mutual support of each other.

Open, Voluntary Membership

Because of the belief that all people are equal, co-ops have open membership without discrimination.

Concern for Community

CSI Support & Development focuses on its members needs while working for sustainable development of communities through policies and programs accepted by the members.

Locations category: CO-OP Living

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