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Civilla Detroit

@civilladetroit.bsky.social
89 followers 26 following 71 posts

Changing the way our public-serving institutions work through human-centered design 🛠❤️🔍

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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
We’re excited to receive a grant from the OpenAI Foundation to explore how AI can help address challenges in public services. As we explore what AI can make possible, we’ll keep centering the people who use these services and the public servants who deliver them: openaifoundation.org/news/2026-pe...
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
11 photos that can't even begin to capture 11 years of memories, curiosities, and optimism for a more beautiful civil society. Happy 11th birthday, Civilla!
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
We’re joining @codeforamerica.org and partners in Maryland to prepare for Medicaid changes coming in 2027. Together, we’ll work to protect coverage, reduce administrative burden, and make Medicaid easier to navigate. Read the full announcement: codeforamerica.org/news/marylan...
code for america and state of maryland partner to streamline medicaid eligibility amid hr1 impelmentation
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
When Medicaid work requirements take effect, residents will ask: “How will this affect my coverage?” Civilla’s digital interactive guide helps states prepare navigators to answer. Explore the DIG + strategies: utm.io/useIH Watch the demo: utm.io/useIN
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Journey mapping helps you step into the shoes of the people your institution serves. Join our next Practica workshop to learn when and how to use this powerful human-centered design tool— directly from Civilla designers who’ve used it to tell human stories for over a decade. RSVP here
eventbrite.com
Journey Maps: A Tool for HCD in Public Institutions
Join Civilla designers for a 90-minute, interactive Zoom workshop diving into one of Civilla's core design tools: journey maps.
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Improving CX in public-serving institutions is hard. But it's okay to start small. Our free Practica Foundations course helps you start building HCD skills to improve customer experience, challenge the institutional mindset, and spark meaningful change. Join on your own or as a team: utm.io/ur2Oz
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 23/06/2026
The Kresge Foundation's 2025 annual report highlights investments that build towards the future we want to see, while holding onto the lessons we've learned. Thank you to the Kresge Foundation for being a part of our work to make Medicaid more accessible in the wake of H.R. 1.
annualreport2025.kresge.org
Civilla - Kresge Foundation 2025 Annual Report
Designing Medicaid Applications That Don’t Push People Off Coverage When Congress passed H.R. 1 and its new Medicaid work requirements, states faced a ticking clock. They had a limited window to imple...
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 16/06/2026
We're looking for an operations coordinator to join our team! This part-time position will support organizational logistics, facilities, and event coordination that help your colleagues stay focused on their day-to-day work serving public institutions. Learn more: civilla.homerun.co/operations-c...
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 09/06/2026
As states prepare to implement new H.R. 1 Medicaid work requirements, @hlsclp.bsky.social recently highlighted Civilla’s Medicaid application templates as an example of a user-friendly approach. Read it here: chlpi.org/wp-content/u...
chlpi.org
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 05/06/2026
For some young mothers, defining a “household” for California food assistance is not simple. Who counts? A partner? Parents? Shared groceries? New Beeck Center research urges states to explain benefits rules in plain language, using real-life scenarios. beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/when-househo...
beeckcenter.georgetown.edu
When “Household” Doesn’t Match Real Life: Why Complex Living Arrangements Make It Hard for Young Mothers to Access Benefits - Beeck Center
Research conducted by our Family Benefits Lab in California explores how lived experience shapes access to public benefits programs.
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 28/05/2026
Pennsylvania shared its H.R.1 implementation strategy early so community partners could review and shape it before rollout. That kind of transparency helps bridge policy and practice. Shoutout to PA for setting a strong example on Medicaid work requirements. paproviders.org/dhs-releases...
paproviders.org
DHS Releases Preliminary HR 1 Plan Documentation for Review and Feedback - RCPA
RCPA Presents HR 1 Medicaid Summit RCPA would like to thank our members and stakeholders for joining the RCPA HR 1 Medicaid
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 19/05/2026
“About 55% of young adults 18–24 who are eligible for SNAP are not accessing it.” That gap affects financial stability, education, and opportunity. Watch the full Civilla Chat and download our research brief: civilla.org/stories/clos...
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 06/05/2026
The Civilla team is in Chicago this week for Code for America! If you spot one of our pink or yellow bags, come say hi — we might even have some Civilla gear to share... Sound off in the comments if you're in town for CFA!
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 30/04/2026
This week, our CEO @thejuliadale.bsky.social joined MSHDA’s all-staff meeting to share how trust in public services is built through everyday experiences. Thank you to MSHDA for the invitation and for the work you do to build trust every day.
two women posing and smiling in front of a step and repeat logo background
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 28/04/2026
Young adulthood is a fragile bridge. Public benefits help people cross it. When support shrinks, so do futures—for individuals and our communities. The @aspeninstitute.bsky.social's latest report shows what is at stake, and why it matters now. www.aspeninstitute.org/publications...
aspeninstitute.org
OBBBA’s Impact on Young Adults and 5 Strategies to Support Them
Young adults are grappling with sweeping changes to the U.S. benefits system. This paper offers recommendations that can help young adults.
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 23/04/2026
Many young adults qualify for food and housing benefits. So why are so few using them? Join our next Civilla chat to explore what gets in the way—and how we can make access easier. Sign up today to join the conversation: youngadultbenefits.eventbrite.com
youngadultbenefits.eventbrite.com
Life in Transition: Understanding Young Adult Barriers to Public Benefits
How listening to what young adults face when navigating public benefits can lead to better public services for all.
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 21/04/2026
Twin Cities, two counties—once two benefit systems. MNbenefits and @codeforamerica.org made it one: a single application in under 15 minutes across 87 counties and three tribal nations. Minnesota didn’t just improve a product—they rebuilt how benefits work. codeforamerica.org/success-stor...
codeforamerica.org
Building Government Capacity in Minnesota — Code for America
We worked with Minnesota to build and launch an integrated benefits application—and enabled government staff to continue innovation on their own
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 15/04/2026
Meet Ciondra, the Civilian Researcher & Designer behind the UI of our user-tested Medicaid application templates. She led a demo for 50+ attendees last week. Meet the full team + download our apps today: civilla.org/stories/medi...
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 07/04/2026
"Culture always matters." We demoed user-tested Medicaid application templates for states implementing H.R.1 work requirements — exploring how culture shapes trust in applications. Watch the full demo: civilla.org/stories/medi...
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
Join us Thursday for a demo of our user-tested Medicaid application templates—shaped by dozens of resident interviews and 11 iterations of design. Bring your questions and join us for a walkthrough of the application experience from a resident’s perspective. RSVP: hr1applicationdemo.eventbrite.com
hr1applicationdemo.eventbrite.com
Protecting Medicaid Coverage after HR 1: Live Demo of User-Tested Templates
H.R.1 work requirements put Medicaid coverage at risk for millions. Civilla's implementation guidance could help avoid loss of coverage.
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
Medical frailty, self-attestation, and work activities: next week, we're diving deep into our research and demoing the user-tested Medicaid templates that states can use to implement new HR1 work requirements. Bring your questions and dive deep with us. RSVP here: hr1applicationdemo.eventbrite.com
hr1applicationdemo.eventbrite.com
Protecting Medicaid Coverage after HR 1: Live Demo of User-Tested Templates
H.R.1 work requirements put Medicaid coverage at risk for millions. Civilla's implementation guidance could help avoid loss of coverage.
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
In our recent Chat, our CEO @thejuliadale.bsky.social and Prosper Canada CEO Elizabeth Mulholland shared lessons from decades of working in risk-averse institutions. One theme surfaced again and again: change moves at the speed of relationships. Join the next one: eepurl.com/dEeWHj
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 04/03/2026
We spoke with residents about what they need to meet Medicaid work requirements. Now we’re sharing what we learned. Join us for a live demo of our user-tested, policy -reviewed application templates to help states reduce administrative burden and protect coverage: hr1applicationdemo.eventbrite.com
hr1applicationdemo.eventbrite.com
Protecting Medicaid Coverage after HR 1: Live Demo of User-Tested Templates
H.R.1 work requirements put Medicaid coverage at risk for millions. Civilla's implementation guidance could help avoid loss of coverage.
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 26/02/2026
For a father of three working at a pizzeria, consistent weekly hours aren't promised. In a recent article, Duke Professors explain how service workers could lose their benefits - despite averaging 80 hours a month - when new HR1 work requirements take effect. donmoynihan.substack.com/p/when-volat...
donmoynihan.substack.com
When Volatile Work Schedules Meet SNAP Work Requirements
New policies put low income workers in jeopardy of losing vital supports
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 23/02/2026
Thursday: Prosper Canada and Civilla CEOs Elizabeth Mulholland and @thejuliadale.bsky.social share how to drive change in risk-averse public institutions. Join us: civillaandprospercanada.eventbrite.com
civillaandprospercanada.eventbrite.com
Lessons From the Long Haul: Leading Change in Risk-Averse Institutions
Hear from two senior non-profit leaders with decades of experience working on complex, long-haul change within the U.S. and Canada.
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 20/02/2026
When Medicaid and SNAP rules change, families feel it first. That's why the Safety Net Response Network brought together a group of nonprofits to equip state teams with practical, user-tested tools to implement new requirements thoughtfully. Explore the resource library: safetynetresponse.org
safetynetresponse.org
Home - Safety Net Response Network
Safety Net Response Network Supporting States with SNAP and Medicaid Implementation The Safety Net Response Network is a group of nonprofits currently
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 19/02/2026
Long-term change demands reflection and openness. Join us on Feb. 26 for a conversation with Prosper Canada CEO Elizabeth and Civilla CEO Julia on leading change inside risk-averse public institutions—and what it takes to make lasting change in government. civillaandprospercanada.eventbrite.com
civillaandprospercanada.eventbrite.com
Lessons From the Long Haul: Leading Change in Risk-Averse Institutions
Hear from two senior non-profit leaders with decades of experience working on complex, long-haul change within the U.S. and Canada.
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
For families relying on Medicaid or SNAP, barriers to entry can look like gaps in transportation, income, digital access, or all of the above. @nber.org's latest report shows how these administrative barriers often lead to the denial of benefits. Full report here: www.nber.org/system/files...
Image with quote from national bureau of economic research stating: studying work requirements in SNAP is important both for understanding the impacts of the longstanding work requirements in this program, as well as to help gauge what to expect as SNAP work requirements are expanded due to the 2025 budget reconciliation bill."
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
Congratulations to former Civilla board member Winnie Liao on her appointment as Chief Operating Officer for the City of Detroit! We can't wait to see how she brings her deep experience in the state to improving how Detroit residents experience city services. detroitmi.gov/news/mayor-s...
detroitmi.gov
Mayor Sheffield taps transformation expert Winnie Liao as City’s Chief Operating Officer | City of Detroit
Liao’s focus to be reimagining the way residents and businesses interact with city government from accessing basic services to licensing and permitting Liao previously led successful restructuring of ...
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
"States should not underestimate the costs of creating extra hoops that people have to jump through." The Benefits Tech Advocacy Hub's new report is a great resource for states looking to implement H.R. 1's new Medicaid work requirements thoughtfully and efficiently. www.btah.org/static/files...
btah.org
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
Read @thejuliadale.bsky.social's new interview in Detroit Is It on public-serving institutions, the resilience of Detroit, and maintaining optimism that change is possible. detroitisit.com/from-resilie...
detroitisit.com
From Resilience To Reform | Detroitisit
Civilla is Rethinking How Detroit's Institutions Serve People
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
What if public benefit systems worked together? @urbaninstitute.bsky.social new toolkit on integrating benefits is a thoughtful step in that direction. We're honored to see Civilla’s work included as an example of how integration can better support residents. www.urban.org/projects/sup...
urban.org
Supporting Coordinated Benefits Delivery to Foster Whole-Family Approaches
The Urban Institute, along with partners MEF Associates and the Adjacent Possible, developed a toolkit that compiles resources and strategies state and local…
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Civilla is hiring! We're looking for an Executive Assistant who can use their exceptional judgment and strong organizational skills to support our CEO and COO. Bring your talents to a team dedicated to changing the way public-serving institutions work. civilla.homerun.co/executive-as...
civilla.homerun.co
Executive Assistant - Civilla
At Civilla, we're looking for an Executive Assistant to join our team.
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 11/12/2025
As Civilla looks ahead to the coming year, we see courage not as a leadership accessory, but as essential infrastructure for anyone working to strengthen public systems and honor the people they are meant to serve. civilla.org/stories/cour...
civilla.org
Courage and humanity
A reflection on the past year in public-serving institutions
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Changing culture is a difficult but critical step toward improving how institutions serve the public. See how Marin County used a digital accelerator program to improve both their technology and how people collaborated across departments. statescoop.com/marin-county...
statescoop.com
Marin County, Calif.'s digital accelerator helped agencies stop blaming each other | StateScoop
Marin County, California, has been updating its digital services for years, but it was only recently that officials began focusing heavily on the people behind the services.
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 11/11/2025
We’re glad to support the CBPP’s new guide on reducing Medicaid coverage losses during H.R. 1 implementation. It’s a thoughtful resource to help states implement new work requirements while protecting people’s access to care. Read here: www.cbpp.org/research/hea...
cbpp.org
A Guide to Reducing Coverage Losses Through Effective Implementation of Medicaid’s New Work Requirement
States can substantially mitigate coverage loss by choosing policies that minimize burden, streamlining verification processes, and creating accessible and user-friendly forms, portals, and communicat...
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Reposted by Civilla Detroit
Julia Dale @thejuliadale.bsky.social · 04/11/2025
Food is a basic human need. How we respond in this moment will define whether we care for our neighbors—or allow millions to go hungry. A group of civic tech nonprofits issued a statement on recent SNAP disruptions. @civilladetroit.bsky.social Read here: beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/statement-on...
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Millions of Americans are at risk of losing access to food assistance. Today, Civilla joins a coalition of non-profits to call for SNAP to be fully funded. This isn’t just a policy issue. It’s about people’s health, dignity, and economic stability. beeckcenter.georgetown.edu/statement-on...
beeckcenter.georgetown.edu
Statement from Civic Tech Nonprofits on SNAP Benefits Disruption - Beeck Center
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 03/11/2025
Our friends at @publicpolicylab.bsky.social released their new Public Service Design Kit — a practical resource for anyone working to make public services more human-centered. Take a look: www.publicpolicylab.org/resources/pu...
publicpolicylab.org
Public Service Design Kit – Public Policy Lab
Our interactive Public Sector Service Design Kit helps you choose the tools most suited for common service-delivery challenges. The kit is made up of twenty-five cards, each one introducing a useful m...
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 21/10/2025
Today we release a new report to help states prepare for the new Medicaid work requirements in H.R. 1! We believe states have an opportunity to implement these policies with greater clarity, efficiency, and humanity. Check it out:
civilla.org
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
In our latest Civilla Stories, discover how the state of New Jersey turned crisis into departmental change by focusing on their customers and staff experience at every step. civilla.org/stories/new-...
civilla.org
Making Systems Less Sticky
new jersey’s approach to unemployment insurance modernization and sustained culture change
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 23/09/2025
Our team is presenting at #Formfest2025 on Sept. 30! Make sure to register and join our session - "Track Your Form: Building the First Digital Benefits Tracker." formfest.org
formfest.org
FormFest 2025
Mark your calendar for the ultimate deep dive into government’s favorite tool: forms!
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 10/09/2025
We're here in Dallas for the annual #NASWASummit25 to gather with thousands of workforce leaders, labor market experts, and policymakers. If you spot our bright Civilla bag, please stop and say hi to our designers Brianna and Eesha!
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 04/09/2025
Last month’s White House executive order called for public services that are both functional and beautiful. We believe beauty is more than aesthetics—it’s about trust, dignity, and ease. Designed with care, services can rebuild trust in our institutions. Read more: civilla.org/stories/desi...
civilla.org
Designing for Beauty in Public Services
Integrating thoughtful design into government
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 27/08/2025
We are at #CAPCON25 at booth 409 this week! Come meet our team, grab some colorful swag & join our session on immersive storytelling tomorrow (3:30PM). See you there!
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 08/08/2025
🚨Help us get to the SXSW stage! 🚨 Our proposed panel will explore what it will take to build a more integrated, modernized system that actually works for the people it’s meant to serve. Cast your vote and help bring this conversation to Austin!
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 05/08/2025
Big shoutout to @mdhumanservices.bsky.social for launching a one-stop digital shop for benefits! This is a great example of how states are simplifying access to public benefits and making it easier for people to apply for multiple programs in one place. Check it out below!
route-fifty.com
How one state strives to reduce the burden of benefits application for residents
Maryland residents have a new resource to digitally apply for multiple benefits programs, which one official says helps streamline the process and reduces in-person transactions.
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Reposted by Civilla Detroit
Julia Dale @thejuliadale.bsky.social · 30/07/2025
Yesterday @orlandopbailey.bsky.social of @outliermedia.org reminded us that trust and relationship in storytelling aren’t built overnight, but developed over a lifetime. At @civilladetroit.bsky.social this reinforces why our work starts with deep listening, not quick solutions. #HumanCenteredDesign
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 28/07/2025
We are looking for our next design lead to join the team here in Detroit. We encourage anyone passionate about HCD and experienced in leading design teams to consider this role! - civilla.org/careers
civilla.org
Careers
On a mission to build a world-changing workplace. Join a diverse and talented team at Civilla working across research, design, leadership, and operations.
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Civilla Detroit @civilladetroit.bsky.social · 25/07/2025
Looking to connect with orgs improving public benefits? We love the Digital Benefits Ecosystem Directory on the @beeckcenter.bsky.social Digital Hub. It reflects a truth we hold close at Civilla: institutions can be forces for good. Explore the network → digitalgovernmenthub.org/ecosystem/
digitalgovernmenthub.org
Ecosystem Directory and Map - Digital Government Hub
Ecosystem Directory Search the directory or browse and filter by organization type, type of work, and benefit programs. Update existing organizational information or submit your organization to be inc...
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