A New Name, the Same Commitment to Our Community

On January 20, 2026, MARA proudly celebrated the announcement of our name change at the MLK Dream Center, surrounded by valued partners, friends, and community leaders. Founded in 2019 as the Michiana Athletic and Recreation Association, member organizations voted to add “Academic” to our name and the tagline “A Safe Place to Grow and Learn” reflecting the alliance’s increased efforts in literacy, tutoring and academic enrichment to be accessible to all children. At this media event, MARA partners shared why elevating the academic focus of our work is so important and reflected in the meaningful opportunities, partnerships, and connections MARA has helped foster across our community dedicated to the whole development of our city’s children.

To read the full media release: MARA Media Release 2026

We invite you to join us at the next MARA Community meeting on Thursday, March 5 at 6pm (Location to be announced). MARA invites youth-facing organizations to join our alliance as well as community members to volunteer as coaches, mentors and tutors. Additionally, we invite businesses to sponsor our service to youth.

To watch the WNDU News Coverage of the Media Event: https://www.wndu.com/2026/01/20/mara-rebrands-michiana-academic-recreation-alliance/

Community attendees at our media event:  

Clark Power -MARA and Play Like a Champion Today

Kristin Sheehan – MARA and Play Like a Champion Today

Fabian Udoh - MARA

Mariah Smith - MARA

Derrick Perry – MARA Board

Cauzae McCall – Kids First Community Organizer

Milt Lee – South Bend Community School Corporation Athletics

Kate Lee – South Bend School Board and Chamber of Commerce

Karla Lee - South Bend Community School Corporation Curriculum

Yanic McDowell - South Bend Community School Corporation Athletics

Blair Yankee – South Bend Community School Corporation Communications

Duane Wilson – Boys & Girls Club of Northern Indiana Corridor

Randy Kelly – South Bend Mishawaka Leadership

Eleanor McComish – KROC Center

Philiip Williams – Martin Luther King Jr. Dream Center

Gary Demski – South Bend Venues, Parks & Arts

Jennifer Reeves – Pick-A-Ball

Josh Asuquo – South Bend Police Athletic League

Annie Coleman – Notre Dame Sport, Media and Culture Minor