Tag Archives: iCI Nation

Unity over division: iCI Nation Gala unites local officials, police and business owners through a lens of value

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150+ people attended the annual iCI Nation Gala to celebrate local protectors while supporting the mission to unite citizens, police officers and organizational resources to create a stronger and healthier city (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Over 150 local community members recently attended the annual iCI Nation Gala at Venue3Two in Kentwood to celebrate local protectors while supporting the nonprofit’s mission to unite citizens, police officers and organizational resources to create a stronger and healthier city.

In attendance were police officers from seven local departments, city officials from four cities, pastors, probationary youth and business owners. Jennifer Franson, iCI Nation Founder and Executive Director, personally welcomed Gala attendees, thanking them for choosing to invest in a vision of connection over conflict.

“[iCI Nation is] teaching people to see the world and the community through a lens of value,” said Franson. “We’ve created a greenhouse of relationships. We have these relationships and trust, now we’re trying to feed what we want to see grow, and we’re using value to do it.”

iCI Nation is teaching people to see the world through a lens of value (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Strengthened from the inside out

Clarkston Morgan, Kentwood City Commissioner and CEO of Ambassador Consultants LLC, delivered opening and closing remarks at the Gala, stating that iCI Nation and the partnerships formed through the nonprofit are “a family of people who are intentionally choosing unity over division, connection over fear, and faith over frustration.”

iCI Nation has worked to build bridges and facilitate relationships within the community for the last decade. Within the past five years alone, iCI Nation has partnered with 79 local nonprofits, churches and businesses; built bridges with 17 police agencies; and served over 600 officers and community leaders each year.

All police officers in attendance were recognized and thanked at the Gala (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“That’s not charity, that’s impact,” said Morgan. “That’s a city being strengthened from the inside out.”

Morgan went on to say that iCI Nation is changing the culture of how we see one another – but that iCI Nation’s work is not done in isolation.

“Everything happens through partnership,” said Morgan. “…when we pull in the same direction, all in our city thrive, everyone wins, no one is forgotten.”

An agenda of unity

Jennifer Franson, Founder of iCI Nation (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

Though Franson does not have a personal family connection to law enforcement, she has always been aware of the officers who put their lives on the line each day to keep our community safe.

For years, Franson prayed for police officers whenever she heard sirens. She eventually hosted a “Thank You” event for law enforcement in collaboration with a women’s church group. That church event became an annual occurrence, increasing from the original 13 officers to an average of 65 officers each year.

Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom was the Gala keynote speaker (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Now, iCI Nation hosts monthly events for the community and police, including prayer gatherings for the faith community, presentations and lunch and learns. The organization also builds collaborations through various local organizations and events such as the national Faith & Blue campaign.

Franson then spreads the good news of these collaborations through a weekly newsletter, social media and videos.

“These are real connections,” said Grand Rapids Police Chief Eric Winstrom. “Jenn’s agenda literally is unity. It’s unifying us for a more peaceful community.”

iCI Nation was not built on a five-point business plan or a grant proposal, Franson told Gala attendees.

“It was built on relationships and trust and the belief that if we keep feeding those relationships and trust, good things will grow.”

Community, unity and purpose in action

The annual iCI Nation Gala is one of Franson’s favorite times of the year because it is a night of purpose in action.

Franson talks to Gala attendees about the mission of iCI Nation (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“I spend all year meeting you, hearing your stories, trying to tell your stories,” Franson said. “But tonight we get to hear the stories and meet the faces together – and you are beautiful!”

Two such stories were told through a Gala presentation of the 2025 iCI Nation Protector awards.

Wyoming Police Sergeant Jack Tromp received the iCI Nation Officer Protector Award for “going beyond duty to recognize and call out the value of our youth, proving his commitment goes beyond just law enforcement.”

Wyoming Police Sgt. Jack Tromp (left) talks about what serving the community means to him (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

Sgt. Tromp said the award meant a lot to him because of what it represents.

“Building trust and strong relationships between law enforcement and the community has always been a part of what this job is about,” said Tromp. “Over the years, I’ve learned that real change doesn’t come from the badge at all; it comes from showing the person behind it.

“Meeting people where they are, being willing to listen, and seeing things through new perspectives – that’s how we build trust and break down barriers. iCI Nation has done an amazing job helping to build and strengthen those connections.”

Frank Briones, Kent County Juvenile Service Program Director, received the iCI Nation Civilian Protector Award for “his fearless perseverance in bringing healing to our community youth and building stronger police and community collaboration.”

Frank Briones (second from left) and Jenn Franson (third from left) with local youth (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

“I’m on a mission to help our kids, to help our youth, and make sure that I do everything in my power to make sure they succeed,” said Briones. “They are our future.”

The Gala also featured an invocation by 2023 Civilian Protector Award winner Pastor Gregory Amunga of Uptown Assembly of God, a statement honoring Gala police officers, a statement of value to local youth in attendance and a silent auction.

A greenhouse of trust

“Over the years we have grown, and we are building something powerful: relationships rooted in trust that shine a light on the worth of every single person in our city,” said Franson. “Like a greenhouse nurturing life, these connections are growing a culture of belonging and shared resources.

(Courtesy photo)

“This is how we’re rebranding our cities – not with slogans, but with trust and human connection.”

That greenhouse of trust and connection is creating a stronger and healthier city.

“When you invest in iCI Nation, you’re investing in a safer, stronger and more connected Grand Rapids region…a community rooted in trust, service, and love,” said Morgan. “Because that’s what iCI Nation is about.”

Learn more about iCI Nation and how you can help in the organizations’ mission to create stronger and more unified communities here.

iCI Nation Gala Sponsors:

CWD Real Estate Investment, Jerry and Linda Lind, Karen and Dwight Strayer, Grand Rapids Police Department, DLS Servicing, Consider: LLC, KeyBank, Siegel Jewelers, Marge’s Donut Den, Acts Gospel Outreach Ministry, Grand Rapids Police Foundation, Boldly Told Video & Photography, Barbara Jean VanStee, Doug Clarke, Tommy Brann and Denis Bennett.

Safeguarding our youth: Community connections forged to aid local juvenile services reform

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Twenty-five representatives from various organizations gathered at Neland Avenue Church to collaborate and share about local efforts to safeguard our youth (Courtesy, iCI Nation)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Jennifer Franson, Founder and Executive Director of iCI Nation (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

Wyoming resident and founder of iCI Nation, Jennifer Franson, is dedicated to strengthening communities by building relationships and trust between local police and community members. This mission is achieved through the work of iCI Nation on a daily basis.

Franson hosted an informal meet and greet in August with Kent County Juvenile Services (KCJS), the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) South Service Area and various nonprofit organizations in the South Service Area.

The idea was born from an iCI Nation Lunch N Learn event in March featuring KCJS and the GRPD.

“I learned about Juvenile Services and how they are changing their system, looking to be much more reformative with kids, and looking to change and work with the community in new ways,” said Franson.

Knowing KCJS staff would benefit from knowing more about resources and nonprofits already available in the community, Franson began doing what she does best – forging connections.

“We want them to be able to learn about all of you,” Franson said during the meet and greet introduction, “but also, we’re going to learn about each other. If nothing else, this is encouraging for us to see and learn all the good that’s happening in our city.”

Creating partnerships

Twenty-five representatives from various organizations gathered at Neland Avenue Church to collaborate and share about local efforts to safeguard our youth.

“We are all here because we are all protecting and serving the city,” said Franson. “You guys are invested physically, mentally [and] financially in protecting and serving the city.”

Awareness of community resources allows for multiple avenues of reform (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

Jana Forner, Captain of the Grand Rapids Police East Service Area, echoed Franson’s sentiments, saying that being aware of services available in the community helps law enforcement determine whether a situation is best resolved with reformatory action, connections to resources or enforcement action.

“Bringing everyone together regularly helps you serve the community, us serve the community, and then create partnerships to help our communities,” said Forner. “In this case, juvenile justice. This is just the first step in making sure we all can collaborate now and in the future.”

Intentional and focused efforts

Chris Burgess, Community Probation Supervisor for Kent County, highlighted several areas of reform currently happening in the court system due to juvenile justice reform legislation passed in 2023 by the Michigan State Legislature. The legislation gave courts increased opportunities to incorporate community-based services that are research-driven, evidence-based and culturally appropriate.

Intentional programming and positive interactions help keep youth on the right path (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

“Programs that qualify underneath those different labels and documents are really what the state is looking for to evolve our kids in the community and provide rehabilitative services and potential alternatives for those kids so that we don’t keep them in detention,” said Burgess.

The court’s efforts have become much more intentional and focused on putting forward principles and programming that generate quality interactions and help youth build skills to cope with certain aspects of life, find resources, navigate the decision-making process and be solution-oriented.

After-school and evening programming that provide positive activities and interactions are essential to helping youth stay on the right path.

(Left to right) Chris Burgess, Frank Briones, Sandra Vanderhyde and Cara Lemmen (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

Frank Briones, Program Director for Kent County Juvenile Services, develops this programming through collaborations and partnerships with community businesses and organizations. But developing relationships with our youth, Briones said, is the most essential component.

“Trust, rapport, and respect is big for us in building those relationships with our kids. Having that trust, having that rapport is huge.”

Protecting and serving…together

Building relationships and trust, Franson said, is vital for any reform to be successful.

“This is our government partnering with you because they want to better serve everybody and call out the value in everybody – even our troubled youth,” said Franson. “The system isn’t perfect, but we’re here and excited to partner with them.”

Building relationships and trust is vital in generating change (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

Among those looking to provide positive life-changing resources and programming and help eliminate barriers for youth were representatives from several local nonprofits.

Information and resources offered by these nonprofits can be found at the links below:

Progress, not perfection

GRPD Captain Jana Forner (left), Jenn Franson and Amanda Afman (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

For Franson, the identity of a city is not one of perfection.

Looking at event participants, Franson said, “It’s this. It’s people who [say]: ‘We are a community, we’re a family and we’re going to do what we can, even sacrifice ourselves, our time, our talents, our treasures to benefit the city and everybody.’

“This really calls out the value of everyone…and I thank you all for protecting and serving together to make this city great.”

iCI Nation connects police and community members during annual Wyoming Fire Truck Pull event

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Fire Truck Pull (Courtesy, iCI Nation)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


The annual Wyoming Truck Pull took place at ResLife Church on Saturday, June 14. Coordinated by the Wyoming PD, this yearly event was a fundraiser for the Law Enforcement Torch Fun for Special Olympics Michigan.

Among the festivities was the popular fire truck pull competition. iCI Nation, a local non-profit dedicated to connecting police and community in positive ways, took part in the competition with a 10-member team sponsored by Siegel Jewelers.

The iCI Nation team consisted of local police officers, probation officers, surveillance officers, juvenile detention workers and youth. The team won a trophy for Most Money Raised for the fundraiser.

“Making history, not with our time, but our people!” said iCI Executive Director Jennifer Franson.

  • Fire Truck Pull (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • iCI Nation founder and executive director Jenn Franson introduces the fire truck pull team (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • Fire Truck Pull (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • Fire Truck Pull (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • Fire Truck Pull (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • Fire Truck Pull (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • iCI Nation team won the trophy for Most Money Raised (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • Jenn Franson (left) plays tug-of-war with a Wyoming K9 (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

iCI Nation thanks Siegel Jewelers for sponsoring their team, and the Wyoming PD for coordinating the Special Olympics fundraiser.

“Lunch n Learn” event forges connections between local police, community and city officials

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Over 70 community members, city and county officials, and law enforcement officers attended the iCI Nation “Lunch n Learn” event on March 12 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Over 70 community members, city and county officials, and law enforcement officers attended the iCI Nation “Lunch n Learn” event on March 12.

Held at the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD), iCI Nation Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Franson hosted the Lunch n Learn event as a way for law enforcement and community to meet and build relationships.

Jennifer Franson welcomes community members to the iCI Nation Lunch n Learn at the GRPD (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“The goal of this right now is building relationships and trust,” said Franson. “Our vision is to unify the city as we protect and serve together.”

iCI Nation has been building successful partnerships between community and law enforcement since 2016. The local nonprofit is dedicated to providing a healthy environment that brings citizens, police officers and organizational resources together to create a stronger and healthier city.

Value in connections

Franson urges police and community to build connections over the shared value of protecting and serving together. Lunch n Learn events are a way to facilitate those connections.

“I want to call out the value of all of you,” Franson said to event attendees. “I want you to try to see each other through that; the value you have, the value they have, and how you – together – are working on the same team.”

GRPD Police Chief Eric Winstrom talks about the value of connections (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

GRPD Police Chief Eric Winstrom sought out genuine connections when he first came to West Michigan. However, being seen as human beings – and not just as the uniform police officers wear – is a challenge, Winstrom said.

“To have people like Jenn Franson who give us the opportunities to connect with people on a regular basis like this, to have easy conversations, positive conversations, but also higher conversations – that’s super vital to the success that we’re seeing,” said Winstrom.

Advocating for our youth

Frank Briones (center) with local youth from his program (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

Advocating for Kent County youth was the focus of the Lunch n Learn event.

Event speakers included GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom, Kent County Youth Caseworker Frank Briones, and GRPD Victims Advocate Clorissa Novak.

“Everybody in this room wearing a uniform wants so badly to never put handcuffs on a young person,” said Winstrom. “We want to deal with the root causes. This is not an us against them. We want the best, especially for our kids.”

Briones has worked with Kent County youth for over 20 years. Like Winstrom, Briones realizes the youth coming through his door are not defined by crimes written on an admission form. Often, they come from harmful environments and are struggling.

(Left to right) Peter MacGregor, Jennifer Franson and Lisa Posthumus Lyons (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

“It’s not their fault,” said Briones. “I try to advocate for them, I try to help them as much as I can.

“These kids, they’re our future. We made a commitment to be consistent with our youth, to go above and beyond to help them.”

Franson urges the community to think of the hearts and stories behind the headlines.

“We hear the bad [and] we don’t think of the people, the humans behind [the headlines],” said Franson.

Tragedy turns to triumph when we reserve judgement, said Briones. “We have to show [youth] that this is not the end of the line, that there is hope.”

Supporting victims of crime

Clorissa Novak, Victim Services Coordinator at GRPD, supports victims after they experience crime.

The social worker-led program focuses on information, support and resources to make sure victims have what they need both physically and emotionally. Education, Novak added, is also a vital component because many victims of crime do not know their rights.

Chief Winstrom (left) stands in the iCI Nation Kids Closet (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

“We are here to make sure people understand what they can expect, help manage expectations, and then support them in a time where our first responders and investigators are doing what they have to do to try to get justice.”

Novak went on to say that the iCI Nation Kids Closet at the GRPD is instrumental in ensuring victims have physical needs such as clothing, toys, backpacks and more.

(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“It is just meeting folks where they are and trying to make sure that they’re not falling through the gaps,” said Novak. “That they have what they need to get back to that pre-crisis state of function.”

The key to success, Novak said, is collaboration.

“Spread the word,” said Novak. “Let people know that we’re here, that we’re safe folks to talk to.”

Winstrom emphasized the GRPD’s commitment to protect everyone. “We want you to know that if you’re in danger, if you’re being victimized, you can call us.”

Engagement, Collaboration, Partnership 

Topics discussed included restorative vs. punitive justice, self-care and needs of individuals and organizations working with youth. Engagement, collaboration and partnership were emphasized repeatedly throughout the discussions.

Engagement, collaboration and partnership are vital to successfully unifying our cities (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

“Community engagement is huge,” said Novak. “People being willing to collaborate, to help our folks or create pathways for referrals is huge. The more relationships we can build the better.”

Briones said he will work with “anyone, anytime, anyplace” to help youth – even when it is hard.

“Sometimes we don’t want to get up and go,” said Briones. “But we do it anyway. We go, one foot in front of the other. We go because they are dependent on us.

“It takes support, love, caring and compassion to help these young people become better people.”

Positive conversations and connections produce support and unity (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

When asked about the GRPD’s greatest need, Winstrom gestured toward event attendees.

“This,” said Winstrom. “More more things like this where we connect on a positive level and work together.

“When the community supports us, we’re all winning. It’s not us against them…we’re co-producing the safest city we can.”

Value & Authenticity = Change

Franson said bringing value and authentic care and love to youth always makes a difference.

“You guys all have it, you guys are all doing it, and I hope that encourages you,” said Franson. “We’re all in this together. We’re all neighbors, we’re all community. We’re working together for each other.”

Kurt (left) often visits with local youth, making them feel valued (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

Winstrom agreed: “You’re doing the work; stick with it. It may be difficult, but these kids need adults in their lives who care. That’s going to make all the difference.”

“We have to finish the race,” said Briones. “What we start, we finish. When we can do it together, that’s even better.”

To learn more about iCI Nation, click here. For more information on the iCI Nation Kids Closet, contact Clorissa Novak at cnovak@grcity.us or 616-456-3360.

Lunch n Learn Sponsors

Event sponsors included Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker, Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons and Kent County Treasurer Peter MacGregor. Lunch was provided by The Candied Yam.

Wyoming PD receives heartfelt thank you from community and iCI Nation

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Community members took turns verbally expressing gratitude for Wyoming police officers and their service to the community (Courtesy, iCI Nation)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Wyoming police officers were the recipients of heartfelt appreciation and gratitude from community members on Thursday, Dec. 12.

While snow, wind and ice descended upon West Michigan – closing numerous schools and forcing many residents to work from home – Wyoming police officers donned uniforms and reported for duty.

As officers filed into the police station at 7 a.m. for a routine training session, they were met by 15 community members who took turns verbally expressing gratitude for the officers’ service to the community.

WPD officers listen as presentation participants share their personal ties to the law enforcement community (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

Coordinated by iCI Nation founder Jennifer Franson and sponsored by W2W Healthy You, the Christmas Connect presentation featured a hot breakfast prepared by Wyoming Police Chief Kim Koster, Captain Eric Wiler, and Captain Tim Pols, as well as over several dozen donuts from Marge’s Donut Den.

“In the spirit of the season, we get to lead with peace and goodwill,” said Franson in supplied material.

Voicing gratitude

In a show of love and support, local community members – including residents, pastors, media professionals, nonprofit leaders, and more – honored the gathered police officers by each voicing an individual thank you, sharing personal ties to the law enforcement community, and praying over the officers before leaving.

(Courtesy, iCI Nation)

“All of these people came here, in this weather, because they understand and appreciate everything you do,” Franson told the WPD officers during the presentation. “We know that you all are going out and dealing with things every day that we don’t want to have to deal with.”

(Courtesy, iCI Nation)

Franson went on to say that it is important for local law enforcement officers to know that the community recognizes and supports their work as they put their lives on the line each day to keep our community safe.

“We want you to know that we’ve got your back,” one community member told WPD officers during the presentation.

Strengthening our cities

iCI Nation has been building successful partnerships between community and law enforcement since 2016. The local nonprofit is dedicated to providing a healthy environment that brings citizens, police officers and organizational resources together to create a stronger and healthier city.

“ICI reignites police hearts and passion for the mission of protecting and serving,” says Wyoming Police Chief Kim Koster. (iCI Nation website)

  • Javon Sanders (front) of the GRPD talks with WPD officers (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • Tracy, W2W Healthy You Lead Education Instructor, explains to officers how their work positively impacts youth (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
  • (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
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Those connections are forged through monthly iCI Nation events for the community and police, including prayer gatherings for the faith community, presentations, and lunch and learns. The organization also builds collaborations through various local organizations and events.

Craig G. Founder of the PeaceWalker Project says, “The difference that iCI has made in this community is nothing short of extraordinary.” (iCI Nation website)

Learn more about iCI Nation and how you can help honor local law enforcement here.

(Courtesy, iCI Nation)

Strengthening our cities: iCI Nation builds bridges between community and local law enforcement

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iCI Nation founder Jennifer Franson (second from left) has spent the last decade building bridges between community and law enforcement (Courtesy, iCI Nation)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


First responders connect with community members at Resurrection Fellowship Church (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

iCI Nation has been building successful partnerships between community and law enforcement since 2016. The local nonprofit is dedicated to providing a healthy environment that brings citizens, police officers and organizational resources together to create a stronger and healthier city.

Leading that mission is iCI Nation Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Franson.

“We’re building relationships and trust between cops and community to strengthen the city,” said Franson. “That’s our mission. We’re building the connections and we’re building the bridges over the shared value of how we protect and serve together.

“It’s really just a reframing of value,” Franson continued. “Our shared value of how we protect and serve together.”

iCI Nation board member BJ (Barbara) VanStee agreed. “We support the community, we support the officers, and we try to bring them together and show our appreciation for all that they do for the community.”

A way to do more

Though Franson does not have a personal family connection to law enforcement, she has always been aware of the officers who put their lives on the line each day to keep our community safe.

Kentwood police officers connect with youth in the Kentwood Young Life group (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

For years, Franson prayed for law enforcement officers whenever she heard sirens, believing that was all she could do for them.

A women’s church group discussion regarding community connections prompted Franson to suggest hosting a “thank you” event for law enforcement. Franson emailed police chiefs at several local departments, requesting participation. Thirteen officers from five different departments attended.

However, as Franson met the officers at the event venue, an unexpected complication arose as she explained what was about to happen.

A Kentwood officer talks with a Kentwood Young Life youth (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

“You’re going to go in to lights, music, and a standing ovation from the women,” Franson told the officers. “We’re going to tell you why we appreciate you, have kids do a song and dance, pray over you and have cookies and coffee.”

The officers asked what they needed to do.

Franson explained the process again.

Again, the officers asked what they needed to do.

Franson finally asked, “What aren’t you getting? Don’t you get invited by the community just to say thank you?”

The answer was a resounding no; law enforcement officers were only invited by communities to talk about neighborhood or policy issues.

Franson was stunned – and determined to launch a community-wide change.

Generating change – without an agenda

The church event became an annual occurrence, increasing from those original 13 officers to an average of 65 officers each year.

“Our biggest year we had 95 officers there from over 20 different departments,” said Franson. “Our normal average got up to about 65.”

During a Faith & Blue event, Grand Rapids SWAT and local youth connected during a basketball game hosted by Rev. Darryl S. Gaddy Sr. of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church (Courtesy, Pastor Gaddy)

The reason it grew, Franson continued, was due to trust.

“It built trust with the police community once they realized we didn’t have any agenda,” said Franson.

Though the women prayed over the police officers, the main event activity was presenting each department with a banner saying, Thank you to our protectors.

“All the women signed it and wrote personal notes on it,” said Franson. “And that was it. There was never any other agenda other than to thank them, and that really made an impact.”

Local youth keep the GR SWAT team on their toes during the game at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church (Courtesy, Pastor Gaddy)

The women began taking prayerful ownership of the police, and the officers began trusting the women.

“It was like a community becoming a family,” Franson said. “Somehow these ‘crazy church women’ made a difference.”

Franson became known as “Police Jen” by the community, often looked to for information about local law enforcement happenings.

For almost a decade, iCI Nation has provided a healthy environment for the community to build trust with law enforcement as they unite in their efforts to protect and serve local cities.

iCI Nation founder Jennifer Franson (left) prepares to spread good news on camera (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

iCI Nation hosts monthly events for the community and police, including prayer gatherings for the faith community, presentations, and lunch and learns. The organization also builds collaborations through various local organizations and events such as the national Faith & Blue campaign.

Franson then spreads the good news of these collaborations through a weekly email, social media and videos.

Building understanding through appreciation

Franson and VanStee both believe that showing appreciation for law enforcement is vital to officers understanding that the community knows and appreciates what they do.

First responders were treated to a Thanksgiving luncheon hosted by Pastor Gary Hankins at Resurrection Fellowship Church (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“We pray for them quite frequently,” says VanStee. “I am thankful for all that the officers do in the community to keep us safe.”

Building credibility with the law officers is also essential.

“We build credibility that the officers sent to our event will feel safe,” says Franson. “I want to honor them for agreeing to be the venue for this [collaboration].”

Learn more about iCI Nation and how you can help honor local law enforcement here.