Tag Archives: non-profits

Digital tools help seniors manage health at Care Resources

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Care Resources resident Alma interacts with her digital pet on care.coach (Courtesy, Care Resources)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


The Care Resources team often hears, “Now I don’t have to be so lonely!” when introducing participants, ages 55 years and older, to their very own digital dog or cat.

The digital companion is a care.coach Avatar™ on an easy-to-use tablet that provides 24/7 companionship, video visits, health monitoring, medication reminders and more. Measurable benefits include reductions in emergency room visits, falls, loneliness and depression that lead to improved health outcomes in older adults.

Remote health coaching and monitoring capabilities are valuable, in addition to providing social-emotional outcomes (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Garth Falkins helped Care Resources – a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, or PACE® – first deploy care.coach during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic to support participants when in-person programs were suspended. Falkins says the remote health coaching and monitoring capabilities continue to be valuable today, in addition to the social-emotional outcomes.

“The device conducts daytime check-ins every few hours, engaging the participant to see if they are doing well, in addition to silent checks during evening hours for any noise or movement that could be cause for concern,” said Falkins, Recreational Therapy Manager at Care Resources.

“There’s a real person behind the avatar, not an artificial intelligence bot, on standby to interact with participants through the device so we can quickly get eyes on them and evaluate the situation.”

A complement to in-person services

At Care Resources, various technology-based devices are used to complement the wide array of in-person services the nonprofit provides to enable older adults to stay safe while living independently in their own homes. Falkins says the digital tools help staff better manage participants’ overall health, while providing caregivers greater reassurance about their loved one living independently.

“Technology is a valuable tool in our toolbox for older adults to promote healthy and independent living,” said Falkins. “At Care Resources, technology such as care.coach has served as an extension of our team, allowing us to continually assess needs and be more proactive, which is showing definite benefits.”

Those benefits include enhanced safety and peace of mind for both participants and their loved ones. With care.coach alone, Care Resources has achieved a nearly 80% reduction in ER visits and a 50% reduction in falls among participants.

Care Resources participant Helene interacts with the interactive game projection system called Tovertafel (Courtesy, Care Resources)

Care Resources also utilizes It’s Never 2 Late, or iN2L, by LifeLoop, which delivers wellness-focused digital content intended to engage older adults. This includes games, travel videos, worship content, music and more.

Care Resources uses iN2L to enhance social activity programming and therapy sessions to help participants have fun while reaching therapeutic goals at one of its two West Michigan day centers.

Yet another technology used by Care Resources is Tovertafel by Tover, an interactive game projection system that uses purposeful play to provide social, physical and cognitive stimulation for seniors living with dementia. Games can be played individually or in a larger group at the day center to promote movement, social interaction and happiness.

“iN2L and Tovertafel enhance our programming and can be utilized for various therapies and educational purposes,” Falkins said. “We’ve seen the technology help participants improve their mobility and hand-eye coordination, among other benefits.”

Additional digital resources

For those not in a program such as Care Resources, Falkins says cell phones, phone apps and smart watches are a few common tools he sees used by older adults and their loved ones for health and safety monitoring and social connection.

Cell phones can also be used to help aging adults (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

One popular product is the GrandPad, a tablet designed to help aging adults enjoy calls, photos, music and games. Falkins has also seen families equip virtual assistants such as Alexa and home monitoring systems to check on loved ones.

A word of caution

While technology can be a great tool for health care professionals and loved ones of older adults, Falkins cautions against entirely relying on it.

“Technology cannot replace the need for human connection and physical touch,” he said. “In-person visits, hugs and meaningful interactions will always be super important.”

Find out more!

For more information about Care Resources, call 800-610-6299 or visit CareResources.org.

A friend in the end: Hospice volunteer and pup provide companionship

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Volunteer Deb Vazquez and dog Cocoa with patient Betty (Courtesy, Emmanuel Hospice)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


For Deb Vazquez, being a volunteer for Emmanuel Hospice is about ensuring patients have “a friend in the end.” It is about providing a friendly face and a caring hand to hold, offering comfort and compassion at the end of life.

Volunteering is about providing a friendly face and a caring hand to hold (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Vazquez began serving as a hospice volunteer earlier in 2025 – along with her husband Tony and their dog Cocoa – as a way to give back. Having experienced parents in hospice, most recently with Tony’s parents in Florida, the couple has seen the benefits of volunteering firsthand.

They found Emmanuel through an online search for hospice in their area and learned the nonprofit is always looking for new volunteers, especially pet visitors. They promptly signed up and completed the volunteer training, Cocoa included.

Vazquez said it has been incredibly rewarding for the whole family.

“The impact of pet visits is amazing,” she said. “Patients absolutely love Cocoa. She’s small enough to sit on people’s laps, and will gaze into their eyes. Patients like to talk or hum to her and pet her. Cocoa just has a great temperament and loves the attention.”

Simple gestures = Profound impact

In addition to visits with Cocoa, Vazquez meets patients one-on-one. In that capacity, she has found the simplest gestures can have a profound impact.

Patients recognize kindness even if they may not be able to talk back to volunteers (Courtesy, Adobe Stock)

“Just holding hands is huge,” said Vazquez. “A couple of patients love when I bring lavender-scented lotion to rub on their hands. It is sweet to see the calm it can bring to them.

“Talking to patients seems to make a difference, too. Even if they are noncommunicative, I’ll get a smile or a hand squeeze back that tells me they know someone is there for them and cares.”

Vazquez is intentional about learning about each person’s life story so she can find ways to personalize visits. Volunteer Coordinator Holly Salas said it is clear Vazquez “cares deeply” about the patients she sees.

“Deb goes above and beyond,” Salas said. “She brings patients treats and flowers, plays music for them and seeks out connection in any way she can. She recently reconnected one of our patients with family members, which was very meaningful to them.”

Childhood foods and marathon gaming

Having an interest in genealogy, Vazquez was eager to help the patient look into his family history and reconnected him with relatives.

“It started with connecting over foods he grew up with living on a farm like I did,“ Vazquez explained. “With permission from his dietitian, I was able to bring him food from his childhood. That brought up a lot of memories and family member names that he hadn’t been able to remember.

“It was just fantastic. You start with talking about something as innocuous as food we enjoyed as kids to find common ground, and then suddenly it’s opening doors to new ways to make someone’s day a little brighter.”

Simple things like food and games can spark long-forgotten memories (Courtesy, Adobe Stock)

Vazquez discovered another patient loves playing games. They now have a three-week game of Monopoly going. That patient also loves playing games with Cocoa.

“The patient will toss dog bones around her room, so Cocoa has to search them out,” Vazquez said. “She gets a real kick out of Cocoa doing this sort of hide and seek.”

Volunteer registration and orientation

To those interested in volunteering with a hospice organization, Vazquez said it is natural to wonder about what it will be like. However, Vazquez assures that any worries will be “far outweighed by the moments of joy you’ll bring.”

To learn more about volunteering with Emmanuel Hospice, email EHvolunteer@EmmanuelHospice.org or call 616-719-0919 and ask for Holly.

An in-person orientation to onboard new volunteers will be offered from 1-4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at the nonprofit’s Grand Rapids office.

More information can be found at EmmanuelHospice.org/volunteer.

Retriever Fever: PAWS to host annual competition between Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever fans

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(Courtesy, PAWS)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


West Michigan families and their four-legged best friends are invited to attend Paws With A Cause’s fourth annual Retriever Fever! This free, dog-friendly gathering will take place on Saturday, Sept. 21, at Riverside Park located at 2001 Monroe Ave NE in Grand Rapids.

What to expect

This event is centered around a friendly competition between Labrador Retriever and Golden Retriever fans with retriever races, raffles, and merchandise sales contributing to deciding which dog breed is named “Top Dog” and raises the most money for PAWS.

Retriever Fever will also include food trucks, games and activities, local community vendors, Dog CPR/First Aid Demonstrations by Blue Pearl Pet Hospital, Pet Headshots by Tailwagger Dog Photography, and the opportunity to get your dog’s nails trimmed. Attendees will also be able to hear about the life-changing impact of a PAWS Assistance Dog from a Client Speaker and see PAWS Assistance Dogs in action through demonstrations.

Dogs enjoy the Retriever Fever Race on the day of the event (Courtesy, PAWS)

“We’re so excited to be hosting this event back to our community for a fourth year in a row,” said Kristy Blackmore, Special Events Manager at PAWS. “There are new additions this year including dog nail trims, CPR demonstrations, new community vendors, and new PAWS Dogs to meet.

“It’s going to be a fun day. We hope people bring their dogs join in on the excitement!”

Supporting the PAWS mission

Opportunities to support the PAWS non-profit in their mission to serve people with disabilities through assistance dogs are available through event sponsorships and donations.

A PAWS Assistance Dog rests at the feet of its owner (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“Thank you to our incredible event sponsors, Blue Pearl Pet Hospital, Dan Vos Construction, Outfront Media, and Chrispy Media. With their support, we’re able to host events like these and continue our mission.”

More information about Retriever Fever can be found here.

Forgotten Girls: Local non-profit empowers young women in Africa through small acts of kindness

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Cardinal Otunga: First Esther’s Hope Cohort, Lilian Majimbo (center left) and Madam Angela with the Form 4 Group (Courtesy, EHM)



By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Local pastor and founder of the nonprofit Esther’s Hope Ministries (EHM), Joan Cornelison, is changing the lives of young women in Africa – one girl at a time.

Every day, young women are dropping through the poverty cracks in Africa. EHM’s mission is to change the destinies of these young women, ages 13-18, through academic scholarships and mentoring services.

A life of quiet service

EHM was named in honor of Cornelison’s mother, Esther Jonathan Wandeka.

“My mother was a very compassionate woman. After she died, we discovered she had secretly been educating people’s children,” said Cornelison.

Students pump water (Courtesy, EHM)

As people stepped forward to reveal how Esther walked alongside them, Cornelison began to think about her own life.

“When I looked at what a difference my mother made in people’s lives, it kept calling to me,” said Cornelison. “I wasn’t satisfied with climbing the corporate ladder. I wanted to make a difference.”

In 2016, Cornelison chose to step out of her comfort zone and established Esther’s Hope, investing the modest inheritance she received from her mother into the lives of disadvantaged young women.

Women in Africa often come from homes of polygamous parents with 30+ children. This makes it extremely difficult for families to survive, much less gain an education.

“I decided, in honor of my mother, I am going to educate 10 girls,” said Cornelison. “I’m going to go to the nearest school in the village where she was born, and I’m going to look for girls who truly need financial support. I cannot save the world, but I can make a difference in 10 lives.”

Over time, EHM has been able to increase that number to 100 annual sponsorships.

One simple act of kindness

Born in a rural village in Kenya, Esther’s prospects for a successful future were dim. One of eleven children, Esther grew up in a traditional male-dominated culture.

However, the trajectory of her life changed through one simple act of kindness.

Githeri students having lunch (Courtesy, EHM)

An American missionary came to Kenya, noticed Esther’s family was struggling, and provided funds to educate Esther and her sister.

“Because of that missionary, she was able to establish herself and become a leader in the nation,” said Cornelison.

Esther became part of the first airlift after Kenya gained independence in 1963. She completed her studies in the U.S. and traveled back to Kenya to serve her home country.

Because of Esther’s influence, EHM is now changing an entire culture.

Breaking the cycle of poverty

EHM gives underprivileged young women in Africa the opportunity to break out of the cycle of poverty and achieve successful futures.

“My prayer is that every girl we take through this program will be a leader in their own right, will be able to impact their own community, maybe change perspectives,” said Cornelison.

Girls hold up letters written as part of the scholarship application process (Courtesy, EHM)

Cornelison intentionally seeks out young women from rural areas of Kenya where tradition continues to dictate their lack of worth.

“I meet girls who cannot look you in the eye because, in traditional cultures, the girls don’t really matter,” said Cornelison, adding that many men only acknowledge sons as their children.

In those male-leaning communities, women are expected to live quietly – and they do.

“When I interview them, I have to keep lifting their chin so they look at me,” said Cornelison. “I remind them that they’re beautifully and wonderfully made by God Himself.”

Ole Tipis Girls listening intently during class (Courtesy, EHM)

Cornelison studies the girls in their first year of high school to see who struggles financially. The second year, Cornelison and her team visit communities in Kenya, interviewing girls for prospective scholarships.

EHM does not provide 100% support, choosing instead to come alongside the girls as partners.

“They just need a hand up. I think we do a disservice when we treat people like total destitutes who have nothing to contribute,” said Cornelison.

“They have potential. Not a single child has been unable to meet their 50%. They do their part.”

An emotional investment

Cornelison is not shy about her emotional investment in the EHM young women.

“These girls fill me with such joy,” said Cornelison. “For me, every girl is that one girl. I cannot save everybody. But I can make a difference in one life.”

Joan Cornelison (center) and Girls OTGHS in 2019 (Courtesy, EHM)

With that care comes mutual respect.

“By the fourth year, they are all calling me ‘mummy,’” said Cornelison. “Because they look to me as a mom, they listen.”

Cornelison utilizes that relationship to help the women recognize their worth and potential.

“We remind them who they are. It’s not what society says you are, it’s what your Maker says you are,” said Cornelison.

By the fourth year of high school, the girls feel a sense of accomplishment. That sense of worth is important as they strive to find the financial resources needed to complete their schooling.

Esther’s Hope students plant trees (Courtesy, EHM)

“The Kenyan employment system is terrible,” said Cornelison. “Sometimes you have to bribe to get a job, and sometimes you have to sell yourself to get a job.”

Because many Kenyans are affluent, the culture of sugar daddies has crept in. Men will pay for several girls’ education, but they are kept women.

Cornelison reminds the girls that they do not need to settle for that life. Instead, EHM girls often sell secondhand clothing or vegetables, or clean homes to fund their education.

Cornelison worked as a janitor to make ends meet when founding EHM.

“I use my example to say, don’t be too proud. Any work that you do as a Christian woman is noble.”

And the girls are thriving

Cornelison has seen the transformation of shy girls who cannot lift their heads to confident women with careers.

“Don’t judge a book by its cover,” said Cornelison. “Every child has potential.”

Students of Home Science lighting Jikos during practical exam (Courtesy, EHM)

That transformation benefits the girls’ families as well.

“In Kenya we help our parents; it’s tradition. If you get a good job, everybody’s going to eat. Families are changing because these girls are finally reaching their full potential.”

It also produces cultural change.

But it will take time

Though some tribal practices are inhumane, the traditions are deeply rooted. Opposition from outside the tribe is not welcome.

Esther’s Hope mission trip in January 2019 (Courtesy, EHM)

“But if one of their own becomes successful, they understand the culture and perhaps can communicate a little better,” said Cornelison.

“Change takes a long time. But because this first girl’s mind has been transformed, the children she raises will be raised differently. Their minds will be transformed, and that will continue until they get to a place where positive change truly exists.”

Planting those seeds

Cornelison looks at the EHM girls and knows this is only the beginning.

Esther’s Hope: Kolanya Girls’ SS Class of 2018 (Courtesy, EHM)

“Judge not by what you sow. If you touch one girl’s life, she will touch another, and so on,” said Cornelison.

“I believe change will happen, but I can only take charge of what I feel my calling is. I’m doing my part, instilling in these young women that we are seeds planted in the world to make a difference.”

For more information about EHM and how you can help the young women of Kenya, click here.

About Joan Cornelison

Joan Cornelison grew up in Kenya, East Africa with her parents and four siblings. She is an ordained minister, conference speaker, and currently serves as the Vice President of Spiritual Care and Church Partnerships at Baruch Senior Ministries.

As You Are: Local non-profit supports at-risk youth facing homelessness through unique programming

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AYA Youth Collective has created a unique model of programming that has proven effective in helping at-risk youth (Courtesy, AYA)



By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Youth homelessness is rising, and AYA Youth Collective is rising to the challenge by providing support for at-risk youth in the Grand Rapids area.

The local non-profit organization has been building their resources to help youth ages 14-24. Working with youth and community partners to break cycles of homelessness, AYA centers their mission around the voices of local youth.

(Courtesy, AYA)

AYA stands for As You Are, and is a commitment that every youth will find resources and authentic relationships. The organization believes that building relationships, identifying valuable resources, and finding safety come from being accepted and celebrated as you are.

Rising to the challenge

In 2012, AYA founders Jonathan and Lauren VanKeulen met two young men experiencing homelessness and asked how they could help. The answer?

Housing.

At the time, there were only two apartments (four beds) devoted to ages 18-24 in the Grand Rapids area.

“We have over 200 youth sleeping outside every month in Grand Rapids, or in emergency shelters,” said Andy Allen, Vice President of Advancement at AYA Youth Collective.

(Courtesy, AYA)

The VanKeulens quit their jobs and bought a duplex from the Kent County Land Bank – now the State Land Bank Authority – for $10,000. The VanKeulens lived on one side of the duplex while the young men lived on the other.

The couple asked the men how they could help them achieve stability. The answer was immediate: a mentor, affordable rent, and housing that is not time-limited.

With that feedback, the VanKeulen’s formed 3:11 Youth Housing available to ages 18-24.

The housing program rent is set at $300 a month. Twelve mentors live with the youth in those homes. Weekly house dinners and one-on-one talks to create life goals and assist with financial literacy, therapy, etc. are required.

“93% of our youth exit our housing program into stability because of that diligent relationship-focused, agency-compelling work that says, You’re the author of your story – where do you want to go next? Let’s figure out how to get there.”

In 2014, Mars Hill Church created Grand Rapids HQ, a drop-in center where youth can get away from the noise of life.

  • AYA drop-in center (Courtesy, AYA)
  • AYA drop-in center (Courtesy, AYA)
  • AYA drop-in center(Courtesy, AYA)
  • AYA drop-in center (Courtesy, AYA)
  • AYA drop-in center (Courtesy, AYA)
  • AYA drop-in center (Courtesy, AYA)

“Every place they went to would be designed for adults or little children,” said Allen. “It’s vitally important to create this space where youth can go.”

3:11 and HQ merged in January 2020. Since then, the organization has grown to 12 homes and 35+ community partners that help with financial literacy, counseling, therapy, drivers training, medical, psychological and mental health care, access to education and employment services – and more.

The drop-in center welcomes ages 14-24, and offers free services such as food, laundry, showers, hygiene products and clothes. AYA recently expanded drop-in center hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays for ages 14-18.

Equal parts head and heart

The drop-in center and mentor housing is a unique model for helping at-risk youth.

“In terms of long-term, low-barrier housing for youth ages 18-24, there’s not really another place in Grand Rapids like it,” Allen said.

Though Allen would like to have more beds available for youth, he also knows the importance of sustainable growth.

“The people who work here are industry experts and understand what it takes to get a young person from instability to stability,” said Allen. “AYA is a special place that does good work that is equal parts head and heart. That’s really important.”

(Courtesy, AYA)

Finding paths to stability

AYA is on track to see 700 youth this year. Approximately 2000 youth in Grand Rapids are experiencing a level of instability.

Aging out of foster care, being born into poverty, inflation and being kicked out due to identifying as LGBTQ+ are only some of the reasons there are so many at-risk youth.

“80% of our youth are people of color, 40% identify as LGBTQ+. We talk about that openly, and that belonging is vital, and also that systemic injustice and discrimination are still present.”

AYA strives to ensure that youth immediately know they belong when they walk into the drop-in center.

“That’s the work – to figure out how we can support every single young person that walks in the door and make sure they get resources, accountability, grace, and circles of support in their lives,” said Allen.

Ultimately, the youth need to choose those resources and relationships. AYA is there to remind them that they are the author of their story – and what they want is possible.

And Grand Rapids needs them, Allen says.

“Grand Rapids needs their voice, their intellect, their contributions. Reminding them of that is vitally important.”

Patience and consistency

(Courtesy, AYA)

Allen said AYA is slow, diligent work. Relationships and trust are formed by asking about the needs of each individual – and listening to the answer.

“We want to be relationship-focused, but also innovative, thoughtful and equitable in how we support people. It’s going to be different for every young person,” said Allen. 

“Not every day is going to be a good day, and not every day is going to be a win, but consistency and accountability are vital to this work. Most of our youth have been abandoned in some way. To know the people at AYA aren’t going to evict them or abandon them is a really good first step.”

“It’s really hard…and it’s beautiful…and it’s a lot”

While AYA cannot eliminate youth homelessness, Allen said, “We can end youth homelessness for an individual that walks through our door, slowly but surely. And that’s going to make a big impact on the city, and more importantly, on those individuals and their families’ lives.

“We need Grand Rapids to know that we exist. We need Grand Rapids to know that youth homelessness is an issue.”

Gain a better understanding of AYA’s mission and book a tour of the facilities by clicking here.

For more ways to get involved in helping AYA’s mission, click here.

WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed talks with AYA Youth Collective CEO Lauren VanKeulen about the rising number of youth at risk of homelessness – and how AYA provides support through relationships and resources.

Changing lives: Kent County women give back to the community in big ways

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Jessica Tomac, a member of Women Who Care of Kent County, talks with WKTV Managing Editor Deborah Reed about the significant impact the organization is making in the community.



By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Women Who Care of Kent County (WWCKC) only meets four times a year. Yet these women are changing the lives of local residents in significant ways.

For the past 11 years, West Michigan women have come together to help local non-profit groups. WWCKC meets quarterly to promote and then donate to local charitable organizations.

WWC check presentation to Grand Rapids Symphony’s Music for Health program (Courtesy, Jamie Geysbeek Photography and WWC)

Jessica Tomac, Edward Jones Financial Advisor and WCC member, appreciates the opportunity WWC provides to contribute to her community without a huge time commitment attached.

“I really wanted to be a part of a group to give back to the community but didn’t have a ton of time,” said Tomac.

As a mother holding down a professional career, Tomac found it difficult to find the time to research organizations to which she might be able to contribute, much less become involved in them. WWC provided an opportunity to learn about several local non-profits – and give back – without a lengthy time commitment.

How it works

At each quarterly meeting, three members are each given the chance to present about a Kent County non-profit they believe is deserving of a WWC donation.

(Courtesy, WWC)

“They have five minutes to present, five minutes for questions, and then after all three are presented, we vote,” said Tomac.

Each member donates $100 to the winning non-profit.

“We find out right then and there who wins, and we all write our check for $100 to that non-profit,” said Tomac. “But then you’re done. And that’s just four times a year.”

Members are able to write additional checks to other non-profit organizations presented if they so desire. All money goes directly to the non-profits selected.

“​​We, as Women Who Care of Kent County, don’t earn any money,” said Tomac. “We don’t raise any money, we don’t have any marketing dollars. Your $100 check gets written right to the non-profit so there is no money lost.”

One hour = a big impact

Tomac says her favorite part of WWC is hearing back from the selected non-profit about the impact made through that donation.

“When you think about your $100 now becoming $15,000 or $20,000 or $30,000, your impact is so much more,” said Tomac. “And it has changed the lives of people who couldn’t have housing, or kids who needed power wheelchairs, or diapers for kiddos whose parents didn’t have money for formula and diapers.

“It is huge, and it took you one hour to make that impact. It’s pretty remarkable.”

(Courtesy, WWC)

Though each quarterly WWC donation can be given as general aid to the non-profit chosen, Tomac said the presentations are typically aimed at a specific need.

“Usually it’s presented with: What is this need, and how is this [donation] going to help,” said Tomac.

Any non-profit can be brought forward at WWC meetings. Tomac said the Kent County chapter has provided transportation vehicles for organizations, medical equipment, equipment for musical groups, provisions for the elderly community, and more.

“The member just has to be educated enough to speak about whatever it is that they’ve chosen,” said Tomac.

“Most of us either know about an organization, or something happens in the community and we say, how can we help them more? Ninety-nine percent of the time, a lot of the members are either on the board or volunteer at a lot of these organizations.”

Changing lives together

To date, WWCKC has raised over $630,000 for over 61 Kent County non-profit organizations.

(Courtesy, WWC)

This West Michigan chapter has 150 members and a foundation grant, allowing for each non-profit to receive a considerable gift.

WWCKC membership is open to all women residing in West Michigan. However, WWC is making an impact in more than just our small state.

As part of the international 100 Who Care Alliance, WWC consists of approximately 750 operational chapters worldwide.

WWC recognizes strength in each individual, and how that strength becomes a powerful force for good that lifts up a community when they are brought together.

Check out WWC!

Tomac urges community members to visit a chapter that aligns with their time and location needs, and see what WWC is all about.

“It’s easy, and doesn’t take a lot of time to have a big impact,” Tomac said, adding emphasis to the simplicity aspect of WWC. “For me, that was key. You get pulled in so many directions, and you only have so much time.”

With thousands of non-profit organizations in Kent County, Tomac believes WWC provides a philanthropic avenue while educating the community about those organizations.

“It’s a really powerful way to get together – and it is only 4 hours a year!”

For more information about WWCKC, click here.

To learn more about the 100 Who Care Alliance, or to find other WWC chapters, click here.

Shelter beds for homeless in Kent County exceed capacity, organizations submit public plea for support

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Kent County shelters are filled to capacity, risking leaving hundreds without access to shelter services during winter (Courtesy, pxhere.com)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org

Homelessess is on the rise (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Homelessness is on the rise, and there is an overwhelming demand for shelter and other services as winter approaches.

According to the latest data, the number of individuals and families needing shelter far exceeds the supply of shelter beds in Kent County. Based on trends and current bed capacity in our community, an estimated 100 to 300 people could be without access to shelter services on the coldest winter nights.

According to the Point in Time count, there were 723 individuals experiencing homelessness in Kent County in 2018. In 2023, that number sharply increased to 1,239 individuals experiencing homelessness.

Current shelters cannot sustain increase in need

Non-profit leaders of Dégagé Ministries, along with Mel Trotter Ministries, Family Promise and AYA Youth Collective fear they will not have enough shelter and provisions to accommodate the increased demand for shelter during the winter months.

Even with the new bunks at Dégagé, they are unable to meet the current need for beds (Courtesy, Dégagé Ministries)

Dégagé provides the only emergency shelter for women in the area. They are seeing up to 125 women a night in the shelter, many experiencing homelessness for the first time.

They are doing all they can to make arrangements to accommodate 150 women per night. Funding limitations, however, will make it difficult to sustain that figure during the winter.

The leaders of Mel Trotter Ministries, Dégagé Ministries, Family Promise of West Michigan, and AYA Youth Collective, alongside the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness, are releasing an open letter to the West Michigan community.

The letter below outlines the need for this community and its leaders to identify both near and long-term solutions to address the homelessness crisis.

A plea to the public for support

To the West Michigan community:

We present this message to our community with a sense of great concern and urgency as our region’s coldest winter months are fast approaching.

Economic hardships, the loss of supportive resources from COVID, and a shortage of affordable housing have combined to worsen the already difficult situation facing men, women, youth, and families experiencing homelessness in West Michigan. The shifting landscape is presenting an increasingly dire situation for people living on the street and an overwhelming demand for the non-profit service agencies that provide compassionate care, meals, services, and shelter to those in need. 

Unable to meet the demand

Shortages include location, space and staffing (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

Making matters even more challenging is that just like other employers, some non-profit agencies are facing a worker shortage and a funding shortfall. Adding temporary shelter beds this winter, as has happened in the past, is a significant challenge because there are simply not enough workers to ensure a safe environment for overflow guests.

What’s more, the funding needed to provide additional staffing and a location for overflow shelter space is not presently available. Therefore, non-profits simply cannot meet the demand.

We are committed to providing compassionate support to as many of our neighbors in need as possible, while maintaining a safe environment for all. However, when the population growth of individuals experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity in our community far exceeds the limited amount of shelter space, we are faced with difficult decisions and risk loss of life.

Our collective community efforts to address the homelessness crisis must include both near and long-term solutions. Of immediate concern is the urgent need to find shelter workers and shelter bed space. At the same time, we remain focused on initiatives to increase affordable housing, create more access to mental health resources, strengthen workforce development and employment opportunities, and more.

The rising issue of homelessness is one facing our entire country, and an issue that is of paramount importance in West Michigan. Collaborative work between agencies, governmental partners, and community leaders is happening to create a long-term cohesive strategy. As non-profits, we are doing great work, but we can do even more with increased funding, more staff, and more shelter rooms to meet this growing need.

Limited shelter space increases risk of loss of life (Courtesy, pxhere.com)

How you can help save lives

With your help, we can save lives this winter by protecting unhoused individuals, youth, children, and families from extreme, life-threatening temperatures. To learn more or join us in our efforts to combat homelessness, visit us at our websites below.

We remain resolute in our commitment to serve those in need in our community, and we stand ready to continue partnering with our community leaders in taking steps toward finding a sustainable solution that benefits the entire region.

Sincerely,

Dennis Van Kampen, CEO, Mel Trotter Ministries

Thelma Ensink, Executive Director, Dégagé Ministries

Tenisa Frye, CEO, Family Promise of West Michigan

Lauren VanKeulen, CEO, AYA Youth Collective

Kent County, local United Way announce non-profit COVID-19 grant process

3-bottom, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Going Local, Health, Non-Profits, Our Cities, ,
The Heart of West Michigan United Way offices in Grand Rapids. (HWMUW)

By WKTV Staff

ken@wktv.org

The Heart of West Michigan United Way and Kent County this week announced a county grant fund to support local nonprofit organizations providing certain relief services during the COVID-19 public health emergency.

Late last month, the Kent County Board of Commissioners allocated $9.5 million in federal CARES Act dollars to create the Kent County Non-Profit Organization COVID-19 Grant Fund.

Applicants must be a local 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), or 501(c)(6) nonprofit health and human service organization located within Kent County and “serving individuals and communities within Kent County that have been directly affected by COVID-19 and continuing to provide services throughout the pandemic,” according to a July 14 statement.

 

According to the statement, grant requests ranging from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $150,000 are being solicited from nonprofits seeking funding for provision of COVID-related services. Nonprofits can apply for amounts within this range deemed “appropriate to CARES Act expenses.”

Eligible expenditures include, but are not limited to, the following COVID-19-related expenses, according to the statement:

 

Expenses for food security, food access, and/or food delivery


Expenses for personal basic needs such as personal hygiene products, diapers, etc.


Expenses to cover transportation needs


Expenses for services specifically targeting at-risk youth


Expenses for academic and/or mentoring services to facilitate distance learning

among school-aged children/youth, including technological improvements


Expenses to cover physical health care access and services.

 
Applications will be accepted until the funds available are allocated or until Oct. 1, whichever occurs first.

For complete details and a link to the application, visit Heart of West Michigan’s website at hwmuw.org/kent-county-covid-19-grant-fund.