Tag Archives: unity

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.

“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.

Arbor Circle receives federal grant to serve LGBTQI+ children, youth and families

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The Bridge of Arbor Circle is a safe, no cost shelter program for youth, ages 10-17, who are facing homelessness or considering running away (Courtesy, Arbor Circle)


By Taylor Greenfield

Arbor Circle Director of Development


One of eight awardees in the nation, Arbor Circle has received a three-year grant totaling $1.2 million from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The grant will be used to promote wellbeing for LGBTQI+ youth within Kent and Ottawa counties.

This work is a continuation of a 2017 initiative in conjunction with True Colors United (formerly The True Colors Fund), led in collaboration with Arbor Circle and other community organizations. The goal is to create responsive strategies that will advance the health and wellbeing of LGBTQI+ youth and young adults.

Meeting a significant need

(Courtesy photo)

The need for this ongoing focus on the health and wellness of LGBTQI+ youth is significant, as risks for these youth continue to be elevated both nationally and locally.

The Trevor Project reports that nationally, LGBTQ youth are three times more likely to attempt suicide as their non-LGBTQ peers. Locally, a January 2023 Trevor Project study found that 45% of LGBTQ Michigan youth considered suicide in the past year.

Additionally, local data from the Kent County Continuum of Care (2022) shows that nearly 27% of all Runaway and Homeless Youth in Kent County identify within the LGBTQ community.

With these funds, Arbor Circle will engage LGBTQI+ youth and their families and caregivers in counseling and support programs aimed to reduce behavioral health risks.

“We are humbled by the opportunity to continue seeking the answer to the question first posed by our work with True Colors United,” shared Susan Sheppard, Arbor Circle’s Vice President & COO. “How might we ensure all LGBTQ+ youth in West Michigan live in a safe, secure community?”

Arbor Circle’s community-based building on Leonard Street NE in Grand Rapids (Courtesy, Arbor Circle)

Community partnerships

This project will also bring together systems and community organizations that engage with youth and families to support increased acceptance and understanding. Training on successful interventions and awareness of available services will also be offered.

Collaborations and partnerships with local organizations include: Grand Rapids LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium, Grand Rapids Pride Center, Out on the Lakeshore, Kent Intermediate School District (KISD), Ottawa Intermediate School District (OISD), and the West Michigan Partnership for Children (WMPC).

“We are pleased to partner with Arbor Circle on this work to support the mental health and wellness of LGBTQ+ youth in our community,” shared Jennie Knight, Executive Director of Grand Rapids LGBTQ+ Healthcare Consortium. “Mental health is a crucial, but often overlooked, component of healthcare, and this grant will help us to address this need.”