By Lillian Reiner
Wyoming-Kentwood News Today Contributor
greer@wktv.org
The prevailing theme at the recent Unity in Motion Festival was letting families know they are not alone, whether parents need extra help at home or kids need support in school, there were nonprofits present and willing to offer their services.
This inaugural event was organized by Cultivating Futures, a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap between youth and families and the resources they need to achieve their aspirations.
“It’s all about connecting people, and making sure that we come together and have a community and a place to belong,” said Mikisha Plesco, founder of Cultivating Futures.
Families enjoyed a free lunch, back to school supplies, outdoor skills demonstrations from the Out your Backdoor Foundation, raffle drawings for a bike and outdoor gear, a scavenger hunt, dancing, music, and a performance from spoken word artist Foster. Held in August at Gezon Park, the event promoted movement, connection, and community, all the components necessary for a healthy, fulfilling life.
“Community is built when we show up for one another, share a meal, laugh together and create space where everyone feels seen,” Plesco said.
Cultivating Futures began offering maternal health services to expecting mothers three years ago, however the first grant that Plesco received was in dance therapy.
“The need kind of found us,” Plesco said.
Cultivating Futures has since expanded to include arts and mental health programs that support mental, physical and educational well-being. They now offer workforce development and college readiness programs, a leadership program, a creative arts program, and doula and lactation support.
Community Resources
Many local nonprofits and organizations were in attendance, including MomsBloom, an organization that offers support in many capacities to families who are in their fourth trimester around Ottawa County.
“Events like Unity in Motion help get the word out,” said Ilena Cheatom, director of programs at MomsBloom. “It helps let them know that they’re not in this alone — when you have a baby, sometimes you feel like you’re doing that alone, and you’re not. We’re here to help give that support, and it’s completely free.”
The pen has always been mightier than the sword
Spoken word artist, G. Foster aka Auto Pilot, performed several original works addressing a variety of topics that are often difficult to verbalize, including grief, love, politics and racism. Afterwards, he spoke with interested youth to help them find their own voice.
“I want all young listeners to realize that their words are powerful,” Foster said. “You can use them to shape the world as you see. If you look at history and the narratives that have been told, it’s kind of one-sided, so it’s important for you to be able to tell yours to make sure that people that look like you can understand how you feel, what you felt, and what you dealt with.”
The Sky’s the Limit
The event was staffed by volunteers from around the community, including members of the Davenport women’s soccer team, who were giving face paintings.
“I wanted to come out and support a nonprofit organization that promotes youth education, mental health and positive movement,” said soccer player Jada Spillers.
This event was truly reflective of the diverse and inclusive nature of the Wyoming community.
“In these times, there’s a lot of questionable things happening around us on a constant basis, so just being able to get together as a community, enjoy each other’s presence, and have fun with different families, is always a great thing to do,” said Hudsonville resident Jeremy Ricker.
As for the future of Cultivating Futures, Plesco says that the sky is the limit. “I really want to make sure that we continue to listen to our community, and respond to what their needs are.”
