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faith -based & Neighborhood
partnerships team RESOURCES
Helping to keep your church & community safe
Recent News
10/27/21
BENTON HARBOR WATER DRIVE
The Greater Grand Rapids National Panhellenic Council:
Come help the residents of Benton Harbor who are being urged to use bottle water for drinking and cooking due to high lead levels.
10/28 & 10/29
12:30pm - 5:30pm
Drop off location: Brookwood Elementary
5465 Kalamazoo Ave SE
Kentwood, MI
Questions:
Contact KENISHA DORSEY, President NPHC
kdorsey08@gmail.com
BENTON HARBOR WATER DRIVE
The Greater Grand Rapids National Panhellenic Council:
Come help the residents of Benton Harbor who are being urged to use bottle water for drinking and cooking due to high lead levels.
10/28 & 10/29
12:30pm - 5:30pm
Drop off location: Brookwood Elementary
5465 Kalamazoo Ave SE
Kentwood, MI
Questions:
Contact KENISHA DORSEY, President NPHC
kdorsey08@gmail.com
10/27/21
A CALL FOR HELP
Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI):
Benton Harbor, Michigan has turned into another Flint and the community needs your support. Lead in the water threatens this mostly black community. While long-term solutions are years away, the immediate need is for safe drinking water. To help, we've partnered with First Community AME Church to collect bottled water and/or monetary donations to help the people of Benton Harbor. Please bring your bottled water or monetary gifts to these two locations by November 1st.
First Community AME Church
500 James Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Between 10 am and 2 pm, M-F
OR
GRAAHI office
500 Lafayette Ave NE (Location on the side of the GVSU building - look for the umbrellas)
Grand Rapids, MI 49502
Between 9 am and 5 pm, M-F
Thank you in advance for all that you can do to help another threatened community.
Contact us with any questions: info@graahi.org or call our office at 616-331-5831.
Can't drop off? Click on the box to make a monetary donation. All proceeds will go directly to the people of Benton Harbor.
A CALL FOR HELP
Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI):
Benton Harbor, Michigan has turned into another Flint and the community needs your support. Lead in the water threatens this mostly black community. While long-term solutions are years away, the immediate need is for safe drinking water. To help, we've partnered with First Community AME Church to collect bottled water and/or monetary donations to help the people of Benton Harbor. Please bring your bottled water or monetary gifts to these two locations by November 1st.
First Community AME Church
500 James Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Between 10 am and 2 pm, M-F
OR
GRAAHI office
500 Lafayette Ave NE (Location on the side of the GVSU building - look for the umbrellas)
Grand Rapids, MI 49502
Between 9 am and 5 pm, M-F
Thank you in advance for all that you can do to help another threatened community.
Contact us with any questions: info@graahi.org or call our office at 616-331-5831.
Can't drop off? Click on the box to make a monetary donation. All proceeds will go directly to the people of Benton Harbor.
10/26/21
PITCH & HIGHLIGHT NIGHT
Safe Alliances for Everyone (SAFE):
The SAFE Task Force City is hosting another Pitch and Highlight Night. Opportunities to partner with the City of Grand Rapids on anti-violence efforts are available of up to $10,000 for 5 non-profits and $1,000 for two individuals. Each participant will get five minutes to present an idea and show how it will reduce violence in Grand Rapids. Ideas must address issues that 15 to 24 year-olds in the community face and be connected to the recommendations of the SAFE Task Force, The Police Department’s Strategic Plan,and/or the City’s Strategic Plan.
https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Directory/Programs-and-Initiatives/SAFE-Taskforce
The direct link to the application can be found here:
https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Directory/Programs-and-Initiatives/SAFE-Taskforce/SAFE-Pitch-and-Highlight-Night-Application
or click the box below:
PITCH & HIGHLIGHT NIGHT
Safe Alliances for Everyone (SAFE):
The SAFE Task Force City is hosting another Pitch and Highlight Night. Opportunities to partner with the City of Grand Rapids on anti-violence efforts are available of up to $10,000 for 5 non-profits and $1,000 for two individuals. Each participant will get five minutes to present an idea and show how it will reduce violence in Grand Rapids. Ideas must address issues that 15 to 24 year-olds in the community face and be connected to the recommendations of the SAFE Task Force, The Police Department’s Strategic Plan,and/or the City’s Strategic Plan.
https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Directory/Programs-and-Initiatives/SAFE-Taskforce
The direct link to the application can be found here:
https://www.grandrapidsmi.gov/Directory/Programs-and-Initiatives/SAFE-Taskforce/SAFE-Pitch-and-Highlight-Night-Application
or click the box below:
10/20/21
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA):
City of Benton Harbor: Water Distribution
It is SMCAA's belief that clean water is vital to the health of communities and that everyone has the right to safe, clean water.
Since September 30, 2021, SMCAA has been providing bottled water to the residents of the City of Benton Harbor following reports of elevated levels of lead in the city-supplied water. The State of Michigan is providing free bottled water as City residents are being encouraged to use bottled water for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, rinsing foods, and mixing powdered infant formula.
SMCAA is in need of volunteers to help with these disbursement events. To access their website, click here.
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Southwest Michigan Community Action Agency (SMCAA):
City of Benton Harbor: Water Distribution
It is SMCAA's belief that clean water is vital to the health of communities and that everyone has the right to safe, clean water.
Since September 30, 2021, SMCAA has been providing bottled water to the residents of the City of Benton Harbor following reports of elevated levels of lead in the city-supplied water. The State of Michigan is providing free bottled water as City residents are being encouraged to use bottled water for cooking, drinking, brushing teeth, rinsing foods, and mixing powdered infant formula.
SMCAA is in need of volunteers to help with these disbursement events. To access their website, click here.
10/15/21
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Spectrum Health:
Community Informed COVID-19 Vaccination Plan to Engage Black 18- to 29-Year Olds in Kent County
Award Amount: $65,000
Due Date: November 1st at 5pm
Term: January 1 - July 30, 2022
Award Notification: November 12, 2021
Application: Apply Here
Introduction
The Kent County Black Vaccination Resource Committee (referred to as the “Committee” in this document), comprised of Jamon Alexander, Khary Bridgewater, Deborah Clanton, Gertrude Croom, Chris Holmes, and Kelsey Perdue, in collaboration with Spectrum Health Healthier Communities, Mercy Health, and Kent County, are requesting proposals for a community-informed COVID-19 vaccination with a Focus on Black 18- to 29-year-olds in Kent County. This request for proposals is the first of a set of forthcoming strategies the Committee will be enacting.
Background
The Kent County Black Vaccination Resource Committee is a part of the West Michigan National Infrastructure for Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 within Racial and Ethnic Minority Communities (NNICE) initiative. This initiative is a CDC-funded partnership through Michigan State University. This work seeks to improve overall COVID-19 vaccination rates by targeting where people and systems require increased resources and support in Kent County and Muskegon County. This will result in $465,000 in Kent County and $170,000 in Muskegon County being granted out in 2021 and 2022, with the potential for additional funds in 2023 and 2024. Strategy and resource decisions are driven directly by the individuals most impacted by disparities in COVID-19 vaccination rates through committees called The Black Vaccination Community Resource Committee in Kent County and one in Muskegon County who will have discretion in the creation of strategy for how funding is used and voting for final proposals for use of funds.
Staff supporting the Committee from Spectrum Health include Jeremy Moore (site project investigator), Healthier Communities Director of Community Programs; Lee Moyer, Healthier Communities Director of Community Programs; Dr. Lisa Lowery, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital General Pediatrics Section Chief; Julio Cano, Healthier Communities Program Specialist; Danielle Gritters, Healthier Communities Shared Services Manager; and Alicia Kolkema, Healthier Communities Operations Specialist; Scott Opperman, Mercy Health Mission Leader; Teresa Branson, Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer; and Michael Fortman, Kent County Data Scientist.
To access full information regarding this opportunity, please click the first box below or click "Apply Here" above.
Click the second box for the .pdf version of the application.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY
Spectrum Health:
Community Informed COVID-19 Vaccination Plan to Engage Black 18- to 29-Year Olds in Kent County
Award Amount: $65,000
Due Date: November 1st at 5pm
Term: January 1 - July 30, 2022
Award Notification: November 12, 2021
Application: Apply Here
Introduction
The Kent County Black Vaccination Resource Committee (referred to as the “Committee” in this document), comprised of Jamon Alexander, Khary Bridgewater, Deborah Clanton, Gertrude Croom, Chris Holmes, and Kelsey Perdue, in collaboration with Spectrum Health Healthier Communities, Mercy Health, and Kent County, are requesting proposals for a community-informed COVID-19 vaccination with a Focus on Black 18- to 29-year-olds in Kent County. This request for proposals is the first of a set of forthcoming strategies the Committee will be enacting.
Background
The Kent County Black Vaccination Resource Committee is a part of the West Michigan National Infrastructure for Mitigating the Impact of COVID-19 within Racial and Ethnic Minority Communities (NNICE) initiative. This initiative is a CDC-funded partnership through Michigan State University. This work seeks to improve overall COVID-19 vaccination rates by targeting where people and systems require increased resources and support in Kent County and Muskegon County. This will result in $465,000 in Kent County and $170,000 in Muskegon County being granted out in 2021 and 2022, with the potential for additional funds in 2023 and 2024. Strategy and resource decisions are driven directly by the individuals most impacted by disparities in COVID-19 vaccination rates through committees called The Black Vaccination Community Resource Committee in Kent County and one in Muskegon County who will have discretion in the creation of strategy for how funding is used and voting for final proposals for use of funds.
Staff supporting the Committee from Spectrum Health include Jeremy Moore (site project investigator), Healthier Communities Director of Community Programs; Lee Moyer, Healthier Communities Director of Community Programs; Dr. Lisa Lowery, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital General Pediatrics Section Chief; Julio Cano, Healthier Communities Program Specialist; Danielle Gritters, Healthier Communities Shared Services Manager; and Alicia Kolkema, Healthier Communities Operations Specialist; Scott Opperman, Mercy Health Mission Leader; Teresa Branson, Kent County Chief Inclusion Officer; and Michael Fortman, Kent County Data Scientist.
To access full information regarding this opportunity, please click the first box below or click "Apply Here" above.
Click the second box for the .pdf version of the application.
COVID-19 Volunteer Registration
Join us every Wednesday at 1:00 pm for a conference call
with the Kent County Health Department to discuss issues
related to church and community safety.
For those who are new to the call,
please visit "Contact Us" and submit a form to be a part of the list.
Join us every Wednesday at 1:00 pm for a conference call
with the Kent County Health Department to discuss issues
related to church and community safety.
For those who are new to the call,
please visit "Contact Us" and submit a form to be a part of the list.
Recent News (cont.)
10/13/21
RESOURCES
Kent County:
Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment for New Americans in Kent County
"We know how important a broadly diverse population is for the success of our state. Immigration is key to increasing diversity in our population and boosting our economy. Without immigration growth, the state of Michigan would be poised to lose population for the second census in a row. Perhaps even more impressive, the economic power of Grand Rapids’ immigrant community alone grew by more than $100 million in just one year, and immigrants in Grand Rapids hold nearly $1.5 billion in spending power. At the core of this initiative is the belief that Grand Rapids and Kent County are home to everyone who lives here, and it should feel like it too.
Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans in Kent County is not only the right thing to do, it also contributes economically to the area’s wellbeing. We want New Americans to stay in the area; they’ll stay if they feel welcomed, included, and valued.
Gateways for Growth Steering Committee"
Please click the box below for more information on Kent County's "Welcome Plan".
RESOURCES
Kent County:
Creating a Welcoming and Inclusive Environment for New Americans in Kent County
"We know how important a broadly diverse population is for the success of our state. Immigration is key to increasing diversity in our population and boosting our economy. Without immigration growth, the state of Michigan would be poised to lose population for the second census in a row. Perhaps even more impressive, the economic power of Grand Rapids’ immigrant community alone grew by more than $100 million in just one year, and immigrants in Grand Rapids hold nearly $1.5 billion in spending power. At the core of this initiative is the belief that Grand Rapids and Kent County are home to everyone who lives here, and it should feel like it too.
Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for New Americans in Kent County is not only the right thing to do, it also contributes economically to the area’s wellbeing. We want New Americans to stay in the area; they’ll stay if they feel welcomed, included, and valued.
Gateways for Growth Steering Committee"
Please click the box below for more information on Kent County's "Welcome Plan".
Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity:
Michigan Community Service Commission
There are several opportunities for volunteering and donations for "Needs" from VolunteerMichigan.
Please click the box below for more information.
Michigan Community Service Commission
There are several opportunities for volunteering and donations for "Needs" from VolunteerMichigan.
Please click the box below for more information.
9/28/21
NEWS RELEASE
Kent County Health Department (KCHD):
Kent County Health Department to Offer COVID-19 Boosters
The Kent County Health Department will begin making Pfizer BioNtech COVID-19 booster shots available to eligible individuals on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at all three KCHD clinic locations. Clinic locations and hours can be found here. Appointments can be made by calling (616) 632-7200. You may also use this number to schedule your first dose of vaccine if you have not already had it. KCHD continues to encourage everyone who is eligible to get the vaccine.
Please click the box below for more information.
NEWS RELEASE
Kent County Health Department (KCHD):
Kent County Health Department to Offer COVID-19 Boosters
The Kent County Health Department will begin making Pfizer BioNtech COVID-19 booster shots available to eligible individuals on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, at all three KCHD clinic locations. Clinic locations and hours can be found here. Appointments can be made by calling (616) 632-7200. You may also use this number to schedule your first dose of vaccine if you have not already had it. KCHD continues to encourage everyone who is eligible to get the vaccine.
Please click the box below for more information.
9/22/21
HANDOUT
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM):
Handout for "2021 Kent County Senior Services" is detailed below.
Please click the box below for more information.
HANDOUT
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan (AAAWM):
Handout for "2021 Kent County Senior Services" is detailed below.
Please click the box below for more information.
9/14/21
DATA REPORT
Disparities Data Committee:
"Update of COVID-19 & Racial Disparities in Michigan" is detailed below.
Please click the box below for more information.
DATA REPORT
Disparities Data Committee:
"Update of COVID-19 & Racial Disparities in Michigan" is detailed below.
Please click the box below for more information.
9/13/21
COVID-19 UPDATE
Saint Joseph Mercy Health System:
COVID-19 UPDATE
Saint Joseph Mercy Health System:
9/9/21
KENT COUNTY STATEMENT
Kent County Health Department (KCHD):
"Kent County Statement on Pre-K-6 School Mask Public Health Order" is detailed below.
Please click the box below for more information.
KENT COUNTY STATEMENT
Kent County Health Department (KCHD):
"Kent County Statement on Pre-K-6 School Mask Public Health Order" is detailed below.
Please click the box below for more information.
9/8/21
RESOURCES
Heart of West Michigan United Way (HWMUW):
If you fell behind on rent and/or utilities during the pandemic and need assistance, COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) is available for online applications.
Please click the boxes below for more information.
RESOURCES
Heart of West Michigan United Way (HWMUW):
If you fell behind on rent and/or utilities during the pandemic and need assistance, COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) is available for online applications.
Please click the boxes below for more information.