Community Development Archives – Page 48 of 59

The “new” MLK Neighborhood Association – Developing neighborhood block champions

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July 13, 2021

After reemerging in 2020, the Martin Luther King (MLK) Neighborhood Association has continued to strive and move forward through the unexpected COVID-19 pandemic with the goal to continue caring for one other and advocating for the community. Even through the challenges, the faithful few have come together virtually, working on their mission to continue enhancing the overall quality of life in the neighborhood and building on the rich history that has become a known part of the community for over 40 years.

Community Action House Outreach Specialists Dan Buck,Torry Alfaro and Taylor Dunn.

Community Action House partners with Holland library to assist patrons in need

By Shandra Martinez

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Community Development

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July 5, 2021

Community Action House — which provides area individuals and families with food, clothing, shelter, and other necessities — has stationed an outreach team at Herrick District Library. The team will be available four hours per day, five days a week to guide and connect patrons with supportive services.

Julie Parker is president of Great Lakes Commercial Finance.

Nonprofit development lender expands regional impact

By Shandra Martinez

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Community Development

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July 5, 2021

Grandville-based economic development foundation has unveiled its new name — Great Lakes Commercial Finance — as well as an updated logo and website. The company, with 40 years of service, has worked with hundreds of lenders to help thousands of Michigan small businesses secure the financing they need.

MLK Freedom School – Empowerment through urban agriculture and food justice

By Shanika P. Carter

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Community Development

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June 29, 2021

Beginning in 2020 in her yard, Alita Kelly’s gardening caught the attention of some of the neighborhood youth, leading to conversations about social and racial justice, as well as the history of food. As a result, “freedom school” was born. Now, in collaboration with the city of Grand Rapids Parks and Recreation Department, the MLK Freedom School has become an expansion of Kelly’s vision for the community.

Livestrong alumni gather at the Muskegon YMCA.

Muskegon YMCA resumes class that helps cancer survivors reclaim their health

By Shandra Martinez

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Community Development

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June 27, 2021

The Muskegon Y is celebrating the return of its Livestrong with the YMCA class after a pause in 2020. The program helps cancer survivors regain the strength and endurance lost during treatments. Beyond physical health, the 12-week class also emphasizes the emotional well-being of survivors and their families.

Jenny Van Veen, owner of Frances Jaye in downtown Holland, poses in front of her store.

Downtown shop owner gives back, works to make Holland more welcoming

By Jeremy Gonsior

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Community Development

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June 14, 2021

Jenny Van Veen donates a percentage of sales from her store, Frances Jaye, to a nonprofit each month. She also has been closely involved with efforts to make downtown Holland feel more inclusive.

New CFHZ Board Trustees: Erin Zylman, Scott Brooks and Lydia Steeby.

CFHZ Board of Trustees elects new members, new slate of officers

By Shandra Martinez

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Community Development

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June 14, 2021

The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area Board of Trustees elected three new members at its recent annual meeting. Scott Brooks and Erin Zylman will serve on CFHZ committees, and Lydia Steeby is the board’s youth trustee. The board also held officer elections during the meeting.

Henry and Lindsay Cherry co-founded I AM Academy, which empowers Black students and is behind the 2021 Juneteenth festival in Holland.

Juneteenth returns with fun and a renewed purpose

By Andrea Goodell

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Arts and Culture

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June 7, 2021

Holland's Juneteenth celebration will be a day of fun, learning, and healing. Alongside the festival fun will also be a COVID-19 clinic and voter registration drive.

Greater Ottawa County United Way President Patrick Moran presents County Administrator Al Vanderberg and County Commission Chair Roger Bergman with the G.W. Haworth Strength of the Community Award.

Ottawa County receives United Way’s top honor for pandemic response

By Shandra Martinez

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Building Communities

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June 7, 2021

The Greater Ottawa County United Way presented its biggest honor — the G.W. Haworth Strength of the Community Award — to Ottawa County and its staff for going above and beyond in keeping residents safe during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland Teen Center Director, Sara Delbene, helps a teen with her homework on a Wi-Fi enabled device.

Holland’s first Wi-Fi Lift Zone coming to South Side Boys & Girls Club

By Shandra Martinez

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Community Development

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June 7, 2021

Comcast is providing Lift Zones — Wi-Fi hotspots designed to help students get online, participate in distance learning, and do homework — in communities across the country. The first in Holland will be at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Holland’s South Side location. It’s part of the company’s 10-year, $1 billion investment in closing the digital divide that affects many low-income families.

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