Expansion will give Kids’ Food Basket greater reach in Ottawa, Allegan counties
Kids’ Food Basket will soon have the capacity to reach more children in Ottawa and Allegan counties with a new Holland facility.
GR-based nonprofit aims to fight hunger with Lakeshore expansion
A portion of the funds raised through the Feeding our Future Campaign for Allegan and Ottawa counties will go toward the purchase of land to create a second Kids' Food Basket farm.
Lakeshore initiatives provide support and community for seniors aging in place
Older Americans are increasingly choosing to “age in place,” staying in their own homes and avoiding the move to a retirement home. Many senior programs now have the express goal of helping older adults stay in their homes longer.
Holland woman advances from job to career with workplace training
In the last three years, Shelby Baumann's wages have steadily increased along with her skills. She has benefited from workplace training, partially funded through the state's Going Pro grants.
How the state’s Going Pro funds boost workers’ skills and pay
In 2019, the Going PRO Talent Fund awarded $32 million in 898 grants that helped pay for training more than 25,000 workers. Those new skills contributed to an average annual wage increase of nearly $6,000.
Assessment gives first report on health of Ottawa County nonprofits
The first-of-its-kind assessment of Ottawa County organizations was undertaken by the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance. The data gathered covers a range of issues, from finance to diversity and inclusion efforts.
Ottawa County nonprofits flock to board leadership training
“How to be an effective board member” workshops teach new board members best practices of providing leadership for a nonprofit, from governance to fundraising. More than 700 people in Ottawa County have taken part in some kind of board training offered by the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance.
Holland success story shows training and coaching key to better-paying jobs
Karuna Khadka attended workshops, received job-search assistance, referrals to ESL classes, and transportation assistance. That wraparound support paid off. She increased her job skills and wages.
Ottawa County’s workforce shortage puts more attention on training
With an unemployment rate under 3%, Ottawa County has one of the lowest in the state. Allise Wilkerson, talent solutions manager for West Michigan Works!, discusses the opportunities the talent shortage is creating for workers.
How collaboration is growing affordable housing in Ottawa County
There is an affordable housing crisis in Ottawa County. Housing Next, created in 2018 to address the county’s affordable housing crisis, has set a goal of adding 7,500 units by 2023. In the past two years, the organization has had a hand in supporting a dozen projects that will add 2,000 new housing units at a range of price points.
