heartside
Clean Your Heart(side) Out!
by (DwellingPlaceCo...)
Submitted 04-20-2023 under NONPROFITS
“People see the historic buildings, they see all different types of people, and they’re not quite sure what they’re looking at – we who work in the neighborhood space are constantly thinking of the 4,000+ residents, and how...
Building Collective Power and Going Upstream: Quality of Life in the Heartside/Downtown Neighborhood
by (DwellingPlaceCo...)
Submitted 04-06-2023 under NONPROFITS
“There are many different ways to provide for others, but Quality of Life helps us know what the community actually wants. It helps to empower the people,” says Heartside neighbor Doreen Timmers. Quality of Life is a community-wide...
Artist Spotlight: snicka
by (Avenueforthearts)
Submitted 04-12-2022 under NONPROFITS
It was a sunny Tuesday morning when I first met snicka at the crowded Lyon St. Cafe in bustling Midtown Grand Rapids. Having never met her before, I had no idea what to expect. Right from our first encounter, I knew our meeting would go well,...
People rely on me here: Guiding Light Recovery gives Gabe hope for the future
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 07-01-2021 under NONPROFITS
The son of Polish immigrants, Gabe is a first-generation American who moved to Chicago from Poland with his family when he was a little over 1-year-old. Now at age 28, Gabe has plans to visit his father, who moved back to Poland, for a summer trip...
Guiding Light Maintains Platinum Seal of Transparency by GuideStar
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 05-03-2021 under NONPROFITS
For the fourth consecutive year, Guiding Light has again been awarded a Platinum Seal of Transparency by GuideStar, the world’s largest source of information on U.S. nonprofits. The Platinum designation is the highest level bestowed by...
Getting off the carousel: Andy Odehnal on the transformative power of Guiding Light
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 04-29-2021 under NONPROFITS
When Andy Odehnal joined the board of Guiding Light in 2010, the nonprofit was still very much a traditional homeless shelter – providing warm meals and safe overnight beds to the men in Heartside. An accountant by training, Andy had been...
Mother's Day Takes on New Meaning When it's a Once-Lost Son You're Celebrating
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 04-29-2021 under NONPROFITS
This Mother’s Day, Barb isn’t focused on getting flowers or candy or even a card. It’s enough that her son Mark is alive, a gift that five years ago seemed nearly out of reach. “Every rock bottom has a trap door,” Mark...
Introducing SoDiv, a New Brand for the Heartside South Division Business Corridor
by (DwellingPlaceCo...)
Submitted 04-27-2021 under NONPROFITS
“People love to know what is new, what is hip, what is coming... this is our corridor and our neighborhood,” says Renise Warners, owner of Basic Bee Boutique, a business located along the South Division commercial corridor in...
The Next Right Thing: Board Member John Harrington and His Commitment
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 03-25-2021 under NONPROFITS
John Harrington still vividly recalls his 60th night at Jellema House – because that’s the night his prayers were answered. Alcohol had the Grand Rapids native firmly in its grip. He ruined relationships with his children, family,...
Elizabeth Bovard Strong: Bringing philanthropy full circle
by (Guiding Light)
Submitted 02-24-2021 under NONPROFITS
Elizabeth Bovard Strong has long been an advocate for others in need – particularly for individuals facing homelessness and addiction. Originally from Pennsylvania, she lived in several states before settling in Michigan, travels that...