Community Updates: Friday, September 15

SAFE Task Force, City of Grand Rapids to host Pitch and Highlight Night in October

On Tuesday, the City of Grand Rapids announced that the Safe Alliances for Everyone (SAFE) Task Force is looking to award $50,000 to local organizations and individuals for programs/interventions that will help "reduce gun violence in Grand Rapids." 

In October, The SAFE Task Force and the City of Grand Rapids will be holding a Pitch and Highlight Night at Genesis Suites (1333 Alger St. SE) in the Alger Heights neighborhood. Residents and nonprofits who submit a proposal will have the opportunity to give a brief, five-minute presentation about their idea. According to Staff Liaison Asante Cain:  

"The upcoming Pitch and Highlight night is not just an event; it's a call to action. We recognize that some of the most effective strategies to combat violence in Grand Rapids come from our own residents. The SAFE Task Force is ready to fund and support these initiatives. This is an opportunity to transform your ideas into real-world solutions that create safer, more prosperous neighborhoods."

Pitch and Highlight Night is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. and end at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 18. 

Proposals are due by Wednesday, Oct. 4. There are four major requirements that proposals must follow:

• "Proposals must seek to reduce violence and/or gun violence in Grand Rapids"
• "Focus on young people involved in violence 12-24 years of age"
• "Programs/interventions must take place between [the] months of April and September 2024."
• "Demonstrate how they align with the recommendations of the SAFE Task Force, the Police Department's Strategic Plan, and/or the City's Strategic Plan."

$50,000 will be awarded to up to five winning organizations, with allocations of $10,000 for each winning proposal. According to Tuesday's press release, the winning proposals "will be announced at the end of the Pitch and Highlight Night event." 

For more information, visit the City's website. 

Kent County Board of Commissioners looking for qualified residents to appoint to various committees, commissions and boards

In a press release that was sent out on Tuesday, it was announced that "the Kent County Board of Commissioners is seeking residents interested in serving the community through appointment to its boards, commissions, and committees."

According to the County's website, there are currently 54 seats that residents can apply for:

Applications can be submitted online and are due by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 30. 

To learn more, visit Kent County's website or reach out to the Kent County Board of Commissioners' office by calling (616) 632-7580.

Also in the News:

• On Wednesday, the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) announced that Chair Camp will be returning in October. There will be programs for students, adults, and families to enjoy. For more information, visit the GRPM's website. 

Sharing Your Stories

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