Neighborhood
Programs & Activities
We create sustainable change by building a network of partners to address community needs. Our wide range of programs seek to pair real problems with specific solutions.
Food Center
Our community Food Center provides supplemental food to local families. We use a client-choice environment that protects the dignity of each visitor and encourages relationships. This program is free of charge.
Tuesdays 6:00pm-8:00pm
Thursdays 6:00pm-8:00pm
Thursdays 11:00am-1:00pm
Homework Help
These sessions provide remedial learning in math and reading throughout the year. The tutoring is delivered by qualified teachers, and always with a healthy dose of encouragement. This program is open to all middle and high school students who are looking for some help with their school work or just a place to get their work done. Snacks and drinks are provided. Students should come with their own work (test review sheet, assignment, questions, etc). This program is free of charge.
Thursdays 4:00pm-5:00pm
Elementary School Tutoring
Math and Reading tutoring takes place during the school year for students in grades 1-5. Students attend for one hour weekly and work with a certified teacher. Registration for this program takes place in September and requires a referral from the student’s teacher. This program is free of charge.
Middle School Program
We provide a fun and safe place for middle school students to participate in various activities including games, crafts, sports, cooking, baking, and what we call “Real Talk,” where we discuss issues teens face today. Snacks and drinks are always provided. This program is free of charge.
Tuesdays 4:00pm-6:00pm
Wednesdays 4:00pm-6:00pm
World Cup Readers Summer Camp
While school is out of session, the community center is busier than ever! Students in grades 1-5 will read, learn about different countries, play games, and learn new soccer skills Wednesday nights all summer long. This program is free of charge.
Wednesdays 6:00pm-7:30pm
High School Y-Achievers
This program is offered in partnership with the Grand Rapids YMCA! Preparing for the future can be tough, but we make it easy and fun at Y-Achievers. Our college/career readiness and leadership program is designed with YOU in mind and focuses on academic achievement, career exploration, discovering your personal brand, and 21st century skills. Plus, you get to build lasting friendships! Participation is free.
Mondays 3:30pm-7:00pm
Thursdays 3:30pm-7:00pm
Spring GR Entrepreneurial Program
We partner with Spring GR to provide classroom curriculum and hands-on training to local businessmen and women with a dream. Spring GR is a training, mentoring and networking program designed to help emerging entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving businesses! Do you or someone you know have an entrepreneurial spirit? Spring GR’s business program could be the perfect fit! This program requires advanced registration and a small fee.
Medical Clinic
We partner with Exalta Health Services to offer medical check-ups and professional care at our facility on a weekly basis, charged through your insurance company.
Cooking Matters
Cooking Matters is a participatory cooking class led by a certified nutritionist. As a participant, you will learn to make healthy changes to your eating, cooking and shopping habits. Cooking Matters is offered at various times throughout the year and is typically scheduled for Tuesday mornings. This program requires advanced registration and a small fee.
SimplyFit
SimplyFit is a series of low-impact exercise classes led by a certified instructor from Spectrum Health. SimplyFit is offered at various times throughout the year and is typically scheduled for Tuesday mornings. This program requires advanced registration.
NOW Program
The Nutritional Options for Wellness (NOW) program is a healthy lifestyle change program supporting under-resourced adults who have one of three chronic diseases: Type 2 Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, or Chronic Renal disease.
The program serves 90 participants total at 7 different NOW sites in Kent County. NOW is a one-year program with five different components. The five NOW components are a weekly healthy food supplement (3-4 days of food), weekly connection to a NOW Coordinator for assistance with actively setting healthy living goals and case management, the requirement to participate in four healthy living classes each quarter (every three months), intentional connection with other NOW participants in their cohorts, and coaching with a transitional mentor at the completion of the program. NOW participants must actively engage in all five components.
Tuesdays 11:00am-12:30pm
Community Garden
We provide the green space and tools for our neighbors to grow healthy produce together and strengthen community bonds. This program requires advanced registration and a small fee.