ACCESS of West Michigan

Please Join Us!

Shelly Helmus — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:47:47 +0000

We invite you to join us for our First Annual Gala on Thursday, April 22, 2010 to raise funds and awareness for ACCESS of West Michigan! This event will include an evening of celebration and entertainment by national recording artist, Shawn McDonald. We promise a memorable experience as we “provide a place at the table.”

Thursday, April 22, 2010
Doors open at 6:30pm

Grand Oaks Hall
Thousand Oaks Golf Club
4100 Thousand Oaks Drive
Grand Rapids, MI 49525

Tickets are $50 a person and sponsorship opportunities begin at $500.

To request an invitation, please click here.

Healing Communities

Shelly Helmus — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 13:33:43 +0000

Healing Communities in Michigan is a network of diverse religious congregations, known as Stations of Hope that have covenanted together to make their communitites safer by loving the hurting and the exiled–healing the division and pain that comes from communities and families torn apart by crime and incarceration.

The mission of Healing Communities in Michigan is “to engage in a process within our congregations to heal the hurt caused by crime and incarceration. Together, we build networks of support beginning in our house of worship that create a sense of welcome and inclusion, reduce stigma and shame, and transform hearts and minds that then expand to transform the community at large.”

Please join Healing Communities in their first quarterly meeting for new Stations of Hope on Monday, March 22 at 7pm. The meeting will be held at Kingdom Life Ministries. For more information, please click here.

Understanding Poverty Workshop

Shelly Helmus — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:33:45 +0000

Human behavior and decision making is often dictated by the environment we find ourselves in. When a person approaches us for help, it is often difficult to understand why they handled their financial situation the way they did. Whether we live in poverty, the middle or upper class, there are often subtle or hidden differences in what prompts our actions. Wouldn’t you like to better understand how our backgrounds influence our decisions?

Join us for this free Understanding Poverty workshop: Tuesday, February 23 from 7-8:30pm at First United Methodist Church–First Place building (207 E. Fulton)

A Framework for Understanding Poverty will attempt to:

bring a better understanding of the differences within socio-economic groups
bring about an awareness and sensitivity to those living in poverty
provide practical tools for improved effectiveness in working with people from different backgrounds

Our presenter, Linda Gordon, was raised in poverty in the South and was not aware of these differences until studying Ruby Payne’s book. She has a BSBA degree from Aquinas College and a MSM from Cornerstone. Her current position is Diversity Coordinator at Potter’s House School as well as serving as the ACCESS Board Vice President.

Attend Our Next Poverty Simulation

Shelly Helmus — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 13:47:18 +0000

ACCESS cordially invites you to attend our upcoming Poverty Simulation Workshop:

Monday, March 8 at Grand Rapids Community College, 6:30pm

If you have never attended a Poverty Simulation, now is the time to experience this compelling workshop! If you are interested in attending or have questions, please contact Nicole at (616) 774-2175 x702 or nicole@accessofwestmichigan.org.

Thanks to our Holiday Basket Providers!

Nancy Reenders — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 18:47:18 +0000

Because of our generous providers, over 7,500 households have now been matched! Donations are still welcome. Donate to ACCESS to help cover needs all year long or bring food donations to your local food pantry. Thanks to all who gave of their money and time to make the holidays brighter for families in need!

Holiday Giving Network Options for Providers…

Shelly Helmus — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 16:50:31 +0000

No time to shop for a holiday basket? You can donate online! Go to “Network for Good” and designate your donation for “Holiday Giving Network.” Your $50 donation will be applied toward a gift card for applicants who registered at their local pantry. If you prefer to purchase and deliver all the ingredients for a holdiay meal (suggested food list), sign up here. Please note that when you fill out the provider form, you are agreeing to purchase and deliver to the family you are matched with. Thank you for making the holidays brighter for families and individuals in our community!

Scan Away Hunger

Lindsy Griffis — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:24:58 +0000

From Dec 6 through Dec 26, ACCESS of West Michigan is teaming up with Spartan Stores to “Scan Away Hunger.” At your local Spartan Store check-out you will have the opportunity to add $1.99 to your grocery total to help eliminate poverty in your community. The proceeds will go to ACCESS (if in Kent County) or the Holland Rescue Mission (if in Ottawa County) in order to help fill our food pantries for the holiday season. This year is the greatest need we have ever seen, as we feed over 8,000 families or 25,000 men, women, and children on a monthly basis. Donating $1.99 will make only a small dent in your checking account…but will make a big difference to the ones who need it.

Come to One Trick Pony on Monday, Nov. 23!

Shelly Helmus — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:11:30 +0000

ACCESS has been chosen as the recipient for the WYCE Hat Trick Concert Series this fall! Join us for dinner and music at One Trick Pony on Monday, November 23 at 7:30pm to help support ACCESS!

ACCESS and Culver’s Fund Raiser

Lindsy Griffis — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:59:42 +0000

Save the date! Take the family to your local Culver’s Restaurant on November 11 between 5pm-8pm and 10% goes to ACCESS!!

Participating Culver’s Restaurants include - Cascade, East Beltline, Wyoming, Jenison and Comstock Park.

Thanks Culvers!

Another Successful Food Drive

Shelly Helmus — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 01:47:35 +0000

Thank you to everyone who donated food and personal care items to the RiverTown Crossings Mall Food Drive on Friday, November 6. We collected over 7 tons of food! The food drive to celebrate the mall’s 10th anniversary was a huge success complete with confetti, cupcakes, and mountains of canned and boxed food items! Thanks to our generous community, we were able to stock the shelves of the local food pantries and help provide food for the holidays. What a wonderful event!