THE OTHER WAY MINISTRIES
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Mission Statement
We are a Christ-centered community development organization dedicated to supporting our neighbors on the Westside of Grand Rapids, MI. We work to remove barriers, increase access to basic needs, and empower families. We walk alongside our community members by building relationships and offering a diverse range of programs and services.
About This Cause
YOUTH AND FAMILY PROGRAMMING K-5 Out-of-School (OST), After-school/Summer programs. Daily after-school program for 45 students attending Sibley Elementary School, offering enrichment activities, homework help, mentorship, new experiences, and various activity clubs, outings, and events. Summer program is a full-day (6 hour/day) program. Transportation and meals are provided. Teen Club - Weekly gathering of 12-15 teenagers in the neighborhood, providing a safe place to go with caring adult mentors, and activities that reflect the preferences of the participants. Youth Employment Services (Y.E.S.) - Workforce development program 35+ years operating. Young people (ages 14-18) are paid for their time as interns in the westside business community as a first job experience. Weekly workshops and outings explore topics relate to college and career readiness (financial literacy, trips to college and tech centers, resume-building, interview skills, etc) Christmas Store - “Shop with Dignity” is the tagline of this 30+ year running program that is operated by those who benefit from the store. 130+ families are able to shop with $100 credit per child for new, desirable toys generously donated by local businesses, churches, and individuals. Gift wrapping is included. EARLY CHILDHOOD Little Lights. Affordable child care center for up to 40 children ages 0-4, from birth to eligibility for public preschool (GSRP). The average family pay less than $20 per week out-of-pocket, and the program includes meals/formula, a family advocate position to provide resources assistance and referrals, and a curriculum designed to ensure children are ready by 5 years old. FOOD SECURITY PROGRAMMING Emergency Food Pantry - Full-scale, 5-day-per-week access to fresh and shelf-stable food options, with an emphasis on dignity, choice, and health. 850 requests filled per month on average. Agape Food Co-op - A collective of 50 families who, perhaps still relying on the food pantry, can access 2 additional food distributions per month as part of a cooperative. Members set nominal membership fees to participate, volunteer regularly, meet quarterly, and elect a leadership advisory board to meet monthly with staff to ensure shared decision-making in the program. Fresh Market - Public market overseen by the co-op offering subsidized access to fresh produce, staple items for cooking, with an emphasize on local sourcing. Adaptive pricing is used, with a minimum price of 65% retail. Bridge Card is accepted, and we are an approved “double up food bucks” site, which doubles the purchasing power of Bridge Card benefits when used to buy produce. Community Garden - 12 plots available to rent for very low cost ($5.00 / season), with water and tools included. COMMUNITY OUTREACH/ENGAGEMENT “Recharge” - program offering a weekly space for 20-30 people experiencing homelessness to shower, eat a hot meal, rest, paint, and be cared for in a growing number of ways through expanding partnerships (e.g. eye care and medical assistance) Transitional Housing - 2 bedroom unit on-site at The Other Way set aside for families we encounter that are experiencing a short-term housing crisis. Men’s Group / Westside Emergency Response Crew - Group of 15-20 men who meet regularly to discuss the topic of the day, work toward self-improvement, and volunteer to help others in the community who are facing hardship. Resource Assistance and Referral - Team dedicated to helping people navigate systems, obtain benefits, refer out specialty services, etc.