KConnect

Our Neighborhood Our Health (ONOH) grantees are helping ensure Roosevelt Park Community in Grand Rapids receives vital funding. Each health sector grantee received $50,000 to support impactful programs. Thanks to ONOH, Trinity Health MI (Grand Rapids) purchased new healthcare tech and relaunched its 'centering' program, connecting expectant parents with doctors for guidance. The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan expanded access to preventative health services by increasing referrals, offering social support, and raising awareness through outreach efforts. Learn more about ONOH: https://lnkd.in/gB2p5gYy

Join our friends and colleagues at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy!

Looking for your next career move? We’re hiring an organized, detail-oriented, and communicative Administrative Project Manager to join our innovative team! In this role, you’ll provide essential project management and administrative support, working closely with our Vice Presidents, Director of System Building, and Director of Communications. You’ll coordinate workgroups, Align & Design sessions, and consulting group meetings and events. Interested in learning more? View the full position description and apply today: https://lnkd.in/eJ33Ms38

The Policy and Advocacy Toolkit is a comprehensive resource for identifying policies and launching advocacy efforts in Kent County, Michigan. It delves into key policy themes for addressing issues disproportionately affecting marginalized populations. You will also discover resources and frameworks designed to guide individuals and organizations in their advocacy efforts. After exploring the toolkit, we hope you join us in the collective call for systems change. As a community, let’s advocate for policies that dismantle barriers and pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive Kent County. Download the toolkit by visiting?https://lnkd.in/e4av6.?

On November 12, 2024, KConnect held its inaugural Advocacy Day in Lansing, focusing on Family Leave Optimal Coverage (FLOC) as one of seven priorities in our Shared Policy Agenda. Joined by cross-sector partners and community voices, we are making strides in advocacy to ensure that every child and family in our region has the support they need across the prenatal to career continuum.

Meet Mark, our Vice President! Mark is our systems thinker and data expert who transforms complex information into clear insights for all. Passionate about outcome-based problem-solving, Mark helps communities, governments, and organizations become more responsive to their needs. He holds a BA in Finance from Michigan State and an MSW in Social Policy from the University of Michigan. Mark joined KConnect in 2014, bringing over a decade of policy and advocacy experience from NYC. With a knack for identifying issues and guiding teams to practical solutions, Mark believes quality data is key to uncovering a community’s successes and addressing challenges.

Join our President and CEO, Salvador Lopez, in co-leading the Introduction to Systems Change Workshop on November 21, hosted by the Collective Impact Forum and Collective Change Lab. This online session will explore frameworks from The Water of Systems Change to clarify strategies for meaningful community impact. Co-lead John Kania, co-author of the publication, will also share new perspectives on systems change. Workshop Details: Date: Thursday, Nov 21, 2024 Time: 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm ET Learn more by visiting: https://lnkd.in/gMj6x4fP

Thank you to the Michigan Health Endowment Fund for speaking with us about the vital role that compensation frameworks play in our communities. By listening to the community and compensating lived experience as expertise, we’re building pathways to prosperity for every child in Kent County. Our community member compensation framework sets fair standards, from hourly wages to childcare support. With the recent addition of a youth compensation structure designed by young people, for young people, we’re hopeful that equitable compensation models will expand in Kent County and beyond. Visit the link below to discover how these models empower our youth. Stay tuned for our comprehensive community guidebook, coming soon!

Women make up 80% of PK-12 educators but hold only 24% of superintendent roles. The upcoming GVSU Educational Leadership and Counseling event, Women in Leadership Discussion Panel and Q&A, will shed light on women's unique challenges in education. The event panelists—leaders across PK-12 and higher education—will share their experiences, discuss the growing number of female students in leadership programs, and offer insights into overcoming obstacles on the path to leadership. While the focus is on women in leadership, male leaders and aspiring male leaders are encouraged to attend. Understanding these dynamics is essential to building a more inclusive leadership team. Register today: https://bit.ly/3Yhkjw9

Our Vice President, Mark Woltman, and Director of Communications, Katie Hop, recently spoke with Second Wave Media to discuss the vital role of accessible data in shaping healthier communities. Access to health data should be universal. Our data dashboard empowers everyone in Kent County with insights into health, education, family income, and the 'cradle-to-career pipeline.' By concentrating on key metrics and teaming up with community partners to mobilize resources, we’re committed to impactful systems change statewide. Read the full article below!