North Kent Connect

Please welcome Adrienne Goodstal as North Kent Connect's new executive director, effective September 30, 2024!?She is only the?5th executive director appointed to NKC in 51 years, taking?the reigns from Claire Guisfredi who is retiring after nearly 12 years of service. You may know Adrienne from the Grand Rapids non-profit community as she was previously the president of Mel Trotter Ministries. Adrienne holds a?master’s in public administration/non-profit management and serves as vice-chair and governing board member for Catherine’s Health Center. She?brings over 10 years of experience in non-profit and mission-driven organizations, with a proven track record of excelling in strategic visioning and organizational leadership. An accomplished visionary leader, Adrienne?has spearheaded innovative community programs that have significantly impacted disadvantaged families and driven revenue growth. With extensive expertise in partnership development and advocacy, she?has demonstrated the power of cross-sector collaboration to advance the mission of empowering individuals and families from diverse abilities and backgrounds. "We are incredibly grateful for everyone's support during this exciting transition." said Cheryl Scales, NKC board president. "We look forward to working alongside Adrienne to deepen our community impact and foster meaningful change for those we serve." As the new executive director, Adrienne will focus on expanding NKC’s key initiatives of accessibility to fresh food, attainable housing, and transportation, while continuing to drive innovative programs and deepening community connections. "I am excited to join North Kent Connect and to contribute my expertise to furthering its incredible work," said Adrienne. "Together, we will continue to empower individuals and families, ensuring they have the support and resources they need to thrive.” Welcome, Adrienne!

We're hiring! Join a great group of people who work together and enjoy their time. Food Program Assistant, 25 hours per week Apply at: https://lnkd.in/g-tvvsG6 Facilities Coordinator, 40 hours/week (primarily Monday - Friday) Apply at: https://lnkd.in/gDag_grs

Are you a thrift store shopper? We're curious to know how many school-aged children are leading the charge in blending fashion with sustainability by choosing thrifted clothes. #backtoschool #backtoschoolthrifting

If you know NKC's Claire Guisfredi, you won't want to miss the last fundraiser at North Kent Connect before she retires as our executive director.?We’ll eat, greet, and ROAST the Woman of the Hour while sharing our mission to help people move forward and out of crisis. Table sponsorships and tickets are available at https://bit.ly/3SSyxl9. You can also contact Scott Christie at (616) 866-3478, ext. 356, or [email protected]. Thursday, October 10, 2024 Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Strolling Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m.

We're excited to share that we have elected three new members to our board of directors: Megan Anthony, Claudia Gonzalez-Rivas, and Cindy Kogelschatz! ? Anthony is the senior vice president of human resources at AdventureCreditUnion in Grand Rapids and Lansing. Gonzalez-Rivas is an outreach and recruitment specialist at Telamon/TRC Migrant Head Start, a multi-state organization that works to empower individuals and families with the mission of disrupting the cycle of poverty. Kogelschatz is the COO and co-founder of Heartland Builders, a custom residential home builder in Grand Rapids. "Our board members are deeply committed and actively contribute to the success of North Kent Connect," said Claire Guisfredi, executive director of North Kent Connect. "Megan, Claudia, and Cindy are exceptional additions. They are businesswomen with diverse backgrounds and active community members who share a passion for our mission. We are eager to benefit from their guidance and insight over the next three years." Anthony, Gonzalez-Rivas, and Kogelschatz join current NKC board members: Cheryl Scales (president), retired, principal, Progressive AE, Inc.; Lisa Cooper (vice president), founder & chief people officer, Cooper People Group; Ben O’Hearn (secretary), quasi judicial officer, Barry County Courts; Dan Triezenberg (treasurer), chief financial officer, Wolverine Gas and Oil Corp; Ben Taylor (clergy representative), pastor, Sparta Center Church; Crystal Bravo,?real estate development associate, ICCF Community Homes; Cathy Cooper, executive director, Meijer LPGA Classic.; Joshua Grimes,?pastor, Blythefield Christian Reformed Church; Ellen Nyblad, director, Mamrelund Church Food Pantry; and Dean Whittaker, corporate treasury director, Corewell Health.

What do you do when your beloved Executive Director retires after 11 years? Why you ROAST her, of course! Sponsorships are now available.

We're taking the thrift store outside on Thursday, Aug. 8!

Twice a year our staff takes a day away from the office to share our annual plan and reconnect with each other. It's great fun and brings us closer together as a team! ?

If you're still considering purchasing new backpacks and school supplies for local families in need, Amazon Prime Days (July 16 and 17) have some great deals! https://lnkd.in/gxmHCX5e If you prefer to purchase your own, you can drop off new backpacks and school supplies at our lobby or store donation area by July 31st. NKC clients can bring their children to choose a backpack between August 5th and August 15th. Any backpacks left over after that date will be sold in the Thrift Store so that families in the community can purchase them. If you have any questions, please contact Scott Christie at (616) 866-3478, ext. 356, or [email protected]. Thank you for helping local families in need get ready for school!

We're still a long way from getting 500 backpacks for our students in need! Can you imagine trying to make a backpack last throughout high school? Many of our families face this challenge, knowing that a sturdy backpack can cost $60 or more. If you're able to help, we're collecting new backpacks and school supplies through the end of July. Donations can be dropped off in our lobby and store donation area. If you prefer to purchase online, items will be delivered directly from Amazon to NKC at https://amzn.to/3We4ExM Thank you for your generosity and for helping us make a difference in the lives of these children!