TREASURE, a lovable Golden Retriever, joined the Casula family as Nolan’s SDA companion last year. The service dog quickly became Nolan’s new best friend, helping him navigate the world and offering comfort and support.
In recognition of Autism Awareness Week (March 24-28) and Autism Awareness Day (April 2), PAWS shined a spotlight on the impact of SDAs like TREASURE and the ongoing efforts to meet the rapidly increasing demand for these dogs.
PAWS provides custom-trained assistance dogs that empower individuals living with disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives (Courtesy, PAWS)
The impact of SDAs
PAWS provides custom-trained assistance dogs that empower individuals living with disabilities to lead fuller, more independent lives. One category of assistance dogs is SDAs.
These dogs play a crucial role for children on the spectrum by enhancing social interactions, expanding verbal and nonverbal communication, teaching life skills, increasing interest in activities, and reducing stress within the family – something the Casula family can attest to.
Nolan’s parents, Vanessa and Derek Casula, shared, “The impact that TREASURE has had on our family has been nothing but positive. What once were challenges are no longer the case.
“We no longer have to dread bedtime, we no longer have to dread simplistic things such as showering or brushing teeth. I don’t have to try to convince him to read a story because now he willingly does so to his best friend TREASURE.”
An increasing demand
(Courtesy, pxhere.com)
However, the demand for these life-changing dogs continues to grow. PAWS currently receives four applications for every one spot available for SDAs. In 2025, PAWS did not offer applications for this category of assistance dog due to the already extensive waiting list.
For PAWS, meeting this increasing demand requires strategic growth and additional support from the community.
Renovating PAWS’ national headquarters based in Wayland, MI, is one of vital changes being made to expand the mission work and ability to reach more people like the Casula family. The updated facilities will enable PAWS to continue delivering world-class service, increase the number of dogs in training, and therefore, the number applicants the organization can serve.
A need for foster puppy raising volunteers
With a goal to double the placements of assistance dogs by 2030, PAWS also needs to increase the number of volunteers in the Foster Puppy Raising program.
Volunteer Foster Puppy Raisers provide a loving home and basic obedience training for future assistance dogs before they are ready to begin formal training. Before TREASURE met her forever person, Nolan, she lived with Bonnie Sposato, a volunteer Foster Puppy Raiser for PAWS.
There are currently over 150 volunteers that are a part of the Foster Puppy Raising program at PAWS, but this number will need to grow (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“It honestly gives me goosebumps in the best way to think about the changes and the impact that miss TREASURE is going to have on a child’s life,” said Sposato. “Her new person loves her, and she loves him so much. It is the best feeling ever.”
There are currently over 150 volunteers that are a part of the Foster Puppy Raising program at PAWS, but this number will need to grow over the next year to help serve more people with disabilities. To reach more people like Nolan and his family, PAWS is asking the community to consider becoming a raiser, co-raiser, or a starter/finisher home.
“Providing assistance dogs for the people who need them begins with our volunteers,” said Michele Suchovsky, CEO of PAWS. “By providing the dog with a loving home in the early stages of life, our volunteers are helping us make an incredible impact for people like the Casula family.
“TREASURE helps Nolan feel safe, understood, and supported. She is providing peace of mind to Vanessa and Derek, helping them navigate the challenges of autism with greater ease.”
An encouraging word
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Nolan provided his thoughts on the importance of helping more children like him receive their SDA, encouraging people to donate to PAWS and volunteer: “Because of donations from people like you, I have my best friend TREASURE. Your donation will also allow for other kids like me to have a best friend too!”
More information about PAWS, ways to donate, and how to join the volunteer program can be found at: pawswithacause.org.
Puertas Abiertas (Open Doors), a local nonprofit organization, is celebrating six years of helping Latina women live healthier lives free of violence.
Andrea Inostroza, founder and executive director, has served over 2,500 individuals since the inception of Puertas Abiertas in January 2019. While Inostroza focuses on providing services for female victims of abuse, trafficking and discrimination in the Latina community, no one is turned away.
Regardless of age, gender or ethnicity, Inostroza opens her doors to all in need.
“What we provide here is a support group for women, men, children, adolescents, and LGBTQ+ too,” says Inostroza. “This organization was born with the idea of: Serve the Latino community and break the cycle of domestic violence (DV) through education.”
“We speak their language”
Inostroza leads the organization with cultural sensitivity and awareness. As the only bilingual organization in Michigan offering resources for those escaping domestic violence situations, Puertas Abiertas provides a vital service for the Latina community.
The nonprofit offers services such as therapy; support groups; food, clothing and housing assistance; employment and resume building assistance; and a 24/7 Spanish domestic violence hotline.
Puertas Abiertas works with more than 60 partners and community organizations to offer as many resources as possible under one roof – which was Inostroza’s goal.
(Courtesy, Puertas Abiertas)
“My idea was to have an organization where everybody comes here, and we don’t send anyone anywhere,” Inostroza says, adding that partnerships are vital to the success of this process. “You can’t do this work by yourself. You have to do it in a collaboration.”
Inostroza’s staff includes five Michigan licensed therapists and two full-licensed therapists. Inostroza’s background also contains an extensive knowledge of trauma-informed therapy. Puertas Abiertas’ therapy program currently serves over 140 men, women and children.
Puertas Abiertas staff also includes five advocates that accompany clients to various places (ex: court) and assist with transportation and translation.
“We are always with them. Always,” says Inostroza. “That’s what makes a difference. To have somebody beside you, and to know that you belong to the organization…it’s a sense of belonging.”
“We don’t label”
Inostroza says there is no judgment at Puertas Abiertas.
“We don’t differentiate here, we don’t label. If someone comes here and needs services, we help them. Our mission is to provide, to teach these women to have a healthy life free of violence,” Inostroza says.
“We work with the Latino community, and we’re trying to protect the clients, protect the organization, and to have the best outcome based on everything that is going on around us.”
Teaching safety and equality
Andrea Inostroza-Castro, Puertas Abiertas Founder and Executive Director (Courtesy, Puertas Abiertas)
Inostroza was raised in Concepción, Chile and moved to Kansas with her family in 2002 without knowing the English language or culture. The move was precipitated by a desire to place her children in a safe environment and teach them about equality.
“Chile is very divided by social status, socioeconomics and finances, so we wanted to teach our kids that everybody is the same,” says Inostroza. “We don’t look at anyone differently.”
Initially, Inostroza struggled with the English language and change in culture.
“I came from the second biggest city in Chile, beside the ocean – to Kansas, in the middle of nowhere,” said Inostroza, adding that she later moved to Michigan because of the lakes and her desire to be near water.
Inostroza learned English while pursuing a postgraduate degree. Her certifications include: a Bachelor of Arts in Art Education, a Master of Science in Psychology, a Master in Art Therapy and Counseling. She is also registered as a professional artist at Fine Art America.
Recognizing a need
Inostroza was inspired to start Puertas Abiertas while employed at a Grand Rapids school where 86% of students came from the Latino community.
“I saw a lot of problems with children,” says Inostroza. “[The school] wanted to discharge them from the school system because of their behavior.”
Inostroza realized the negative behavior stemmed from domestic violence at home, or because the students were survivors of domestic violence.
(Courtesy, Puertas Abiertas)
She began talking with her students’ mothers, gaining their trust. Inostroza soon realized the women were also DV victims and survivors, or were sexually abused as children.
“That’s what motivates me: the needs of the people and the misunderstanding of the behaviors of the children in school – because it was not their fault,” says Inostroza. “They were repeating [what they saw at home].
Inostroza began a ten-week support group (Puertas Abiertas) for women. As the number of participants quickly increased, she began looking for a larger meeting place – and encountered unexpected resistance.
David vs. Goliath: The fight for resources
While trying to obtain support and resources, Inostroza was continually turned away with the words: ‘No, there is no domestic violence in the Latino community.’
“Grand Rapids wasn’t prepared to face it,” says Inostroza.
Another misconception was the belief that domestic violence was part of the Latino community culture.
“It’s not,” said Inostroza. “It is a lack of formal education. Latino and South American countries are known for lack of formal education.”
Despite the negativity surrounding her, Inostroza refused to give up.
“In the beginning, it was very stressful. I knocked on so many doors. I can’t tell you how many doors.”
Money was also a problem, with only $1,300 for liability insurance. Puertas Abiertas now has a million-dollar budget and 21 staff members.
“It has been a lot of work, a lot of grant writing, a lot of talking,” Inostroza says. “People are supporting the organization and seeing the work being done. We have the trust of the people, but that took work.”
Breaking the cycle
Many children belonging to the Latino community are born into a domestic violence cycle.
“These children are the future generations of the United States,” says Inostroza. “And we don’t see it. We don’t believe that these kids are going to grow up, they are going to become adults, they are going to have families, and the cycle is going to continue.”
Education is necessary, Inostroza continues, to help these children grow, become independent, recognize the difference between need and want – and break the DV cycle.
Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs defines which needs are most important to survive (Courtesy, Puertas Abiertas)
“This organization was not based on what I wanted to give the community, it was based on what they needed. That is why it has been so successful,” says Inostroza.
“If we don’t provide the services or the education we’re providing, this is going to continue and continue.”
Wins and losses
Inostroza says she has learned a lot since Puertas Abiertas opened its doors, and that recognizing both wins and losses over the past six years is important.
“It’s important because we learn from our mistakes,” says Inostroza. “We have made some mistakes, and we have learned from them so we don’t repeat them again.”
Inostroza’s staff share the Puertas Abiertas mission, vision and values – and share the rewards as well.
“To know [clients] are going to have a bed at night, a place to sleep, is a huge reward for us,” said Inostroza. “To know they are going to have food, to know they are safe, to see their smile, is what has motivated me to keep going. Nothing else.”
And Inostroza is willing to put in the work.
“We have to do the work…and do the best we can to protect the clients and protect the organization. I cannot fail.”
To learn more about Puertas Abiertas or how to support/partner with the organization, click here (English) or here (Español).
Watch this special episode of WKTV Soundbites En Español with host Yeli Romero and Julieta Torres, Gerente de Programas de Puertas Abiertas: Soundbites En Español.
A devastating residential fire in Wyoming resulted in significant property damage and the tragic loss of multiple family pets (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The Wyoming Fire Department responded to a devastating residential fire that occurred last night March 20, at approximately 10:15 p.m. on Oak Valley Ct.
The fire resulted in significant property damage and the tragic loss of multiple family pets. Incidents such as this are devastating especially when beloved family pets are involved.
The first arriving fire units encountered significant fire coming from the front of the entire home and also the vehicles in the driveway. The fire had already spread rapidly throughout the house causing significant damage inside. Residents of the home were able to quickly escape before the fire traveled throughout the home.
Residents of the home were able to quickly escape before the fire traveled throughout the home (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The fire was contained and extinguished preventing it from fully spreading to nearby homes. Fire crews remained on scene for several hours last night conducting overhaul operations and ensuring hotspots were extinguished.
There were minor injuries reported however patients were assessed at the scene and released.
The fire was initially reported within the garage area of the home. An initial investigation as to the cause is currently underway by the Wyoming Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office. Working smoke alarms were noted during the fire investigation. The displaced residents were assisted by the American Red Cross with initial needs soon after the fire.
Local assistance
The Wyoming Fire Department would like to extend our gratitude to local and municipal partners involved with this fire either directly or indirectly, including Wyoming Police Department, Grandville Fire Department, American Medical Response (AMR), DTE, Consumers Energy, American Red Cross, and John Grace Board Up.
Fire safety
The Wyoming Fire Department reminds the community of the importance of having working smoke alarms, developing an emergency escape plan, and taking precautions to prevent fires.
If you are in need of smoke alarms for your home, please reach out to the Fire Administration Office at 616-530-7250 to discuss available options.
Public assistance
Anyone with additional information regarding this fire is asked to contact the Wyoming Fire Department Fire Marshal’s Office Fire Investigator at 616-257-9764.
Wedgwood Christian Services is already seeing positive results from their revived Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), a six-week program that provides support for adolescents and adults with moderate to significant substance use.
Wedgwood’s IOP was relaunched in November 2024 after a brief pause due to staff transitions and low participation. WCS decided to revamp and revive IOP when a need for the program became evident.
(Courtesy photo)
“We started seeing a need for it and had some really good team members for that,” said Nick Bayer, Clinical Supervisor at WCS, adding that significant time was spent constructing a plan for the program. “It also gave us a real opportunity to sit down and say, How do we want to do it?”
Topics for each session are pre-planned to guide and retain focus of the group. One change was making IOP a closed group.
“We run it in six-week closed groups where you don’t have kids dropping and dropping out, it’s the same kids coming in,” said Bayer. “It really helped build that connection between people so they don’t have to retell their stories, or a new person doesn’t know what’s going on, as well as establishing a very specific curriculum.”
Why is IOP needed?
Research shows that one in seven teens will need treatment for substance use disorders. However, only 5% of adolescents in Michigan receive the needed treatment. Wedgwood’s IOP is one of the few federally funded treatment programs exclusively geared toward adolescents and young adults.
Engaging clients in therapy two or three days each week, IOP sessions are three hours in length and held at Wedgwood’s Ekhart Counseling Center in Grand Rapids. The program provides guidance, support and a plan for adolescents, young adults, and their families to rebuild lives and provide hope for the future.
(Courtesy photo)
Motivational interviewing is a major component in earlier stages of treatment while later stages focus on creating a new lifestyle, coping with triggers and urges, and maintaining a strong commitment to recovery.
WCS offers outpatient, intensive outpatient and residential care for substance use treatment. Bayer describes Wedgwood’s IOP as an in-between stage of care. Though intensive in terms of the amount of work and energy being put in, it does not completely disrupt the participant’s life.
Some youth slotted for residential care often try IOP first since residential availability is often low. IOP offers a higher level of support and therapeutic interventions without the intensity of a residential experience.
Vital connections
Wedgwood’s IOP recently completed the first six-week cohort – and is already seeing positive results.
Bayer said the IOP builds a feeling of support and unity among youth that is desperately needed. With several IOP youth on probation, being surrounded by other youth who understand the emotions of that situation is important.
“It’s one thing for me as an adult to talk with them about what it’s like to navigate the feelings of being a teenager on probation. It’s another thing for a peer also going through it to say, I know what it feels like.”
Access and exposure
Bayer said lack of available resources and the current culture contribute to rising adolescent substance use, with few adolescents receiving needed treatment.
(Courtesy photo)
“The nature of being an adolescent is to blame for substance use, different pressures and not knowing about different options,” Bayer said. “They’ve got a lot going on.”
Access and exposure to substances are also significantly higher than in the past. It is not hard to obtain cannabis or marijuana, Bayer said, and cannabis is currently the drug of choice.
“The supply is significant,” said Bayer. “My two-stoplight town has five dispensaries in it, and you see advertisements for it all over. As an adolescent, you’re bombarded with these messages constantly.”
So how do we help our youth?
Wedgwood’s IOP focuses on teaching abstinence and reduction from substances, while also teaching skills and interventions to replace the symptoms of THC and substance use.
“A lot of them are self-medicating,” said Bayer. “They’re having the stress, anxiety and agitation of going through adolescence. They find that maybe cannabis helps them calm down. But now they’re reliant upon it.”
(Courtesy, photo)
Motivational interviewing – a therapeutic approach using questions and rapport to help clients identify their needs and create their own therapeutic goals – is helpful because it creates ownership in the client.
“It’s really effective when it comes to substance use counseling because the big thing for change is motivation,” said Bayer. “If they don’t want to stop using, they’re not going to. It’s so much more meaningful when the goal comes from the person; they are much more likely to strive to meet that.
“It’s where the therapist is the ally of the individual. They are striving toward their goals, and you are supporting them in getting there.”
Much of that support is helping clients build skills in self-control and in safety when using. Because, Bayer said, there is a high rate of relapse in substance use.
“There’s a phrase we use in addiction treatment: relapse is part of recovery,” said Bayer. “Those that suffer with addictions enter treatment on average six or seven times before they have a sustained remission. It’s just hard, and relapse is part of recovery.”
WCS strives to give positive therapeutic support so clients in a relapse situation are not anxious about returning for care.
A full spectrum of care
Wedgwood’s IOP is accepted by most insurance plans, is licensed by the State of Michigan, and provided in several counties. Learn more about Wedgwood’s IOP and other substance use care here.
To learn more about Wedgwood Christian Services and the care they offer, click here.
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host a Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS March Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, March 31 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
What to expect
Though the selection of food varies each month, there are always a variety of fresh and frozen items available at the Mobile Pantry.
The Mobile Pantry is drive-thru style, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles for safety.
WHS Mobile Food Pantry Map (Courtesy, WPS)
Cars enter at the main entrance to WHS (1350 Prairie Parkway). Volunteers will direct traffic in the parking lot to help with efficiency.
Once in line, a volunteer will approach each car to record the name, address, number of people in the household, and the reason the food is needed for each family. Once a car has reached the front of the line, volunteers will load a box of food into the trunk.
Resources
To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.
For the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here.
Over 70 community members, city and county officials, and law enforcement officers attended the iCI Nation “Lunch n Learn” event on March 12 (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Over 70 community members, city and county officials, and law enforcement officers attended the iCI Nation “Lunch n Learn” event on March 12.
Held at the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD), iCI Nation Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Franson hosted the Lunch n Learn event as a way for law enforcement and community to meet and build relationships.
Jennifer Franson welcomes community members to the iCI Nation Lunch n Learn at the GRPD (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“The goal of this right now is building relationships and trust,” said Franson. “Our vision is to unify the city as we protect and serve together.”
iCI Nation has been building successful partnerships between community and law enforcement since 2016. The local nonprofit is dedicated to providing a healthy environment that brings citizens, police officers and organizational resources together to create a stronger and healthier city.
Value in connections
Franson urges police and community to build connections over the shared value of protecting and serving together. Lunch n Learn events are a way to facilitate those connections.
“I want to call out the value of all of you,” Franson said to event attendees. “I want you to try to see each other through that; the value you have, the value they have, and how you – together – are working on the same team.”
GRPD Police Chief Eric Winstrom talks about the value of connections (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
GRPD Police Chief Eric Winstrom sought out genuine connections when he first came to West Michigan. However, being seen as human beings – and not just as the uniform police officers wear – is a challenge, Winstrom said.
“To have people like Jenn Franson who give us the opportunities to connect with people on a regular basis like this, to have easy conversations, positive conversations, but also higher conversations – that’s super vital to the success that we’re seeing,” said Winstrom.
Advocating for our youth
Frank Briones (center) with local youth from his program (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
Advocating for Kent County youth was the focus of the Lunch n Learn event.
Event speakers included GRPD Chief Eric Winstrom, Kent County Youth Caseworker Frank Briones, and GRPD Victims Advocate Clorissa Novak.
“Everybody in this room wearing a uniform wants so badly to never put handcuffs on a young person,” said Winstrom. “We want to deal with the root causes. This is not an us against them. We want the best, especially for our kids.”
Briones has worked with Kent County youth for over 20 years. Like Winstrom, Briones realizes the youth coming through his door are not defined by crimes written on an admission form. Often, they come from harmful environments and are struggling.
(Left to right) Peter MacGregor, Jennifer Franson and Lisa Posthumus Lyons (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
“It’s not their fault,” said Briones. “I try to advocate for them, I try to help them as much as I can.
“These kids, they’re our future. We made a commitment to be consistent with our youth, to go above and beyond to help them.”
Franson urges the community to think of the hearts and stories behind the headlines.
“We hear the bad [and] we don’t think of the people, the humans behind [the headlines],” said Franson.
Tragedy turns to triumph when we reserve judgement, said Briones. “We have to show [youth] that this is not the end of the line, that there is hope.”
The social worker-led program focuses on information, support and resources to make sure victims have what they need both physically and emotionally. Education, Novak added, is also a vital component because many victims of crime do not know their rights.
Chief Winstrom (left) stands in the iCI Nation Kids Closet (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
“We are here to make sure people understand what they can expect, help manage expectations, and then support them in a time where our first responders and investigators are doing what they have to do to try to get justice.”
Novak went on to say that the iCI Nation Kids Closet at the GRPD is instrumental in ensuring victims have physical needs such as clothing, toys, backpacks and more.
(Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“It is just meeting folks where they are and trying to make sure that they’re not falling through the gaps,” said Novak. “That they have what they need to get back to that pre-crisis state of function.”
The key to success, Novak said, is collaboration.
“Spread the word,” said Novak. “Let people know that we’re here, that we’re safe folks to talk to.”
Winstrom emphasized the GRPD’s commitment to protect everyone. “We want you to know that if you’re in danger, if you’re being victimized, you can call us.”
Engagement, Collaboration, Partnership
Topics discussed included restorative vs. punitive justice, self-care and needs of individuals and organizations working with youth. Engagement, collaboration and partnership were emphasized repeatedly throughout the discussions.
Engagement, collaboration and partnership are vital to successfully unifying our cities (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
“Community engagement is huge,” said Novak. “People being willing to collaborate, to help our folks or create pathways for referrals is huge. The more relationships we can build the better.”
Briones said he will work with “anyone, anytime, anyplace” to help youth – even when it is hard.
“Sometimes we don’t want to get up and go,” said Briones. “But we do it anyway. We go, one foot in front of the other. We go because they are dependent on us.
“It takes support, love, caring and compassion to help these young people become better people.”
Positive conversations and connections produce support and unity (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
When asked about the GRPD’s greatest need, Winstrom gestured toward event attendees.
“This,” said Winstrom. “More more things like this where we connect on a positive level and work together.
“When the community supports us, we’re all winning. It’s not us against them…we’re co-producing the safest city we can.”
Value & Authenticity = Change
Franson said bringing value and authentic care and love to youth always makes a difference.
“You guys all have it, you guys are all doing it, and I hope that encourages you,” said Franson. “We’re all in this together. We’re all neighbors, we’re all community. We’re working together for each other.”
Kurt (left) often visits with local youth, making them feel valued (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
Winstrom agreed: “You’re doing the work; stick with it. It may be difficult, but these kids need adults in their lives who care. That’s going to make all the difference.”
“We have to finish the race,” said Briones. “What we start, we finish. When we can do it together, that’s even better.”
To learn more about iCI Nation, click here. For more information on the iCI Nation Kids Closet, contact Clorissa Novak at cnovak@grcity.us or 616-456-3360.
Lunch n Learn Sponsors
Event sponsors included Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker, Kent County Clerk Lisa Posthumus Lyons and Kent County Treasurer Peter MacGregor. Lunch was provided by The Candied Yam.
One person is injured after a shooting in the 1200 block of Rathbone Street SW.
At approximately 1:45 p.m. on March 15, Wyoming Police responded to a shooting in the 1200 block of Rathbone Street SW. Upon arrival, officers located an adult female suffering from a gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.
The suspect fled the scene before police arrived, and no suspect information is available for release at this time.
Wyoming Police continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
BLOOM’s month-long festivities allow greater Grand Rapids community members to take part in sustainable practices and seasonal activities (Courtesy, RiverTown Crossings)
This spring, RiverTown Crossings is proud to present BLOOM, an innovative month-long event series dedicated to sustainability and community engagement.
Starting on March 15 and running through April 26, BLOOM will transform RiverTown Crossings into a vibrant hub of eco-friendly activities and events.
“BLOOM showcases RiverTown Crossings’ dedication to community connection, featuring eco-friendly initiatives and engaging family-friendly events,” says Melissa Brink, Marketing Manager at RiverTown Crossings. “We’re delighted to provide a program that brings together sustainability, creativity, and community to celebrate the season.”
BLOOM aims to inspire and educate visitors on sustainable living practices while fostering a stronger sense of community and promoting fresh beginnings.
A wide variety of fun activities are available for all ages, including:
Document Shredding & Recycling Programs – Saturday, March 15
In celebration of World Recycle Day and in partnership with West Michigan Shredding, the community is encouraged to bring sensitive documents for safe disposal at an on-site shredding truck from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Located in the northeast parking lot near Dick’s Sporting Goods, guests may bring paper-based materials for shredding.
Participants who bring their documents to be shredded can text to enter a giveaway for a chance to win a $100 Uccello’s gift card.
Guests are also encouraged to visit several RiverTown Crossings tenants to support their recycling programs. Tenants include:
H&M – The retailer’s Garment Collection Program allows guests to drop off unwanted clothes from any brand, in any condition to recycle boxes in-store. The collected textiles are sorted for reuse, repurposing, or recycling to reduce waste.
American Eagle – Thinking of getting rid of that old pair of jeans? Bring them into an AE and get $10 toward a new pair! Shoppers must be a Real Rewards member to redeem this offer.
Sephora – Drop off your cleaned-out packaging to Sephora’s dedicated collection bins. In partnership with the nonprofit, Pact, the collected packaging will be repurposed into carpets, pallets, asphalt, new packaging and more.
BLOOM Bike Rodeo (Courtesy, RiverTown Crossings)
World Water Day – Saturday, March 22
In celebration of World Water Day, the center will host multiple environmental groups and vendors from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lower level Center Court, to provide eco-friendly education and activities. Guests can also sign up to receive a free ‘RiverTown Crossings’ branded water bottle, with purchase at select stores and while supplies last.
Spring Affair – Friday, April 4 through Saturday, April 19
Capture season memories with Easter Bunny photo sessions taking place in Center Court. Fresh from the Home & Garden Show in Grand Rapids, DeHamer Landscaping will install a vibrant display of live plants and flowers for a beautiful spring backdrop. Guests are encouraged to reserve their spots and review photo packages, as space is limited. To reserve a photo session, visit whereisbunny.com.
Spring Break Activities – Saturday, April 12
Celebrating the end of spring break, families are invited to visit the RiverTown Crossings for a series of activities including crafts, coloring, face painting, balloon animals and an egg hunt.
The event will teach kids essential bike safety skills, including bike repairs, helmet checks and safe riding techniques, and a skills course will be available for those looking to challenge themselves. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own bikes, though a limited number of loaner bikes will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Families can also enjoy exciting giveaways including a wildflower seed in Center Court, and bike raffles throughout the event.
The City of Wyoming has spent two decades [re]Imagining its future, and is making steady progress in making those dreams a reality (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The City of Wyoming has spent two decades [re]Imagining its future, and is making steady progress in making those dreams a reality.
The Wyoming City Center plans include many facets geared toward creating a central gathering place accessible by walking.
“What’s happened in recent years has been a calling for a return to the traditional development patterns of downtown,” said Wyoming Deputy City Manager Patrick Waterman. “Main streets where people can get out and walk, and shop, and come together as a community.”
28th Street Pedestrian Bridge
Those driving down 28th Street can now see the installation of a new 12-foot wide elevated pedestrian bridge.
The ADA accessible bridge will accommodate two-way pedestrian and bicycle traffic across 28th Street and is part of 4.6 miles of new non-motorized pathways providing access to various key destinations in the City.
28th Street elevated pedestrian bridge (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
28th Street elevated pedestrian bridge (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
28th Street elevated pedestrian bridge (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
28th Street elevated pedestrian bridge (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
“We’re trying to put the spokes into the hub to get people,” said Waterman. “Those [trails] will connect north to Grand Rapids and south to Byron Center.”
The City Center’s proximity to the highway and Silver Line bus route will also provide easy access to the downtown area. Construction of the pedestrian bridge will finish in June 2025.
Godwin Mercado Marketplace
Also making steady progress is the forthcoming local Godwin Mercado marketplace at Site 36 Industrial Park.
An 80-acre parcel of land with 75 acres on the south side of 36th Street, Site 36 includes an additional five acres on the north side dedicated to the marketplace.
Godwin Mercado marketplace site (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Godwin Mercado marketplace site (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Godwin Mercado marketplace site (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Godwin Mercado marketplace site (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Godwin Mercado marketplace site (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
City Manager John Shay says Godwin Mercado answers residents’ call for a community space to gather and hold events.
The 6,000-square-foot market space will provide year-round usage opportunities to support local vendors, seasonal farm and artisan markets, food trucks, community events and private events.
The name Godwin Mercado comes from extensive community input that included residents, community members and business leaders. Godwin Mercado not only serves as a gathering space and point of pride for the greater Wyoming community, it honors the rich heritage and thriving modern culture of the neighborhood where it sits.
“We landed on a name that really connects us to this unique neighborhood and celebrates the community here in Wyoming,” said Krashawn Martin, Wyoming Director of Parks and Recreation, at the groundbreaking ceremony in November 2024.
36th Street Industrial Park
Construction on the 75-acre parcel on the south side of 36th Street is also well underway. The former GM plant was sold to commercial real estate investment company Franklin and Partners in 2022 and now boasts cleared land and structure assembly.
Benteler Automotive‘s new battery components assembly plant will focus on production of a battery tray, tray cover and charging modules weld vent for the V801 Ford Transit Van. The project includes a 299,845-square-foot facility and an additional 17,120-square-foot single-story office area.
“It’s a huge investment in the community,” said Nicole Hofert, Director of Community and Economic Development for Wyoming.
City officials estimate the Benteler plant will generate 150-170 new jobs.
Construction on Site 36 includes development of three land parcels for industrial use (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
In March 2024, the Wyoming City Council approved Corewell Health’s proposal for a 296,515-square-foot consolidated service center. The project will provide space for Corewell Health’s supply chain offices, document and mail services, a 36,000-square-foot shell space and a dedicated parking area for lab courier fleet vehicles.
All medical supplies for the region’s Corewell hospitals will be distributed from this centralized location and will generate an estimated 240 new jobs.
Franklin Partners retains ownership of the third and final Site 36 parcel, which has garnered notice by other businesses.
“It’s about the people.”
“The genuine excitement that Wyoming has about this project, it’s carried us through it,” said Martin. “People are just thrilled to see something happening after there being nothing here for so long.
“Feeling their excitement feeds our excitement and gets us where we need to go to make it happen. That’s what it’s all about – it’s about the people.”
Over the next decade, Shay would like to achieve the City’s vision of crowded sidewalks, shops and restaurants, and special events that will bring people together and strengthen that sense of community.
Wyoming City Center plaza rendering (Courtesy, City of Wyoming)
Wyoming [re]Imagined: Learn More!
Click the following links to learn more about the City of Wyoming, [re]Imagined:
UPDATE: A suspect is in police custody following a shooting that took place on March 4, 2025, in the 2700 block of Clyde Park Avenue SW.
At approximately 3 p.m. on March 6, 2025, officers arrested a 43-year-old male resident of Wyoming without incident. The suspect’s name is being withheld pending arraignment.
Original WPD Press Release
One person is injured after a shooting in the 2700 Block of Clyde Park Avenue SW.
At approximately 4:10 p.m. on March 4, Wyoming Police and Fire personnel responded to the report of a shooting in the 2700 block of Clyde Park Avenue SW. Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The suspect fled the scene.
Initial investigation suggests this was a targeted incident involving individuals known to each other.
Avoid unverified information
At this time, Wyoming Police are not releasing suspect information.
The Wyoming Police Department is aware of numerous social media posts circulating potential suspect and vehicle information related to the March 4 shooting. However, the department has not released any suspect or vehicle details.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation by Wyoming Police Detectives and Forensic Science Unit, and the WPD urges the public to avoid using unverified information.
Contact information
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Twenty-one students at Grace Christian University (GCU) spent three seconds in an icy inflatable pool on Feb. 19 to help lower their tuition bill.
Organized by GCU’s Advancement and Student Affairs departments – and aptly named The Big Freeze – this third annual fundraising event was held on campus grounds.
But…it’s winter…in Michigan!
(Courtesy, GCU)
Event coordinators Emily Lazor (GCU Advancement Coordinator) and Rebeccah Karsten (GCU Community Life Coordinator) said The Big Freeze was launched when university staff decided to use the cold Michigan weather to their students’ advantage.
“Winter in Michigan, compared to the other seasons, narrows the options for student activities and donor events,” said Lazor and Karsten. “So rather than fight the elements, we decided to use the cold weather as a focal point to provide a unique scholarship opportunity for our students.”
The lighthearted event attracted a crowd of faculty, students, staff and event families who watched the brave souls fully immerse themselves in a small inflatable pool for at least three seconds.
“Splash for cash”
A 2024 Big Freeze participant enters the frigid pool (Courtesy, GCU)
Student participants, known as The Blue Crew, raised $13,475. GCU awarded matching gifts to the first 10 students to raise $250 ($2,500), and the top 10 fundraisers earned additional scholarships ranging from $100 for tenth place to $1,000 for the top earner ($5,500), bringing total money awarded to $21,475.
All funds raised are applied directly to the student’s account for the current semester.
This year’s three highest-earning students were:
Triston Murray $3,910
Tammy Perrotta $3,400
Stacy Delgado $2,948
This is quite the increase from The Big Freeze’s inaugural year that yielded five student participants raising $3,355.
A personal (frosty) stake
Lazor and Karsten say that GCU students are never left without resources. Students are continuously coached toward affordable education paths, and fundraisers are no exception. Event leaders are available with resources, advice and guidance as students learn to advocate for their educational endeavors.
A bonfire helped ward off the winter chill (Courtesy, Craig Clark)
“[The Big Freeze] is a unique experience, it yields a high return on investment, and they can really show their creative side,” Lazor and Karsten said. “Three icy seconds is worth every penny, no matter the amount raised. Who couldn’t use some extra money to lower their tuition bill?”
Many students who participate in The Big Freeze have multiple part-time jobs, or even full-time jobs, in addition to being full-time students. Any opportunity to have friends, family and community members partner in their fundraising efforts has an immediate impact to reduce the cost of their education.
GCU staff and faculty are always “on board” to support students (Courtesy, GCU 2024)
“There is never an off-season when it comes to meeting student’s needs or supporting their financial journey of higher education.”
GCU staff and faculty are always “on board” to support the university students – and this fun, yet frosty, event is no exception.
“We enjoy watching our students succeed academically, athletically, or professionally,” said Lazor and Karsten. “Supporting their fundraising efforts is another way to come alongside them to let them know we value them as students.”
Dedication and anticipation
The Big Freeze was generously underwritten by The Velting Foundation.
GCU staff and students are deeply grateful to all the generous donors and supporters who made this event possible.
For those inspired by the dedication of GCU’s students, donations are still being accepted in support of student scholarships. GCU’s 2025 fall tuition is $19,500.
An event participant makes a big splash while a blanket is held ready and waiting after they emerge (Courtesy, Craig Clark)
For more information on this chilly annual event, visit the event page for additional details. A video showcasing the 2024 event can be found at this YouTube link.
“We are already anticipating next year’s excitement!”
The Sunday Night Funnies’ (SNF) third annual Women’s History Month (WHM) show is set for Sunday, March 2.
Lucky Lee (Courtesy, SNF)
Eight comedians will be featured in the March 2 standup comedy performance.
This special show includes returning WHM show participants Cheryl Stoner and Lucky Lee, and new WHM performers CJ Harris and Brittany Melvin. Also taking the stage are 2023 Kingpin of Comedy competition finalist Sarah Wooley and 2024 Kingpin of Comedy quarterfinalist Elieen Nolton.
Lansing comedian Nicole Melnyk and Grand Rapids comic Kim Cook are also slated to perform. Melnyk has been voted Lansing’s Best Comic three times. Cook, a Second City alumni, was also a 2022 Kingpin of Comedy semifinalist. Cook will also participate in the special LaughFest Cancer Survivors Showcase on March 5 at Midtown GR that features all cancer survivor comics.
Kim Cook (Courtesy, SNF)
“The Sunday Night Funnies has always been a diverse show,” says Brian B., MC and Founder of the SNF. “When putting together the lineup each week, I try and have a good mix of comedians – be it race, gender or age-range.
“I wanted to celebrate the contribution women comedians have brought to the show through the years, and what better time to do that than Women’s History Month. Locally, it wasn’t long ago that there weren’t many women doing standup comedy. But over the course of the last few years that number has been steadily growing.”
Enjoy more comedy!
Upcoming SNF performances include SNF’s special LaughFest show on Sunday, March 9 with some of their most popular comedians from 2024.
The month of May will feature an Older American Month celebration performance with a lineup of comics ages 50+ (May 4), and the start of SNF’s seventh annual Kingpin of Comedy competition (May 11). The Kingpin of Comedy competition will run weekly through Oct. 26.
About SNF
The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. The weekly live stand-up comedy performance is free admission and features a variety of local and national comics. Each show begins at 7:30 p.m. (fall/winter) and 8:30 p.m. (spring/summer) at Spectrum Entertainment Complex in Wyoming.
CALEA Accreditation signifies more than just an award; it underscores firm dedication to professionalism, excellence and competence. It stands as a point of pride for the community and police department alike, demonstrating their commitment to upholding the highest standards in law enforcement.
How to provide comments
Anyone wishing to provide comments regarding the agency’s compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status may provide comments to CALEA through the Public Comment Portal.
The Wyoming PD is looking for information to support continuous improvement and foster the pursuit of professional excellence (Courtesy, iCI Nation)
Comments can be in the form of commendations or concerns. The overall intent of the accreditation process is to provide the agency with information to support continuous improvement, as well as foster the pursuit of professional excellence. All comments made through the portal will be sent directly to CALEA; submitters will only receive acknowledgment of their submission.
Anyone wishing to leave comments and have them sent directly to Wyoming Police should use the non-emergency number 616-530-7300, appear in person at the police department, or use the online Police Department Contact Form.
AnchorPoint Christian School in Wyoming is entering PaperGator’s first-ever Paper Recycling Contest in celebration of Earth Day (Courtesy, AnchorPoint Christian School)
AnchorPoint Christian School in Wyoming has entered PaperGator’s first-ever Paper Recycling Contest in celebration of Earth Day!
(Courtesy photo)
PaperGator is offering participating locations the chance to earn exciting rewards by increasing their paper recycling volume until April 11. Locations that show the greatest improvement will be awarded up to $5,000, with the option for bonus prizes. All participants earn double the usual payouts during the contest period.
Investing in the future
Located in urban Wyoming, AnchorPoint has been providing faith-based education to Preschool-6 students since its inception in 2010.
The PaperGator contest teaches students about the importance of recycling while also supporting education (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
AnchorPoint serves a diverse student body, including 44% of students from low-income households. The payouts from PaperGator have helped support the school for the past 15 years by providing funds for educational resources, learning materials and physical activity tools.
Holly Gomez, AnchorPoint teacher, said this contest is important to the school for two main reasons.
“First, we value teaching students about the importance of recycling and sustainability, which is crucial for the environment and for the future of our community,” said Gomez. “Second, it offers us an opportunity to raise funds to purchase Classroom Cruiser Bike(s) for our library.”
Gomez went on to say that the bikes will help create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment by allowing students to merge physical activity with academic work.
“Recent research highlights the benefits of movement in enhancing cognitive function and academic performance in young learners,” Gomez said. “Many of our students face challenges with staying focused during extended periods of seated instruction.”
Gomez believes the Cruiser Bikes are an innovative resource that will make a significant impact on AnchorPoint students.
“The introduction of Classroom Cruiser Bikes will allow students to engage in light physical activity while reading, researching, or participating in library-based activities, fostering both academic and physical well-being.”
The double participation payouts will significantly boost AnchorPoint’s incoming funds, helping meet the cost of the Classroom Cruiser Bikes and possibly provide additional support for other educational tools that will enhance students’ learning experiences.
“Providing equitable access to innovative learning tools like Classroom Cruiser Bikes ensures that all students can benefit from cutting-edge educational resources, regardless of their socioeconomic background,” said Gomez.
Contest award details
Winners will be determined based on the largest percentage increase in paper recycled from January to April 11, compared with the same period in 2024.
Grand Prizes:
1st Place – $5,000
2nd Place – $2,000
3rd Place – $1,000
Top 10:
Double Earnings for the entire year of 2025!
Bonus Prizes:
5 randomly selected participants will win $500 worth of school supplies (to be awarded at the start of the 2025 school year).
All participants will earn Double Earnings from January 2025 through April 11, 2025.
Winners will be announced on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22.
Contribute to the environment and education!
Recycling plays a vital role in protecting the environment for future generations (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
In 2024, the school averaged 1,000 lbs. per month, the equivalent of half a PaperGator full of recyclable material.
AnchorPoint is reaching out to their business partners, the community and local churches to let them know about the opportunity to recycle with the school in order to increase their volume.
AnchorPoint encourages everyone to participate in the PaperGator Recycling Contest and consider recycling their paper products.
“Beyond helping our school, recycling plays a vital role in protecting the environment for future generations,” said Gomez. “By supporting us in this contest, you’re not only helping AnchorPoint, but also contributing to a greener, more sustainable future for the children we serve.”
AnchorPoint’s PaperGator bin is conveniently located in their parking lot at 601 36th Street SW in Wyoming.
Learn more about AnchorPoint Christian School here.
More information on how to support AnchorPoint’s mission of inspiring and educating the community through innovative, Christ-centered learning can be found here.
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host a Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS February Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, Feb. 24 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
What to expect
Though the selection of food varies each month, there are always a variety of fresh and frozen items available at the Mobile Pantry.
The Mobile Pantry is drive-thru style, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles for safety.
WHS Mobile Food Pantry Map (Courtesy, WPS)
Cars enter at the main entrance to WHS (1350 Prairie Parkway). Volunteers will direct traffic in the parking lot to help with efficiency.
Once in line, a volunteer will approach each car to record the name, address, number of people in the household, and the reason the food is needed for each family. Once a car has reached the front of the line, volunteers will load a box of food into the trunk.
Resources
To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.
For the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here
The Sunday Night Funnies’ (SNF) third annual Black History Month show is set for Sunday, Feb. 16.
Eight comedians will be participating in this SNF special standup comedy performance. Comics include Ricarlo Winston, comedy show producer along the Muskegon lakeshore; Brianna Blackburn, local favorite and regular of several LaughFest shows; JT Motley and Darius Walker, past SNF Kingpin of Comedy competition finalists; Mike Logan, 2019 SNF Kingpin of Comedy winner; up-and-coming comics, Emeka Nriagu and Mikeyy Chandler; and Turbulence Tyme with her first ever SNF appearance.
(Courtesy, Brian B.)
“The Sunday Night Funnies has always been a diverse show,” says Brian B., MC and Founder of the SNF. “When putting together the lineup each week, I try and have a good mix of comedians – be it race, gender or age-range.
“I wanted to celebrate the contribution Black comedians have brought to the show through the years, and what better time to do that than Black History Month.”
But wait – there’s more!
(Courtesy, Brian B.)
Upcoming SNF performances include a March Women’s History Month performance featuring a lineup of all women comedians on Sunday, March 2. The following Sunday, March 9, is SNF’s special LaughFest show with some of their most popular comedians from 2024.
The month of May will feature an Older American Month celebration performance with a lineup of comics ages 50+ on May 4, and the start of SNF’s seventh annual Kingpin of Comedy competition on May 11. The Kingpin of Comedy competition will run weekly through Oct. 26.
About SNF
The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. The weekly live stand-up comedy performance is free admission and features a variety of local and national comics. Each show begins at 7:30 p.m. (fall/winter) and 8:30 p.m. (spring/summer) at Spectrum Entertainment Complex in Wyoming.
Two people were injured and an apartment building sustained significant damage after a vehicle crashed into a residential complex in the 2300 block of 30th Street SW.
At approximately 1:35 a.m., Wyoming Department of Public Safety police and fire personnel responded to reports of a vehicle collision involving an apartment building at 2323 30th Street SW. Upon arrival, first responders found a vehicle that had struck the building. The female driver sustained serious but non-life-threatening injuries, while an occupant of the apartment unit was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Due to the significant structural damage, several units in the building have been deemed unsafe. Residents displaced by the crash have been connected with the Red Cross for temporary housing assistance until the building is deemed safe for occupancy.
Preliminary investigation indicates alcohol was likely a factor in the crash.
The vehicle remains at the scene to help stabilize the structure until additional support can be brought in.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
Join the Frosted Frenzy, a hilariously sweet challenge where participants dash around a scenic loop while devouring delicious donuts and balancing a beverage in hand! (Courtesy, Wyoming Parks & Rec)
This hilariously sweet challenge will find participants racing around a scenic loop, while devouring delicious donuts and balancing a beverage in hand. Frosted Frenzy is perfect for families, friends and anyone with a love for fun and frosted donuts
Enjoy coffee, hot cocoa, and more donuts at the finish line!
The sweetest challenge:
Will you savor every bite and make it to the finish line without spilling?
How to join in the fun!
Registration cost includes t-shirt available in sizes Youth Small – Adult XL. Individuals can sign up for $20 each or register up to five people for only $50.
One person is dead, and a suspect is in police custody following an assault that occurred on Jan. 29.
At approximately 6:10 p.m. on Jan. 29, Wyoming Police responded to reports of an assault in the 3700 block of Byron Center Avenue SW. Upon arrival, officers found 57-year-old Wyoming resident David Goron suffering from severe injuries. Goron was transported to a local hospital for treatment but later succumbed to his injuries.
Initial information indicated the suspect had fled the scene on foot. After an extensive search, officers located and apprehended 36-year-old Jeremiah Hernandez without incident.
Hernandez has been charged with Assault with Intent to do Great Bodily Harm Less than Murder and is being held without bond. Charges are expected to be amended in future court proceedings.
The Wyoming Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding this incident.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866-774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
A solo dancer from the Chinese Association of West Michigan’s Chinese Language School performed to a traditional Chinese song titled “Spring Song” (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Traditional Chinese dances and musical performances celebrated the start of the 2025 Chinese New Year at Care Resources on Wednesday, Jan. 29.
Welcoming performers from the Chinese Association of West Michigan’s Chinese Language School at its Grand Rapids day center, Care Resources participants ushered in the Year of the Snake by enjoying costumed dancers who performed to traditional Chinese music.
A solo dancer wearing a Chinese Tang Dynasty costume performed to a traditional Chinese song titled “Spring Song” (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A solo dancer wearing a Chinese Tang Dynasty costume performed to a traditional Chinese song titled “Spring Song” (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A solo dancer wearing a Chinese Tang Dynasty costume performed to a traditional Chinese song titled “Spring Song” (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A solo dancer wearing a Chinese Tang Dynasty costume performed to a traditional Chinese song titled “Spring Song” (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A solo dancer wearing a Chinese Tang Dynasty costume performed to a traditional Chinese song titled “Spring Song” (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Participants were also treated to an informative PowerPoint presentation about the Chinese New Year, were able to take part in a New Year quiz, and taste kumquats.
Care Resources Recreation Therapist Megan Bollo has done previous work with the Chinese Language School and helped coordinate the event.
“I thought it would be really cool to have them share with [Care Resources] participants,” said Bollo. “Some of the participants are from Asian countries, so it might bring back memories for them or just help them feel understood and welcomed. It’s a really good learning opportunity.”
A young woman played “Butterfly Lovers” on the keyboard while screens portrayed the ensemble music accompanying her (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
A time of transition and purpose
The Year of the Dragon, beginning Feb. 10, 2024, ended Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025 to usher in the Year of the Wood Snake, also known as the Year of the Green Snake.
An animal is paired with one of the five elements (gold, wood, water, fire, and earth) each year. The ensuing interaction between these elements during the 60-year cycle is believed to promote harmony and balance in the natural world. Those born in the Year of the Wood Snake are often described as charming, intelligent and creative – but also secretive, cunning and sometimes ruthless.
Event participants were given the opportunity to identify which animal and element represented a year of their choosing.
The Chinese New Year 16-day long celebration will last until the traditional Lantern Festival on Feb. 12.
Each day of the 16-day long festival has an assigned purpose or meaning (Provided by South China Morning Post)
Celebrating the future
Three women performed a Chinese ethnic dance from the Tibetan people in China (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Similar to the Western New Year, celebrants of the Chinese New Year view it as a time to release the past and commemorate the future. Homes are often cleaned in preparation of festivities and red decorations, a color associated with good fortune in Chinese culture, are hung.
Families also use this special occasion to spend time together, often paying respects to ancestors, practicing cultural customs and eating feasts.
The Chinese New Year event was more than just an opportunity for participants to get out of the house and experience a different environment, Care Resources Recreation Therapist Nicole Steed told WKTV.
“It’s the cultural immersion and being able to step into somebody else’s shoes and see what life is like for them, their culture and traditions,” said Steed.
This event was an opportunity for participants to experience a different culture and way of life (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
Bollo agreed, adding that reminiscing is also an important element in these events.
“If it’s something they’ve experienced before, like the kumquats, it helps them remember, and there is the sensory stimulation with that as well,” said Bollo.
A dignified tradition
Event participants were presented with a red envelope (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)
The giving and receiving of red envelopes (called hóngbāo) is also a Chinese New Year tradition. These envelopes often contain money and are symbols of good luck.
This exchange is a dignified and earnest act. Red envelopes, gifts and business cards are presented and received with both hands.
The recipient does not open the envelope in front of the giver or put it in a pocket or bag. Instead, the recipient holds the envelope throughout the conversation with the giver as a way to honor the gift that was given.
Care Resources participants were each presented a red envelope with a special fortune printed on the back as part of the New Year celebration.
The fun never stops at Care Resources
“We have a lot of fun here, but it’s more than just fun,” Bollo said. “There’s a lot of purpose behind what we do, whether that’s exercise or emotional well-being and educational opportunities, cognitive stimulation.”
Steed agreed. “Even when you’re older, you can still learn something new. The learning and the fun never actually stops.”
About Care Resources
An innovative community-based program for ages 55+, Care Resources promotes healthy and independent living. A Care Resources day center and clinic providing medical care and home health services can be found in both Grand Rapids and Lowell.
Learn more about Care Resources and what they offer here.
Check out our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights featuring many area boys and girls high school basketball teams in action.
Every week, we’ll bring you several high school basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood area, highlight some top performers and give a snapshot of the latest conference standings.
Wyoming Police thank the public for their willingness to assist with cases of missing persons.
Original WPD Announcement
The Wyoming Police Department is asking for assistance locating 24-year-old Madeline McDonald.
Madeline has been missing since Jan. 27, 2025. Madeline is considered at risk due to concerns for her well-being. While no foul play is suspected, authorities and family members are concerned for her safety.
Madeline is a white female with brown hair and hazel eyes. She stands approximately 5’3″ tall with an average build. Madeline was last seen in downtown Grand Rapids, but no description of her clothing is available. Her intended destination is also unknown.
Wyoming Police continue to search for Madeline.
Anyone with information regarding Madeline’s whereabouts is asked to contact Wyoming Police detectives at 616-530-7300 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345; 1-866- 774-2345; or https://www.silentobserver.org.
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information about violence and rape that may be distressing or traumatic for some individuals.
Liz Midkiff, human trafficking survivor and ambassador for Women at Risk, International (Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)
WAR Ambassador and human trafficking survivor Liz Midkiff has spent half a decade educating youth and adults on the hard truths – and misconceptions – of human trafficking.
“A lot of people want to fight trafficking, but they don’t know how because information is so vague,” says Midkiff.
Midkiff’s own journey began at 15-years-old when she went on a mission trip to Thailand. Part of that trip involved visiting the red light district and understanding what human trafficking truly meant. Midkiff left Thailand believing God had called her to fight against trafficking.
However, three years later, Midkiff found herself a victim of sex trafficking – and it looked nothing like what she had seen in Thailand.
“People are just given vague information. They have no idea – what does it actually look like in America?”
Kidnapping vs. Grooming
In America, 3% of trafficking victims are kidnapped, but 90-95% are groomed by someone the victim knows. WAR S.T.A.N.D. classes, formulated by Midkiff and WAR founder Rebecca McDonald, focus on both aspects.
Liz Midkiff with her two sons. Due to the physical damage inflicted during her time of captivity, she believed she would never be able to have children. (Courtesy, Midkiff)
“In the classes…we talk about what is safe. What does safe feel like, what does safe look like?
“We talk about stranger danger, but we also talk about danger with people we know. What happens when family and friends are not safe? You’ve got to give the kids options, but you also have to give them what is safe and what’s not safe.”
According to the Children’s Advocacy Project, grooming is defined as “when someone builds a relationship, trust and emotional connection with a child or young person so they can manipulate, exploit and abuse them.”
Grooming is a deliberate process and can take place over minutes, weeks or years, and can happen in person and online. Many groomers also build relationships with family and friends of their target so they appear trustworthy or authoritative.
Midkiff says this is confusing to adults and is often asked to explain what grooming looks like.
“A lot of people have a lot of basic knowledge of what trafficking is, but they don’t know what it looks like or what to even do if they see it,” said Midkiff. “That’s where I feel I can help.”
Taking a S.T.A.N.D.
“I created the S.T.A.N.D. classes because that was something that was really important to me as a mom [and] because I can teach them real-life experience.”
(Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)
Midkiff’s S.T.A.N.D. classes begin at 5-years-old because kids understand the concepts of safety and right vs. wrong. However, Midkiff has noticed that many parents avoid talking to their children about trafficking because they believe it will scare them.
“I think adults are more scared than the kids are,” said Midkiff.
Knowledge and preparation help combat that fear.
Prevention: Discretion
Social media discretion – such as abstaining from posting naked pictures of children, or where they go to school – is a preventative measure that can be taken immediately after birth.
Another discretionary action that Midkiff personally implements is having children wear full clothing when in public.
Prevention: Knowledge
Liz Midkiff with her oldest son (Courtesy, Midkiff)
While at a playground with her 5-year-old son, a man sat down and began talking to Midkiff. She had noticed him around the playground and assumed he worked there. He did not.
At one point, the man lifted his shirt, without Midkiff’s consent, to show off his tattoos. Midkiff’s son noticed and ran over, inserting himself between the two adults and refusing to leave, stating it was not safe for his mother.
“He’s five,” said Midkiff. “He was not scared. He was empowered, and he knew exactly what to do. He knew the signs, and he knew what that looked like…because of the class he took one time.”
Midkiff believes educating children when they are young is an excellent form of prevention. Numerous women have approached Midkiff saying, I’ve lived with being molested as a child for 60 years because I didn’t know that didn’t happen to everybody else. I didn’t know what to do.
“If we can get the kids when they’re kids, they don’t have to wait till they’re 60 to have the realization there was something they could have done,” said Midkiff.
Prevention: Recognition
Not only will children be able to help themselves, they will be able to recognize signs of grooming and/or trafficking of others around them.
“If [my son is] doing this stuff at five, when he’s [older] he’s going to know if his 15-year-old friend has a bad boyfriend or a trafficker,” said Midkiff. “And he’s going to know what to do.
Knowing the difference is important, because those situations can look very similar. Midkiff cites sextortion as an example.
Fraud and coercion
While sending naked pictures of yourself to someone you are in a relationship with is not smart, it is not illegal. However, if that relationship ends and the other person sells those pictures to friends, or uses those pictures against you – threatening to show them to others unless you do certain things – it creates a completely different situation.
“Now he’s manipulating you, he’s coercing you,” said Midkiff, adding that it’s confusing to many people because the entire situation began as a consensual relationship. “When I do my class, I talk about force fraud and coercion; that is what makes something trafficking.”
Kids grooming kids
Rebecca McDonald (left), thanks Midkiff’s five-year-old son for raising $300 to provide one month in a safehouse for a trafficking survivor (Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)
Midkiff’s five-year-old son was recently groomed at a mall by another boy.
The 12-year-old boy approached Midkiff’s son and repeatedly asked if he wanted to come outside to the playground. Despite moving to other areas of the store, the boy persisted, even inserting himself between Midkiff and her son.
“He was trying to separate me from my son,” said Midkiff. “He was grooming him: ‘I like your car, do you like to play on the playground?’ It was innocent kid talk, but did it make sense? No, it didn’t. He didn’t have his mother [with him], and young boys don’t follow other women to the underwear department.”
As Midkiff left with her son, she noticed two older men waiting for that 12-year-old boy at the front doors.
If Midkiff had not been paying attention, she may not have noticed the boy’s grooming tactics. And her young son might have gone with him.
“That’s how it happens,” said Midkiff. “It’s not just snatching them from the store. You can lure him anywhere with a toy. Those are things to look for. And those are the kind of situations I teach.”
Prevention: Be observant, ask questions
Many victims want to ask for help but are afraid of putting someone else in danger (Courtesy photo)
Midkiff says simply being observant can prevent trafficking.
Despite going to a doctor several times while being trafficked, not one nurse or doctor questioned her about obvious evidence of violence.
One friend commented on bruises on Midkiff’s arms. Midkiff sarcastically said that she fell down the stairs – while desperately hoping the girl would ask more questions, offer a place to stay or a phone number to call if Midkiff needed anything.
“She knew there was something else there, and she chose not to ask more questions because she thought I was being standoffish. Why was I being standoffish? Because I didn’t want to put her in danger.”
Many people, however, don’t even know what to look for.
“People say, look for someone who looks malnourished. Well, 70% of the people you see might look malnourished. Maybe their parents don’t feed them, or they have an eating disorder, or they’re struggling artists.”
Midkiff has developed a three-strike rule.
Simply being observant could save someone’s life (Courtesy photo)
“If three things look out of place then I will make the call to the human trafficking hotline number,” said Midkiff, citing an instance when she saw a woman enter an urgent care with a girl who bore a barcode tattoo on the back of her neck.
That tattoo was an automatic red flag for Midkiff. And since 60% of traffickers are women, there was no guarantee the woman was the girl’s mother.
That was enough for Midkiff; she called WAR.
“There were 20 people in that urgent care. Do you think anybody else thought of that? I doubt it. Because nobody even knew that’s what to look for. To me, it was literally sitting right in front of me.”
Traffickers move victims around often to confuse them and prevent them from being able to tell anyone where they are. If someone doesn’t know where they are going or where they are coming from, it is a red flag.
“Even my five-year-old knows where he lives. But some of these girls, they’re being transported every six days, and possibly to different states.”
Comply vs. Consent
To freeze is a normal response to trauma and does not mean the victim did something wrong (Courtesy photo)
Midkiff also teaches the difference between comply and consent.
Teaching a child to say no is important. However, our bodies have at least three different responses to trauma: fight, flight and freeze.
If a child does not say no when faced with a traumatic situation, it is not because they did something wrong, it is because their body shut down – which is a normal reaction, said WAR founder Rebecca McDonald.
“To freeze is a normal, actually healthy, response to trauma. You’re trying to be quiet and not bring attention to yourself.”
That does not, McDonald continued, mean you were consenting.
“We’re taught to comply. Not consent, but to comply,” said McDonald. “Trafficking survivors have complied a lot. It just means that they did what it took to stay alive and survive.”
Set aside fear
Midkiff urges parents to set aside uncertainty regarding conversation about trafficking – before it’s too late.
“Trafficking is happening.”
*Read Liz Midkiff’s full survivor story in WKTV’s Voices of Freedom series.
Resources
Women at Risk, International (WAR, Int’l) is knowledgable and has access to resources such as Homeland Security and the FBI. WAR also provides wraparound services which provide survivors with additional needed help and life skills.
– If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers confidential and multilingual support, information and local resources for victims, survivors, and witnesses of human trafficking.
With the high school basketball season heading into the home stretch, the Wyoming Wolves basketball team is shifting into high gear. The Wolves found another gear Friday evening when they traveled to West Catholic and came away with a 78-52 win.
The win was the eighth in the last 11 games for the Wolves, who began the season 0-3. While it took Wyoming a few games to get their footing, the Wolves have been steadily improving and have been putting up some impressive numbers both on offense and defense.
“I thought we did a lot of things really well,” said Wyoming Coach Thom Vander Klay. “The kids are coming around as far as picking up what we are trying to do. They are trusting their teammates. Early in the season we were beginning to gel and now we feel like we are starting to hit our stride and we feel like we are getting closer and closer to our potential.”
Wyoming came out firing on all cylinders during Friday’s game. The Wolves jumped out to a 17-10 lead at the end of the first quarter and never looked back. They started the second quarter with a bang as Taeshon Wilson scored the first Wyoming points of the quarter with a crowd-pleasing breakaway dunk. Up 27-20 late in the quarter, the Wolves closed out the first half with an 11-0 scoring run to take a 38-20 lead into halftime.
Offense is one area where they’re showing steady progress this season. The 78 points the Wolves scored Friday was the second-highest team total of the season and they have scored 60-plus points in nine games so far. Wyoming likes to play at a fast pace and the Wolves did a solid job of running the floor against West Catholic scoring a high volume of points off the fast break.
“I think part of the getting up and down is the trust of our teammates,” Vander Klay said. “The fact that they will catch it, the fact that they will run the floor and the fact that they will finish, and if not then we will crash the glass. Our kids are starting to develop that team chemistry on offense.”
Warren Williams (10) scored nine points for Wyoming. (WKTV Greg Chrapek)
After halftime, the Wolves opened up a 45-20 lead as the Wyoming defense held West Catholic without a point until the 4:59 mark of the third quarter.
Along with progress on offense, the Wolves have been making strides defensively and that was evident against West Catholic.
“I thought we played harder,” Vander Klay said. “We stopped what they were trying to do offensively. Especially with as many possessions as there are in our games, we have to work pretty hard on defense. We are working on that too.”
Wyoming led 59-39 at the end of the third and kept up the pace in the final quarter to end with a 26-point edge.
Brayden Williams led Wyoming with 16 points, while Josh Guevara and Taeshon Wilson added 11. Avonte Wiggins, Warren Williams and Jack Hogan added nine each.
Wyoming’s Avonte’ Wiggins (2) brings the ball past half court during the game at West Catholic. Wiggins scored nine points. (WKTV Greg Chrapek)
“All of our kids can play,” Vander Klay said. “The truth is, sometimes when a coach makes a sub, it might be just a tiniest little bit that one kid is a little better, but I can close my eyes and just point to somebody on the bench. We are very deep. We have a lot of good players, so when we sub, when the benches clear, that is usually to our advantage.”
With the win, Wyoming improved to 8-6 overall and 3-2 in the OK Gold. Wyoming returns to action Monday when it travels to play conference rival Grand Rapids Union. The Wolves then host Holland Christian on Tuesday for our WKTV Truck Game of the Week.
Check out our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights featuring many area Boys and Girls high school basketball teams in action.
Every week, we’ll bring you several high school basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, highlight some top performers and give a snapshot of the latest conference standings.
No matter the cost: Liz Midkiff risked everything to find freedom – and her voice
Human trafficking survivor and WAR, Int’l Ambassador Liz Midkiff is determined to keep others from experiencing the horrors she endured (Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information about violence and rape that may be distressing or traumatic for some individuals.
Liz Midkiff was trafficked for two years before she found a way out. Held captive physically and emotionally, Midkiff finally had enough.
“I finally got out of it by running into the woods,” said Midkiff. “I think I just lost my mind. At one point I’m like, they can kill us all. I’m going to call my dad.”
Midkiff called her father at 4 a.m. and asked him to come get her – immediately. “He didn’t ask any questions. He got me and took me home. They lived four hours away.”
Midkiff was willing to risk everything to regain her freedom (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
Midkiff and her father didn’t talk during the car ride home. In fact, he did not know what he had rescued his daughter from until years later. He simply knew his daughter called, she was frantic, and he needed to go get her.
Though Midkiff received threatening phone calls after she escaped, her traffickers did not want to cross state lines, so she was not in physical danger.
Midkiff stayed with her parents as she began the healing process, describing her parents’ home as her safe house.
“Even if you get somebody out of [trafficking], you’ve got to get them to a place that’s safe or they’re never going to heal,” said Midkiff, adding that many victims do not have a safe place to go to. “I feel really blessed that I had parents that were able to help me.”
Finding hope and purpose
Midkiff’s healing process was long and difficult, mentally and physically.
“I had to have multiple surgeries because people did some ungodly things,” said Midkiff.
Midkiff’s attempts to facilitate healing were not easy – but she did not give up (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
The mental and emotional side of healing was difficult for many reasons.
“It wasn’t easy because I didn’t even know I was trafficked until years later,” Midkiff admitted, adding that she was continually told she simply had “bad boyfriends” and that her experiences happen to everyone. “I didn’t know there was an actual name for it.”
It wasn’t until she heard trafficking talked about on television that Midkiff realized: This is what happened to me.
Armed with that knowledge, Midkiff attempted to facilitate healing by talking with various therapists, but did not find it helpful.
“Most therapists have no idea what trafficking is,” said Midkiff. “They have no idea how to speak to a survivor.”
Midkiff found herself struggling with deep-seated anger as she sought meaning in what happened to her. “I just wanted to have meaning to what happened. I wanted to make sense of it, and I wanted purpose in my life.”
Eventually, Midkiff found a Christian counselor who asked where her journey first began. Midkiff explained about her mission trip to Thailand and the call she felt from God to fight trafficking. The counselor then asked Midkiff: “Do you think it’s a possibility that Satan heard that goal too, and he wanted to try to bring you down because you have something so powerful to say?”
Midkiff felt like a switch had been flipped.
“When I felt like I had a call on my life, I feel like that was from God. Three years later, I just happened to be trafficked myself.
Midkiff refused to let guilt and anger rule her life (Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)
“I feel that Satan tried to bring me down with the one thing I was supposed to fight. That there is something that I have to say that is so powerful, he just wanted to destroy it.”
For years, Midkiff did keep silent. “I didn’t want to talk about it. If I can’t even protect myself, how can I help other people?”
As Midkiff struggled with survivor’s guilt over escaping the trafficking business while others remained victims, Midkiff’s husband echoed the suggestion that Midkiff might have something to say.
“Maybe you have something that needs to be said, and so you need to use that to fight it,” Midkiff’s husband told her. “Instead of in anger, fight it by helping other people.”
Midkiff began seeing other survivors lead programs and meetings and was intrigued.
“Hearing from other survivors, how powerful their story is and how they can help others with what they went through, I thought, I have that. There are so many things that could be said about what happened to me.”
A lifelong journey of healing
Aspects of her physical trauma remain with Midkiff even now – and she refuses to be silenced about those experiences.
“To this day, I don’t sleep in a bed,” said Midkiff. “And if I do, I don’t sleep.
“I’ve been out of this for 15 years now, but to this day, I will wake up so tense I won’t be able to move, or I’ll have nightmares the whole night. I either sleep in a chair, or I sleep on the floor.”
Midkiff’s husband Roger (right) patiently won her trust and love (Courtesy, Midkiff)
When she married her husband, Roger slept on a couch and Midkiff slept on the floor.
“Eventually he just slept on the floor with me. He’s a big guy, so it shows his love, to be able to come down to my level.”
The fact that Midkiff was able to trust someone enough to marry was a monumental hurdle in its own right – and it took time.
“We would just hang out, [and] he became my best friend. He was different from every guy I’ve ever met.”
But even friendship didn’t come easily for Midkiff.
“I didn’t have friends. It’s still hard for me to make friends. I didn’t trust anybody. It was just me and my dog. I was very much a loner, and my husband very much pursued me, but in a friendship sort of way.”
When Midkiff’s dog died, Roger was there to support her.
“My dog had been through all of that with me. When he died, it was like my life was falling apart. But then Roger would just be there, just hang out with me as a normal person. He was never forceful, he was never weird.
“And I realized this is how people are supposed to be. I think that helped me be able to laugh again and be able to have fun.”
When Roger said he wanted to date Midkiff, she revealed everything in her past, fully expecting him to walk away.
It took time for Midkiff to trust that not all relationships are transactional (Courtesy, Midkiff)
“He didn’t leave,” said Midkiff. “He hugged me and said, ‘None of this was ever your fault.’ That was a turning point.”
But obstacles remained.
Because Midkiff’s experiences with men were entirely transactional, certain aspects of her relationship with Roger were difficult. When Roger took her hand or bought her flowers, Midkiff was instantly transported back to her past and became angry, asking what he wanted from her.
“During dating – and even marriage – there was a lot of ironing out of those things,” said Midkiff.
A large part of her healing came from turning back to her Christian faith.
“When [the trafficking] was actually happening, I would say I turned away from it, especially when the church rejected me,” said Midkiff. “That was my final straw. I had a nice little showdown with God in the car, actually. I still believed in Him, but didn’t want anything to do with Him.”
However, Midkiff could see God at work through specific instances where she was shielded from harm by people who said God sent them to protect her.
As Midkiff tried to make sense of why she went through being trafficked, she found purpose in her faith – and found her voice.
Taking a S.T.A.N.D
Midkiff says every step she takes toward speaking out has solidified her belief that God has called her to fight human trafficking.
Liz Midkiff, human trafficking survivor and WAR, Int’l Ambassador (right) with Rebecca McDonald, Founder and Executive Director of WAR, Int’l (Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)
“Things are happening,” said Midkiff. “The S.T.A.N.D class, different situations I’ve had talking to people, and seeing people freed from shame they felt. People only I would have been able to talk to.
“If you talk to another survivor, it means something different because they understand. I think it’s helped me a lot with my anger and guilt.”
Midkiff began speaking at public events – and happened to share her story at a Women At Risk, International CFR event where founder Rebecca McDonald was in attendance. The next day, McDonald invited Midkiff to speak at more WAR events.
Midkiff has worked with the nonprofit for the past five years, finding she fits well into the role of speaker. And Midkiff’s voice is having a powerful effect.
“Working with WAR, I can speak for survivors, and I can help them.”
Knowledge and preparation are vital
For the past five years, Midkiff has been sharing her story to help others recognize and prevent human trafficking. However, she only shared her story at WAR events. In April 2023, Midkiff took a leap of faith and shared her story on Facebook for the first time.
Midkiff uses her personal knowledge and everything she has learned to protect others (Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)
But she wants to do more.
Knowledge and recognition of what human trafficking truly consists of is vital in preventing trafficking. However, even if Midkiff had been prepared, she knew her trafficker for six months, and he seemed trustworthy. How could she have known she was entering a dangerous situation?
What would have made a difference, Midkiff said, was having knowledge of how to get out of that situation. “It’s not just how to prevent it but, if this happens to you or your friends, what can you do?”
Knowledge of what trafficking actually looks like is also important.
Midkiff observed that people have a basic knowledge of what trafficking is, but don’t know what it looks like or what to do if they see it. And most people don’t know what grooming means in the trafficking world.
“That’s where I feel I can help,” said Midkiff. “And WAR is such a big help to people because every trafficking case is different and we have the resources, we have the knowledge to back it up. We have Homeland Security, we have the FBI, we have all these things that maybe the everyday person doesn’t have.”
An ambassador for truth
Midkiff works to educate both children and adults about trafficking (Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)
As an ambassador for WAR, Midkiff’s ministry is funded through the generosity of supporters. Her passion for protecting children from trafficking keeps her continually seeking ministry opportunities.
“I created the S.T.A.N.D. classes because that was something that was really important to me as a mom.”
S.T.A.N.D. classes are available for children as young as 5-years-old and contain age appropriate material regarding safe relationships, stranger danger, private parts and personal privacy. Teen classes may include content about drugs, money, phones and social media.
However, Midkiff has noticed many parents avoid talking to their children about trafficking because they believe it will scare them.
Midkiff has already begun teaching her oldest son (left) about appropriate interactions and relationships (Courtesy, Midkiff)
“I think adults are more scared than the kids are,” said Midkiff, adding that even if they do talk to their kids, there are things parents would not know about.
“What I do is so new, and such a hard topic, that people are a little apprehensive about having me come out. So [I’m] just trying to be bold, stepping out and fighting for kids now because the media is certainly fighting to get your kids right now. Trafficking is happening.”
While Midkiff may never fully make sense of what happened to her, “I’ve come to the peace of: it happened. For whatever reason it happened, I have something to say that needs to be said. And that drives me to seek out these opportunities.”
*Continue reading Liz Midkiff’s survivor story and misconceptions about human trafficking in part four of her Voices of Freedom series, coming to WKTV Journal on Jan. 27, 2025.
Take a S.T.A.N.D.
Liz Midkiff, human trafficking survivor and WAR, Int’l ambassador will lead the S.T.A.N.D. classes (Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)
WAR, Int’l is hosting two S.T.A.N.D. classes on Jan. 25 at the WAR Chest Boutique in Wyoming.
Created and designed by Liz Midkiff and Rebecca McDonald, these classes are teach safety awareness, trafficking signs, age appropriate communications/actions, and more.
– The KidsS.T.A.N.D. Session will be held from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. for children ages 5-10 years old.
– The Teen S.T.A.N.D. Session will be held from 12:30 – 2 p.m. for youth ages 11-17 years old.
More details and registration information can be found here.
Resources
*In an emergency, call 911.
– If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers confidential and multilingual support, information and local resources for victims, survivors, and witnesses of human trafficking.
Following the screening will be conversation with trafficking survivor Leslie King, Founder and President of Sacred Beginnings, and Marie Brown, House Supervisor at the WCS Manasseh Project residential home, on the realities of human trafficking.
A huge disconnect
“Wedgwood started ourManasseh Project early in the 2010s and has continued to make sure that our community is bringing awareness around the issue of sex trafficking,” said Kori Thompson, WCS Advancement and Development Community Officer.
Thompson went on to say that the Manasseh Project was founded due to severe misconceptions regarding human trafficking.
(Courtesy, WCS)
“What we saw was this huge disconnect of people in our community not understanding that this was happening here – especially to young children – and yet having a residential home of victims of human trafficking,” said Thompson. “Over 10 years later, we are still finding that misconception.
“This is very real. This is real in our community, these are things that young people face. How can we, as a community, protect our children, protect these women, who are really victims in these scenarios.”
The “Film & Freedom: A Documentary & Discussion on Human Trafficking” event is a way to provide the community with resources and educate individuals on trafficking warning signs.
The screening of Nameless, an educational documentary, will reveal harsh realities surrounding human trafficking and how it begins.
“It’s really a survivor’s perspective,” said Thompson. “How they would be brought into that lifestyle, what happens, and some of the statistics around sex trafficking.”
A wealth of experience
Speakers Leslie King and Marie Brown will be bringing a wealth of personal and professional experience to the screening and discussion.
A survivor of human trafficking, King founded the nonprofit organization Sacred Beginnings in 2005 to provide residential housing to victims of human trafficking and resources for support and recovery to those exiting the trafficking lifestyle.
(Courtesy photo)
“[King] does an incredible job through her program,” said Thompson. “She has been an amazing activist in the community for a very long time.”
The partnership between Sacred Beginnings and WCS has given King the ability to offer a therapeutic element by providing a WCS therapist who works closely with King’s recovery program.
The Manasseh Project provides community and professional education, collaboration advocacy and treatment to individuals who have experienced sexual and commercial exploitation. Brown has served as house supervisor at the Manasseh Project residential home for over 20 years and oversees all residential home programming.
Perception and knowledge
Millions are victims of trafficking, and many of those victims are children (Courtesy, WCS)
“Film & Freedom” will be held at Wealthy Theatre in Grand Rapids.
The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. with the documentary screening beginning at 6 p.m. Interviews and discussion will begin at 7:15 p.m. with an opportunity for attendees to ask questions beginning at 8:15 p.m.
Free ticket and event registration can be found here.
Thompson said she hopes “Film & Freedom” attendees walk away with two things: a change in perspective and an awareness of the importance of educating oneself about human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
“I hope it changes their perspective of what would bring someone into this situation and how we, as a society, can best help them,” said Thompson. “I think we hold a lot of assumptions and preconceived ideas and, quite frankly, judgment. Judging someone in this situation is not going to be the best way to help them.
“By changing your perspective on what this looks like, you can hopefully change the narrative and offer healing to victims. Because that’s what they are – victims and survivors.”
In regard to education, Thompson believes that “when you know better, you can educate others.”
“Ultimately, when we can educate our community on these vital signs of what is happening in our community, they can call it out,” said Thompson. “Then we are all advocates working together for the goal of stopping human sex trafficking.”
A unique twist
Building face-to-face connections can help individuals know where to go if they need help (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
The “Film & Freedom” event is unique in that WCS will be bringing in several community organizations in addition to Sacred Beginnings.
Safe Haven Ministries and Silent Observer will be featured at the event. Local boutique, Crowned Free, will also be in attendance with items available for purchase. A percentage of the Crowned Free profit is given back to support victims of human trafficking.
“All of these [organizations/resources] are a way to not only educate our community, but also show our community that these are the resources we have available,” said Thompson. “If something happens, these are the people on the front lines doing the work.
“We want to make sure we’re having that face-to-face connection with these other amazing organizations as well because it truly takes everyone to do this type of work.”
Check out our latest edition of WKTV Friday Night Highlights featuring many area Boys and Girls high school teams in action.
Every week, we’ll bring you several high school basketball clips from the Wyoming and Kentwood areas, highlight some top performers and give a snapshot of the latest conference standings.
The Care Resources team planned a fun snow day for its participants, kicking off with the thrill and nostalgia of a snowball fight (Courtesy, Care Resources)
100 fake snowballs were launched inside Care Resource’s newest location in Lowell (11730 Fulton St. E) on Jan. 13 during a full day of winter-themed activities.
100 fake snowballs flew through the air during a good-natured snowball “fight” (Courtesy, Care Resources)
With Recreation Therapist Lorelei Smits at the helm, the Care Resources team planned a fun snow day for its participants, ages 55 and older. The day kicked off with the thrill and nostalgia of a snowball fight, with nine staff and nine participants joining in the lighthearted fun.
Smiles and laughter were in abundance during the snowball fight (Courtesy, Care Resources)
“Our indoor snowball fight was a success,” said Smits. “We heard many participants say ‘that was so fun,’ and they appreciated the creativity of the event. Everyone – staff and participants – were smiling and laughing the entire time.”
Smits went on to say that the indoor snowball fight led to sharing memories of Michigan winters (especially the blizzard of ’78) and other winter trivia and fun facts.
After the snowball fight, staff posed behind cardboard cut-outs for participants to throw snowballs at.
There is “snow” place like Care Resources!” (Courtesy, Care Resources)
“Participants had a good time throwing snowballs at staff!” said Smits.
Other activities included winter trivia, crafts and hot chocolate.
Improving health through fun
The snow day was a creative way to improve health through fun activities (Courtesy, Care Resources)
Designed to create a time of fun, connection and a change of pace to the normal routine, Smits had a few additional goals in mind as well.
The snow day activities incorporated functional elements supporting participants’ health and wellness goals, such as exercise to strengthen upper extremities and improve arm movement and coordination.
Socialization and memory recall helps support cognition and emotional wellbeing.
“It was a creative and fun way to incorporate exercise, reminiscing and socialization,” said Smits. “Our Lowell building just opened up on Jan. 2, and this activity helped our participants and staff build connections.”
Learn more about Care Resources and the care and events they offer here.
Wyoming Public Schools (WPS) has partnered with Feeding America Mobile Pantry to host a Mobile Pantry once a month.
*WHS January Mobile Food Pantry will be held Monday, Jan. 27 from 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
What to expect
Though the selection of food varies each month, there are always a variety of fresh and frozen items available at the Mobile Pantry.
The Mobile Pantry is drive-thru style, and families are asked to remain in their vehicles for safety.
WHS Mobile Food Pantry Map (Courtesy, WPS)
Cars enter at the main entrance to WHS (1350 Prairie Parkway). Volunteers will direct traffic in the parking lot to help with efficiency.
Once in line, a volunteer will approach each car to record the name, address, number of people in the household, and the reason the food is needed for each family. Once a car has reached the front of the line, volunteers will load a box of food into the trunk.
Resources
To learn more about Feeding America West Michigan and the services they offer, click here.
For the Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry schedule, click here.
Going into the season with just one senior on the roster, the Godwin Heights boys basketball team expected to encounter some growing pains. While the young Wolverine squad has encountered some rough patches in the early going, the team continues to show steady improvement as conference play swings into full gear.
With a roster loaded with talented juniors as well as a sophomore and a freshman, the Wolverines boast a squad that is poised to show dramatic improvement as the season rolls along. Godwin took another step in that direction Tuesday evening when it turned back OK Silver Conference rival Comstock Park 73-45. With the win, the Wolverines improved to 4-3 overall and 2-0 in league play.
“I felt like we played hard,” said Godwin Heights Coach Bernard Varnesdeel. “We have been figuring things out this season. We have a lot of talent. We have been figuring things out in terms of rotation, figuring out positions, and we have had some injuries and some other stuff that we have had to take care of. Once we got into the flow of the game, I felt that’s when we started to see our offense and defense improve. I was very proud of how unselfish we were tonight.”
Godwin Heights took the early lead in the game with the Panthers and steadily built their advantage as the game progressed. The host Wolverines built a 15-9 lead at the end of the opening quarter. Godwin was paced in the opening quarter by junior big man Isaiah Guyton. The 6-foot-5 junior flashed his all-around skills on the offensive end of the floor by scoring eight points in the opening quarter to stake the Wolverines to an early lead.
Godwin continued to build the lead in the second quarter as they combined some strong, aggressive defense with efficiency on the offensive end of the floor. Jamaan Hastings, the lone senior on this year’s squad, paced the offense in the second quarter as he poured in seven points during the quarter as the Wolverines built a double-digit lead. Up 23-14 early in the quarter, Hastings helped key a 7-0 Wolverine scoring run that upped the Godwin advantage to 30-14. Heading into halftime the Wolverines led 34-23.
Coming out of halftime, Godwin picked up the intensity even more. The Wolverines took complete charge of the game by opening the second half with a 9-3 scoring run to take a 43-26 lead. Guyton led the charge on the offensive end of the floor as he scored the first seven points of the second half.
“I felt like we had a good game plan coming in,” Varnesdeel said. “Once we got settled in terms of taking care of some of those things in the game plan, I think we started to see some good things.”
Comstock Park made a run near the end of the third quarter to cut the Godwin lead to 48-36 heading into the fourth quarter.
The Wolverines picked up the pace early in the fourth quarter to put the game on ice. The Godwin defense limited the Panthers to single digits in the final quarter while the Wolverine offense put up 25 points.
The win for Godwin was the second straight after falling to a Division 1 Clarkston team 46-33 at the Aquinas College Tournament prior to New Years. The win was also the fourth in the last five games for the improving Wolverines who have the talent on hand to post a big season.
“The season has been going good,” Varnesdeel said. “We had some things we had to work through early in the season. We had an injury and with a young team we had to get into the flow of the season.”
Godwin Heights junior Isaiah Guyton (35) totaled 20 points as the Wolverines defeated Comstock Park 73-45 Tuesday. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)
Guyton and Hastings paced the Wolverines in scoring with a combined 43 points as Hastings totaled 23 points and Guyton added 20. Juniors Jaden Farmer and Xzaevier Guzman added six points apiece while fellow juniors Ka’Res Harris, Steven Manzi and Carlos McIver and freshman Martellis Forest added three points each.
“We have a ton of potential,” Varnesdeel said. “We talked to the kids about this. Potential is arguably one of the most dangerous words in the dictionary. Because it can mean so much, so many great things, but then it’s tough to reach that potential sometimes. Potentially, we can be really, really good. If you got potential and you got players, you got talent, then you can always get it fixed.”
Godwin Heights junior guard Xzaevier Guzman (3) applies pressure in the backcourt during the game with Comstock Park. (WKTV, Greg Chrapek)
The Sunday Night Funnies (SNF) stand-up comedy show began the beginning round of its first ever Winter Roast Battle on Sunday, Jan. 5. The roast battle will run weekly through Sunday, Feb. 2.
(Courtesy, Brian B.)
“Comedy roasts have really taken off in popularity,” said Brian B., Founder and MC of SNF. “Everything from celebrity roasts like the one that recently aired on Netflix for Tom Brady, to roast battles done on a local level at comedy clubs throughout the country.
“I thought that it would be fun to do at the Sunday Night Funnies as well. It something different – a little change of pace for the show.”
What to expect
Winter Roast Battle Trophy (Courtesy, Brian B.)
During the four-week Roast Battle, up to four comedians will pair off to roast each other.
The audience serves as judge and jury each night, with one comic emerging as the winner and taking home the $25 weekly prize.
Each weekly winner advances to the Feb. 2 finals where one comic will be crowned the 2025 SNF Winter Roast Battle winner, and awarded an additional $100 and a personalized trophy.
About SNF
The Sunday Night Funnies is the creation of Grand Rapids stand-up comedian Brian B. The weekly live stand-up comedy performance is free admission and features a variety of local and national comics. Each show begins at 7:30 p.m. (fall/winter) and 8:30 p.m. (spring/summer) at Spectrum Entertainment Complex in Wyoming.
TRIGGER WARNING: This article contains sensitive information about violence and rape that may be distressing or traumatic for some individuals.
A two-month trip to Thailand at age 15 left Liz Midkiff passionate about fighting human trafficking.
At age 18, Midkiff herself was trafficked for two years.
Fifteen years later, human trafficking survivor and Women At Risk, International ambassador Liz Midkiff is giving voice to her story in the hopes that educating others through her own experiences will prevent other children from being subjected to the same horrors.
From perception to reality
During Midkiff’s mission trip to Thailand, she taught English at local universities and learned about Thailand culture. Part of that culture involved the red-light district.
Midkiff believed human trafficking only happened in other countries, not in the United States (Courtesy photo)
“Part of the trip also was to go to the red-light district and learn about what that looked like, and talk to the girls about the safe houses that we had worked with there,” said Midkiff. “We were walking on the streets and I was like, why are there other girls my age standing here in their underwear?”
Women and children were lined up along the street, waiting for people to buy them as their trafficker stood nearby, armed with a gun. Midkiff was flabbergasted, never having seen anything like it in the United States.
“I didn’t understand it because I was 15, and this never happens in America,” said Midkiff. “That’s what I thought: This is what sex trafficking is, and this type of thing only happens in other countries.”
Midkiff’s attention was drawn to a girl who looked about her own age, and asked the translator if she could talk to the girl. “For whatever reason, I just feel like I really need to talk to that girl.”
However, to take the girl off the street meant paying her trafficker so he didn’t lose money. Midkiff was undeterred. She pulled out her Thai money and paid the fee – the equivalent of $2.
But the experience was not what Midkiff expected.
“It’s just a bracelet”
“We got her dinner, but she wouldn’t eat it,” said Midkiff. “She’s just sitting there, swinging her legs, and she’s looking at my bracelet.”
Midkiff had no idea that a simple bracelet could mean so much to a trafficking victim (Courtesy photo)
The bracelet was nothing special, made out of cheap yarn that Midkiff braided together. Yet the girl continued to stare at it. The translator explained that the girl thought the bracelet was beautiful.
Midkiff was confused. “It’s cheap,” Midkiff argued. “It doesn’t have any value; it was $2.”
How much do you think we just paid to take her to dinner? the translator replied.
That simple question hit Midkiff like a lightning bolt, the reality of the situation hitting her full-on. “We took her to dinner, whereas most people would take her and do awful things,” said Midkiff.
“I gave her my bracelet. I ripped it off my hand, handed it to her, and this girl’s face lit up. She went from depressed and sad – she started glowing. From this bracelet.”
Midkiff tried talking the girl into going to a safe house, but the girl refused.
“Whatever the trafficker had over her was stronger than what we could try to convince her of,” said Midkiff. “That made me so upset. How could someone have so much power over someone that they wouldn’t come with us? We have a safe place for her, why wouldn’t she want to come with us?”
Heartbroken, Midkiff eventually returned the girl to her trafficker. “But she came back smiling because I had given her this bracelet.”
Identity is the only thing traffickers cannot fight against (Courtesy photo)
The trafficker argued with the translator, extremely angry. The translator told Midkiff and the mission group they needed to leave and not come back.
“It’s just a bracelet,” protested Midkiff.
“No, it wasn’t just a bracelet,” said the translator. “You gave her an identity, and that is the only thing stronger than what he has over her. You gave her hope, you gave her a way out, you gave her something that made her feel loved and valued, and he can’t beat that.”
At that moment, Midkiff said it felt as if God verbally spoke to her, saying she would be back to fight sex trafficking.
“I looked at that girl, and she looked at me, and it was almost like the movies, where you feel nothing even has to be said,” said Midkiff. “I looked at that trafficker and said, ‘You can’t have her. She’s not yours.’”
From dreams to nightmares
Midkiff and her mission group left, but Midkiff says that will always remain the starting point of her journey.
Her dream of returning to Thailand to fight trafficking, however, was cut short as Midkiff herself became a victim of sex trafficking at age 18.
Midkiff’s dream to fight human trafficking turned into her own personal nightmare (Courtesy photo)
An unexpected adversary
Midkiff had moved from Michigan to another state, four hours from her family and friends. While training at a professional ballet company, she also worked for a well-known corporation.
Midkiff became friends with an established manager at the corporation. She knew him for six months before this manager asked her out on a date.
“A lot of times people have this image of what traffickers look like,” said Midkiff. “They’re thinking it looks like the guy in Thailand who had the big gun.
“You’d never guess it would be a manager at a well-known corporate place that everybody knows.”
Having worked with this man every day for six months, Midkiff believed she knew him well enough to trust him on a date.
“We don’t go on a date,” said Midkiff. “He takes me to a hotel. He hit me over the head, and I woke up to 10 men gang-raping me at this hotel. In America.”
What followed was two years of violent sexual and physical abuse.
*Continue reading Liz Midkiff’s survivor story in part two of her Voices of Freedom series, coming to WKTV Journal on Jan. 13, 2025.
Take a S.T.A.N.D.
Liz Midkiff, human trafficking survivor and WAR, Int’l ambassador will lead the S.T.A.N.D. classes (Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)
WAR, Int’l is hosting two S.T.A.N.D. classes on Jan. 25 at the WAR Chest Boutique in Wyoming.
Created and designed by Liz Midkiff and Rebecca McDonald, these classes are teach safety awareness, trafficking signs, age appropriate communications/actions, and more.
– The KidsS.T.A.N.D. Session will be held from 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. for children ages 5-10 years old.
– The Teen S.T.A.N.D. Session will be held from 12:30 – 2 p.m. for youth ages 11-17 years old.
More details and registration information can be found here.
Resources
*In an emergency, call 911.
– If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. It is a free, 24/7 service that offers confidential and multilingual support, information and local resources for victims, survivors, and witnesses of human trafficking.
As part of their January campaign to bring awareness to human trafficking, Women At Risk, International is hosting a self-defense class for adults (Courtesy, WAR, Int’l)
The self-defense class will be led by Luanne Shaw (DNP, RN, Certified ATA Instructor), from 2-4 p.m. at War Chest Boutique, located at 2790 44th St SW in Wyoming. Participants must be 18 years of age or older. Attendance is free, however, registration is required.
Instructor qualifications
Luanne Shaw is a third degree black belt in Songham Taekwondo, black belt in Shinsei Arnis, and has taken certification in Sexual Harassment and Rape Prevention (SHARP). She has been involved in martial arts instruction and training, including weapons and self-defense training, over the past 20 years.
Shaw holds her Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree in health systems leadership and teaches for several universities in nursing and health topics. Her nursing career includes practice in Emergency, Cardiovascular, professional development (education) and home/agency staff relief.
What to expect
Class participants will receive training that covers highlights on the impact of stress/fear on how one responds to threats in their environment, practical discussion, tactics to keep one safer in society, and physical skills to defend oneself against unwanted touch, potential attack or abduction.
Class participants will be taught physical skills to defend oneself (Courtesy, pxhere.com)
There will be an opportunity to practice some physical skills, though practice is not required. Many skills can be modified to meet a participant’s physical ability.
Peruse the boutique before or after the event to see products made by, or sold in support of, at-risk and rescued individuals from around the world (#shoptorescue).
Registration details
Register for this free event here. Registration will remain open until the class is full (maximum of 50 attendees).
On Sunday, Dec. 29, the Wyoming Police Department responded to an incident that occurred on Maplelawn Street SW in Wyoming.
Below is a statement released by Wyoming Public Safety to provide clarity regarding this incident:
“Earlier today, officers responded to a domestic situation near Maplelawn and Buchanan.
Following an argument, the male turned on the gas in the home and threatened to cause an explosion. Officers evacuated nearby homes out of an abundance of caution while DTE and the fire department turned off the gas.
After several hours, the man exited the residence and is now with the Wyoming Police.“
The Wyoming PD also revealed that the above situation was not a hostage situation, though additional details are not being released at this time.
DTE services restoration
Wyoming Public Safety does not have a restoration timeline for any DTE services. All inquiries regarding restoration timelines should be directed to DTE.
