Tag Archives: non-profit

Strengthening our cities: iCI Nation builds bridges between community and local law enforcement

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, City of Kentwood, City of Wyoming, Community Health, Going Local, Kent County, Local Faces, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Voices, West Michigan, , , , , ,
iCI Nation founder Jennifer Franson (second from left) has spent the last decade building bridges between community and law enforcement (Courtesy, iCI Nation)


By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


First responders connect with community members at Resurrection Fellowship Church (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

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.

Leading that mission is iCI Nation Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Franson.

“We’re building relationships and trust between cops and community to strengthen the city,” said Franson. “That’s our mission. We’re building the connections and we’re building the bridges over the shared value of how we protect and serve together.

“It’s really just a reframing of value,” Franson continued. “Our shared value of how we protect and serve together.”

iCI Nation board member BJ (Barbara) VanStee agreed. “We support the community, we support the officers, and we try to bring them together and show our appreciation for all that they do for the community.”

A way to do more

Though Franson does not have a personal family connection to law enforcement, she has always been aware of the officers who put their lives on the line each day to keep our community safe.

Kentwood police officers connect with youth in the Kentwood Young Life group (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

For years, Franson prayed for law enforcement officers whenever she heard sirens, believing that was all she could do for them.

A women’s church group discussion regarding community connections prompted Franson to suggest hosting a “thank you” event for law enforcement. Franson emailed police chiefs at several local departments, requesting participation. Thirteen officers from five different departments attended.

However, as Franson met the officers at the event venue, an unexpected complication arose as she explained what was about to happen.

A Kentwood officer talks with a Kentwood Young Life youth (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

“You’re going to go in to lights, music, and a standing ovation from the women,” Franson told the officers. “We’re going to tell you why we appreciate you, have kids do a song and dance, pray over you and have cookies and coffee.”

The officers asked what they needed to do.

Franson explained the process again.

Again, the officers asked what they needed to do.

Franson finally asked, “What aren’t you getting? Don’t you get invited by the community just to say thank you?”

The answer was a resounding no; law enforcement officers were only invited by communities to talk about neighborhood or policy issues.

Franson was stunned – and determined to launch a community-wide change.

Generating change – without an agenda

The church event became an annual occurrence, increasing from those original 13 officers to an average of 65 officers each year.

“Our biggest year we had 95 officers there from over 20 different departments,” said Franson. “Our normal average got up to about 65.”

During a Faith & Blue event, Grand Rapids SWAT and local youth connected during a basketball game hosted by Rev. Darryl S. Gaddy Sr. of Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church (Courtesy, Pastor Gaddy)

The reason it grew, Franson continued, was due to trust.

“It built trust with the police community once they realized we didn’t have any agenda,” said Franson.

Though the women prayed over the police officers, the main event activity was presenting each department with a banner saying, Thank you to our protectors.

“All the women signed it and wrote personal notes on it,” said Franson. “And that was it. There was never any other agenda other than to thank them, and that really made an impact.”

Local youth keep the GR SWAT team on their toes during the game at Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church (Courtesy, Pastor Gaddy)

The women began taking prayerful ownership of the police, and the officers began trusting the women.

“It was like a community becoming a family,” Franson said. “Somehow these ‘crazy church women’ made a difference.”

Franson became known as “Police Jen” by the community, often looked to for information about local law enforcement happenings.

For almost a decade, iCI Nation has provided a healthy environment for the community to build trust with law enforcement as they unite in their efforts to protect and serve local cities.

iCI Nation founder Jennifer Franson (left) prepares to spread good news on camera (Courtesy, iCI Nation)

iCI Nation hosts monthly events for the community and police, including prayer gatherings for the faith community, presentations, and lunch and learns. The organization also builds collaborations through various local organizations and events such as the national Faith & Blue campaign.

Franson then spreads the good news of these collaborations through a weekly email, social media and videos.

Building understanding through appreciation

Franson and VanStee both believe that showing appreciation for law enforcement is vital to officers understanding that the community knows and appreciates what they do.

First responders were treated to a Thanksgiving luncheon hosted by Pastor Gary Hankins at Resurrection Fellowship Church (Courtesy, Deborah Reed WKTV)

“We pray for them quite frequently,” says VanStee. “I am thankful for all that the officers do in the community to keep us safe.”

Building credibility with the law officers is also essential.

“We build credibility that the officers sent to our event will feel safe,” says Franson. “I want to honor them for agreeing to be the venue for this [collaboration].”

Learn more about iCI Nation and how you can help honor local law enforcement here.

Ronald McDonald House Charities asking for the public’s help on Sept. 17 to help restock pantry

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Food, Going Local, Health, Kent County, Non-Profits, Our Cities, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , , , , ,
(Courtesy, RMHC)


By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan (RMHCWM) is calling on the community to help ensure families staying at the House have access to the comfort of home-cooked meals, easy meals and individually packaged snacks. On Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m., RMHCWM will host a collection drive at 1323 Cedar St NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503.

Your generous donations keep families nourished with the comforts of home (Courtesy, RMHC)

During their stay, families of hospitalized children rely on RMHCWM for a comforting place to rest and eat. By donating essential food items, you can help ease their burden, allowing them to focus on what truly matters—their child’s health. Your generous donations help stock the RMCHWM pantry and keep families nourished with the comforts of home.

Wish List:

  • Individually packed shelf-stable snacks: Chips, granola bars, fruit snacks, crackers, mini-muffins, etc.
  • Easy meals: Kraft macaroni, ramen noodles, soups, hamburger helper, etc.
  • Rice: Plain and mixes
  • Pastas: All varieties – 16 or 32 oz. boxes
  • Pasta sauces: Red sauce and alfredo, jarred or canned
  • Canned vegetables and beans: tomatoes (all varieties), corn, green beans, black beans, etc
  • Broths: Beef and chicken
  • Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, parsley, oregano, chili powder, cumin, etc.
  • Marinades and sauces
  • Baking chips: Chocolate, white chocolate, cinnamon
  • Dessert mixes: Cakes, brownies, etc.

If you cannot drop off your donations in person, you can still participate by shopping on Amazon and shipping your items directly to the House. Visit the RMCHWM Amazon Wish List at https://a.co/9nk0vfN to find the items most needed.

Let’s work together to keep the RMHCWM pantry fully stocked (Courtesy, RMHC)

Spread the word!

Share this collection drive with friends and family, and let’s work together to keep the pantry fully stocked, ensuring that every family staying at RMHCWM has access to the comfort foods they want during their stay.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan

The mission of Ronald McDonald House Charities West Michigan is to keep families together who travel to Grand Rapids when their child is receiving medical or mental health treatment in the hospital.

Since 1990, RMHCWM has been serving families throughout Michigan and worldwide. Families live at the House where they have access to a safe, clean, and comfortable room with bath plus hot meals and transportation to and from the hospital, all at no cost to the families.


(Courtesy RMHC)

Camp FUN! Camp Blodgett adult fundraiser will feature signature camp activities Sept. 14

2-row, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Education, Entertainment, Kids Activities, Non-Profits, Recreation, Upcoming Events, West Michigan, , , , , , , ,
Adults can join in camp fun at the For the Kids Soiree, an activity-driven adventure! (Courtesy, Camp Blodgett)



By Deborah Reed

WKTV Managing Editor

deborah@wktv.org


Camp Blodgett has been providing youth with educational, recreational and fun experiences for over 100 years. On Saturday, Sept. 14, they are offering adults the chance to join in the fun with their annual For the Kids Soiree!

What started as a traditional sit-down dinner fundraising event has morphed into an activity-driven adventure that gives donors a chance to experience camp life firsthand.

(Courtesy photo)

“Our donors say their favorite parts are the experience and the camp activities,” said Lucy Dyer Joswick, Camp Blodgett Executive Director. “We’re giving people what they’ve requested, which is the opportunity to really immerse themselves in what Camp Blodgett does for kids by actually doing it.”

The soiree provides that adult summer camp experience by the shores of Lake Michigan with popular camp activities such as archery, arts and crafts…and playing with robots.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to connect with camp alumni who have been impacted by Camp Blodgett.

A giant swing is one of the camp’s fun recreational activities (Courtesy, Camp Blodgett)

Camp board member and founder of Experience Granted, Carlos Kulas-Dominguez, has been a driving force behind the Soiree’s reimagining.

Kulas-Dominguez says his focus has been on developing and growing community by amplifying the experience for attendees so they feel empowered to be ambassadors.

Camp Blodgett’s camper population is extremely diverse in representation, which is part of what drew Kulas-Dominguez to the organization.

As a retired teacher, Kulas-Dominguez has always had a passion for helping inner city youth.

“I am a product of inner city Detroit public schools, so I can relate to a lot of the youth at Camp Blodgett, and not ever having that camp experience,” said Kulas-Dominguez.

“The way the youth, and even the staff, are able to show up very authentically is something really unique and really special – specifically to West Michigan. That’s been really fun to watch and be a part of.”

Dress casually…and have fun!

The soiree will be held Saturday, Sept. 14 from 5:30 – 9 p.m. at Camp Blodgett in West Olive.

A traditional happy hour begins at 5:30 p.m. with the main event starting with an opening ceremony similar to that of summer camp at 6:30 p.m.

Archery (Courtesy, Camp Blodgett)

Attendees will be divided into groups and then go through three activity rotations.

Tie-dye and friendship bracelet crafts will be available, as well as archery. With the assistance of Camp Blodgett STEM teachers, 40 robot orbs will be available for event attendees to try their hand at programming an orb to simulate a day in the life of a camper.

If an activity doesn’t sound exciting, participants can buy a Fast Pass, skip a rotation, and try the giant swing or climb the rock wall.

“Attendees definitely want to dress casually,” said Joswick. “Come like you would play at camp.”

A “first date”

Crafts (Courtesy, Camp Blodgett)

Donations are the driving force behind Camp Blodgett’s ability to operate.

The annual For the Kids Soiree is the most impactful event for sustaining camp supporters and recruiting new supporters.

“[The soiree] is where we meet all of our donors that sustain us through the year,” said Joswick. “This is really where a good 20% of our camperships come from.”

Joswick went on to say that the Soiree is often like a “first date” for many because supporters will bring friends to introduce to the organization.

“We are the one and only,” said Joswick. “We are blessed to be Michigan’s only public summer camp that focuses on serving kids who could not otherwise afford to go. A lot of people don’t know that we’re so unique.”

The upside-down model of Camp Blodgett

Since 1921, Camp Blodgett has worked to provide a fun, enriching summer camp experience accessible to all kids in Kent and Ottawa counties.

Founded by the Babies’ Welfare Guild, a group of women associated with D.A. Blodgett Home, the camp has since expanded to be a year-round youth development organization that provides recreational and educational experiences to children who could otherwise not afford them.

(Courtesy photo)

Camp Blodgett’s Summer Camp serves over 500 campers annually, of which 40 are STEM Academy campers. During the school year, the camp serves approximately 200 youth in free school year programs.

When there is a charge for programs, such as the summer camp program, a sliding scale based on family size and income is used.

“80% of our campers pay $40 or less when the cost far exceeds $750,” said Joswick. “[The soiree] raises that gap.”

This camp model was created purposefully so all youth, regardless of income, can have access to camp opportunities.

The magic in saying “Yes”

“Come with an open mind, open heart, and the willingness to connect and be out of your comfort zone,” said Kulas-Dominguez, adding that some planned soiree activities are definitely out of his comfort zone – but he will still participate.

“I think that, as adults, you forget that there’s a lot of magic that happens when we just show up and say yes.”

Find more information and registration details here.

Walk for Apraxia event to benefit children with rare motor speech disorder Sept. 14

3-bottom, Citizen Journalism, Community Health, Health, Kent County, Kids Activities, medical moment, Non-Profits, Recreation, Upcoming Events, Voices, West Michigan, , , , ,
The Walk for Apraxia is the largest community event that celebrates the hard work of our apraxia stars (Courtesy, Apraxia Kids)



By WKTV Staff

deborah@wktv.org


Raising awareness is a tangible way communities can help children with apraxia thrive (Courtesy, Apraxia Kids)

The 2024 Grand Rapids Walk for Apraxia event will be held on Sept. 14 at Beachwood-Bluffton Park to benefit children with apraxia of speech.

The event begins at 11 a.m. with a ceremony beginning at 12 p.m. Registration is FREE!

Childhood apraxia of speech (CAS) is a rare motor speech disorder that makes it difficult for an individual to speak. Treatment includes intense speech therapy and sometimes other therapies to help individuals reach their highest communication ability. However, there is no cure.

Raising awareness is one of the most tangible ways communities at large can help children with apraxia thrive. Increased collective awareness means that children will be diagnosed faster, resulting in better, earlier intervention.

Celebrating apraxia stars

The Walk for Apraxia is the largest community event that celebrates the hard work of our apraxia stars, children diagnosed with CAS. The day includes family-friendly activities, a ceremony and a short, inclusive group walk to raise awareness.

Neil Kilby, father of an Apraxia Star, says, “Apraxia Stars need a team behind them. That team includes both parents, family members, SLP’s and organizations like Apraxia Kids.”

(Courtesy, Apraxia Kids)

Participating in the Walk for Apraxia helps show Apraxia Stars that there is a team of supporters surrounding them in their community. Invite friends and family to this community event to meet local Apraxia Stars and show support for all of their hard work!

Funds raised through the 2024 Walk for Apraxia benefit Apraxia Kids, the leading nonprofit that works to strengthen the support systems in the lives of children with CAS. Apraxia Kids educates both families and speech-language professionals so that children with CAS can reach their highest communication potential through accurate diagnosis and appropriate, timely treatment.

Event registration

For more information on how to join the Walk for Apraxia, click here.