The nonprofit community center Streams of Hope announced June 29 that its client-choice Food Center will reopen its physical storefront beginning July 2. The Food Center serves more than 500 families in Kentwood’s Townline neighborhood with supplemental food assistance.
As part of its efforts to help “alleviate financial stress during the coronavirus pandemic,” the Food Center has remained active throughout the shutdown utilizing a drive-thru format, and in recent weeks saw a 50 percent increase in visitors, according to a statement from Streams of Hope.
To ensure safe shopping at the Food Center, visitors will make an appointment online and receive a health check before entering the building with a face mask.
In addition, Streams of Hope announced it had acquired CirclesGR to “invest in long-term solutions to poverty.”
“We are excited to re-open the Food Center and bring CirclesGr into our family of programs,” Kurtis Kaechele, Streams of Hope executive director, said in supplied material. “We are creating a healthier neighborhood together, alongside our community.”
Programs like the Food Center address urgent needs, while CirclesGR will implement long-term solutions to assist families, according to Streams of Hope. Other programs at Streams of Hope include SpringGR, from which 14 entrepreneurs will graduate this summer, and a reduced-cost health clinic in partnership with Exalta Health which will also re-open in July.
“Part of our purpose is to raise the poverty IQ of allies and of the community,” Julie Liske, CirclesGR director, said in supplied material. “Poverty is complex: root causes, systemic barriers, and the impact not only on the family but the whole community. CirclesGR offers a holistic way of looking at both poverty and prosperity, and how we might be able to empower more individuals to reach a place of economic independence.”
Liske will temporarily stay on staff with Streams of Hope “to ensure a smooth transition,” according to Streams of Hope.
Streams of Hope is a community-based ministry in the Townline neighborhood of Kentwood. For more information visit streamsofhope.org. For more information on CirclesGR visit circlesgr.org.
In addition to it tutoring program, Streams of Hope offers a variety of programs to their community including a food pantry, after-school activities for middle and high school students, a community garden, and health & wellness programs. (Supplied)
The Streams of Hope community center in Kentwood has received a $25,000 grant from HarperCollins Christian Publishing to support the center’s elementary student tutoring program.
Since the tutoring program begin in 2010, it has steadily grown to provide more than 100 hours of free tutoring each week by 10 certified teachers to 80 students, according to the center.
Kurtis Kaechele (Supplied)
“It’s a joy and a privilege to have HarperCollins Christian Publishing come alongside this tutoring initiative once again,” Kurtis Kaechele, Streams of Hope executive director, said in supplied material. “They have been a wonderful partner over the past six years, and their support empowers the students in this neighborhood to overcome barriers and succeed in school.”
During the COVID-19 stay-at-home restrictions, Streams of Hope has sent virtual tutoring resources to their students and provided printed versions to families that utilize the center’s food center drive-thru supplemental grocery system.
The combined population of three public elementary schools, each less than half a mile from the center, located at 280 60th St, SE, is over 90-percent eligible for federal assistance, according to Streams of Hope.
“Educational success is a significant factor for reducing poverty, and our prayer is that by impacting students we would see our neighborhood transformed for the better,” Kaechele said. “In 2018, 91 percent of students being tutored in reading achieved one grade level or more of growth. During the same period, 84 percent of math students raised their assessment scores.”
Kentwood’s Streams of Hope ministry serves children and families in several ways. (Supplied)
In addition to tutoring, Streams of Hope offers a variety of programs to their community including a food pantry, after-school activities for middle and high school students, a community garden, and health & wellness programs. It also serves as a campus for SpringGR entrepreneurial training.
The HarperCollins grant will also support the center’s summer soccer and reading camp in addition to their Nutrition, Education & Wellness program for diabetic clients.
“Year after year, HarperCollins Christian Publishing continues to be in awe of what Streams of Hope can accomplish for the Kentwood community, and greater Grand Rapids,” Casey Harrell, senior director of corporate communications at HarperCollins Christian Publishing, said in supplied material. “Not only have we built a relationship through monetary investment, but with their leadership, staff, and the children involved in their tutoring program.”
Streams of Hope is a community-based ministry in the Townline neighborhood of Kentwood that “exists to demonstrate God’s love and foster sustainable change through services that build relationships, meet family needs, and promote a healthier community,” according to the group. Its programs focus on creating healthier schools, neighborhoods, and families by utilizing local resources.
Streams of Hope’s new executive director, Kurtis Kaechele. (Supplied)
Streams of Hope announced last week that its Board of Directors has unanimously approved the appointment of Kurtis Kaechele as its next executive director.
Kurtis will be taking leadership in the organization’s first full-time position beginning Feb. 17. With the continued growth of 10 existing programs and planned expansion into new offerings for its community, the time is ripe for Streams of Hope to invest in a full-time leader. Former Executive Director Paul Holtrop, who has helped lead the organization since its inception in 2006, will be ensuring a smooth transition with Kurtis.
“I’m excited to have Kurtis starting soon,” Holtrop said. “He is an enthusiastic leader and faithful Christian who will continue to emphasize community building at Streams of Hope.”
Kaechele is a native of Caledonia and lives in Grand Rapids with his wife and young daughter. He spent the past 15 years as a brand and marketing strategist, most recently as the marketing director for Nexstar Media, the parent organization for WOOD TV8 locally. Kaechele holds a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Communications and Media, and has been instrumental in planning and promoting the popular Maranda Park Parties in West Michigan. His background in communication and strategic planning is a wonderful fit for this nonprofit which has been a staple of the Townline community for the past 12 years.
“Streams of Hope is well established, and it’s just starting to build on a really solid foundation,” Kaechele said. “I’m really impressed with what they offer and the good work they’re doing in our community, and I look forward to sharing that story with others.”
Streams of Hope is a fairly young organization, but it already has significant, long-term impact on its community. Its focus is healthy schools, neighborhoods, and families. Through a variety of programs it touches almost 600 neighbors each month. Supportive services like the Food Center, an onsite medical clinic, fitness and cooking classes, and after-school programs for students help foster a healthier community.
Under Kaechele’s leadership, the Streams of Hope team plans to continue expanding its programs to reach more neighbors. In 2019, the nonprofit had a $1 million economic impact on its community and is looking forward to increased growth.
“God has truly blessed me with this incredible opportunity,” Kaechele said. “I am excited to bring my passion, experience, and fresh perspective to this amazing team of staff and volunteers. Together we’ll build upon Streams of Hope’s successful history of positive, sustainable change in our community!”
We are fortunate to have a non-profit like Feeding America West Michigan in our community. Recently, they held their summer fundraising luncheon honoring those individuals and organizations that have gone above and beyond to assist those in need of food assistance throughout West Michigan, as well as the Upper Peninsula. Ken Estelle, CEO of Feeding America West Michigan, shared that distribution was up 10% over last year, totaling 26.5 million pounds of food provided through associated pantries, mobile food trucks, and other hunger-relief agencies. Though the economy may be slowing improving, “a lot of people are still struggling,” stated Estelle. He emphasized that solving hunger here in our community requires “many hands” and the importance of organizations, corporations, churches, and individuals working together.
Feeding America Artwork by Local Artist Reb Roberts.
Honored this year was Food Donor, Kellogg Company, having donated over 740,000 pounds of food, as well as contributing an endless supply of volunteers and funding. The Nelis family were awarded the Excellence in Advocacy award for their tireless efforts in raising awareness. The Outstanding Partner Agency was awarded to Love INC Newaygo who serve over 900 families a month, running 15 mobile pantries. Since 2006 Love INC has distributed 3.8 million pounds of food. The Feeding America West Michigan Food Bank has over 3,00 volunteers, and Carole Griffeth was honored with the Exceptional Volunteer award, putting in 2400 hours of service since 2009.
While Feeding America and their many volunteer groups are known for distributing needed food assistance, perhaps the most engaging testimony of the day was given to a women who has been on the receiving end of assistance, Michele Childs. She is currently a client of Streams of Hope, an affiliate of FAWM, located in the Townline community of Kentwood. Just 3 years ago, Childs shared, she was told she was super morbidly obese. Super morbid obesity is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) of 50+–normal being 19-24.
“At 40 years old I could not tie my shoes, get in or out of a bathtub, or fit in a restaurant booth,” she explained.
“I guess it’s true you are what you eat because I ate comfort foods, high in calories, carbs, sodium, and saturated fats.”
Childs and a dear friend, Charnette Perry, who was suffering from obesity, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, made a promise to each other to get healthy. After Charnette passed, at the age of 44, Childs felt the need to fulfill that promise. A struggling single mother of 2, having survived an abusive relationship, Childs was in a dark place and found herself at nearly 400 pounds. She admits that she was “clueless how to purchase and cook food” to improve her health. She needed help.
From Left to Right: Regina Thomas, Michelle Childs, and Barbara Nauta. Photo by Kathryn Gray
Knowing that she would do “whatever it took,” Childs underwent bariatric surgery in October 2011. Dealing with diabetes that was out of control, Childs’ dietician introduced her to the Spectrum Nutritional Options for Wellness (NOW) program at Streams of Hope. She shared that the first time she visited the food pantry she felt humiliated. Fortunately, Childs found that the staff and volunteers passed no judgment but were instead eager to help her with more than just food assistance. The staff provided not only calorie information but the right kinds of food, combined with exercise and education for making lifestyle changes.
Barbara Nauta, organizational leader for Streams of Hope, explains that beyond providing food assistance, SOH provides educational and emotional support, building relationships, mentoring, and meeting family needs, all leading to healthier communities. Streams of Hope currently serves 5800 families, providing 336,000 pounds of food, while providing exercise classes, student tutoring, and a community garden. As healthy lifestyle choices are not just for adults, SOH is gearing up for the 2nd annual World Cup Readers Soccer Camp, engaging kids in reading activities combined with games and sports, including a nightly cook-out.
Michele Childs is surrounded by friends and supporters. Photo by Kathryn Gray
“Surgery is just a tool,” explains Childs. “The programs and classes at Streams of Hope helped me before and after.” Childs has a brighter outlook today. Currently she has lost 180 pounds. She was not flown to a glorious ranch, did not have a personal trainer at her beck and call for months, or compete for a $250,000 grand prize. Michele Childs made a promise and with the help of Streams of Hope, is a beautiful example of the Biggest Loser in Kentwood. She shines as she proclaims, “I eat right for my life!”
Feeding America West Michigan and Streams of Hope are always in need of help: be it volunteers, food donations, or monetary contributions. As Ken Estelle shared, there are still a lot of people struggling, wondering where their next meal will come from. One in four children in West Michigan are still considered “food insecure.” We all have a role to play in ensuring that those in need find the food resources available in our community. To volunteer, or to make food or monetary donations go to Feedingamericawestmichigan.org.
For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. Matthew 25:35
