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The Other Way Ministries Urges Immediate Action to Restore Out-of-School Time (OST) Funding

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – The Other Way Ministries is calling on the West Michigan community and state leaders to take urgent action following the Michigan House’s recent decision to eliminate dedicated funding for Out-of-School Time (OST) programs under Section 32n of the School Aid budget.

These funds provide $50 million in vital support for before-school, afterschool, and summer programs across Michigan. The House proposal redirects these dollars into general school funding—effectively eliminating the only line item specifically designated to support community-based organizations like The Other Way, which deliver holistic, life-changing programs for youth and families.

“Cutting these funds would be a devastating elimination,” said Scott Bloem, Executive Director of The Other Way Ministries. “We rely on these funds to serve over 60 neighborhood children in grades k-5 with our after-school and summer program. Without them, we would reduce the number of children we can serve, as well as the number of hours, days, and weeks we could offer a program. And not just us, but many other local youth development programs in West Michigan and throughout the state would be affected. There is no doubt children all across Michigan would lose access to safe spaces, caring mentors, and enriching learning opportunities.”

Under Section 32n, at least 60% of OST funding is intentionally directed to community-based nonprofits. These programs are uniquely equipped to partner with families and schools, offering responsive, culturally relevant support that meets the needs of local neighborhoods. At The Other Way, these funds fuel programs that integrate literacy, arts, STEM, and spiritual growth in a safe and supportive environment.

We need your help now. The Senate and Governor’s recommended budgets both preserve dedicated OST funding, but the final state budget is still being negotiated. Time is of the essence.

Here’s how you can help – Contact Your Legislators!

Urge your State Representative and Senator to protect Section 32n and include dedicated OST funding in the final FY25–26 state budget.

Contact Your State Senator

Contact Your State Representative

When contacting your State Senator or Representative, consider:

  • Asking what their stance 32n OST funding is
  • Telling them about The Other Way and how those funds have helped families and children
  • Sharing any personal experience you have had with youth after-school or summer programs
Helpful Resources from our friends at the Michigan After-School Partnership (MASP)

Key Messaging Points

Sample Email to Legislators

32n Factsheet 2025

The Other Way Ministries remains committed to walking alongside families and youth—but we cannot do this alone. Without dedicated OST funding, the future of hundreds of children is at risk.

Contact:

Stephanie Scott
Fund Development, Marketing & Communications
The Other Way Ministries
616-454-4011 ext. 5220
sscott@theotherway.org
www.theotherway.org

More Blog and News Stories

Westside Stories Spring Newsletter

For the 3rd year, our Food Pantry has received thousands of pounds of food from the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Led by the National Association of Letter Carriers on the second Saturday each May, the event has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive.
Read More
For the 3rd year, our Food Pantry has received thousands of pounds of food from the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Led by the National Association of Letter Carriers on the second Saturday each May, the event has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive.

Our Westside Stories Spring Newsletter shares updates about our programs and highlights from recent events. The new spring edition features a moving testimonial from a food pantry participant, information about our pantry’s food delivery offerings, a recap of the successful events like the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive and America 250/JustServe and much more! 
Read our Spring Newsletter to learn more about the initiatives we are taking at The Other Way Ministries and the positive impact these programs are making in our Westside community.
You can subscribe to receive our quarterly newsletter directly by visiting https://theotherway.org/connect/.

Our Westside Stories Spring Newsletter shares updates about our programs and highlights from recent events. The new spring edition features a moving testimonial from a food pantry participant, information about our pantry’s food delivery offerings, a recap of the successful events like the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive and America 250/JustServe and much more! 
Read our Spring Newsletter to learn more about the initiatives we are taking at The Other Way Ministries and the positive impact these programs are making in our Westside community.
You can subscribe to receive our quarterly newsletter directly by visiting https://theotherway.org/connect/.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Delivers

For the 3rd year, our Food Pantry has received thousands of pounds of food from the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Led by the National Association of Letter Carriers on the second Saturday each May, the event has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive.
Read More
For the 3rd year, our Food Pantry has received thousands of pounds of food from the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Led by the National Association of Letter Carriers on the second Saturday each May, the event has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive.
For the 3rd year, our Food Pantry has received thousands of pounds of food from the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Led by the National Association of Letter Carriers on the second Saturday each May, the event has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive.  
 
Letter carriers throughout the Westside picked up much-needed donations of nonperishable food items from generous neighbors along their routes, delivering them to The Other Way throughout the afternoon of May 9. We were honored to have 62 volunteers contribute 195 hours of time to sort, stack and shelve over 12,500 pounds of food. Some of the most popular donations included canned vegetables, tuna and pasta – which are equally as popular with Westside neighbors who use our pantry.

“This is a beautiful example of neighbors supporting neighbors,” said Food Program Director Bethany Joseph. “Westsiders were again generous with their donations this year, which will help us keep our shelves stocked as we head into summer.

“We appreciate the efforts from our wonderful letter carriers, who added food collection and delivery in addition to their regular mail routes on Saturday. We’re also so grateful for our wonderful volunteers, who donated hours of time to make this drive another huge success!”
For the 3rd year, our Food Pantry has received thousands of pounds of food from the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Led by the National Association of Letter Carriers on the second Saturday each May, the event has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive.  
 
Letter carriers throughout the Westside picked up much-needed donations of nonperishable food items from generous neighbors along their routes, delivering them to The Other Way throughout the afternoon of May 9. We were honored to have 62 volunteers contribute 195 hours of time to sort, stack and shelve over 12,500 pounds of food. Some of the most popular donations included canned vegetables, tuna and pasta – which are equally as popular with Westside neighbors who use our pantry.

“This is a beautiful example of neighbors supporting neighbors,” said Food Program Director Bethany Joseph. “Westsiders were again generous with their donations this year, which will help us keep our shelves stocked as we head into summer.

“We appreciate the efforts from our wonderful letter carriers, who added food collection and delivery in addition to their regular mail routes on Saturday. We’re also so grateful for our wonderful volunteers, who donated hours of time to make this drive another huge success!”

2025 Annual Report: Walking Alongside our Westside Neighbors since 1967

Last year, The Other Way Ministries had more community members than ever come through our doors seeking support and connection. Our incredible team walked alongside Westsiders by providing a wide range of timely services to meet their needs: food assistance, youth and family programs, early childhood education and community support services.
Read More
Last year, The Other Way Ministries had more community members than ever come through our doors seeking support and connection. Our incredible team walked alongside Westsiders by providing a wide range of timely services to meet their needs: food assistance, youth and family programs, early childhood education and community support services.

Our 2025 Annual Report showcases both stories and statistics, including that of Shanicka, who came to The Other Way Ministries looking for childcare. Our team realized her needs went beyond childcare, and we were able to help her find transitional housing, steady employment and a vehicle. She’s now working on her next big goal: preparing for home ownership.

Some of last year’s numbers really help tell our story of service and support:

  • Our Little Lights Childcare Center provided peace of mind to 35 families whose 50 children received “genuine heartfelt care.”
  • Our Resource Program fielded nearly 2,000 request for assistance with housing,rent, utilities, food and other basic needs.
  • Our Food Pantry received nearly 12, 750 pounds of food from the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, nearly triple the amount collected from the year before.
  • Nearly 80 volunteers donated a total of 6,648 hours to support our programs.

We are grateful to all who helped make this possible: our amazing staff, incredible community partners and dedicated volunteers.

Read more stories of impact in our 2025 Annual Report.

Our 2025 Annual Report showcases both stories and statistics, including that of Shanicka, who came to The Other Way Ministries looking for childcare. Our team realized her needs went beyond childcare, and we were able to help her find transitional housing, steady employment and a vehicle. She’s now working on her next big goal: preparing for home ownership.

Some of last year’s numbers really help tell our story of service and support:

  • Our Little Lights Childcare Center provided peace of mind to 35 families whose 50 children received “genuine heartfelt care.”
  • Our Resource Program fielded nearly 2,000 request for assistance with housing,rent, utilities, food and other basic needs.
  • Our Food Pantry received nearly 12, 750 pounds of food from the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, nearly triple the amount collected from the year before.
  • Nearly 80 volunteers donated a total of 6,648 hours to support our programs.

We are grateful to all who helped make this possible: our amazing staff, incredible community partners and dedicated volunteers.

Read more stories of impact in our 2025 Annual Report.

The Other Way Ministries is calling on the West Michigan community and state leaders to take urgent action following the Michigan House’s recent decision to eliminate dedicated funding for Out-of-School Time (OST) programs under Section 32n of the School Aid budget. These funds provide $50 million in vital support for before-school, afterschool, and summer programs across Michigan.