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Youth Culture Club Explores Festa Italiana

On July 25 and 26, our Other Way Ministries Youth Culture Club had the incredible opportunity to step out of the neighborhood and into a celebration of heritage, flavor, and community at Festa Italiana, held at Tanger Outlets.

Our youth were welcomed with open arms — receiving festa money for treats, food, drinks, and access to the Kids Corner, hosted by our friends at Grand Rapids Sister Cities International. The kids enjoyed learning about Italian culture, tasting new foods, and soaking in the wonderful sounds, sights, and smells that filled the festival grounds. It was a change of scenery that left them smiling, curious, and inspired.

We were highlighted as the “Do good non profit ” and information shared with attendees.

The event also included a special moment for our ministry. After opening prayer and remarks from Father Damon of St. Paul, our Executive Director, Scott Bloem, took the stage to share the heart and work of The Other Way Ministries with the gathered community.

We love seeing our youth experience opportunities like this — where they can connect with new people, explore different cultures, and broaden their horizons. Experiences like Festa Italiana remind us that when community comes together, doors open for learning, growth, and joy.

— The Other Way Ministries

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.

On July 25 and 26, our Other Way Ministries Youth Culture Club had the incredible opportunity to step out of the neighborhood and into a celebration of heritage, flavor, and community at Festa Italiana, held at Tanger Outlets. Our youth were welcomed with open arms — receiving festa money for treats, food, drinks, and access to the Kids Corner, hosted by our friends at Grand Rapids Sister Cities International.