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!
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.
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.
Since Bridge Street Market opened its doors in 2018, we have been honored to partner with the organization in a variety of ways, including as its Simply Give food pantry recipient. Earlier this year, the Market took the time to interview our Executive Director Scott Bloem.
Radio legend Phil Tower sat down with our Executive Director, Scott Bloem, for a deep dive into the history and mission of The Other Way for a segment on WYCE’s Community Closeup.
What a night to remember! We want to thank all of our Westside neighbors who joined us this August for our annual Neighborhood Block Party. Your smiles, laughter, and energy made the evening truly special.
Because of your generosity, our second quarter was full of hope, growth and record breaking impact. Here are a few highlights! Earlier this year our Youth Employment Services program was at risk, but, thanks to your incredible support we were not only able to run the program, but expand the number of participants.
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.
We are thrilled to share some exciting news from one of our closest partners in serving our community — Matthew House Ministry has received approval to move into a new, expanded space on W. Leonard! This marks a huge step forward in their mission to support individuals and families who are struggling, and we couldn’t be more excited for what the future holds.
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.
