News and Blog
Stories from the Westside: News, Updates, and Neighbor Highlights
At The Other Way Ministries, every story begins with walking alongside our neighbors. Our blog is where we share the heart of our work—updates from our programs, reflections on community life, and stories of transformation from the Westside of Grand Rapids. Whether you're a longtime supporter or just getting to know us, we invite you to see how Christ-centered relationships are making a difference every day.
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.
At The Other Way Ministries, we believe in the power of community, compassion, and connection. For over 50 years, we’ve walked alongside families on the West Side of Grand Rapids, offering support, resources, and relationships that reflect the love of Christ.
The Other Way Ministries is thrilled to announce a record-breaking year for the 2025 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, with an incredible 12,731.75 pounds of food collected—nearly tripling last year’s total of 4,278 pounds. The food is valued at an estimated $30,000 and represents a two-month supply for our community pantry which will feed roughly 1,600-2,000 families.
The Stamp Out Hunger food drive delivers donations to food pantries across West Michigan. Here's how you can help.
Food banks across the country are seeing rising demand, with some hitting record levels. About 65 percent of food banks reported an increase in the number of people served in October 2024 compared to October 2023, according to nonprofit Feeding America. NBC News' Shannon Pettypiece has a closer look.
Meijer announced today it's making a $25,000 donation to The Other Way Ministries in Grand Rapids on behalf of 2024 Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Champion Lilia Vu. This donation follows the tournament achieving a record-setting $2 million fundraising goal and supports a tradition started in 2021 to support a hunger relief program of the champion's choice.
Meijer Executive Chair Hank Meijer and professional golfer Brittany Lang paid a visit to The Other Way Ministries Food Pantry in Grand Rapids Monday. The tour was meant to highlight the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give program and its mission to provide food for people facing food insecurity in West Michigan and the Midwest.
This week, some of the nation’s best golfers will be competing in West Michigan for the Meijer LPGA Classic. It’s not just about golf, but helping families in need.
