The Kids Food Basket is a force for attacking childhood hunger in the greater Grand Rapids area. They began over eight years ago by serving 125 kids each school day through a sack supper program. They now serve over 3,700 kids each day!
The VanAndel Institute was founded by Jay and Betty VanAndel and opened in 2000 in downtown Grand Rapids. The Van Andel Institute is committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations through disease research and science education. Cancer research is their primary focus, but studies branch out into other diseases such as osteoporosis, Parkinson disease, and diabetes. The Institute has attracted world-renowned researchers that have joined their effort to work to translate discoveries at the molecular level into effective therapies for patients.
The Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital marks a new era of children’s health care in West Michigan. The 206-bed, 14-floor, 464,000 square foot facility represents more than four decades of steady progress in improving pediatric care and bringing pediatric specialists to the region. Now children have a hospital dedicated exclusively to their health care needs. All of the care is provided by pediatric nurses, therapists and clinicians and there are nearly 200 pediatric physicians in more than 40 pediatric specialties.
God’s Littlest Angels is a Haitian orphanage located in the mountains above Petion-Ville, close to the village of Fermathe. The majority of the children brought to the orphanage are between the ages of newborn and 7 years old. NVINT is supporting GLA’s mission trip this year through financial contributions and the volunteer efforts of its employees.
Bethany Christian Services is a global nonprofit organization that brings families together and keeps families together. Strengthening families for the well-being of children is Bethany’s top priority. Services include adoption, foster care, and pregnancy counseling. Bethany also provides counseling to families, assists refugees and immigrants resettling in the U.S., and partners with several international countries to help keep families together.
Family Promise partners with families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless by helping them get back on their feet so they can create a stable lifestyle for their children.
Family homelessness is becoming more and more prevalent in our community. Families with children are the fastest-growing segment of the homeless population making up almost 50 percent of those who are homeless in West Michigan. Family Promise is doing everything in our power to end family homelessness….one family at a time.