EXPLORING & TRANSPORTATION
Hello West Michigan
Whether you're new to the area or a life-long West Michigan native, Hello West Michigan has a plethora of resources, including a job board, networking opportunities, things to do, and more.
https://hellowestmichigan.com/
West Michigan Tourist Association
Since 1917, the West Michigan Tourist Association (WMTA) has worked to market the very best of West Michigan to travelers from around the world. While WMTA celebrated 100 years in 2017, that commitment continues in new and exciting ways.
https://www.wmta.org/about-wmta/
Experience Grand Rapids
Experience Grand Rapids is a resourceful, up-to-date website that is useful for looking up relevant information about public transportation, hotels, restaurants, events, etc...
https://www.experiencegr.com
Uber Grand Rapids
Uber is committed to helping you get where you want to go with confidence, whether it’s building emergency features in the app or making it easy for you to check your ride.
https://www.uber.com/cities/grand-rapids/
Hiking Project
We're part of the REI Co-op family. Explore detailed trail maps shared by hikers like you.
https://www.hikingproject.com
Michigan Public Libraries
This page contains a list of public libraries in Michigan. If you do not see a listing for your local branch library there is a possibility that it might be part of a larger library system. It also might be listed under a different name.
These listings do not include government libraries or libraries at schools or universities.
https://publiclibraries.com/state/michigan/
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Grand Rapids Housing Commission
The Grand Rapids Housing Commission provides housing assistance and affordable housing opportunities to lower-income families, the disabled and senior citizens in a manner that is fiscally sound and in ways that support families, neighborhoods and economic self-sufficiency.
http://www.grhousing.org
Dwelling Place
Dwelling Place improves the lives of people by creating quality affordable housing, providing essential support services and serving as a catalyst for neighborhood revitalization.
http://www.dwellingplacegr.org
Grand Rapids Alliance of Cooperative Communities
GRACC's mission is to provide affordable community housing in central Grand Rapids. We currently have about 50 members and four homes within the Heritage Hill District.
http://www.gracc.org
Affordable Housing Online
A comprehensive list of Section 8 subsidized apartments.
Ottawa County:
affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Michigan/Ottawa-County
Muskegon County:
affordablehousingonline.com/housing-search/Michigan/Muskegon-County
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Cherry Health - Heart of the City Health Center
Cherry Health is an independent, non-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with a primary focus of providing high quality health services to those who have little or no access to health care, regardless of income or insurance status. Services provided by Cherry Health include primary care, women’s health, pediatrics, dental, vision, behavioral health, mental health, correctional health, five school based health centers and employee assistance for employers.
https://www.cherryhealth.org
Michigan Dep't of Health and Human Services
Temporary food, healthcare, childcare, state emergency relief, and cash assistance for eligible low-income families and individuals..
https://www.newmibridges.michigan.gov/
The Fountain Hill Center for Counseling and Consultation
The Fountain Hill Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and has been since it was incorporated in 1976. Our primary office is the Bundy House, located in downtown Grand Rapids’s Heritage Hill neighborhood. In 2002, we opened a secondary office in New Era, MI (Oceana County), to better serve the needs of clients located in the northern portion of our service area.
The majority of our therapists provide services solely from our Grand Rapids location, but two therapists currently call our Lakeshore location “home base,” while others travel between the two locations. In 2017, we saw clients from 14 West Michigan counties, including Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Mason, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, and Ottawa.
https://fountainhillcenter.org/
Harbor Psychological Associates
To Harbor Psychological Associates is an established group of experienced, skilled and compassionate mental health professionals providing confidential, quality services since 1986. We are psychologists and counselors who are here to help adults, children, couples and families who are dealing with a wide range of issues.
http://www.harborpsychological.com
Pine Rest
Our mission includes the belief our services need to be available to everyone regardless of race, color, national origin, citizenship, sex, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, martial or family status or the ability to pay. To support the community we serve, counselors are available to assist you in applying for financial assistance via state Medicaid, local county agency assistance, federal and other charitable programs.
https://www.pinerest.org/
Legal Aid of Western Michigan
To secure justice and protect rights of low-income individuals unable to obtain and pay for legal services in civil matters by the provision of legal representation and counsel.
https://www.lawwestmi.org/
AmeriCorps Alums Benefits Marketplace
We’re making it easier to find the benefits you need after service to support your health. AmeriCorps Alums has partnered with VelaPoint, an independent insurance brokerage licensed in all 50 states that serves as your one-stop health, dental, and vision insurance marketplace.
https://www.americorpsalums.org/page/BenefitsMarketplace
AMERICORPS
AmeriCorps Alums
Dedicated to getting things done for AmeriCorps alums like you. We are the only national network that connects the nearly 1 million alumni of all AmeriCorps programs to the people, ideas, and resources that support our commitment to a lifetime of service.
www.americorpsalums.org
My AmeriCorps
Your place to manage your AmeriCorps experience such as accessing your education award.
https://my.americorps.gov
Corporation for National and Community Service
A federal agency that helps more than 5 million Americans improve the lives of their fellow citizens through service. Working hand in hand with local partners, we tap the ingenuity and can-do spirit of the American people to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing our nation.
We invest in thousands of nonprofit and faith-based groups that are making a difference across the country. We are AmeriCorps, Senior Corps, the Social Innovation Fund, the Volunteer Generation Fund, and more. We serve, we build, and we make an impact that changes lives and communities. Don't forget to browse the alumni job resources page.
www.nationalservice.gov/programs/americorps
Service Year
In addition to receiving financial support during a service year, many positions also offer the opportunity to receive loan forbearance and an education award for students to use on future education or to pay off student loans. Some even offer child care benefits. Every service year opportunity is unique, and has its own detailed list of benefits. Learn more about the types of benefits to look for when considering the wide-range of service year opportunities.
https://serviceyear.org
Segal Education Award
The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award is a post-service benefit earned by individuals who complete an approved term of national service in AmeriCorps programs. The award is named after Eli Segal, a pioneer of national service and the first CEO of the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS).
The award may be used to pay educational expenses at eligible post-secondary institutions, including many technical schools and G.I. Bill approved programs, or to repay qualified students loans. The dollar amount of the education award is equal to the maximum amount of the U.S. Department of Education Pell Grant and may change year to year.
https://www.nationalservice.gov
NETWORKING & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Young Nonprofit Professionals Network of Grand Rapids
YNPN activates emerging leaders and helps them acquire the skills and awareness they need to be effective changemakers. With these leaders, we're building a diverse and powerful social sector that can support and strengthen our communities.
Today the YNPN network serves more than 50,000 members and we have chapters in 42 cities.
https://www.ynpngr.org
Grand Rapids Jaycees
The Grand Rapids Jaycees is the premier young professional organization in West Michigan. With a 100 year history of training the regions’ future leaders, the Jaycees offer its members unmatched opportunities to build leadership skills, professional networks and a strong community. Notable past members include the 38th President of the United States Gerald R. Ford.
Young people (ages 21-40) from all walks of life serve as members of the Grand Rapids Jaycees; they plan, implement and volunteer in various projects such as the Santa Parade, Special Olympics Michigan Basketball Tournament, Holiday Shop Tour, Wine Tours, Relay for Life, etc. In addition, numerous other opportunities exist for members through the Michigan Junior Chamber, the U.S. Junior Chamber and Junior Chamber International (the world-wide Jaycees organization).
https://jcimi.org
Heart of West Michigan United Way
United Way has been an integral part of Kent County for nearly 100 years. We have always played a unique role in connecting community resources to pressing community needs through direct programming, community engagement, and partnerships with local nonprofit agencies, companies, donors, volunteers, and numerous collaborations.
www.hwmuw.org
Economic Club of Grand Rapids
The Economic Club of Grand Rapids is an association of individuals interested in, and contributing to, the growing economic health of the Grand Rapids metropolitan area. People from every sphere of activity are invited to hear the views of outstanding, nationally-known speakers who address our regular meetings.
https://econclub.net
CAREER
Indeed
Indeed is an American worldwide employment-related search engine for job listings launched in November 2004. It is a subsidiary of Japan's Recruit Co. Ltd. and is co-headquartered in Austin, Texas and Stamford, Connecticut with additional offices around the world.
https://www.indeed.com
LinkedIn is a business and employment-oriented service that operates via websites and mobile apps. Founded on December 28, 2002, and launched on May 5, 2003, it is mainly used for professional networking, including employers posting jobs and job seekers posting their CVs.
https://www.linkedin.com
Action Without Borders
Action Without Borders (AKA idealist.org) is a New York-based non-profit organization founded in 1995 by Ami Dar. A global network of people and organizations, it aims to make the world a place where people can live with freedom and dignity.
https://www.idealist.org
CareerBuilder
CareerBuilder is an online employment website, founded in 1995 and with offices in the United States, Canada, Europe and Asia. In 2008, it had the largest market share among online employment websites in the United States, where it was founded.
https://www.careebuilder.com
Michigan Works! Association
The Michigan Works! Association was established in 1987 to provide services and support to Michigan’s workforce development system. Through the association, members can access timely, relevant professional development opportunities and ensure high-quality programs for all customers.
http://www.michiganworks.org/
MDE Internet Options
Michigan Department of Education provides home internet options for the economically disadvantaged.
https://www.michigan.gov
MONEY MANAGEMENT
Groupon
Groupon is an American worldwide e-commerce marketplace connecting subscribers with local merchants by offering activities, travel, goods and services in 15 countries.
https://www.groupon.com/
Kent County Tax Credit Coalition
You may qualify for KCTCC ’s free tax services if your household income is $55,000 or less. We can help you complete your income tax return and apply for the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a refundable federal income tax credit. U.S. citizenship is not required, but you must file a tax return to claim your credit.
https://www.hwmuw.org/kctcc
MyFreeTaxes
If your household earned less than $66,000 in 2018, you can file both your federal and state returns for free using MyFreeTaxes.com. This is the only free, national, online tax filing product offered by a nonprofit. United Way has made it available to over 100 million U.S. taxpayers as part of our fight for the financial stability of every person in every community.
https://www.myfreetaxes.com/
AnnualCreditReport
AnnualCreditReport.com is the centralized site where every consumer gets access to their free credit report granted by Federal law. It's the only website that allows you to access each of your credit reports from all three of the major credit bureaus: Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion.
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC)
The National Foundation for Credit Counseling® (NFCC®), founded in 1951, is the nation’s largest and longest-serving nonprofit financial counseling organization. The NFCC’s mission is to promote the national agenda for financially responsible behavior, and build capacity for its members to deliver the highest-quality financial education and counseling services.
Keep in mind that nonprofit debt relief companies offer solutions that are best for your situation, not driven by a sales commission or profit motive. The for-profit companies are sometimes criticized for offering products, services and advice that are best for the company’s bottom line instead of the client’s best interests.
https://www.nfcc.org/
Financial Planning Association of Michigan
The Financial Planning Association® (FPA®) is one of the largest, most active, and most sophisticated financial professional groups in the country with approximately 24,000 members and close to 100 active local chapters. The Financial Planning Association of Michigan (FPA MI) is widely recognized as a leader in the financial planning community.
The Pro Bono Committee knows that making wise financial decisions aligned with one’s values is what allows people to live a great life by their own definition. Every person/family deserves quality, comprehensive and unbiased advice regardless of their financial means or background. This committee works to provide our members opportunities to serve the under served of our community who are going through a time of financial crisis, need quality advice, but for one reason or another cannot afford to pay for it.
https://fpami.com/
DOWNLOADABLE PDF RESOURCE DOCUMENTS:
| family_resource_guide_grand_rapids.pdf |
| cshcresource_ottawa_county.pdf |
| communityresourceguide_muskegon.pdf |
