Yesterday I visited with Dr. Justin Beene – Founder of Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation (GRCCT) – a collective of non-profit/for-profits working to see flourishing in Grand Rapids for all. GCCT is essentially a hub for social enterprise, for the common good of the Greater Grand Rapids Area.
GRCCT states on its website that Grand Rapids was ranked the number one city in the United States to raise kids by Forbes Magazine (Van Riper, 2012).
Even more, the city has been ranked as one of the most philanthropic areas in the United States (Raghaven, 2013).
GRCCT mentions the powerful presence of the institution of the Church in Grand Rapids, and over 2,800 nonprofits.
This all sounds good, but there is much work to be done. There is still great need in the Grand Rapids Community.
“despite the affluence, giving, and nonprofit services in West Michigan, the outlook in education, employment, and long-term quality of life for many urban citizens looks bleak.
Forbes Magazine just recently released a study of 52 metropolitan cities in the United States and found Grand Rapids to be the second worst city in the country for African-Americans to live based on business ownership/entrepreneurship, median income, and home ownership (Kotkin, 2014)…
Youth living in the urban center of Grand Rapids are among the most impoverished young people in the country.”
In response to the great need in our city, particularly for youths struggling with poverty, GRCCT supports several social enterprises (Rising Grinds Cafe and Building Bridges) that not only provide skills/job training but also provides revenue for the long-term sustainability of these programs.
Low-Profit Limited Liability Companies.
Both Rising Grinds Cafe and Building Bridges are Michigan Low-profit Limited Liability Companies (L3Cs)
Back in 2009 the Michigan legislature authorized the formation of these “hybrid” business entities.
L3Cs are formed fundamentally for a charitable/socially beneficial purpose, but unlike non-profit corporations, members can own equity in these L3Cs.
L3Cs – Viable Tools for Social Entrepreneurs…
I’ve said this before- L3Cs are a viable tool for social entrepreneurs – they tell the whole world that your company exists, fundamentally to do good.
Certainly, that is the purpose of both Rising Grinds Cafe and Building Bridges – they exist for the common good.
Doing our Part – Being a Good Community Partner.
Grand Rapids is taking deliberate steps to help those most in need, particularly in the area of affordable housing
Recent national headlines demonstrate that there is a lot of mixed feelings about the proper solutions to the affordable housing crisis facing many cities across the U.S.
One key take point that GRCCT inherently understands:
Creating real change requires an entire community’s involvement.
GRCCT is looking for individuals, businesses, organizations
who will partner for the common good of the Greater Grand Rapids Area.
I love this quote that is often spoken of at Mel Trotter Ministries – “People don’t become homeless when they run out of money. They become homeless when they run out of relationships.”
That is our job. Being those relationships for the most vulnerable.
Not just “one-way relationships” but truly reaching out in community in a sustainable way.
Keep up the good work Justin and all at GRCCT.
Purpose Driven General Counsel 