Yesterday I visited with Jonathan Peerboom – Program and Development Director of Next Step of West Michigan (Next Step) – a faith-based nonprofit employing people coming out of prison or rehab and providing them with a community of support that will help them integrate into the workforce, regain hope and empower themselves to create aContinue reading “Community Spotlight: Next Step of West Michigan – walking alongside the most vulnerable”
Category Archives: community development
Real Estate Investors Bidding at Foreclosure Sale: What Happens to a “Surplus?”
It is a snowy day today in Grand Rapids. If you are on the roads, drive safe! Last week I read a Court of Appeals decision that prompted me to write on the topic concerning real estate investors. The market to purchase distressed real estate has become extremely competitive since 2008-09. Having multipleContinue reading “Real Estate Investors Bidding at Foreclosure Sale: What Happens to a “Surplus?””
Grand Rapids Social Enterprise, L3Cs and a Call to Community Partnership.
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 thatContinue reading “Grand Rapids Social Enterprise, L3Cs and a Call to Community Partnership.”
A Cautionary Tale for Leaders on National Philanthropy Day. A Call to Humble, Authentic Leadership.
Good afternoon, all. It has been a month since my last post – a lot has happened in a month. I wanted to sent a quick post. Today is the first day of some serious snow – check it out. I am looking forward to ice skating beginning at Rosa Parks Circle. Yesterday,Continue reading “A Cautionary Tale for Leaders on National Philanthropy Day. A Call to Humble, Authentic Leadership.”
Legal Update on Michigan Bcorps and Purpose Driven Business.
Happy Tuesday, all. I recently took this photo of the Grand River that flows through downtown Grand Rapids. Today I read an article in the Grand Rapids Business Journal by Local First President Elissa Sangalli Hillary on how to build a “Purpose Driven Business“. Elissa starts off the article by advising entrepreneurs to “start with yourContinue reading “Legal Update on Michigan Bcorps and Purpose Driven Business.”
Grand Rapids Combats the Affordable Housing Crisis through the Rental Assistance Center
Today was my first day back mentoring my student at a local elementary school in the City of Grand Rapids. I was excited to catch up with my student, what had changed over the summer? One thing that changed, he had moved once again. Having to be concerned about where you will be sleeping at night,Continue reading “Grand Rapids Combats the Affordable Housing Crisis through the Rental Assistance Center”
Removing Barriers for the Vulnerable in our Society.
Today is the first day of Artprize! I took this photo today. For the next few weeks Grand Rapids will be swarming with visitors to see Art like the “Phoenix” – see below a photo I took. Mel Trotter Ministries – showing compassion for the vulnerable Today just so happens to be MelContinue reading “Removing Barriers for the Vulnerable in our Society.”
A Call to Authenticity and Servant Leadership.
Good afternoon, all. I am looking forward to a relaxing Labor Day Weekend, I hope you are too. Before I am headed out of the office to venture past the Mackinaw Bridge, I wanted to sent a quick post. I took this photo today – Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids has music andContinue reading “A Call to Authenticity and Servant Leadership.”
An Opportunity to Be a Voice In the Life of Kid Who Needs to Know they Matter.
This week my kids went back to school. That kind of signifies the end of summer for my family. I took this photo, reminding me of the sunset on a wonderful summer. Fall is an exciting time though. As kids go back to school this fall, mentoring through my church starts up again. I amContinue reading “An Opportunity to Be a Voice In the Life of Kid Who Needs to Know they Matter.”
Lessons From Trial, but not What You Might Expect.
Happy Friday, all. I took this photo yesterday. It seemed a lot of people were enjoying Rosa Parks Circle. Today, after a 5 hour trial, I was waiting for the Judge to render his verdict. The Judge took the bench and, before telling the parties his decision, he conducted a video arraignmentContinue reading “Lessons From Trial, but not What You Might Expect.”
Purpose Driven General Counsel 