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”
Tag Archives: Nonprofit
A Lawyer’s Reflections: The Way That Appears to be Right…But In the End Leads to Disaster.
Today I took a photo of 50 Monroe in downtown Grand Rapids – right across the street from my office. The transformation of 50 Monroe, where my firm’s office used to be located for almost 20 years, is pretty fun to watch. I look forward to seeing the finished product. As I posted a few daysContinue reading “A Lawyer’s Reflections: The Way That Appears to be Right…But In the End Leads to Disaster.”
Staring Into the Eyes of a Fatherless Generation.
There’s nothing like a Michigan summer. Memorial Day weekend means the beginning of summer – and, consequently, the end of the school year. Today was my last day of mentoring for the school year. Unless my student moves (which is always possible) I hope to see him in the Fall. Most of myContinue reading “Staring Into the Eyes of a Fatherless Generation.”
Calling the Next Generation of Leaders.
Good morning and Happy Thursday! It is a beautiful morning in downtown Grand Rapids! Yesterday was the annual meeting of the Trustees of Mel Trotter Ministries. It was one year ago that my term ended as Board Chair. Last year I shared my reflections on this experience. One of my great joys during thisContinue reading “Calling the Next Generation of Leaders.”
Join me at Mel Trotter Ministries 3rd Annual Season of Hope Event – Keynote by Author Ron Hall “Same Kind of Different as Me”
Occasionally when I am walking in downtown Grand Rapids I will run into a guy with dirty clothes, smelling bad, looking homeless. When I am asked for money, my gut reaction is to want to help. Honestly though, oftentimes I have no idea what is the right response. I will invariably pray for them,Continue reading “Join me at Mel Trotter Ministries 3rd Annual Season of Hope Event – Keynote by Author Ron Hall “Same Kind of Different as Me””
Reflections from the Past-Board Chair at Mel Trotter Ministries.
On Wednesday my year-long term as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Mel Trotter Ministries came to an end. It truly has been my honor to serve. As I reflect on my year of service, I wanted to share a few thoughts. Who was Mel Trotter? On Tuesdays throughout the year, Mel Trotter MinistriesContinue reading “Reflections from the Past-Board Chair at Mel Trotter Ministries.”
Michigan Legislation Update: The Urban Food Initiative. Community Revitalization To Include Downtown Grocery Stores.
Two Thanksgivings ago I took my family to New York City. Even amidst the chaos of protecting my 4 young children from darting out into oncoming traffic – we absolutely loved the City. We loved the walk-ability of City life – that you could walk down a block to a grocery store and get allContinue reading “Michigan Legislation Update: The Urban Food Initiative. Community Revitalization To Include Downtown Grocery Stores.”
A Lawyer’s Year-End Reflections.
It is the end of 2016. I am having “big picture” thoughts as the year ends. I have a pretty nice “big picture” view out of my office window. Out of my office window from the 12th floor of 99 Monroe overlooks many ice skaters at Rosa Parks’ Circle in downtown Grand Rapids. It isContinue reading “A Lawyer’s Year-End Reflections.”
Update on Community Development and Affordable Housing: Is an Answer Found in Social Enterprise?
Today the Community Development Financial Institutions Fund released its five year Strategic Plan If you are not familiar with the CDFI, the CDFI “works to spur economic growth and opportunity in many of our nation’s most distressed communities.“ “The CDFI Fund’s mission is to expand economic opportunity for underserved people and communities by supporting theContinue reading “Update on Community Development and Affordable Housing: Is an Answer Found in Social Enterprise?”
About Propaganda Doughnuts’ Closing and West Michigan Business. Working to Build a Better Community.
A few days ago MLIVE posted about Propaganda Doughnuts’ closing on South Division in Downtown Grand Rapids. I was a fan of Propaganda Doughnuts. Occasionally on Sundays after church my family would pick up some doughnuts and go to a park with some friends. I am sorry that I won’t be able to do that any more.Continue reading “About Propaganda Doughnuts’ Closing and West Michigan Business. Working to Build a Better Community.”
Purpose Driven General Counsel 