Godfrey-Lee School District and the Kent County Health Department partnered to launch a COVID-19 rapid saliva testing pilot program at the school district as part of the county's ongoing COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts and the spending of federal CARES dollars.
Amidst the uncertainty of COVID-19 and a presidential election year, Grand Rapids artists Alynn Guerra and Carlos Aceves collaborated on a piece that celebrates their Mexican heritage and allows them to display their art to the world. Together they created a fabric art installation for Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, as part of October's Aleprize.
Having spent over half of her tenure thus far leading a major university amid a global pandemic, Grand Valley State University President Philomena Mantella, Ph.D. is hard at work implementing and accelerating initiatives that she hopes will create lifelong learners through relationship-based teaching, whether this occurs remotely, or in small groups on campus.
To fill the gap for those in desperate need of internet access amid COVID-19, Kent County, Kent District Library, and the Kent County Essential Needs Task Force are each working on unique solutions for equal connectivity and access to vital information, services, and education.
"The COVID pandemic has amplified the disparities that have existed for generations...the solution must be intentional, requiring sacrifice on the part of those who have benefitted from disparities. Long-term success will occur only when society is fundamentally changed; that is to say, when we defeat the addiction of American-styled racism." -Dr. Sullivan, 12-year board member of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute.
Founded in 2017 with the goal of welcoming new Americans through a variety of programs, Treetops Collective is now a comprehensive system of relationships based on shared goals of education, financial independence, and community building. Mucyo Peninah, a participant in multiple Treetops programs, embarked on a journey of mental health and entrepreneurship, and now shares her lessons with the diverse and dynamic New American community in Grand Rapids.
As COVID-19 continues to impact the culinary world, Jenn Fillenworth is taking the small and big steps to serve fresh, tasty food in new and interesting ways. With so much unknown, there's one thing for certain: you can't stop Jenny with the Good Eats.
New GRPS Superintendent Dr. Leadriane Roby, Ph.D. took up her position just six weeks ago on July 1, and sat down with Rapid Growth to reflect on the challenges of leading a school district in the middle of a pandemic.
A new grocery voucher program assists veterans with much-needed funds to feed their families amid COVID-19. Kent County Veterans Services offers a streamlined, remote process for veterans to receive $150 to $250 in vouchers to Meijer stores for groceries and necessities.
When Governor Whitmer ordered schools closed for the remainder of the school year this spring, GRPS quickly pivoted to continue offering meals to families. As they approach another uncertain school year, Executive Director of Communications and External Affairs John Helmholdt looks back on how the school supported the community in the spring, and how they continue to do so with Grab and Go meals this summer.
Our Partners
Solutions journalism takes time, trust, and your support.
