The Other Way Ministries hosts "A Westown Adventure" on May 16 to showcase its work in Grand Rapids

Sharon Hanks

The Other Way Ministries, a quiet haven serving the needy on the Westside of Grand Rapids, is taking a different approach to educating the public about its mission: Rather than rely on brochures, mailings, or special entertainment, it's giving guided tours of seven sites that showcase its services.

Termed "A Westown Adventure," the free two-hour tour taking place Sunday, May 16 will move interested parties by shuttle bus throughout the West Side.

Organizers are hoping the adventure is an eye-opening education to those who have wondered what goes on at its landmark brick building at 710 W. Fulton St., a Christ-centered outreach ministering to the needs of the aging neighborhood for more than four decades.

"Thousands of cars drive by everyday and don't know what we're doing," says Kyle Van Strien, the ministries' fund development manager. "We always host a fall fundraiser and every year, we get feedback that people want to know what's going on. They just don't want to be entertained.

"They want to know what we're doing," Van Strien says. "They want to hear about the programs, meet some of the program staff and see some of the neighborhoods being impacted. We're trying to create some excitement about the Westside."

The tour starts at 3 p.m. at the Jean Czarnecki Family Center, 839 Sibley Ave. NW, a Christ-centered outreach of The Other Way Ministries where families find guidance and resources to strengthen their families, develop parenting skills and learn English as a second language. The center also has a cooperative where families can earn credit to obtain household items.

Van Strien says other stops include the Activity Center at 704 W. Fulton St. where 14 teenagers participate in leadership training to help manage a day camp for 45 youngsters. Another is the very successful Youth Employment Service (Y.E.S.), a summer lawn service operating behind the main office that is staffed by two college interns and 12 neighborhood youths to cut the lawns of 70 nearby homes.

The adventure winds its way to 15 plots of land on National Ave. SW where visitors can check out the thriving "Garden of Eatin'," an urban garden tended by neighborhood households.  At the main office at 710 W. Fulton, visitors will learn more about the Christ-centered mission and the ministry's food pantry where about 150 families come each month to stock up on groceries. The tour returns to the Czarnecki Family Center for a light lunch.

Without doubt, the ministry has grown into a thriving operation that employs seven-fulltime and four part-time workers since it was established 43 years ago by the Rev. Dick TerMaat, a Reformed Church of America pastor who recently retired from his leadership role.

Attendees are encouraged to make reservations by calling 454-4011, ext. 5112 or by checking The Other Way's website. "This is not an open house," Van Strien stresses, while encouraging visitors to make reservations.  A shuttle bus will be running between the sites. Groups of 10 to 15 will be organized at the start of the adventure. Remember to bring your walking shoes.

Source: Kyle Van Strien, Fund Development Manager of The Other Way Ministries, Grand Rapids

Sharon Hanks is innovations and jobs news editor at Rapid Growth Media. Please send story ideas and comments for the column to Sharon at [email protected]. She also is owner of The Write Words in Grand Rapids.