About North Kent Connect
North Kent Connect is the one-stop resource hub in rural northern Kent County, providing food, clothing, financial assistance for housing and utilities, training and education, and offering resources for a pathway out of poverty.
Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles of North Kent Connect
Vision
A Community of Thriving People
Mission
North Kent Connect is a Christian organization committed to improving the lives of all people in northern Kent County by providing access to basic needs and promoting economic independence.
Guiding Principles
- All people are created in the image of God. All people are precious to God.
- We care for those in need with love and grace.
- We believe in neighbors helping neighbors through partnerships.
- We celebrate the diversity of people and treat everyone with compassion, dignity and respect.
- We empower people to make positive changes in their lives.
- We are good stewards of our resources.
Board of Directors
The NKC Board of Directors is comprised of individuals living and/or working in Belmont, Cedar Springs, Comstock Park, Grand Rapids, Newaygo, Rockford, and Sparta. Every board and committee member offers unique skills, talents, and life experiences, making North Kent Connect a stronger organization.
Executive Committee
- Cheryl Scales, PE (President) – Retired, Principal, Progressive AE
- Lisa Cooper (Vice President) SHRM-CP, PHR – Founder & Chief People Officer, Cooper People Group
- Ben O’Hearn (Secretary) – Quasi Judicial Officer, Barry County Courts
- Dan Triezenberg (Treasurer) – Chief Financial Officer, Wolverine Gas and Oil Corp
- Ben Taylor (Clergy Representative) – Pastor, Sparta Center Church
Board of Directors
- Meg Anthony – SVP Human Resources, Adventure Credit Union
- Andrew Blackmore – Chief Executive Officer, Display Pack
- Crystal Bravo – Real Estate Development Associate, ICCF Community Homes
- Cathy Cooper – Executive Director, Meijer LPGA Classic
- Greg Doerr – Retired, Owner, Hurst Mechanical
- Claudia Gonzalez-Rivas – Migrant Family Liaison/Recruiter Kent City Schools
- Joshua Grimes – Pastor, Blythefield Christian Reformed Church
- Cindy Kogelschatz – COO and Cofounder, Heartland Builders
- Ellen Nyblad – Director, Mamrelund Church Food Pantry
- Dean Whittaker – Corporate Treasury Manager, Corewell Health
Our Team
Leadership Team
Client Services
Beverly Bouma
Food Programs Manager
Connie Howe
Food Programs Assistant
Dawn Murray
Case Manager
Dinora Quintanilla
Case Manager
Maddie Strom-Coyer
Lead Case Manager
Thrift Store
Amanda Hough
Lead Sales Associate
Jessica King
Donation Attendant
Virginia Souders
Store Manager
Cyndy Westfield
Sales Associate
Volunteer/Operations
Kristen Gravelle
Volunteer Coordinator
