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
Dawn Murray
Case Manager
Dinora Quintanilla
Case Manager
Maddie Strom-Coyer
Lead Case Manager
Thrift Store
Amanda Hough
Lead Sales Associate
Cyndy Westfield
Sales Associate
Volunteer/Operations
