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
- Greg Doerr (President) – Retired, Owner, Hurst Mechanical
- Lisa Cooper (Vice President) SHRM-CP, PHR – Founder & Chief People Officer, Cooper People Group
- Megan Anisko (Secretary) – SVP Human Resources, Adventure Credit Union
- Dan Triezenberg (Treasurer) – Chief Financial Officer, Wolverine Gas and Oil Corp
- Joshua Grimes (Clergy Representative) – Pastor, Blythefield Christian Reformed Church
Board of Directors
- Andrew Blackmore – Chief Executive Officer, Display Pack
- Crystal Bravo – Real Estate Development Associate, ICCF Community Homes
- Cathy Cooper – Executive Director, Meijer LPGA Classic
- Darla Falcon – City Manager, City of Cedar Springs
- Claudia Gonzalez-Rivas – Migrant Family Liaison/Recruiter Kent City Schools
- Cindy Kogelschatz – COO and Cofounder, Heartland Builders
- Ellen Nyblad – Director, Mamrelund Church Food Pantry
- Dan Permeter – Business Attorney, Rhoades McKee
- Scott Setlock – Executive Vice President and COO, Mercantile Bank
- Max Spoelstra – Campus Pastor, Impact Church Rockford
Our Team
Leadership Team
Client Services
Beverly Bouma
Food Programs Manager
Julie Dieterle
Programs Assistant
Maddie Strom-Coyer
Lead Case Manager
Dinora Quintanilla
Case Manager
Molly Dlugos
Case Manager
Missi Bristol
Food Pantry Coordinator
Thrift Store
Cyndy Westfield
Sales Associate
Kaden Kirkwood
Sales Associate
Amy Jurries
Donation Assistant
Lena Mauric
Merchandiser
Ana Martinez
Donation Attendant
Emilee Sipka
Store Associate
Kelley Graham
Store Manager
Volunteer/Operations
Angela Bills
Office Admin
Kristen Gravelle
Volunteer Coordinator
James Hill
Facility Coordinator
News
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Year-End Appeal Newsletter 2025
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No One Should Choose Between Groceries and Dignity
Imagine watching food prices climb every month while your paycheck stays the same. Now imagine that the one safety net you depend on, your SNAP benefits, just got pulled away. That’s the reality for more than 25,000 families in Kent County right now. And behind every number? A neighbor. A parent. A senior. A child. SNAP, formerly…
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North Kent Connect Farmers Market
Join us for the North Kent Connect Farmers Market — a vibrant, community-based market featuring local farmers, growers, and artisans. Shop fresh, seasonal produce and handmade goods while supporting the people who make our community thrive. Location: North Kent Connect – North Parking Lot10075 Northland Dr. NE, Rockford, MI 49341Wednesdays, 3 – 6 p.m., June…
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A Place to Call Home: NKC Champions Affordable Housing
At North Kent Connect (NKC), we see the reality of the housing crisis in our community every day. Families working full-time jobs are struggling to afford rent. Young adults hoping to settle down in the neighborhoods they grew up in are priced out of starter homes. Seniors on fixed incomes face dwindling options as they…