![](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/AboutUs_NKC_WebsiteBanner_resized-scaled.jpg)
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
![](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Passion-Niche_02-1012x1024.png)
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.
![](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Three-Uniques-2672x2250.png)
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.
![](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Proven-Process-transparent_resized-663x1024.png)
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) – Attorney and Litigation Director, Migrant Legal Aid
- Dan Triezenberg (Treasurer) – Chief Financial Officer, Wolverine Gas and Oil Corp
- Ben Taylor (Clergy Representative) – Pastor, Sparta Center Church
Board of Directors
- Jen Bellamy – VP Commercial Lending, ChoiceOne Bank
- 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
- Joshua Grimes – Pastor, Blythefield Christian Reformed Church
- Ellen Nyblad – Director, Mamrelund Church Food Pantry
- Adriane Schrauben – Shareholder, Hungerford Nichols
- Dean Whittaker – Corporate Treasury Manager, Corewell Health
Our Team
Leadership Team
![Claire Guisfredi](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/ClaireGuisfriedi_web-225x300-1.jpg)
![Aimee Baskovic](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Aimee-head-1.jpg)
![Scott Christie](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Scott-Christie-web-1.jpg)
![Catherine Landers](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/staff-catherline-landers.jpg)
![Patty VanderWall](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/staff-patty-vanderwall.jpg)
Client Services
![Beverly Bouma](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/staff-beverly-bouma.jpg)
Beverly Bouma
Food Programs Manager
![Connie Howe](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/2024.01-Connie-Howe-headshot-1-scaled.jpg)
Connie Howe
Food Programs Assistant
![Dawn Murray](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Dawn-Murray_square.jpg)
Dawn Murray
Case Manager
![Dinora Quintanilla](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Dinora-Quintanilla.jpg)
Dinora Quintanilla
Case Manager
![Maddie Strom-Coyer](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Maddie-Strom-Coyer.jpg)
Maddie Strom-Coyer
Lead Case Manager
Thrift Store
![Amanda Hough](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Amanda-Hough_square.jpg)
Amanda Hough
Lead Sales Associate
![Jessica King](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Jessica-King.jpg)
Jessica King
Donation Attendant
![Virginia Souders](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/staff-virginia-souders.jpg)
Virginia Souders
Store Manager
![Cyndy Westfield](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/Cyndy-Westfield.jpg)
Cyndy Westfield
Sales Associate
Volunteer/Operations
![Kristen Gravelle](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/staff-kristen-gravelle.jpg)
Kristen Gravelle
Volunteer Coordinator
![Dave Karamol](https://nkconnect.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/staff-dave-caramol.jpg)