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.

Meet the Team


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


member

Claire Guisfredi

Executive Director


[email protected]

member

Aimee Baskovic

Director of Communications


[email protected]

member

Scott Christie

Director of Donor Engagement


[email protected]

member

Catherine Landers

Director of Client Services


[email protected]

member

Patty VanderWall

Director of Finance and Operations


[email protected]

Client Services


member

Beverly Bouma

Food Programs Manager



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Connie Howe

Food Programs Assistant



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Dawn Murray

Case Manager



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Dinora Quintanilla

Case Manager



Thrift Store


member

Helena Cary

Donation Assistant



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Kathy Hartigh

Sales Associate



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Amanda Hough

Sales Associate



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Jessica King

Donation Attendant



member

Taylor Ronk

Merchandise Processor



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Virginia Souders

Store Manager



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Cyndy Westfield

Sales Associate



Volunteer/Operations


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Kristen Gravelle

Volunteer Coordinator



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Dave Karamol

Facilities Manager



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Lisa Millard

Receptionist