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
Every board and committee member offers unique skills, talents and life experiences, making North Kent Connect a stronger organization.
Board and Committee Members
The NKC Board of Directors and committees are 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 Baptist
Board of Directors
- Jen Bellamy – VP Commercial Lending, ChoiceOne Bank
- Andrew Blackmore – Chief Executive Officer, Display Pack
- Crystal Bravo – Community Development Specialist, Mercantile Bank
- 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
Client Services
Beverly Bouma
Food Programs Manager
Dawn Murray
Case Manager
Dinora Quintanilla
Case Manager
Thrift Store
Helena Cary
Donation Assistant
Kathy Hartigh
Sales Associate
Amanda Hough
Sales Associate
Jessica King
Donation Attendant
Taylor Ronk
Merchandise Processor
Virginia Souders
Store Manager
Cyndy Westfield
Sales Associate
Volunteer/Operations
Kristen Gravelle
Volunteer Coordinator
Dave Karamol
Facilities Manager
