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The Helpers Part Two

Share the goods.

Someone holding up a red paper heart.

So how’s everyone doing? Stupid question.

It’s easy to give up hope, when businesses are shuttering, UIA is completely useless and dysfunctional, grocery stores everywhere are running low on stock, the news is depressing, leadership seems clueless and we’re all trying to stay healthy.

Our hope is to bring you some joy, resources and faith through our blog series focusing on the helpers in our communities.  While we can’t do a lot at this moment, we can share what our clients are doing and how they are helping all of us adapt to our new norm. Part 1 is here. We know you’re all sick of hearing Mister Rogers’ quote about the helpers, so we’ll let you Google it if you are in the dark. These are the helpers. We’ll continue to share companies that are making a difference, if you have a story to share, email us at ki*@*******gn.com

BCVision

BCVision is a community-driven movement for change in Battle Creek, Michigan. They focus on creating a place where everyone can live, work and play. This isn’t the easiest thing to focus on in the midst of the COVID-19 crisis. In times of need, BCVision steps up to make sure they are providing the community with all of the resources that are available to them. They are covering all of the bases, from food assistance, educational resources, and relief for small business owners among them. BCVision is doing their part to bring the community together in times where it can feel like everything is falling apart.

The office is closed to the public to protect the health and safety of staff and the rest of the community, but if you need any assistance getting access to local resources please reach out to them at: su*****@***************on.com.

Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors

As people around the world are affected by COVID-19 (coronavirus), Phoenix Society for Burn Survivors is responding to our community’s need to stay connected by doing more of what we do: providing spaces, including virtual ones, for continued growth and healing together. Phoenix is increasing the frequency of their new Virtual Support Groups. Beginning this, these facilitated support groups will occur weekly, at various times so participants can join from different time zones. They will also continue to offer weekly moderated Peer Support Chat, which takes place every Wednesday night from 9:30-10:30pm (EST).

Phoenix will also continue working with their hospital partners to connect communities with resources and support, as they explore new ways to help survivors stay connected with their local communities. If you are able to help or need their support, reach out to them here.

Disability Advocates of Kent County

Even though DAKC and many others are working remotely, they want the community to know, “social distancing does not mean social isolation”.  
They will continue to serve the community through: 

  • Virtual appointment, made through co*****@**kc.us or 616.949.1100.
  • Staff will be available to take calls and answer any and all questions you or a loved one may have regarding home, community and employment and community services regarding coronavirus for people with disabilities and seniors.

We will still be providing services to customers and community members via:

  • Phone: 616-949-1100
  • Email (co*****@**kc.us)
  • Facebook: Disability Advocates of Kent County

Alpine Events

We keep hearing about events being canceled and venues closing, but one group being hit exceptionally hard is engaged couples. Even virtually, Alpine Events is encouraging couples to think “nature” and plan an outdoor wedding utilizing Alpine’s vast resources and inventory.
They have everything you need for an amazing outdoor wedding this summer or fall. 

  • Elegant seating
  • Catering and bar equipment
  • Alters
  • Tents
  • Table Settings
  • Fabric Draping
  • and more!

They also have event professionals on staff that are standing by to take care of everything, stop worrying and give them a call.

We will continue to highlight community heroes and businesses who are actively serving residents during this unprecedented time. We want to hear your stories, share them via the hashtag #834CommunityCares.

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Recent Musings

Something on Your Mind?

FUN FACT FRIDAY: It’s only fitting for us to own a building where a trailblazing female operated her businesses in 1906. The Phillips family represented one of the longest-running retail tenures in Grand Rapids history; L.E. Phillips Jewelry in the 1365 Plainfield Ave. building from 1906 until 1973. 
Dr. Eva Phillips, a certified and licensed optometrist ran her practice out of the jewelry store’s secondary parlor and was an equal partner in the jewelry store. 

Together, they offered a unique one-stop shot which expanded to include appliances, record players, and more. The couple operated the shop through two World Wars and the Great Depression, acting as the neighborhood matriarch and patriarch. 

@crestongr @crestoncorridor @crestongrandrapids @citygrandrapids @grandrapidspubliclibrary
Have you tuned into The Happy Hour Hustle Podcast yet?
If not, a) you’re missing out and b) you need to follow immediately. Hosted by @bodespeaks, episodes drop every other week, and feature some pretty bada$$ guests if we do say so ourselves.

This week, Kim sits down with @kelsey_orchard , VP of Marketing and Communications at @fifthwheelfreight to chat building a personal brand, Gen Z entering the workforce, misconceptions about logistics, spotting fake LinkedIn profiles – oh and why your GPA doesn’t matter anymore.

Grab a watermelon margarita, sit back and enjoy for lots of laughs and real talk.

Listen now at the link in bio.
National Perimenopause Month starts today. We have a LOT to say, and we’re not going to be quiet about it, especially this month, so buckle up.

We were not prepared for perimenopause, much like our periods, sex, or anything else to do with our bodies. God forbid we talk about it openly.

We were taught to be ashamed, keep quiet, and to accept that it is just part of being a woman. We reject that narrative. In fact, like @bodespeaks, we want to bring it up in every conversation. 

When we normalize perimenopause and the conversation around it, we stop isolating, and we’re all more prepared.
Join us for Uncomfortable Conversations: The Pause on September 24th — a powerful conversation hosted alongside the @smallbusinessassocofmichigan 
Women’s Business Council, featuring some kicka$$ experts who will give you the real talk on perimenopause (more to come on them later).

Register at the link in bio.
You asked, we delivered.

Introducing the Women's Owners Network - a new program built for what comes first, joining our proven Fellowship model to support Michigan women at every stage of business ownership.

Whether you've got a team of 10 or it's just you and your laptop, you deserve a room full of women who get it.

Six months of leadership, finance, operations, capital access, paired with real support for the isolation, emotional volatility, and decision fatigue that come with owning your own business.

You'll have your own board of directors in your corner, including @bodespeaks plus a group of mentors, instructors, and coaches who've been exactly where you are.

Applications due October 1. Apply now at the link in bio.
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