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A Note From the Administrator
The holidays are a special time for family, friends and coworkers to gather and celebrate all of the good things that have happened throughout the year. And while December typically brings a blanket of snow, the unseasonably warm weather hasn't stopped our board and staff from getting in the holiday spirit with a variety of internal and community events.
I was honored to say a few words at Ottawa County Treasurer Amanda Price’s retirement party last week. She was a “stateswoman” who was well known for her integrity and ability to work with others for the betterment of the state, county and township during her years of service. In fact, Amanda served in many roles in her illustrious career: Ottawa Community Mental Health, Ottawa Public Health, Park Township Supervisor, Chief of Staff for Sen. “Purple Patty” Birkholtz, State Representative, and lastly Ottawa County Treasurer. I wish Amanda a fantastic retirement filled with joy, relaxation, and endless adventures ahead!
Please let us know if you have articles, topics, or ideas that you would like to include in future newsletters.
- Al Vanderberg
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Shop With A Sheriff 2023!
Last week, the Kent County Sheriff's Office (KCSO) participated in their annual Shop With A Sheriff event. More than 130 Kent County children and teens had the chance to shop with a KCSO deputy.
Children are identified throughout the year based on need and typically start off with a ride in a Sheriff's Office cruiser! They are dropped off at the Meijer entrance, are paired with a uniformed deputy, and go through the store and check off the items they need. The shopping trip ends with a visit with Santa and treats. This event is always one of the KCSO's staff highlights of the year as they get to spread some Christmas cheer!
We often receive inquiries about how individuals can lend their support to this annual event. One impactful way to contribute is by contacting the Sheriff's Office Traffic Squad and indicating your wish to donate towards the Shop with a Sheriff annual event. Additional donations will ensure more smiles and holiday cheer for those in need!
Pilot Program Assists Families With Child Support Cases
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) wants to make it easier for families to navigate the child support system. To accomplish that, they are starting a pilot child support navigator program. Kent County was chosen as a navigator by MDHHS. These grants will assist families in accessing financial and other resources available within the child support system.
“We understand that navigating the child support system can be intimidating,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “The navigator program is intended to assist families so that children can get the financial support they need and deserve. We will assist both payers and recipients of support and others served by the child support system.”
The program will be available to families in Kent County thanks to a partnership with the Kent County Prosecutor Chris Becker and Kent County Friend of the Court. Grant seekers can learn more about the expectations and application process by contacting Kim Kerns at kernsk@michigan.gov.
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Weather Balloon Lands In Townsend Park
New Walker Senior Neighbors Center Ribbon Cutting
Congratulations to the Walker Senior Neighbors Center on its new building and expansion! Stan Stek, Chair of the Kent County Board of Commissioners, spoke at the event last week and was joined by Commissioner Carol Hennessy for the ribbon cutting.
The Center's upgraded space is located at 1470 3 Mile Road (formerly the Walker Firehouse Café) and features a new kitchen, fixtures, flooring, furniture, and equipment to accommodate regular meal service and programming.
This project was supported by the Kent County Senior Millage as well as Kent County ARPA Funds. A great example of community partnership between the City of Walker, Michigan, Senior Neighbors, Meals on Wheels Western Michigan, Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan, The Rapid, and Kent County, all to benefit our local seniors.
A Seasonal Visit from K9 Ghost
Playing the role of Santa's sleigh, K9 Ghost made a special delivery to the Administrator's Office on Friday, spreading joy with the gift of "KCSO K9" tumblers!
Looking for a Christmas gift for a K9 lover? The Kent County Sheriff's Office K9 Unit is selling the 20 oz. tumblers this holiday season for $25 and all proceeds benefit the KCSO K9 Team, which is 100% funded by donations.
Please contact Deputy Steve Hendrixson at Steven.hendrixson@kentcountymi.gov or Deputy Krystal Stuart at Krystal.stuart@kentcountymi.gov for more information.
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New Junior Achievement Finance Park Will Teach Students Real-World Money Strategies
On December 4, Junior Achievement of West Michigan Great Lakes celebrated a ribbon cutting for their new Karl & Susan Hascall Finance Park.
This program aims to assist young people in discovering the possibilities in their lives, while this new space will aid students in refining their financial independence skills. When students visit the JA Finance Park, they will move from storefront to storefront learning about essential budget categories, average cost of living, and how to successfully complete a balanced budget.
Open to students in eighth through 12th grade, Junior Achievement estimates more than 20,000 students will visit the center annually.
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Women’s Resource Center's 50th Anniversary
 Kent County is proud to recognize the 50th Anniversary of the Women’s Resource Center.
November 15 marked Women’s Resource Center Day in Grand Rapids and a celebration of 50 Years of empowering women in the workplace. On November 15, 1973 the doors of Women’s Resource Center (WRC) officially opened in the community. Since then, the team has traveled hand-in-hand with women as they have seen their own situations change and the environment in the workplace evolve. The celebration focused on the current impact that WRC continues to make in the lives of women through various programs and services.
To learn more about WRC services, business center, business boutique, and mentorship opportunities, check out their website. Congratulations to the WRC on 50 years of service!
Reduced Fee Pet Adoption Event Ends This Week!
Urgent Need! If you are considering adopting a pet, now is the time. BISSELL Pet Foundation's Empty the Shelters event has returned (ending Dec. 17), offering the opportunity to adopt a vaccinated, microchipped, spayed, or neutered pet for just $50 or less.
Don't miss out on wonderful dogs like Kingfisher (pictured), who is a one year old American Staffordshire Terrier Mix. He loves snuggles, face smooches, long walks, and is always up for a good training session.
With the Kent County Animal Shelter at critical capacity, we need your help to take as many pets as possible from shelter kennels to the couches of loving homes. However, adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment. While our desire is to see our beloved animals find loving homes, our priority remains securing placements that ensure a lifetime of care and dedication. Please take a thoughtful approach before adopting one of our pets. A complete list of all available animals can be found here.
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Temporary Pause On Weatherization Assistance Program Applications
Kent County Community Action (KCCA) has temporarily closed its Weatherization Assistance Program application process due to an overwhelming number of received applications.
This temporary pause aims to streamline processing for timely service and underscores KCCA's commitment to efficient community assistance. Once a substantial number of applications have been processed, the list will reopen. KCCA will notify residents when the application process has reopened.
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County Offices Closed for the Holidays
In observance of the holiday season, Kent County offices and Health Department clinics will be closed Friday, December 22 and Monday, December 25.
The Kent County Correctional Facility will remain open with regular hours; however, all other services will be closed.
All Department of Public Works offices, services, and facilities will be closed on Monday, December 25 and normal services and operations will resume on Tuesday, December 26. Additionally, there will be extended hours for commercial haulers on Saturday, December 30:
- Recycling Center will be open to commercial haulers 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Waste-To-Energy will be open to commercial haulers 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.
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Looking for a rewarding career? Consider Kent County!
Working for the County, you will have the opportunity to serve the public and contribute to your community. We have employment opportunities in general government, health, public safety, judicial, recreational, and much more. To view our open positions and apply, please visit accesskent.com/jobs.
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