Service-Learning Partners

"Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."

  • Baxter Community Center (show | hide)

    935 Baxter St. SE
    Grand Rapids, MI 49506
    Phone: (616) 456-8593
    Fax: (616) 456-8595

  • Downtown Senior Neighbors Center (show | hide)

    44 Ionia SE Ste. 2
    Grand Rapids, MI 49503
    Phone: (616) 459-3040
    Fax: (616) 459-9906
    Mission:
    "Senior Neighbors provides ‘Essential Services for Independent Living.’ We offer one on one help for specific problems/needs, senior centers for learning, health and wellness, meals, trips and social events."
    Opportunities:
    Senior Neighbors is always looking for volunteers that would be interested in providing musical entertainment, or speaking on relevant topics to the community. Additional activities instructors and transportation volunteers are always need as well. (Assistance with reading and counting may be necessary with some residents.)
    Additional Information:
    Downtown Senior Neighbors Center is hooping to be moved by Sept. 27 to 333 Division Ave., Grand Rapids. Check back for further updates!

  • God’s Kitchen (show | hide)

    303 S. Division
    Grand Rapids, MI 49503
    Phone: (616) 454-4110
    Fax: (616) 454-5370
    Mission:
    "To feed people with dignity and respect."
    Opportunities:

    God’s Kitchen offers many opportunities to volunteers such as driving a route, preparing meals, serving meals, cleaning up after meals, as well as sorting cans and dry goods in the food pantry.

    For more information contact: deb.vanderweyden@chdo.org

  • Greater Grand Rapids Interfaith Hospitality Network (show | hide)

    906 S. Division Ave. Suite 205
    Grand Rapids, MI 49507
    Phone: (616) 475-5220
    Fax: (616) 475-5286
    Mission:
    "Engaging the faith community in ending homelessness in Grand Rapids a few families at a time."
    Opportunities:
    Interfaith Hospitality Network (INH) provides shelter, all meals and case management for homeless families. A few ongoing opportunities for volunteers include: playing with children, making dinners, spending the night on site, and cleaning.

  • Guiding Light Mission (show | hide)

    255 S Division Ave.
    Grand Rapids, MI 49503
    Phone: (616) 451-0236
    Fax: (616) 451-8723
    Mission:
    "Guiding Light Mission encourages the homeless and disadvantaged of Grand Rapids to develop a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, become free of life-controlling substances, and seek long-term employment and housing. This is accomplished through spiritual, educational, and vocational services in a supportive and structured Christian environment."
    Opportunities:
    Some of the on-going volunteer opportunities at Guiding Light Mission include: Maintenance and kitchen assistance, Chapel speakers, Worship leaders, Bible class leaders, Mentors/counselors, Computer instructors, and help on the special events sub-committees.

  • Health Intervention Services (show | hide)

    15 Andre SE
    Grand Rapids, MI 49507
    Phone: (616) 475-8446
    Fax: (616) 475-1272
    Mission:
    "To bring Christ’s healing to the medically uninsured through the provision and coordination of medical services, dental, counseling, and spiritual care."
    Opportunities:
    Many opportunities for volunteers are available such as; Administrative: typing, mailings, translation, receptionist duties, maintaining health records. The health center has opportunities for RN’s, LPN, Lab Techs, Dentist, Dental Assistants, Hygienist, Optometrist, and Pharmacist. Other opportunities include: building and grounds maintenance, cleaning, painting, miscellaneous repairs, electrical and plumbing needs.
    Additional Information:
    The number of employees is few at Health Intervention Services (HIS), but they are joined by numerous volunteer medical professionals and volunteers from the community. More than half of HIS staff members are bilingual, facilitating treatment for their patients who speak only Spanish. Patients receive comprehensive medical, dental, vision, mental health counseling and spiritual care at HIS. Unique and essential to HIS’ ministry is a Chaplain who offers prayer, spiritual counsel and Spanish interpretation. The mission of HIS is to heal the body and bring hope for the future. While spiritual counseling and prayer comfort is offered, it does not preclude anyone from receiving other services. HIS respects each patient regardless of their personal beliefs and welcomes all uninsured people in need of health care.

  • In the Image (show | hide)

    1823 S. Division Ave.
    Grand Rapids, MI 49503
    Phone: (616) 456-6150
    Mission:
    "the Image links gently used clothing, furniture, appliances and house wares with families in need in a manner that enhances dignity, encourages choice and engages life changing participation."
    Opportunities:
    In the Image is looking for volunteers to help sort clothing, to clean, stock the racks at the store, and to pick-up and deliver furniture.

  • Inner City Christian Federation (show | hide)

    816 Madison Ave. SE
    Grand Rapids, MI 49507
    Phone: (616) 336-9333
    Fax: (616) 243-9911
    Mission:
    "In response to God's call to justice, the Inner City Christian Federation provides housing opportunities and services that encourage family responsibility and independence, thereby helping to build stable communities."

  • Leonard Terrace Apartments (show | hide)

    1315 Leonard NE
    Grand Rapids, MI 49505
    Phone: (616) 235-2890
    Mission:
    "The Grand Rapids Housing Commission provides housing assistance and affordable housing opportunities to lower income families, the disabled and senior citizens in a manner that is fiscally sound and in ways that support families, neighborhoods, and economic self-sufficiency. "
    Opportunities:
    At Leonard Terrace volunteers are always welcomed and needed with custodial assistance.

  • Mel Trotter Ministries (show | hide)

    225 Commerce Ave. SW
    Grand Rapids, MI 49504
    Phone: (616) 454-8249
    Fax: (616) 454-5255
    Mission:
    "Restoring Lives…Rebuilding Families…In Jesus’ Name! Mel Trotter Ministries serves disadvantaged people in the West Michigan area through a Christ-centered, holistic program. Our primary goal is to restore these people to right relationships with God, their families and society. We do this through crisis intervention and Biblical counseling with the strategic support of concerned churches, organizations, individuals and businesses."
    Opportunities:
    Mel Trotter Ministries provides long-term drug rehab, shelters for the homeless, food pantries, low-prices vehicles and children’s week-long and day camps. At Mel Trotter Ministries volunteers are especially needed to serve as GED tutors, children’s chapel leaders, and to help with serving meals.

  • Safe Haven Ministries (show | hide)

    3501 Lake Eastbrook Blvd. Ste. 335
    Grand Rapids, MI 49546
    Phone: (616) 452-6664
    Fax: (616) 452-1168
    Mission:
    "Motivated by Christ’s love, Safe Haven Ministries provides a place of refuge and support for abused women and their children. As we envision a world free from domestic abuse, we will collaborate with others to support our clients on their journey toward peace, hope and security in their lives. We will be leaders in the community in education and in abuse prevention."
    Opportunities:
    Volunteer opportunities at Safe Haven Ministries include: helping at their emergency shelter, assisting at their non-residential facility, children’s programming, community outreach and education programs.

  • South End Community Outreach Ministries (show | hide)

    1545 Buchanan Ave. SW
    Grand Rapids, MI 49507
    Phone: (616) 245-2066
    Fax: (616) 245-2520
    Mission:
    "Through helping hands and healing hearts, we offer what we have to those in need and welcome the generosity of those willing to give. Join us with your time, gifts or to be a part of our programs."
    Opportunities:
    South End Community Outreach Ministries (SECOM) actively partners with others working to reduce poverty and increase the ability of individuals to independently meet the basic needs of life. SECOM is always looking for volunteers to help with their food pantry, warehouse, childcare, clerical, maintenance and grounds keeping/landscaping.

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'"

Matthew 25: 35-40