WINNER: STEM GREENHOUSE

STEM Greenhouse is committed to growing STEM proficiency in vulnerable children to cultivate education and career success in Grand Rapids, Michigan and beyond. STEM Greenhouse serves approximately 500 youth in the Grand Rapids area with programming from 3rd -12th grades that includes teaching during the school day, after school, and summer programming. Current programs include Sankofa Stem Academy, a 5-week intensive summer program which includes speakers, hands on experiential learning, and fun field trips; STEM Scholars, an after-school STEM program aimed to engage middle school students in activities that promote confidence and proficiency in STEM; Kids Count STEM Club, an interactive, after-school club serving 3rd - 5th grade students that makes STEM learning fun and easy to understand; and SAGE program, a hands-on, applied science curriculum featuring sustainable agriculture, gardening, and ecology. While STEM Greenhouse is currently providing programming in Grand Rapids, the ultimate goal is to be present in every school in West Michigan that does not have a science teacher. Learn more at stemgreenhouse.org.

FINALIST: EQUEST CENTER FOR THERAPEUTIC RIDING

Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding improves quality of life through equine-based therapy to physically, mentally and socially/emotionally challenged individuals. Their unique program integrates academic, social and physical skills, using the horse as a catalyst. Equest is a Member Center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship International “PATH International” and is one of only three therapeutic riding programs in Michigan that owns its own farm. Their facility is the only year-round facility in the area, which is a critical piece for many individuals with disabilities. This helps to prevent regression and foster greater physical, mental, emotional and social improvement due to a consistent riding therapy schedule throughout the year, which increases the benefits that the therapy provides. More than 185 riders, ranging in age from 2 to 100, enjoy the benefits of Equest each week, with a waiting list of disabled children hoping to participate. Learn more at equestcenter.org.

FINALIST: FIRST TEE OF WEST MICHIGAN

First Tee of West Michigan is a youth development organization that enables kids to build the strength of character that empowers them through a lifetime of new challenges. By seamlessly integrating the game of golf with a life skills curriculum, First Tee creates active learning experiences that build inner strength, self-confidence, and resilience that kids can carry to everything they do. Through their junior golf programs, First Tee is building game changers. Learn more at firstteewestmichigan.org.

WINNER: THE PLAYGROUNDgr

THE PLAYGROUNDgr is a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit organization that is committed to bridging the disparities of the racial, gender, culture, and socioeconomic gaps often found in caregivers/educational institutions and community-based programing around the world of play. Play based support, therapy and awareness continues to be an evidenced tool that sharpens and supports, emotional health, mental health, trauma, grief and attachment. THE PLAYGROUNDgr is tasked with ensuring all members of our community have access to free or reduce rated play workshops, trainings, play based groups and play based therapy. The mission of THE PLAYGROUNDgr is to raise awareness around the emotional and mental health benefits of play, because play heals. Learn more at theplaygroundgr.org.

FINALIST: GRAND RAPIDS AFRICAN AMERICAN HEALTH INSTITUTE

The Grand Rapids African American Health Institute is a leading national organization devoted to achieving healthcare parity for African Americans. Driven by research and committed to education and advocacy, GRAAHI aims to create awareness and develop programs that achieve positive health outcomes for all communities. The organization seeks to ensure that all people have optimal health care and benefit from health systems without race being an impediment. GRAAHI operates under four pillars of service: Community, Advocacy, Research and Education (CARE). Learn more at graahi.com.

FINALIST: ENRICHED LIVING

Enriched Living of Michigan is a non-profit organization operating Adult Foster Care (AFC) State-licensed homes for adults with disabilities. A family run, woman owned business built with grit and determination, Enriched Living is headquartered in Walker, Michigan, with adult foster care homes located throughout West Michigan. Enriched Living began in 2017 with one home and two employees, and has now expanded to five homes and nearly 40 residents. Learn more at enrichedlivingmichigan.org.

WINNER: BEER CITY DOG BISCUITS

Beer City Dog Biscuits (BCDB) is a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit dedicated to providing vocational training and employment for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. It is the largest vocational training site in Kent County, serving more than 100 individuals from the Kent County Intermediate School District, as well as more than 100 adults from work skills programs, group homes, and many individuals.

The core mission of BCDB is to empower the disabled through the creation of its dog biscuits. Each treat is hand-made and packaged with care by Brew Bakers, a team of disabled adults who are the core of the company’s culture and business process. BCDB strives to help each Brew Baker develop valuable skills throughout every step of the biscuit baking process, from mixing dough to packaging biscuits.

With the support of the BCDB community of friends, family, and treat lovers, 100% of donations and sales are re-invested into their mission to support disabled adults in their personal and professional growth. Learn more at beercitydogbiscuits.org.

FINALIST: MENTAL HEALTH FOUNDATION OF WEST MICHIGAN

be nice. is an upstream mental health and suicide prevention program with an action plan. When used effectively, the be nice.program encourages individuals to challenge themselves and others to seek appropriate professional help when they notice changes in their mental health.

At its most basic, the be nice. action plan is a four-step mental health education tool to notice, invite, challenge, and empower. The be nice. program uses the action plan as a basis for mental health and suicide prevention education in schools, businesses, faith institutions, and communities. This program is evidence-based and proven to increase mental health awareness and behaviors that prevent suicide. The implementation of the be nice. program involves a yearly membership, training for liaisons, and continued support throughout the year.

Overall, be nice. empowers individuals with the knowledge that they can have an effect on how a person thinks, acts, and feels. be nice. provides simple tools for success that improve and save lives. Learn more at benice.org.

FINALIST: GRANT ME HOPE

Grant Me Hope (GMH) is a marketing initiative to find older foster children adoptive homes before they age out of the foster care system. GMH does this through the production of personalized videos of foster children who are waiting for adoption. GMH is actively helping foster children in the states of Michigan, Ohio, Mississippi, and Georgia.

Videos enable interested families see the personalities of the children and help them get to know the child, allowing the children to shine and to show off their own unique traits. This is vital in garnering the interest of potential parents, especially those who may not have considered adoption before.

25% of children who turn 18 and age out of the foster care system end up homeless. GMH’s goal is to find these children loving, stable homes and families that will raise them to be successful adults contributing to the community. Learn more at grantmehope.org.

WINNER: AYA YOUTH COLLECTIVE

AYA Youth Collective creates safe spaces for youth in crisis to belong, be themselves and build a future, creating circles of support for 14- to 24-year-olds facing homelessness or instability—from drop-in opportunities to rest, recharge and meet everyday needs in a caring community, to safe, affordable housing with peers and mentors who partner in their transition to stability. AYA helps young people connect to the resources, relationships, and housing they need at any point on their journey. AYA stands for As You Are, and it is a commitment that every youth will find resources and authentic relationships, as you are. Building relationships, identifying valuable resources, and finding safety come from being accepted and celebrated as you are. Learn more at ayayouth.org.

FINALIST: GRAND RAPIDS CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

The Grand Rapids Children’s Museum (GRCM) is two floors of hands-on interactive exhibits and daily drop-in programs that encourage discovery and learning through play. The GRCM provides an environment for building minds through play, supported by team members that are advocates for the value of play. Through play, the GRCM supports healthy development along with the power to transform, benefitting families and visitors of all ages. Learn more at grcm.org.

FINALIST: WEST MICHIGAN CONSTRUCTION INSTITUTE

The mission of West Michigan Construction Institute (WMCI) is to build strong communities by preparing the next generation of construction professionals for lifelong careers. WMCI provides a pathway for individuals to pursue fulfilling, purposeful, and lifelong careers for the betterment of our communities. As a result, the West Michigan region will have a thriving, growing, and diverse commercial construction industry. Learn more at wmcinstitute.com.

WINNER: NEW CITY KIDS

New City Kids offers after school programming for local low-income youth. Children and teens get a chance to explore music and academics in a creative and fun environment. Though there are many challenges of urban life, especially for youth, these programs give children a safe place to feel and hear that they are valued and loved. New City Kids aims to draw children into hope by developing in them skills, talents, and desires for their future. By surrounding them with a community of love and development, New City Kids strive to set youth on a path of transformation that will carry them forward for the rest of their lives. Learn more at newcitykids.org.

FINALIST: CHILDREN’S HEALING CENTER

The Children’s Healing Center is the first year-round recreation facility providing social and emotional healing for kids with weakened immune systems and their families in a safe, clean environment. It is an oasis for members to step away from the stress of a complex medical diagnosis to experience the healing power of Good. Clean. Fun.® With a focus on socialization, play-therapy, recreation, and education, kids, young adults and families have a safe space to express themselves, interact with others and feel a sense of belonging. Learn more at childrenshealing.org.

FINALIST: SPECIAL OLYMPICS MICHIGAN

Special Olympics Michigan provides year-round sports training and athletic competition for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Athletes develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy while participating in the sharing of gifts, skills and friendship among their families, Special Olympics athletes and the community. The athletes achieve their dreams with the support of caring volunteers, coaches, family members and staff. Funding for the program is provided by donations from Michigan citizens and businesses. Learn more at somi.org.

WINNER: HAND2HAND

Hand2Hand partners with local churches and schools to provide a backpack filled with supplemental food that bridges the gap of weekend hunger. Hand2Hand’s model is to pair a local school with a local church to help feed students each weekend during the school year. Food sent home consists of breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner items, often sent home with a recipe card included. The program nourishes more than physical needs. It provides consistency, love, and demonstrates to all within a home that people do care. Learn more at h2hkids.org.

FINALIST: WELL HOUSE

Well House believes the solution to homelessness is housing. Their model is simple: purchasing vacant, boarded-up houses and bringing them back to life. Well House moves in neighbors who need housing the most: those who are living on the streets or in emergency shelters. Whenever possible, the organization hires tenants to help with the rehabilitation of the houses. Well House currently owns 14 houses and has moved 200 people off the street since January 2013. Learn more at wellhousegr.org.

FINALIST: BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF GRAND RAPIDS

The mission of Boys & Girls Clubs of Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth is to enable all young people to reach their full potential as responsible citizens through education, recreation, and positive community experiences, in partnership with the Grand Rapids Police Department. The organization’s vision is to provide a world class Camp and Club Experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters their doors, with all members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and living a healthy lifestyle. Learn more at bgcgrandrapids.org.