The West Grand community has spoken clearly — we need more spaces for learning, wellness, safety, food access, and opportunity. We also have a rare and extraordinary chance to have those needs met under one historical roof: the former Stocking Elementary School.

Today, this building sits unused. But with your support, it can become the heartbeat of West Grand, a vibrant hub where neighbors of all ages find stability, connection, and opportunity.

Our Vision

According to our proposal, this vision will revitalize Stocking Elementary into a dynamic multi-use center providing education, workforce development, arts, wellness, entrepreneurship, and social services — all in one accessible neighborhood space.

Imagine the Impact; Picture the old Stocking Elementary alive again — classrooms filled with learning, the community kitchen buzzing with energy, youth laughing in the halls, seniors gathering for wellness activities, makers and small businesses building their future, and neighbors accessing what they need, close to home.

This is the future we can create. And it begins with you.

Potential layout of the community hub.

Community Needs

  • There are limited community centers available in our area.

  • Residents need access to job training, tutoring, and adult education.

  • A need for mental health resources, fitness programs, and medical services.

  • Insufficient programs catering to both young people and seniors.

  • Partner with existing programs. Have Community Garden space on site with programs by Kind Hearts In Bloom and Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.

  • Bring in Kitchen Sage and other Workforce Development programs by Steepletown Neighborhood Services back to our community.

The 2025 West Grand Top 25 Community Needs Assessment highlights urgent neighborhood priorities: affordable housing, mental health, food insecurity, youth engagement, senior supports, workforce development, and access to safe community spaces.

The Stocking Hub aligns with 88% of these top needs, making it one of the most impactful community investments in years.

See the Alignment Scorecard

This project isn’t just a good idea — it’s the solution residents have been asking for.

West Grand Top 25 Community Needs

Program Development and Partnerships

The Stocking Hub will bring a powerful network of local partners serving neighbors together; including Steepletown Neighborhood Services, Jump Ahead, Genesis Non-Profit Housing, Kitchen Sage, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, and Kind Hearts Bloom. We are working on other potential offerings and partnerships.

  • West Grand Neighborhood Organization would provide Neighborhood Leadership and Public Safety events, information and resources.

  • Jump Ahead L3C - Will offer youth programming including e-sports gaming, streaming and digital finance education.

    Friends of Grand Rapids Parks - Will offer their Youth Green Team programming.

  • MSW & BSW Case and Resource Support

    • For unhoused or at-risk individuals or families.

    MI Bridges Navigator

    • Trained and Stationed

    • Steepletown Neighborhood Services would provide opportunities for workforce development, including Kitchen Sage, Job Start, Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act, Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Program.

    • Kind Hearts In Bloom will lead community Garden Spaces.

    • The hub will also partner with neighboring food pantries.

    • Friends of Grand Rapids Parks - Park Conservation, Green Your Block, Youth Green Team, Neighborhood Forester Classes

    • Kind Hearts in Bloom - Pollinator Garden Education

    • Steepletown Neighborhood Services

      • 12-month Early Childhood Educator Apprenticeship Program with on the job training.

      • GED and High School Completion

  • Partnerships with:

    Genesis Non-Profit Housing

    • Develops LIHTC (Low-Income Tax Credit) Housing.

    New Development Corp.

    • Is committed to helping people with modest incomes buy homes they love, and helping existing homeowners make important improvements for energy efficiency and sustainability.

  • The hub will also provide wellness support including but not limited to:

    • Mental Health Supports

    • Physical Health Supports

    • Doula & Lactation - Maternal and Child Support

  • Steepletown Neighborhood Services

    • Senior Home Chore Services

Community Hub Capital Campaign - Phase 1

To transform the former Stocking Elementary School into a neighborhood anchor, we are launching a bold capital campaign: To purchase the site, renovate it, and secure long-term sustainability. This effort is being made in a multi-phase approach. On Giving Tuesday, we are launching Phase 1 of our Capital Campaign. This investment ensures the Hub becomes a lasting home for West Side nonprofits, youth and senior programs, workforce development, food access, health and wellness initiatives, and equitable housing partnerships.

This is a rare opportunity — meaning every dollar you give goes directly into transforming lives..

Donate today!

Help us make the vision a reality!

Help us make the vision a reality!

Support the Hub!

Consider signing the petition to show your support for this historic effort!

I support the Stocking Hub!

Frequently Asked Questions

Image of Stocking Elementary pre-1940.

  • Our community wants to see Stocking Elementary still in service to the community. It has been a hub of positive activity for over 100 years as a school and a park. The vision for the hub would continue that tradition by allowing several non-profits and others share space, resources and provide quality programming for our neighbors.

    1. Spread the word! Encourage neighbors, organizations and businesses to sign the petition!

    2. Consider donating when the Capital Campaign begins.