West Grand is Hiring!

West Grand Neighborhood Organization is hiring for a part time Bilingual Community Engagement Coordinator.

If interested you can also go to Indeed.com at this link Bilingual Community Engagement Coordinator

2016 West Grand Neighborhood Improvement Grant

Mission: To improve the West Grand Neighborhood by selecting and funding resident improvement projects. 

About: West Grand Neighborhood Organization has partnered with The Mitten Brewing Company to empower West Grand residents to make the changes they wish to see in their neighborhood.

 Grants: The inaugural endowment of $1,250 is to be split and awarded as five $250 grants. The Mitten Brewing Company has endowed these grants with funds from its inaugural “Barrel Grant.”

 How to apply: Applications may be picked up from the WGNO office (415 Leonard St NW) in person or downloaded from the website (westgrand.org) starting March 1, 2016 and are due no later than March 21, 2016 by noon. Applications may be turned in to the WGNO office or emailed to mail@westgrand.org.

Additionally, The Mitten Brewing Company will host a reception on Monday, March 21, 2016 where applicants are invited to attend, present their ideas in person; in addition, meet board members and other residents. A podium and microphone will be present in the upstairs taproom from 6-8 pm. All ages are welcome to attend the reception.

Limits: These grants are limited to residents who reside in the boundaries of the West Grand Neighborhood Organization. Eastern boundary- The Grand River, Southern boundary- Bridge St, Western Boundary- Bristol to Walker to Valley, and the Northern Boundary is the city limits.

 Awards: The grants will be awarded to the 5 selected applicants on Monday, March 28, 2016.

 West Grand Neighborhood Organization (WGNO) is the second-largest neighborhood organization in Grand Rapids. Its boundaries include the Grand River to the east, Bridge Street to the south, Bristol Street to the southwest, and the city limits to the north. We are a non-profit organization.

 WGNO has a great mix of residents and businesses and is home to two neighborhood business districts within its boundaries -- West Leonard and Stockbridge. It is our goal to produce such programs that enable our residents and businesses to coexist in an environment that produces a healthy and vital neighborhood for all.

 Neighborhoods are structured to maintain both rental properties and owner-occupied homes. Each neighbor is offered the tools to keep their neighborhood just and as they see it. Seniors offer stability, homeowners offer vested interest, and rental properties offer investment opportunity. Businesses offer trade and financial support to our neighborhood. All healthy neighborhoods need each of these elements to survive.

 The needs of our neighborhood are most effectively addressed when we speak with a voice of solidarity. Our purpose at WGNO is to offer all residents and businesses the opportunity to participate in formulating that voice through a well-designed web of targeted programs and integrated communication.

To print and fill out the application click the following link:

2016 West Grand Neighborhood Improvement Grant Packet

You can also get updates and information on the Facebook event page here: https://www.facebook.com/events/576665952509463/

News Release from the WGNO Board

Hello Neighbors,

Please join us, as we celebrate the promotion of our Community Engagement Specialist, Annette Vandenberg to Executive Director. Annette comes to our neighborhood with vast experience and skills working with and for people in the various community settings over the last 25 years.

Annette is a first generation college graduate, who served in the United States Navy for seven years as a Hospital Corpsman while stationed mostly at Camp Pendleton, California. She recently obtained her Masters of Social Work from the University of Southern California, earning her undergrad at Cornerstone University. Prior to this Annette has volunteered and interned at area non-profits and other community organizations. Annette believes that as a neighborhood organization, “We are to amplify the voice of residents and empower them for positive change”. She understands the rich history of West Grand and the West Side and looks forward to continue the positive work of the former directors and staff.

Annette has lived in Grand Rapids since 2009 with her family. She is encouraged to see the positive things happing on the Westside. She is looking forward to working alongside residents, businesses, other non-profit organizations, neighborhood associations, the city and the county to strengthen the neighborhood she is serving.

Stop in and say Hi Monday-Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm!

Have a wonderful weekend!

The Board of West Grand Neighborhood Organizatio

Fall 2015 Newsletter

Our Fall Newsletter is here! Take the time to check it out and don't forget to RSVP for  the Annual Meeting and Holiday Celebration on December 7th 2015 at the Mitten Brewing Company! Details are in the Newsletter!

Fall 2015 Newsletter

WGNO Attends the 29th Annual Neighborhood Organizations of Michigan Conference

On August 18 & 19, 2015 West Grand Neighborhood Organization staff were able to attend the conference that was held in Grand Rapids. WGNO made the most of the event by splitting attendance between staffers over the course of the two day event. The conference included guest speakers from the Grand Rapids Police Department, the League of Women Voters and the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) to name just a few. Robert Tolbert, Executive Director commented, “We are excited to participate in events where we can share best practices and meet leaders not only in our city but also across the state.”

West Grand Block Party Named by Mlive.com as One of the Top 5 Things to do Around Grand Rapids This Week!

MLive.com recently named the West Grand Block Party on of the Top 5 Things to do Around Grand Rapids this week! Check out their article at: MLive.com - Top 5 Things to do around Grand Rapids

A note from our Interim Executive Director, Robert Tolbert:

"Let's have some FUN!  We have partnered with three neighborhood businesses to throw a Block Party Fundraiser!

The Mitten, Two Scotts BBQ and Longroad Distillers have come together to donate proceeds to The West Grand Neighborhood Organization (WGNO).  What a great example of how our businesses are making investments back into the neighborhood.  We'll identify even more areas where businesses can sponsor events to benefit our community.

Let's keep the growing spirit of unity alive in the neighborhood streets of the West Side.  Like never before our residents, businesses and community organizations are working together!  Collaborating and making our neighborhood a better place to LIVE, LEARN, WORK, and PLAY!"

West Grand Block Party event details:

West Grand Neighborhood Organization will host an inaugural block party on Saturday, August 29 from 12PM – 8PM. The party grounds will include the customer parking lots of Long Road Distillers (537 Leonard NW) and The Mitten Brewing Company (527 Leonard NW). A portion of Quarry Street NW north of Leonard will also be closed to accommodate. 
 
The purpose of the event is to inform residents about WGNO and its programs, raise funds for the organization, and to provide a forum for neighbors and residents to socialize. There is a suggested donation of $5 for admission. Paid admission to the block party will grant a one year paid WGNO membership to guests who live in the neighborhood. 
 
The block party will feature West Grand business vendors, and food from Two Scotts Barbecue, craft beer and wine from The Mitten Brewing Company, spirits from Long Road Distillers, and coffee from Ferris Coffee and Nut will all be available for purchase. Additionally, there will be live music from 2PM – 8PM featuring performances from DJ Vinyl Fetish, JOE, AOK, The Legal Immigrants, Shane Tripp and Boot Strap Boys. 
 
All profits will directly benefit WGNO, and will be applied to important neighborhood programs like Neighborhood Watch, National Night Out, Dumpster Days, Auto Theft Prevention, and more.  

For more information and details check out our website westgrand.org
To see the West Grand Block Party event on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1479962488967723/

VIN Etching Scheduling

The ATPA is a State Police run program that etches your VIN on all your car windows in an effort to prevent auto thefts. If this is something you are interested in or would like more information about, please contact Rob or Jim at WGNO's office's. They are currently scheduling events for spring and summer so call early to make sure there is space.

Auto Theft Prevention Coordinators:
Jim Brower & Rob Prescher – (616) 451-0150