Giving back to the grand rapids community every chance we get
We've been proud to call Grand Rapids home for over 50 years, which is why we give back to local organizations helping keep this city awesome!
We've been proud to call Grand Rapids home for over 50 years, which is why we give back to local organizations helping keep this city awesome!
How We Give Back
MSU GRAN FONDO - Fight Against Skin Cancer
We are using two wheels and collective effort to make Michigan State University College of Human Medicine and West Michigan the nationwide leader in creating healthier, more vibrant communities. MSU Gran Fondo is the college’s mission in action – a big bike ride that inspires passion-fueled fundraising and breakthrough moments on the road and in the fight against skin cancer.
Our collaborative fundraising efforts will support scientists exploring new therapies aimed at increasing long term survival for skin cancer patients, and ultimately, better quality of life ahead.
Arts In Motion
Arts in Motion Studio West Michigan specializes in adaptive instruction in the creative arts for the physically, emotionally, or mentally challenged.
The creative arts are an important means of self-expression and should be accessible to all individuals, without regard for physical or mental limitation. Our adaptive instruction focuses on the potential for personal expression, not on the rules of technique. By using a variety of styles, music and props, students are able to outwardly express the beauty within.
Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA)
The mission of the Woodworking Machinery Industry Association (WMIA) is to establish a platform for its members to network and present the best global technology, services, and information to the North American marketplace.
WoodNexus community
WoodNexus is an online wood industry joint community for woodworking professionals.WoodNexus' goal is to create synergy in the woodworking industry, where all can learn from one another to elevate the wood industry.
Adaptive Ski Association of West Michigan (ASAWM) is a volunteer organization located in West Michigan, working to provide opportunities for people with a variety of challenges and disabilities to enjoy snow sports.
History
Our organization was established in the early 1980s as Cannonsburg Challenged Ski Association (CCSA) to offer individuals with disabilities the opportunity to participate in winter activities. CCSA started with only ten students, one outrigger, a bamboo pole and one sit ski, and has now evolved over the years into a professionally trained organization with a full range of adaptive equipment, ready to serve a wide variety of needs. In 2022, our name was changed to Adaptive Ski Association of West Michigan (ASAWM).
ELEVATE aims to increase capacity for minority-owned businesses by removing obstacles through entrepreneurial mentorship and business education, creating a solid foundation for success.
This is accomplished by equipping participants with strong business fundamentals to tackle obstacles to capacity growth and provides each participant with a 1-year commitment mentoring relationship with a Jandernoa Entrepreneurial Mentoring (opens in new window).
Applications for the 2023 ELEVATE cohort are closed. Please stay tuned for information on the 2024 program.
Program Outcomes
- Mentorship: Each participant will be paired with an expert business mentor through the Jandernoa Entrepreneurial mentoring program for a 1-year commitment (June 2023-June 2024).
- Capacity Building: Each participant will be exposed to subject matter experts and business best practices that will help owners in developing an action plan for their organization’s continued growth.
- Relationship Building: A key advantage gained by ELEVATE participants is the actionable relationships that will be forged within the cohort-based program among minority-owned businesses, and other key community stakeholders.