On this week's episode, WYCE Station Manager Phil Tower speaks with Ryan Waalkes, the founder and executive director of Bridge Street Ministries

Ryan joined us to discuss the origins of Bridge Street Ministries' program and its focus on discipleship and youth development, especially for middle schoolers with “high potential.”

The mission statement of Bridge Street Ministries states, “We believe young people are image bearers of God with inherent value and the capacity to cultivate thriving within their communities. Our programs reflect this, focusing on equipping and empowering youth throughout their middle school, high school, and post-high school years."

You can make a donation to support the efforts of their programming or learn more about how you can get involved via the link below.

Online: Bridge Street Ministries

On the program this week, we welcome Gaby Cordova, Director of Engagement, to the Hispanic Center of West Michigan.

Gaby joined us for an update on some important events that the Hispanic Center will be sponsoring later this year, especially in early 2025, when they will host a large Latinx Youth Conference at GRCC.

Gaby also informed us that the Hispanic Center is collecting winter coats for both children and adults for a distribution event on Saturday, November 16.

Coats can be dropped off at the Hispanic Center through Friday, November 15.

Founded in 1978, the Hispanic Center aims to provide unmet social services to the Hispanic Community in Greater West Michigan.

Located in the heart of Roosevelt Park, the largest Latino neighborhood in Grand Rapids, the Hispanic Center serves over 30,000 individuals annually.

They seek to address the needs of Latinos in West Michigan.

The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan is a non-profit 501(c) (3) community-based organization.

Online: Hispanic Center of West Michigan

On the program this week, host Allison Donahue welcomes Katy Hoffman, the Executive Director of Garfield Park Neighborhoods Association.

Their mission is to preserve and improve their neighborhood's unique human and physical characteristics through resident involvement.

Members are committed to equitable and inclusive programming, ensuring that everyone feels like a supportive community member regardless of where in the neighborhood they live or what language they speak.

Online:

Garfield Park Neighborhoods Association