Established 1936 – John A. Collins, President

EMBASSY SUITES BY HILTON, GRAND RAPIDS DOWNTOWN

Big E's Sports Grille

710 Monroe Avenue NW, Grand Rapids

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 22, 2026 – 7:00 AM

Community is where belonging takes shape — where people are seen, supported, and strengthened by one another. Organizations that uplift community play a vital role in this process. They create spaces where individuals can grow, families can thrive, and neighbors can build a shared sense of purpose. Their work reminds us that progress is never a solo act; it’s the result of collective care, compassion, and commitment. When we invest in community‑centered organizations, we invest in hope, opportunity, and the kind of connection that makes all of us stronger.

For more than 120 years, the United Methodist Community House (UMCH) has stood as a pillar of support for children, families, and seniors — creating pathways to stability, education, economic mobility, and belonging. UMCH continues to expand its impact through programs that strengthen families, empower youth, and ensure that older adults remain connected, supported, and thriving.

Carla Moore, CEO of UMCH, will present the organization’s current initiatives, its vision for the future, and the ways UMCH is working to build a more equitable and opportunity‑rich community for all.

Invocation: Eric Nelson
Introduction: Jeff Kissinger

Community

1. “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.” ~ Coretta Scott King

2. “My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.” ~ Desmond Tutu

3. “We live in a world in which we need to share responsibility. It’s easy to say, ‘It’s not my child, not my community, not my world.’ Then there are those who see the need and respond.” ~ Fred Rogers