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Causes: Food, Food Banks & Pantries, Homeless & Housing, Homeless Centers, Human Services, Meals on Wheels
Mission: Christian organization committed to improving the lives of all people in northern kent county by providing access to basic needs and promoting economic independence.
Geographic areas served: Northern Kent County
Programs: Provide emergency assistance to individuals and families in need. Number of families served 1,811 and number of individuals served 5,937. North Kent Connect (NKC) is the nonprofit organization that provides basic needs (food, clothing, rent and utility assistance) to struggling families in Northern Kent County where resources are scarce. The geographic area extends north from 5 mile rd to 22 mile rd and east and west to the county lines, including Belding, Belmont, Casnovia, Cedar Springs, Comstock Park, Gowen, Grant, Grattan, Greenville, Kent City, Rockford, Sand Lake and Sparta. NkC delivers food for senior meals on wheels, refers clients to other local support pantries, offers senior pantry once a month and fresh vegetables from the community garden. NKC also distributes summer lunch bags, backpacks, school supplies, holiday food baskets and toys for tots. Clients can access furniture, household goods, baby care items and books and receive help with their taxes. A new initiative called the Thrive Empowerment Program is focused on helping people become self-sufficient through education and training. Clients receive extensive financial literacy classes as well as connections to community resources, such as asset building and job training. NKC is largely supported by churches, civic groups, individuals, businesses and foundations.