Community Convo (Jan. 23), Sunday Dinner & Dialogues (Feb. 8), and ICE resources

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Dear Neighbor,

Happy New Year! As we begin this new year, I’m looking forward to spending more time with you throughout District 82. With so much happening in our world, I’m being very intentional about creating spaces where we can come together, stay connected and build community.

I know life is busy, but I hope you’ll join me when you can at upcoming coffee hours, trainings, town halls and community events throughout the year. Whether you stop by once or often, your presence matters. Together, we are building a community where we can all thrive.

Warmly,

I invite you to join me for our first Community Conversation of the year on Friday, Jan. 23, from 4-5 p.m. at Sip Coffee & Cocktails, located at 806 Alger St. SE in Grand Rapids. These informal gatherings are a chance to connect one-on-one, ask questions and share what’s on your mind in a relaxed, welcoming setting.

Whether you’re stopping by briefly or staying for the full hour, I look forward to hearing directly from you about what matters most in our community and how my office can best support District 82.

I want to personally invite you to the first gathering in my new Sunday Dinner & Dialogue Series on Sunday, Feb. 8, from 1-3 p.m. at HUB 07, located at 1534 Kalamazoo Ave. SE in Grand Rapids. This free, after-church-style community dinner is about slowing down, sharing a meal and being in conversation with one another.

This series will take place quarterly with community partners in District 82. I am grateful to host the first dinner with my special guest: the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute (GRAAHI). This opening session will be a listening-centered conversation. I want to hear directly from neighbors about what you’re seeing in our community right now, what’s weighing on you and how you want to engage as we work together to make District 82 safer, stronger and fuller for us all.

To keep the event intimate and ensure everyone is served dinner, an RSVP is required. Space is limited to the first 100 guests, so please use the link below to save your seat!

We are aware that ICE has been active in District 82 (Grand Rapids and Wyoming). Our office wants neighbors to have access to accurate information and support if they or someone they know needs assistance.

Below is a rapid response contact for the Grand Rapids area that can help connect people to resources and guidance. Please save it and share it widely to help keep our community informed and supported:

A reminder that you can reach out to our office for a multitude of reasons including but not limited to:

• Navigating state agencies like the Unemployment Insurance Agency, Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, etc.
• Answering questions and hearing your concerns, including your ideas for legislation.
• Hosting student groups at the Capitol who may be in town for a tour,  or presenting certificates and resolutions in the district.
• Much more… reach out with any questions, if we can’t help we will try to connect you with someone who may be able to!

For more updates, events and resources, you can . . .