Cinco de Mayo at our 1st Friday Networking Event!

Thank you to all that came out to LINC’s First Friday Networking Event in celebration of Cinco de Mayo. The May event was very successful. First Friday is a monthly social networking event for diverse professionals. It’s a great opportunity to network and socialize with your colleagues and meet new people.  

Come out to our next event on June 1st! The Isaac Norris Project will be playing.

With cool tunes, great food and drink, good conversation – LINC’s First Friday... read more

Share your thoughts about an Arts-Based, International Baccalaureate school in GR!

The Grand Rapids Symphony is investigating a collaborative project between the Grand Rapids arts community and Grand Rapids Public Schools to explore the possibility of opening a school of arts with an International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum. Currently City High is the only GRPS school with IB curriculum.

The school would incorporate music, theater, visual and dance arts to allow students to develop essential creative- and critical-thinking skills. The IB program will allow them to compete at international levels and... read more

Save the date for Rock the Block 2012!

It is time to Rock the Block again! We are taking over Madison Ave on June 9 to celebrate community, culture and connection to opportunity! The Fest will feature local food, live entertainment, health screenings, GRPS graduate appreciation, give-a-ways, activities for children, a car show, chess tournament, horse-back rides and more.

The main purpose of the 2nd Annual Rock the Block Health Fest & Fair is to advocate for and educate our community on healthy lifestyles and provide direct access... read more

A Believe 2 Become Central Liaison's reflections of Family Fun Night.

Today, I have pride in my heart and a smile on my face for the Central Zone Community and the commitment families have made to stay involved with their children. This was made apparent as more than 190 parents and children filled the Seidman Boys and Girls Club on Wednesday night. The venue quickly became a metropolis of smiles and community spirit for the second in a series of Family Fun Night collaborations with the Believe 2 Become... read more

Community surveys lead to inspiration and opportunity.

Since 2010 LINC Natural Helpers have been canvassing the community to conduct the “Believe 2 Become Hope Zone Household Survey” In addition to gauging the progress of the Believe 2 Become initiative and its impact on community and family behaviors, the surveys provide a chance for our team to intimately connect with people and families. It opens doors for deep conversation, offering a chance for individuals, parents and neighbors to share their stories, their struggles and their passions.

One... read more

Urban LINC filled with civic engagement and enthusiasm

A few Friday mornings ago State Representative, and one of Urban LINC’s cowork members, Brandon Dillon held a meet and greet in the cowork space. As community members gathered for a chance to speak with their local representative, the event evolved into an opportunity to share the importance and responsibility for all to become civically engaged on the local, state and national level. Political leaders and activists had a chance to raise awareness regarding ballot proposals and... read more

Have you heard about Community LINC?

W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan has awarded LINC $1.8 million to launch Community LINC an effort to stabilize families and communities by helping families move out of poverty and increasing the capacity of residents to lead change.

Years of marginalization, poverty, and unemployment have created a structure of inequality and these conditions are systemically perpetuated within our neighborhoods. We believe there are direct relationships between personal asset building and future development; parent’s stability and children’s success and;... read more

Upcoming Events.

Check out the following opportunities to have fun and get involved with your community! More information about all of these events can be found here.

May 8 | Election day! Get to the polls and let your voice be heard!

May 8 | West Zone Neighborhood Clean Up 6pm-8:30pm. Meet at Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association!

May 9 | LINC Opportunity Center orientation at the LINC Development Center from 11am-12pm.

May 9 & 11 | LINC Academy for Transformation (this... read more

Raindrops keep fallin' on my head...

Rain barrels have been proven an effective and easy strategy for managing community storm water issues and improving water quality.  LINC is partnering with WMEAC - West Michigan Environmental Action Council to host a Rain Barrel Workshop Monday April 30th 2012 at 7:00pm in the LINC Development Center  (1167 Madison Avenue SE | Grand Rapids, MI). The cost is $25 which covers materials and kits provided by WMEAC through a partnership with the City of Grand Rapids... read more

A mighty strong woman.

“Don’t stop dreaming and keep hope, if you lose that you have nothing.” 
    ~ Phyllis Farabee, LINC Opportunity Center (LOC) Participant

Let us tell you about one of the strongest people we have met. Phyllis came to LINC looking for a place to live. She was homeless, unemployed, and trying to care for her adult son who has a disability.

Phyllis' search for a home led her to learn about the resources available through the LINC Opportunity Center, “I... read more

The power of neighborhood engagement in driving a movement

LINC’s Neighborhood Engagement team has been an agent for change in our communities. The Believe 2 Become movement is inspiring parents and neighbors to look at the value of education in a new light. This movement is broad in scope and rich in opportunities for families in Grand Rapids.  

Baby Scholars offers hands-on learning for parents and children to ensure kids 0-5 are prepared for kindergarten. Schools of Hope offers after school literacy opportunities for children in... read more

Meeting great people at Urban LINC

The first of its kind, urban cowork space is gaining momentum. Fifteen local entrepreneurs are taking advantage of the comfortable and collaborative environment equipped with wifi, conference space and office amenities.

One of the members is Monica Sparks, owner of Urban Sparks and Monica Sparks Radio Show. She is excited for the opportunity Urban LINC offers to “meet great people that are making a difference in the lives of others as they contribute to the growth of our West... read more

Connecting with Roosevelt Park Loft tenants

In an effort to intertwine and interconnect community members with local resources, opportunities, and each other LINC staff gathered with Roosevelt Park Lofts tenants, the Roosevelt Park Neighborhood Association representatives and Community Police officers on Tuesday, April 4 to get to know each other, learn about LINC's initiatives, and discuss ways to create a safe and neighborly environment.

Residents said what they like best about Roosevelt Park Lofts is the location and proximity to their children's school, the view... read more

Be a part of 2012 Rock the Block Health Fest!

The date is set for the 2012 Rock the Block Health Fest!

On Saturday June 9 community members will come together on Madison Ave to celebrate, enjoy good food and entertainment while learning about the wealth of health, wellness and other community resources available to them.

We are expecting about 4,000 residents to attend this event and are extending the opportunity to local organizations and businesses to host an informational table at the event. To learn more about this... read more

Upcoming Events.

Check out the following opportunities to have fun and get involved with your community! More information about all of these events can be found here.

April 10 | LINC Opportunity Center orientation at the LINC Development Center from 5:30pm-6:30pm.

April 10 & 17 | GR City Commission Meeting. Come and raise your voice, speak into the community issues! City Hall at 7:00pm (300 Monroe Ave NW, 9th Floor).

April 18 | LINC Opportunity Center orientation at... read more

Speak up and urge Michigan legislators to invest in education!

Michigan used to be the place that moved the world--from music, to automobiles, to great colleges and universities.  But this greatness is threatened. Last year the Michigan Legislature slashed nearly $1 BILLION from the education budget, forcing school districts to increase class sizes, eliminate programs, lay-off teachers and increase tuition. For over a decade, state funding for education has not kept up with inflation.

LINC has joined the Michigan Organizing Collaborative to call upon the State to Invest in... read more

A First Friday experience

LINC Up First Friday is the "Monthly Groove for the Professional," offering a premiere networking event for professionals in the Grand Rapids area. The event has grown since the first gathering in November and we have seen a diverse mix of business professionals and community members. Gwen Nathan, LINC News Bureau reporter, shares her experience during February’s First Friday below:

LINC Up First Friday is an event that LINC Community Revitalization, Inc. sponsors every first Friday of the month. On... read more

Join us for the 2012 LINC Community Spirit Awards

The date is Thursday, March 29, 2012. The location is the Goei Center in downtown Grand Rapids.  And the purpose is simple: bestow the Community Spirit Awards on community members who have tirelessly devoted their time, energy and skills to revitalizing their neighborhoods.   This honor is the spirit of what LINC is all about.

Over 300 attendees joined the awards celebration last year.  Nine incredible organizations and individuals were recognized for their tireless work then.   Their contributions – just... read more

Presenting the first graduating class of L.A.S.T...

“This training has allowed me to believe in the community, trust in the community, and realize that we have to make sacrifices so that change in our community can work.”
    - Participant in L.A.S.T. Winter 2012 Class

The beginning of 2012 brought with it the very first class of the LINC Academy for Social Transformation. The group of 20 journeyed through leadership development activities and dove deep into the root causes of some of the issues plaguing... read more

Even a pair of shoes.

A lot of what we do is inform and connect. LINC Opportunity Center seeks to walk with individuals from where they are to where they want to be and this walk looks different for everyone. Although most begin with an introduction to all of the services we offer and assessment of the individual or family’s needs, the next steps are completely tailored to that individual. We believe it is imperative to connect community members to opportunities which restore hope... read more

Home for sale and incentives to rent!

LINC recently completed the major rehabilitation of 1428 Lafayette SE, a beautiful 3 bedroom, 1 bath home priced at $65,000. As part of the City's Neighborhood Stabilization Program (II), homebuyer assistance is available to eligible buyers for up to 20% of the purchase price available to write down the mortgage and assist with closing costs. Eligible buyers would need to qualify for a mortgage of at least $55,000 and monthly payment would be around $500 a month for mortage,... read more

It's all about the kids.

On an unusually sunny evening in February the parents, neighbors and children of the Believe 2 Become West Zone gathered to continue the work of community building and action planning to ensure that all children are prepared to be successful in life by what they learn at home, in school and in the community.

As I sat among the crowd taking notes and capturing thoughts a group of kids gathered around, curious about what I was doing and eager to... read more

For the month of March...

Check out the following opportunities to have fun and get involved with your community! More information about all of these events can be found here. If you know of any events happening in the community and would like to share them on LINC's event calendar, send details to .

Tonight! LINC Up First Friday Networking Event at LINC from 5:30pm-11:00pm. Join us for jazz, food, friends & spoken word!

March 7 | LINC Opportunity Center & ... read more

LINC joins statewide collaborative representing over 50,000 residents to call for an increased state commitment to education

On Thursday March 1, 2012, LINC Community Revitalization, Inc. will join with the Michigan Organizing Collaborative, the Micah Center and the community as a whole to shift our state’s conversation towards education. A press conference will be held at the LINC Development Center, 1167 Madison Ave Se Grand Rapids MI at 10:00 to announce the launch of a statewide grass roots on-line petition drive to “Invest In Education.”

Featured speakers at the Grand Rapids press conference will be: Jeremy DeRoo and Darel Ross II -... read more

LINC Up First Friday - March 2 - featuring jazz & spoken word!

LINC Up First Fridays presents...

Jazz & Spoken Word

It's that time again!  We’re so excited about our First Friday event taking place on March 2, 2012 from 5:30-10:00pm at LINC. This networking experience will be complete with sounds of Jazz and Soul Shaking Grooves performed live by the Isaac Norris Project and Spoken Word artist Tiffinii Smithand Syreeta Nelson aka “Simply Deep”.

Light hor d’oeuvres, dinner special and a cash bar will also be available.  Please RVSP to firstfriday@lincrev.org no later... read more

Save the date: LINC Up for Jazz, Food & Friends on March 2nd!

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the LINC Up First Friday event on February 3. There were many new faces, a diverse range of businesses represented and even a few masks! Be sure to check out photos from our last event here.

Join us for the next event on March 2nd to share a drink, grab some delicious food, and enjoy jazz & spoken word in the company of friends. Feel free to pass on the details of the LINC’s First Friday Jazz &... read more

2012 Community Spirit Awards: Nominations still open and Tickets on sale!

Tickets are on sale now for LINC's 2012 Community Spirit Awards. Make sure to save your seat!

We have also extended the deadline to February 15 to submit nominations for the CSA's so there is still time to show some love to community members, organizations and leaders that are going above and beyond every day to improve our neighborhoods.

LINC established the Community Spirit Awards in 2009, to recognize and thank community members who have tirelessly devoted their time,... read more

Jazz, Food & Friends!

This Friday, February 3rd, is the Linc Up First Friday Networking Event and we would love to see you there!

LINC Up First Friday is the "Monthly Groove for the Professional," offering a premiere Happy Hour / Networking Event for Professionals in the Grand Rapids area.  First Fridays are designed to accommodate a growing need to network and socialize in a relaxed urban setting.

This Friday - February 3rd - the event features live music, light hor d'oeuvres, a dinner special and a... read more

Nominations due for 2012 Community Spirit Awards!

LINC established the Community Spirit Awards in 2009, to recognize and thank community members who have tirelessly devoted their time, energy and skills to revitalizing our neighborhoods. This honor is the spirit of what LINC is all about. The awards will be handed out during the 2012 Community Spirit Award Celebration Dinner Thursday, March 29th at 5:30pm at the Goei Center in downtown Grand Rapids.

LINC invites you to submit nominations for the 2012 Community Spirit Awards.  The awards described... read more

LINC News Bureau launching tomorrow!

We are excited to announce the "re-launch" of the LINC News Bureau, a project of The Rapidian and LINC designed to bring news to the people of Grand Rapids through the eyes and ears of their fellow citizens. The bureau provides a platform for the community to tell its own story. With training, equipment and assistance residents become citizen journalists, capturing the life of the community in words, recordings, videos and photographs.

We wanted to invite you to participate in lifting up the voice of the... read more

It's here! The first session of the LINC Academy for Social Transformation!

The LINC Academy for Social Transformation (L.A.S.T) is launching its first session on January 26 & 27!

About L.A.S.T.

L.A.S.T. is LINC’s capacity building tool to promote social change and seeks to create mid- and long-term impact through lasting transformational opportunities for residents, families, youth, business owners and nonprofit organizations in our communities.

For LINC, change is more than just the displacement of a condition or issue.  It is about experiencing a true transformation – a social transformation.  We believe in the... read more

The power of potential and opportunity.

Central to LINC’s revitalization efforts is the belief that all humans are gifted with inherent potential. However, in disadvantaged communities, a lack of opportunity prevents many from achieving their full potential. By strategically aligning resources and systems, LINC is seeking to create life-changing impacts for individuals, their families and their community by increasing their access to opportunity.

LINC remains committed to connecting with other organizations and community leaders to ensure we are effectively serving our community and achieving collective impact in... read more

2012 Community Spirit Award Nominations Are Open!

Know someone making a difference? Nominate them today!

LINC takes great pleasure in announcing the Community Spirit Annual Awards to recognize and celebrate the commitment of the extraordinary people and organizations of Kent County. Today, our recipients’ actions keep our communities functioning: our neighbors well, safe, protected; and our area a place that boasts “quality of life.”   

These awards, sponsored by generous contributions, aim to highlight the many examples of commitment, impact on local issues or needs, leadership, innovation, and active... read more

Connection to Opportunity.

Lavonda Martinez-Thompson is a single mother of four children who enrolled in the LINC Opportunity Center on November 28, 2011. Just prior to her coming to LINC, Ms. Martinez-Thompson was forced to resign from her job because of inadequate childcare.

Within three weeks, as a result of her hard work and dedication to the program, Lavonda was able to secure $15,000 in financial aid, get enrolled into Grand Rapids Community College and find a place where her son would receive... read more

Believe 2 Become is charging into 2012!

This year LINC will continue to lift up the voice of the community, hosting over 100 Believe 2 Become community meetings!

In the past two years parents, neighbors and community leaders have come together in unprecedented numbers, resolute in setting plans that will ensure success for their children. Over 3,000 households have joined this movement and we still have two more neighborhoods to launch! At the end of this year, the neighborhood engagement work of Believe 2 Become will be active... read more

Real training for real jobs!

LINC is partnering with GRCC's Pathways to Prosperity program to offer community members an opportunity to become trained and certified to work in sustainable fields of renewable energy,energy efficiency, green facilities management and advanced battery manufacturing.

Pathways to Prosperity funds allow individuals to get real training for real jobs! The program is designed to offer job training and opportunities to individuals facing significant barriers including unemployment, criminal history or lower educational achievement. Residents of Grand Rapids, Wyoming or Kentwood may attend... read more

Upcoming Events.

Check out the following opportunities to have fun and get involved with your community! More information about all of these events can be found here. If you know of any events happening in the community and would like to share them on LINC's event calendar, send details to

1st & 3rd Mondays | Tenant Law Project: Legal help for renters. 12-2pm at Steepletown Neighborhood Services (671 Davis NW).

January 18 | GRPS School Choice Open House & Family Fun Night... read more

January LINC Up First Friday event cancelled... but we will see you in February!

Happy New Year friends and colleagues!

Due to the short work week, LINC will not be hosting the LINC Up First Friday Networking event in January. But don't fret, the mixing and mingling will resume on Friday, February 3.

If you have not attended one of LINC's First Friday events before they provide a great chance to catch up with friends and meet new ones while enjoying drinks and music.

We look forward to seeing your smiling faces on Friday February... read more

Save the Date: 2012 Community Spirit Awards!

We will be hosting our 2012 Community Spirit Awards on Thursday, March 29, 2012 at the Goei Center in downtown Grand Rapids. LINC founded the Community Spirit Awards to recognize the commitment and support of community members who choose to go above and beyond, devoting their time, energy and skills to revitalizing their neighborhoods.

2011 CSA Winners

Cornerstone Award: United Methodist House

Collaboration Award: Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

Innovation Award: Revolution Christian Ministries

Enterprise Award: Kellogg Foundation

Youth Spirit: Tera Dentmond

Community Spirit: Joe Jones

Independent Spirit:... read more

Community designed plan for Madison Square Park!

Community members gathered on Saturday November 19 for an all-day design charrette of the vacant space on the corner of Madison and Adams. Ideas were flowing as they reviewed preliminary plans, shared concerns of safety and sustainability, and worked with architects to design the space.

Stacia Hoeksema, a neighborhood stakeholder shared some insight, “Given my experience with many neighborhood kids playing in my back yard, indestructible has to be the main criteria for this park.” During the charrette her children... read more

All you need to do is call!

Willie Patterson – Central Community Liaison:

On the morning of November 17 I had an eerie, nervous feeling as the Believe 2 Become Central Zone was about to gather one last time before launching into school-based strategies. That feeling quickly changed to elation and pride as more than 360 residents came out to address the needs of children and educational concerns of the community.

As residents moved quickly into the breakout groups based on the schools in the Central Hope... read more

A model for economic development.

“Micro-business on a neighborhood level is definitely going to be the way that Michigan comes back.”
      Darel Ross, Co-Executive Director

LINC is leading the charge in the creation of micro-business opportunities in Grand Rapids. On November 11, the LINC Business Center opened on Madison Ave allowing six entrepreneurs to realize their dreams. City Commissioners, State Representatives, Grand Rapids and West Michigan Hispanic Chambers of Commerce all came out to commend the new business owners.   

The eclectic group of entrepreneurs... read more

Equipping local contractors with lead-safe practices!

An estimated 90% of all childhood lead poisoning cases in Kent County are the result of deteriorating lead-based paint and lead dust found in the home. This dangerous dust can be found in any home built before 1978, which accounts for more than 85% of the housing stock in the City of Grand Rapids. Lead Poisoining is 100% preventable if the correct precautions are taking when making renovations or repairs.

In an effort to ensure that local contractors are aware... read more

Incentives for leasing LINC's apartments!

There are units available at the Avenue (age 55+), Roosevelt Park Lofts and Uptown Village and LINC is offering incentives for referrals! If a current LINC tenant refers a qualifying applicant who signs a lease, they will receive $100 credit toward their rent. In addition, any non-resident who refers a qualified tenant who signs a lease with LINC will receive a $50 gift card.

All of these properties have income guidelines according to household size. In general a single... read more

Upcoming Events.

Check out the following opportunities to have fun and get involved with your community! More information about all of these events can be found here. If you know of any events happening in the community and would like to share them on LINC's event calendar, send details to .

Tonight! LINC Up First Friday Networking Event with LIVE Jazz, light hor d’ourves, and a cash bar. Make sure your name is on the guest list!

December 3 | Our Kitchen Table is... read more

Caution: Communities at work for change

Believe 2 Become is not a program, it is not a service. It is a movement and it is growing. It is inspired by the organizations that are taking part and leading the work. It is expressed through families and neighbors that are growing closer to each other with a common hope for a brighter future. It is made alive by the collective voice, action and response of a people that are ready to become a part of change.

Since... read more

Revitalizing the business core of Madison Square.

On Friday, November 11, the LINC Business Center (formerly C&J plaza) will be completely renovated and reopened with six local businesses up and running. To celebrate, LINC is hosting a Grand Opening celebration on Friday with a press conference at 3:00pm and open house from 4:00pm-7:00pm.  This will provide a chance for community members to tour the new space, learn about LINC’s Business Incubation program and mingle with the business owners.

The commercial space at 1258 Madison Ave SE will be... read more

Come design your neighborhood park!

LINC is partnering with the City of Grand Rapids, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and Southeast Community Association to guide the future development of a neighborhood park on the corner of Madison & Adams.

Join us on November 19 at the LINC Development Center (1167 Madison Ave SE) to view maps of the space, speak into proposed plans for the park and share your ideas with the architects!

Design Charrette Schedule:

9am-12pm: Open forum where community can come in look at... read more

Openings at the Avenue!

The Avenue Apartments at 1300 Madison Ave SE have units available! This beautiful living community is for seniors 55 years of age or older. Each unit comes with deluxe appliances, intercom secure entry and residents can also take advantage of the Community Room.

1 bedroom units are renting for $429 & $460 per month
2 bedroom units are renting for $535 per month

*Income restrictions apply*

If you apply now you can receive the first month's rent free!

Come check out the... read more

Upcoming Events.

Check out the following opportunities to have fun and get involved with your community! More information about all of these events can be found here. If you know of any events happening in the community and would like to share them on LINC's event calendar, send details to .

Tonight! Greens Cook-off and Fried Green Tomato Festival at Ford Middle School from 5pm-7pm.

November 6 | Open house for the Avenue Apartments (1300 Madison Ave SE) from 2pm-4pm

November 8... read more

8 local business. 40 jobs.

An explosive day in the world of economic development. On November 1, the LINC Business Center (formerly C&J plaza) will be completely renovated and reopened with seven local businesses up and running. The commercial space at 1258 Madison Ave SE will be home to:

Epic Emporium an art gallery and gift shop featuring local artists’ pieces.

Klipper Kingdom a barber shop.

Southtown Guitar teaching lessons and selling guitars.

Raider Tek providing computer repair.

Sydney’s Boutique selling women’s apparel.

WYGR 1530 AM radio broadcasting studio.

Smell Goods... read more

L.A.S.T. shall be FIRST!

LINC has developed a series of leadership trainings and workshops to build capacity in the communities we serve. The LINC Academy for Social Transformation (L.A.S.T.), is a four day academy in which participants will be equipped with skills and knowledge to prepare them to take on leadership roles and work to further promote social change efforts.

The four day training will cover social justice, poverty, conflict management, and leadership development. The first L.A.S.T training will be held later in November.  Please contact Ana... read more

Getting back on track!

Everyone has financial or career-oriented goals. The LINC Opportunity Center is uniquely designed to equip participants to meet those goals. Through employment placement and career improvement, financial education and coaching, and public benefits access, we are prepared to walk with you from where you are to where you want to be.

Since the LOC launched in June, 55 participants have received assistance with everything from credit repair to homebuyer education. Personalized financial coaching is offered in both English and Spanish and... read more

Believe 2 Become full steam ahead!

This Fall the Central and West Believe 2 Become Zones are entering new phases of the movement.

The Central Zone has completed the Action Planning phase and will bring it all together for Integrative planning. The final two meetings will be a time to celebrate the work of the action teams and design a comprehensive map for the work to follow to achieve sustainability. Even though the large gatherings will be coming to an end, the work will not be... read more

Great opportunities for children 5 months through 3rd grade!

“With loving parents, nurturing families, and skilled teachers, our babies can grow up smarter.” - Nkechy Ezeh, ELNC 

Baby Scholars

Do you have children 0-5 years old? We want to partner with you to make sure they head to school prepared! The Believe 2 Become Baby Scholars program is offering help and educational support to parents and children with home visits for children 5-19 months, fun workshops for toddlers 20-36 months and first school for children 3-5 years old.

Call Willie Patterson... read more

Come design your neighborhood park!

In an effort to increase the amount of green space in our community, LINC is partnering with the City of Grand Rapids, OCBA and Friends of Grand Rapids Parks to develop the area between Madison Ave, Adams and Gilbert Streets into a neighborhood park. We have held a series of stakeholder meetings with local leaders and residents to inform the planning process. Now we want neighbors to come and share their ideas and dreams to guide the development of the park space.

On Saturday November 19,... read more

Upcoming Events.

Check out the following opportunities to have fun and get involved with your community! More information about all of these events can be found here. If you know of any events happening in the community and would like to share them on LINC's event calendar, send details to .

2nd & 4th Mondays | Tenant Law Project: Legal help for renters. 12-2pm at Steepletown Neighborhood Services (671 Davis NW).

October 19 | What would Jesus cut? Jim Wallis, CEO of... read more

Strength in the collective.

The injustices facing our communities both locally and abroad can be too much for one person to bear. But there is hope and strength in the collective. Listed below are a number of opportunities to learn more about issues facing our communities and ways to become more informed, get involved, make a difference and advocate for yourself and others.

Tonight! Hold Landlords Accountable! It is being proposed that owners of single-family rental properties be required to register their properties... read more

One Community. One Voice. One Goal.

On a beautiful summer night, hundreds gathered to a cast a vote for their future. The night was full of energy, music, snow cones, food and prizes, but the heart of the 3rd community meeting in West was identifying one community goal. And when the songs stopped playing, the discussions quieted down and the two hundred plus ballots were counted, the community had dedicated itself to work to ensure that their “Children are well-rounded, healthy, and prepared to be successful... read more

B2B Central Zone: Summer stories and Fall opportunities.

Over the summer, Central children and parents were hard at work reading books and writing essays together. More than 60 children between the ages of 3 and 17 participated and more than 150 books were checked out from local libraries. Each participant received a gift card as a reward for all of their hard work.

The essays have been collected from about 70 parents and children describing their hopes for the future. LINC's neighborhood engagement team is still narrowing it down to... read more

Offering safe housing for a family in crisis.

Last week, Nyi-Cear Vance a ten-month old baby was admitted to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital with a blood-lead level of 50. A level of 10 may impair growth and brain development. The home, which the family was renting, is required to go through full lead remediation. However, this left the family without a place to live. Paul Haan, from Healthy Homes Coalition, was working with the family and referred them to LINC's Real Estate Development department for possible housing.... read more

124 jobs and counting.

LINC is committed to the holistic revitalization of the communities we serve. A pillar of this work is economic development, for a strong neighborhood requires a strong business base. The purpose of the Economic Development Department is to develop the entrepreneurial spirit of our community, boost business ideas and expand the business base of our communities, thus creating viable businesses that strengthen the fabric of our neighborhoods. With assistance from our Business Incubation program, 10 local businesses have opened... read more

Upcoming Events.

Check out the following opportunities to have fun and get involved with your community! More information about all of these events can be found here. If you know of any events happening in the community and would like to share them on LINC's event calendar, send details to .

September 9 | Pekich Park Concert Series on the corner of Division and Cherry at 7:00pm

September 10 | Garfield Park Arts & Crafts Fair from 9am-4pm 

September 9-11 |... read more

At long LAST!

“Building a civic-minded community takes time. It requires that people who have little history of engagement in local affairs be given the opportunity to take part in local leadership opportunities.” 

Lionel Beaulieu, Creating Vibrant Communities & Economies in Rural America

LINC has developed a series of leadership trainings and workshops to build capacity and promote social change in the communities we serve. These efforts complement LINC’s other neighborhood revitalization efforts by offering training in three critical areas of development: entrepreneurship and business management, personal finances and asset management,... read more

We Believe. We Become. West zone is on its way!

Excitement and anticipation were thick in the air on the hot day of July 14 as parents, children, and neighbors gathered to see what “We Believe We Become,” “Creemos y Seremos” was all about. The live music, delicious food and Tres Leches cake, heightened the excitement and celebration of the work to come. During the three hour community planning meeting over 600 residents worked together to identify barriers or struggles facing their children’s educational success.

Some... read more

52nd Street units are open!

On Thursday, July 14, 2011 public officials from Kentwood and the County of Kent gathered to view revitalized properties at the corner of 52nd and Kalamazoo.  Kentwood Mayor Rick Root believed that the corner would have become vacant lots had LINC community revitalization, inc. not stepped in with assistance from the Kent County Community Development Department to renovate the properties. “It’s huge,” stated Mayor Root, “what a presence created by this effort. It totally uplifts this corner.”

The two properties at... read more

Neighborhood news bureau launches.

After months of dangling the teaser in front of you all, I am proud to say that the Southtown Neighborhood News Bureau has LAUNCHED! Participants gathered for the first training last Monday, July 25 to learn how The Rapidian can be part of residents' toolkit to share critical information about their neighborhoods. The group was eager to become more involved as we brainstormed topics of interest within the community which covered all spectrums of news media.

Jeri Wade let... read more

In the community...

Long streams of water shot high into the air from GRFD hoses, children laid in the middle of Madison Avenue cooling down underneath, the fiery UPS truck with flames on the side was on display for the children, Mrs. Peoples, Kid Christ and a few others were on the agenda for entertainment at SECA’s annual National Night Out which took place August 2nd.  

National Night Out is a FREE and unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of... read more

Up & Coming.

Coming Up!

The next few weeks are packed with great opportunities to get out and enjoy the community and we want you to know about them! LINC’s event calendar is now listing many of the events happening in our community so check it regularly to stay in the loop. If you have an event you would like to list send the information to .

GRPS Party in the Parks!  It’s back to school time and once again, GRPS is planning... read more

Volunteer for Build day at Roosevelt Park!

Come swing a hammer on July 22 & 23 with The Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.  They are looking for volunteers to help with a community build project to install a complete fitness center at Roosevelt Park.  Each fitness center includes 12 stations (sit-ups, dips, rope climb, body curl, push ups, etc.) with instructions for proper usage.

Volunteers will help to assemble equipment, set posts and install signage.  All the tools and supervision you need will be provided.  They are... read more

July 14: First Community Meeting in West!

Residents Invited to Gather is Support of Children’s Future

Believe 2 Become, a neighborhood initiative designed to help children succeed in school, work and life, will host its first Community Planning Meeting in the West Zone:

4:00p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

July 14

César E. Chávez Elementary - 1205 Grandville Ave

The event will kick off with a celebratory atmosphere. Local artists and musicians, Eric Pichardo, Alberto Vigil with Akariay Band,   and Laura Armenta will be performing outside the school starting at 4:00pm. Dinner will be served at 5:00pm while Grupo Tarasco... read more

Today is the day: Grand Opening for Urban LINC!

What do you think of when you envision your favorite city, town or neighborhood? For me it is the busy streets filled with local folks talking, laughing, sitting and walking amidst the backdrop of local coffee shops, grocery stores, bakeries, restaurants, antique stores, jewelers, storefronts filled with colorful products and bustling offices.  This vision highlights one of the pillars of a vibrant neighborhood or community, its business district.  These spaces provide opportunity for community members to meet and mingle with each other, access the services and... read more

Fox 17 features Grand Opening of the LINC Development Center!

The Madison Square Neighborhood has been a center for revitalization on Grand Rapids southeast side.  Now,... read more

LINC Development Center opens and celebrates with the Rock the Block Fair!

If your weekend agenda does not include a trip to Madison & Hall, you should probably change them.  This Saturday brings the Grand Opening of the LINC Development Center at 1167 Madison Ave SE and we are celebrating with the first annual Rock the Block Street Jam & Fair.  The ribbon cutting will take place at 11:30am and the day will be filled with live music and entertainment, local food, and a whole street full off community resources!

The newly renovated,... read more

It's time to register for Urban LINC Co-Work Space!

The first ever co-work space in Southtown is accepting members! The goal of Urban LINC is to provide members with a unique working experience in a state of the art facility equipped with all the necessary business tools.

What is so cool about Urban LINC?

In addition to providing the ability to network with other professionals to enhance your business, Urban LINC offers the following amenities to all of its members:

• Wireless internet
• Comfortable furniture & lounge area
• Beautiful artwork
• Conference room with seating for... read more

Family Fun Night in the Central Zone

On the night of May 27th, the Believe 2 Become Male Involvement, Community Center and Youth Action Planning teams collaborated for the kick-off of the Believe 2 Become Integrative Planning Phase. The three Action Teams, rising out of the Central Zone planning process, all called for a Family Night as their short-term goal, so with the help of resident leaders and volunteers, the Siedman Boys & Girls Club, and Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity, the Believe 2 Become initiative kicked into... read more

Here's a training, there's a training.

One of LINC’s core beliefs is that capacity building and leadership development are key to holistic neighborhood revitalization.  As part of LINC’s Leadership Academy for Social Transformation there will be two dynamic trainings offered in the next few weeks.

June 16 1-3pm | We’ve Got a Map for That – is an interactive workshop with the staff of GVSU's Community Research Institute.  Participants will reflect on the importance of data in facilitating community change initiatives, and gain an introduction to powerful... read more

Volunteer for Build day at MLK Park!

Come swing a hammer on June 17 & 18 with The Friends of Grand Rapids Parks.  They are looking for volunteers to help with a community build project to install a complete fitness center at Martin Luther King Park.  Each fitness center includes 12 stations (sit-ups, dips, rope climb, body curl, push ups, etc.) with instructions for proper usage.

Volunteers will help to assemble equipment, set posts and install signage.  All the tools and supervision you need will be provided. ... read more

LINC up at Festival of the Arts!

I am sure many of you have heard of or attended, the annual Festival of the Arts Celebration in downtown Grand Rapids.  It is a great way to kick-off Summer in Grand Rapids with a huge variety of arts, entertainment, food and fun activities for the entire family.  For those of you that have not attended, this year is great for firsts! 

The Festival will be in full swing this Friday, June 3 through Sunday June 5 and LINC will... read more

It's moving day!

Summer is just around the corner and with the new season comes a new day for LINC community revitalization inc.  As of Monday, May 23, LINC will be operating at 1167 Madison Ave SE | Grand Rapids, MI 49507.

The LINC Center - a newly renovated, LEED-Certified building - will host:

• Urban LINC Co-Work Space and Business Incubation - offering training, access to conference rooms, office equipment, WiFi, and video-conferencing for local entrepreneurs and business professionals.

• LINC Opportunity Center - providing families... read more

Ready. Set. Engage!

It is an exciting time at LINC. We have numerous events and activities currently taking place and coming soon! Keep reading to discover ways you can engage and become more involved in the community.

May 25 from 10am-4pm | MI Voice will host a training for community members focused on telling your story, developing an organizational leadership plan, governance, and methods of change.

June 2 & 16 | GVSU Community Research Institute will introduce tools and resources available for problem-solving within... read more

Festivals, Fairs & Grand Openings, Oh my!

There is nothing that reminds me of summer more than outdoor street fairs and festivals.  I am already smiling just thinking about the heat of the sun on my back and face as I soak in the smell of smoking barbeques and the noise of thousands of people gathered in one place to celebrate the same thing. It is all good.

This June, LINC has two opportunities for the community to gather and celebrate:

On June 3-5 we will be partnering... read more

Learn & Earn this Summer!

Calling on all children and youth: We have a ton of fun opportunities for you this summer! As part of the Believe 2 Become Summer Learning many local organizations in partnership with GRPS are offering programs for students within the four Hope Zones in grades PreK – 11th.

Students entering 10th and 11th grade: If you’re considering a career in health care, business, technology, science, education, human services, engineering, design and the arts, environment, finance, law, psychology… try it... read more

A few words from our directors.

April 2011 marks three years since our organization went through a maturing phase that every organization must endure as its founding executive director leaves.  Couple the timing of this transition with a housing crisis that has caused one in five homes in our neighborhoods to enter foreclosure with an economic climate that has been compared to the Great Depression, and one would expect a letter from the executive directors to be highlighting survival as a major organizational accomplishment.  

But instead,... read more

Congratulations to the 2011 LINC Community Spirit Award Recipients!

We all have friends and colleagues who spend countless hours volunteering and supporting the many activities of our diverse community. This generous spirit is evident all around us. As part of our 10th Anniversary Celebration, LINC honored these individuals and organizations with the Community Spirit Awards. Nominations were made by community members within Kent County and the presentation of the awards were made Thursday, March 24, 2011 at DeVos Place.  The ceremony honored the contributions of community members for their... read more

Believe 2 Become is on the move!

The house was packed at Ford Middle Thursday night (March 31, 2011) as residents from the Central Zone came out in droves to support the success of our children. This meeting marked the end of the planning phase for Central.  LINC Community Liaisons will now work with the action teams as they implement their goals and strategies to reach the collective goal that all parents/guardians are actively involved in their child's education from birth to graduation and beyond.  If you... read more

Rock the Block Street Jam & Fair

The sun is shining, the snow is melting, and the new LINC Center is near completion.  Sounds like party time!   To celebrate the Grand Opening of the LINC Center, 1167 Madison Ave SE, LINC will be hosting a “Rock the Block Street Jam and Fair” on June 11, 2011. 

Rock the Block will be a health and wellness/resource fair within a block party setting.  We want to provide residents with a chance to come together and celebrate life, summer and... read more

Southtown Neighborhood News Bureau

How many times do you read the news and think, “they got it all wrong.”  If you desire to see the vibrant life within our community shine through local media, we need you!  We need your voice and your eyes to tell the story of the Southeast side.  Yes, tragic events do take place, but so do joyful celebrations, community gatherings, church projects and children’s successes, and these are often the ones that go unnoticed.  LINC will be hosting the... read more

Bienvenidos!

There is a lot of mixing and mingling as LINC's Neighborhood Services department welcomes four new staff members.

Victor Williams | Part-time Natural Helper Believe 2 Become Central Zone
Gricelda Estrada | Community Liaison B2B West Zone
San Juana Guillermo | Community Liaison B2B West Zone
Hugo Claudin | Natural Helper B2B West Zone

They bring with them a diverse background of experience and accomplishments, a wealth of knowledge and a passion for community. Please help us welcome them to the... read more

In the community...

Pauline McGregor-Lindo is the founder of the “Neighborhood Wellness Program” which is an adult neighborhood walking group.  Pauline started this group in 2009 with 25 Madison Square residents.  The group meets every Thursday at SouthEast Community Association (S.E.C.A.) strapped with pedometers and T-shirts for a friendly competition to see who can record the most steps out of the group.  The ultimate goal of the group is to maintain healthy habits and promote unity in the community.  Pauline has partnered with... read more

Believe 2 Become in real time!

Many of you have seen and heard the energy and excitement surrounding the words, "We believe! We BECOME!"  The video below  gives a glimpse of the cry of our parents, neighbors and children seeking a better future for our communities. Gone are the days where we can sit idly by as our neighborhoods are continuously marginalized by social structure, government decisions, and cycles of poverty. We must take charge of this unique opportunity to make a difference... read more

Join us as we congratulate all the finalists for the 2011 “Community Spirit Awards”

Excitement is growing in anticipation of the words: “and the winner is” for our 3rd Annual LINC Community Spirit Awards Dinner and Banquet celebration March 24, 2011 at Devos Place (300 Monroe Ave).  The evening’s festivities begin at 6:30pm.

And the nominees are…

Cornerstone Award: Organization that is a model of capacity building and demonstrates impact in a specific area

Nominees: United Methodist Community House & The Douglas & Maria DeVos Foundation (Chana Edmond-Verley)

Outstanding Collaboration:  Highlights a creative and provocative partnership formed... read more

LINC Kentwood Plans | 52nd & Eastern -- 52nd & Kalamazoo

March 8, 2011

November 4, 2010 marked the first meeting for the LINC Kentwood planning process for 52nd Street at the intersections of Eastern Ave and Kalamazoo Ave.  Just four short months later, the final plans for this area have been completed!  The architects at Nederveld have composed the voices of over 130 Kentwood residents into plans that best represent the collective ideas.

The plan envisions a redevelopment effort that incorporates public space, a dynamic crescent-shaped street and a grocery store into a mixed-use walkable town center.  For more... read more

Community Linc: Sustainable Change for Local Families

W.K. Kellogg Foundation of Battle Creek, Michigan has awared $1.8 million to LINC community revitalization inc. to launch Community Linc an effort to stabilize families and communities by helping families move out of poverty and increasing the capacity of residents to lead change.

“Years of marginalization, poverty, and unemployment have created a structure of inequality and these conditions are systemically perpetuated within our neighborhoods.” Darel Ross, Co-Executive Director of LINC Community Revitalization Inc. believes, “there are direct relationships between personal... read more

Urban LINC Co-Work Space

As part of our economic development efforts at LINC Community Revitalization Inc. and in addition to the LINC Incubation Training Program described in the last newsletter, we will have the Urban LINC Co-Work Space.  Co-work space is a shared work environment via membership that will be available for entrepreneurs and professionals that do not require actual physical space to operate.  As more people work via a mobile phone and a laptop computer, the traditional office has become less important, and... read more

Game Changers

My 15 year old daughter plays basketball.  Not just at her school but with AAU, AYBT, travel teams, and camps. She has basketball themed birthday parties; her room is full of mini- basketballs, Nerf basketball hoops, medals, trophies, t-shirts, shoes. I mean we deal with a lot of basketball.  I can honestly say I have spent hundreds on her desire to play basketball.  I asked her the other day, “Do you want to simply play basketball or do you want... read more

TIMES HAVE CHANGED AND SO HAVE WE!

Welcome to LINC Community Revitalization, Inc!

LINC is a non-profit organization located in Grand Rapids Michigan that exist to Revitalize neighborhoods through Authentic engagement, stimulating economic development, expanding housing opportunities, creating affordable housing, and developing leadership and capacity to residents and grass-root organizations.

LINC exist to come alongside residents and connect them to opportunities and resources that already exist in our neighborhoods while attracting additional investments to help them achieve their goals. We offer programming in the areas of Economic Development, Housing... read more