Join us for an Open House for one of our brand new units in Southtown Square! This newly constructed unit, located at 433 Umatilla, is affordable and comfortable.

The unit will be open from from 2:00pm - 4:00pm on Sunday, January 20th.

Here's a chance to take a peek at LINC's innovation development in the Southtown neighborhood. It's a modern unit that includes all major appliances, window treatments, ceramic tile kitchens, garage space and more. The unit is fully energy... read more

You are your child’s FIRST and BEST teacher. Let Baby Scholars help you become even BETTER.

It’s a new year and another chance to give your child a head start on their education! You can get the tools you need to help your child reach their full potential through Believe 2 Become’s Baby Scholars program.

Baby Scholars is a set of educational programs and classes to help you become the best teacher you can be for your child, and to prepare them... read more

Hey, Central Zone parents - make sure your student enters the B2B Essay Contest for a chance to win a U.S. savings bond worth up to $250! The deadline is January 9th, and completed essays can be dropped off attention to Willie Patterson at the LINC offices, 1167 Madison Avenue, or can be emailed directly to him at .

We want to hear from the students from the Believe 2 Become Central Zone Schools about the importance of school and how... read more

I Believe I Become families that came out to G. R. Ford Middle School on Thursday, December 21, 2012 were living proof the positive support of all GRPS students that is growing in our schools—and evidence that coming together as a community makes our schools a fun, safe place to be!

At the Ford Family Fun Night families, neighbors, students and teachers came together to celebrate hard work and achievement over the course of the year. There was a... read more

G.R. Ford families - join your fellow community members for a Believe 2 Become Family Night this Thursday! There will be health screenings and projects for everyone, and full access to all the community resources you need. 

In addition, bring your G.R. Ford student to find out more about Winter Reading Rewards (earn gift cards!) and learn more about the B2B Essay contest, which gives every student a chance to win a $250 U.S. savings bond!

*************************

Thursday, December 20, 2012

5:30pm -... read more

LINC Community Revitalization, Inc. is now hiring!

Have experience in construction and/or real estate development? Maybe you could be our next Rehab Specialist. Are you a leader with experience in data management and community development work that can see the big picture? Check our our Operations Coordinator position!

LINC is a diverse organization with staff from five countries that come from a variety of distinctive professional backgrounds.  We have a many positions that can work for many different talents, and are... read more

Join LINC and the Wolverine Building Group for “Meet the Contractors”! Attendees will get an insider's look at the upcoming Southtown Square (phase II) construction project, which will be released for bidding shortly after the 1st of the year.

Attendees will be able to take an advanced look at the upcoming Southtown Square (Phase II) construction project, which will be released for bidding shortly after the 1st of the year.

... read more

LINC has a unique opportunity to women living with diabetes or at risk for developing it. This collaboration between the Browning Claytor Heath Center, LINC Community Revitalization, Inc. and the Kroc Center is completely about women's health.

For 12 weeks, the group meets for an hour of interactive instruction around diabetes and healthy maintenance. Then immediately following is an hour of physical activity with a trainer at the Kroc Center. The best part....it's totally free! All that's necessary is a time... read more

Are you a massage therapist looking for a great position? LINC is working with an agency looking for a qualified manual massage therapist/OTA. Check out the listing below or pass it on to someone you know and contact LINC today! Submit your resume to , or call us at 616.451.9140. This post closes on 12/12/12, so apply today!

Manual Massage Therapist/OTA (GR MI)
We are looking for a medical massage therapist with skills and experience of muscle energy techniques.... read more

LINC can connect you to the tools you need for employment - and even connect you with jobs in Kent County! Call and make an appointment with a LINC Opportunity Center coach, or take a look at the jobs LINC currently has open, too!

Call our LOC coaches to learn more about available jobs in the Grand Rapids area and get information and assistance with job applications. In addition, you can talk to LOC staff to learn more about our... read more

Pailalen graduation is tonight in the West Hope Zone! Pailalen, a group training for parents through the Lutheran Child & Family Service of Michigan, is designed to provide the skills to parents to bring peace into their lives and families, and in turn bring peace to their communities. Pailalen has had Believe 2 Become West Zone participants meeting every Tuesday from 5:30pm to 8:30pm at César Chávez Elementary School this fall, and 18 of them will... read more

Details of two major development projects in Grand Rapids -- one completed and the other on the horizon -- were unveiled Thursday.

LINC Community Revitalization Inc. first cut the ribbon on nine townhomes in its Southtown Square development in the Madison Square neighborhood.

LINC then announced Phase 2 of the project, which includes plans for construction of a $10 million business and residential development in the Southtown neighborhood. Stay with 24 Hour News 8 throughout the day... read more

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A Grand Rapids group is asking for local residents to give their input to help shape the future of the southtown neighborhood.

Organizers call it holistic urban planning. The idea is to get not only developers involved, but also to also get the input of the people who actually live in neighborhoods in need of revitalization.

"'How do we get the people who live in the neighborhood to design the neighborhood?' And that... read more

Reflections from Rosie Lozano, Believe 2 Become West Zone Community Liaison on the leaders in this bi-lingual community.

For 11 months I have known and worked with my leaders (moms of the west) and yesterday they all surprised me. They were in a focus group giving feedback on how to better connect people in the community to existing resources to make a collective impact. The... read more

Reflections from Kari Bergman, Outreach & Engagement Coordinator

As I strolled down Cherry Street before work, a booming “We Believe!” reached my ears across the chilly morning air. I looked across the street to see a gentleman walking towards me smiling. Out of instinct instilled by over 50 community meeting rally cries I responded with “We Become!” and we continued walking our separate ways.

I smiled all the way home thinking of the depth of meaning that this simple exchange carried. It... read more

We have an exciting opportunity for you to become involved in the design and future development of the Eastern Ave neighborhood.

With funding from Dyer-Ives, LINC is leading a community-driven area planning and opportunity mapping project for the neighborhoods surrounding Eastern/Franklin and Eastern/Wealthy. During the open house sessions listed below you will have a chance to join a walking tour, speak with architects from Isaac V. Norris & Associates, and share your vision for this area.

This project is going... read more

Parents, families, and friends of César E. Chávez students - it's time to meet again! It's time for another Believe 2 Become school-based meeting - tomorrow night!

The first 100 families get a gift card!

October 24, 2012
5:30pm – 8:30pm
César E. Chávez Elementary School

Let’s continue to join forces and work with our school to ensure the success of our children.

Prepare kids to be successful in school, work and life!

Family dinner and childcare provided.

Contact West... read more

We've got a ton of great events coming up - don't miss the opportunity to connect and engage with your community! More events can be found here.

• Today | 9th Annual Hispanic Business Expo at the Kroc Center from 4:30pm - 7pm.

• This week | Lead Section 3 certification training at the LINC Development Center (every day) starting at 8:30am.

• Tuesday | Grand Rapids City Commission Meeting from 7pm - 9pm at City Hall,... read more

LINC is now accepting applications for the first phase of Southtown Square townhomes!

You may have noticed the construction of new and modern townhomes in the Southtown Square area. Now is your chance to stay in one of nine comfortable, contemporary and affordable units!

· One 2-bedroom unit, seven 3-bedroom units, one 4-bedroom unit

· Complete appliance packages

· Central air

· Private garages

· Energy efficient = low monthly utility bills

        · Handicapped accessible units available

        · 1300 to 1600 square feet

* Call us for the... read more

Erica Carrisalez held her 4-year-old daughter E’Mari at the I Believe I Become East Zone Community meeting last night and said that her involvement with the initiative has been so positive that she is making it a priority.

“If we can get parents to feel that they have a role, especially the men, then what I notice is that they step up and actually play it,” she said.

Carrisalez and her husband have brought their children —daughter Jaccia, 12, twins... read more

Another class of emerging leaders have graduated from the LINC Academy for Social Transformation in Spanish! Nine Spanish speaking and bi-lingual groundbreakers are armed with tools, resources and training to help lead their communities to success on all levels. Three participants — Myra Cortez, Sandra Martinez and Monica Sabala —tell us how the academy affected them.

What have you learned so far?

Myra: This educated me that we can be heard. This class is giving us the materials and the knowledge... read more

Reflection on the Attendance Challenge in by Central Zone Community Liaison Willie Patterson.

As a result of parental engagement and through the indigenous wisdom of parents, B2B has changed the culture of attendance. The parents wanted to see more children off the streets during school hours. The community wanted to see how through collaboration with local partners they could increase attendance in the Central Zone. B2B then reached out to the Kentwood Fun Spot Skating Rink to launch the Central... read more

YouthBuild is going strong in the Grand Rapids area, and LINC has helped the process along. LINC is working with YouthBuild and its partners to spread the word about this transformative program, which provides low-income young adults ages 18-24 with tools and training to get certification and jobs in the construction industry.

Workforce development is a key component of healthy communities, and so LINC helped spread the word about the program. Program Manager Amber Fox said that nearly all of... read more

Community leaders say that the Believe 2 Become initiative in the West Zone is changing the way people interact in their neighborhoods.

Community engagement efforts in the West Zone have reached more than 60 percent of households in the West Zone. People have participated in surveys, gone to B2B meetings, volunteered to help out at events and much more since the first community meeting there in July of last year.

The heads of various organizations, churches and other community hubs... read more

LINC Community Revitalization, Inc. is proud to announce its Business Incubator has its first graduate. Kristian Grant, owner of Sydney’s Boutique, has moved from the LINC Business Center to a stand-alone retail space in Eastown.

Kristian joined the LINC Business Incubator a little over a year ago and set up shop in the LINC Business Center at 1258 Madison Ave. Kristian worked with LINC’s Economic Development Director Jorge Gonzalez to grow her business, and took free classes on... read more

Through I Believe I Become neighborhood engagement, more than 300 parents came out to learn more about the Parent Teacher Community Councils (PTCC) at Notos on October 9th!

Many B2B resident leaders who have been involved in the neighborhood engagement process in their zones stepped up to the plate and became PTCC leaders!

Contact your B2B Community Liaison to learn more about how you can get involved with PTCCs today!

Central Zone: Willie Patterson, 308.6315 | willie @ lincrev.org

West Zone: Rosie Lozano, 308.6698... read more

Calling all East Zone parents, neighbors and families!

It's time to get together again as a community to brainstorm ways to support our children in school, work and life! This week you will be pinpointing the best strategies and plans for the zone.

We can't wait to see you there!

Rapdian LINC News Bureau reporter Diondra Henderson wrote this story about a local nonprofit. Here is a peek at the story!

Jay Starkey reaches out to the community one donation and one pair of shoes at a time.

Starkey is executive director of In the Image, a non-profit organization on Grand Rapids southwest side. In the Image is a faith-based non-profit that turns revenue from clothing recycling into brand new pairs of shoes... read more

LINC is working with the Early Learning Neighborhood Collaborative to create positive pre-kindergarten learning spaces in our communities! The LINC real estate development department will be working to bring four sites across the city up to code so that they can be used by the ELNC preschool service system.

ELNC offers an innovative preschool service system aimed at providing quality early care and education in underserved neighborhoods in Grand Rapids. As an existing partner, LINC will be re-designing existing spaces... read more

September is Literacy Month and LINC will be getting involved by participating in the Community Literacy Summit on September 19^th!

Many people would be astonished to learn that about 22 percent of adults in Kent County can’t read. That is why the Literacy Center of West Michigan is working to bring people and organizations together to share best practices and brainstorm new ideas to improve the literacy rate. The summit, which they are hosting at Grand Valley’s... read more

Reflections from Willie Patterson, Central Community Liaison on a recent event to give away backpacks and school supplies before the fall semester began.

August 14th, 2012 started out like any other day in the community but for me there was a nervous excitement in the pit of my stomach. The kind of nervousness you get before you play your best game or run the fastest race of your life. It was not a race that made me feel this way but... read more

LINC is now leveraging technology to facilitate bilingual meetings! At the August 16^th I Believe I Become meeting in the West Zone, English and Spanish speakers had an easier time with translation in break-out sessions using wireless transmitters. 

Translators from the Interpreter Network in Grand Rapids spoke into microphones that worked like a radio signal with wireless headsets. Interpreters translated from Spanish to English in real time in a low voice so as not to disturb the full group discussion,... read more

In two years the I Believe I Become initiative has brought our communities together and brought us to new heights, and we will only soar ever higher. Watch this video, get inspired, and then get involved. We believe our children can succeed in school, work and life!

Share the story with everyone you know!

LINC is proud to see that the LINC Neighborhood Engagement Team is the engine driving this movement and the relationships we are building... read more

We invite you to mix with the movers and shakers of our vibrant community every first Friday of the month at LINC. This event provides a space for minority professionals, young up and comers, politicians, community stakeholders, and neighborhood advocates alike to come together and share ideas.

Enjoy live jazz and delicious cuisine from local vendors, and spoken word provided by Azizi Jasper and friends. First Fridays are all about networking and community building with entertainment and... read more

Health is not necessarily something people want to talk openly about in a public setting, but it is one of the biggest issues affecting communities today. But that was exactly what happened the evening of August 8^th at César Chávez Elementary School as members of the Latino community gathered for a conversation hosted by LINC and Blue Cross Blue Shield – “Let’s Talk Health Latino Michigan.”

More than 200 community members, families, and kids gathered for a community conversation about what... read more

“If we show presence, we can make change.”

This very true statement came from Reyna Garcia, a LINC Academy for Social Transformation (L.A.S.T.) graduate and a parent who has lived in two Believe 2 Become zones. She believes strongly in the power of any community, and says she sees it now with LINC and B2B every single day. Garcia says she knows she is a leader now, and is ready and able to make change.

How did you get involved with Believe... read more

Monica Quíroz is the President of the Parent Teacher Organization at César Chávez Elementary School. She is active in I Believe I Become activities. She is a community leader. But she wasn’t always this involved in her community and school. Her involvement started when the I Believe I Become movement came to the West Zone. She says a “lioness awoke in me.” She is a living testimonial to the B2B movement – here is her story in her own... read more

When East Zone Community Liaison Javonte Tubbs spoke with Steven Fowler and Latasha Cloud, they were so proud of their son Somaje Cloud that it seemed like they would burst. Somaje is a four-year-old graduate of Baby Scholars, and his parents told Javonte all about the journey. Javonte tells the story.

Four year old Somaje Cloud has Graduated! Somaje Cloud, son of Steven Fowler and Latasha Cloud, has graduated from the Baby Scholars Program held at Stepping Stones Elementary School. 

"What... read more

I Believe I Become is not just a meeting – it’s a movement. As each community goes through the various stages of the process, it is always fun to pause for a minute, take a breath, step back and say, “Wow, look at what we’ve done!”

That is what West Zone did a couple of weeks ago. On July 26^th the gym at César Chávez Elementary School was packed with parents and community members celebrating the work that their zone has... read more

‘Tis the season for retail space! We’re shaking things up in the Madison Avenue business corridor and are looking for businesses that are interested in newly renovated spaces.

There is space opening up in the LINC Business Center and some others along the street near the intersection at Hall. We even have some space in the LINC Development Center – right in the heart of Madison Square.

The square footage ranges from 300 ft. to 700 ft., and the price ranges accordingly.... read more

Now that it is underway, the construction of Southtown Square is moving fast. We are inching closer to the point where eligible residents can apply to live in the spacious new affordable housing – but first we take a peek inside.

The nine-unit two-story townhouses will have a variety of housing options. The townhouses at 429 Umatilla will have a two bedroom, a three bedroom and a four-bedroom with 3.5 bathrooms. The space at 428 Woodlawn will hold two three bedroom... read more

It's almost time to go back to school, so August is chock-full of things to do outside! Check out the following opportunities to have fun and get involved in your neighborhood! More information about all of these events can be found here.

August 8 | Join us and our partner Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan for the Let’s Talk Health Latino Michigan at César Chavéz Elementary School from 4:30-8:30pm. Be there to share your concerns and comments... read more

The third East Zone meeting is tonight, and it’s time for friends, parents and neighbors to get together and identify one goal for your community! Believe 2 Become is all about supporting our children’s educational future, and over the last two meetings the community has worked hard to identify goals that would help children succeed. Now it’s time to vote for the one goal that you think would be best for your community.

So let your voice be heard! It’s never... read more

Looking for a way to make summer reading even more fun? Just add ice cream! The I Believe I Become Central Youth Action Committee is launching its Reading Rewards program from now until September 5th! They and the Madison Square Dairy Treat have a challenge for all Grand Rapids Public School students grades K-12: read books for free treats!

For K-8^th graders, just read three books and get a free treat, 9-12 graders just read two for a... read more

It's time to talk health with the Latino community here in Grand Rapids. We are linking up with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to learn about the issues and health concerns affecting you, directly from you. We want to hear from you about the priorities within the Latino community, your experiences, concerns and - most importantly - your ideas to address health disparities and improve our overall community health.

Lift your voice by participating in the ... read more

As a dedicated member of the I Believe I Become community, Minnie Dentmond has never missed a meeting. She started attending gatherings in the Central Zone, and is continuing to lend her wisdom as the East Zone joins the B2B movement.

LINC: What compels you to take such an active part in the I Believe I Become movement?

Minnie: I like meeting people and talking with them. The I Believe I Become meetings provide a great opportunity for me to inform others... read more

Hope Warren Plummer knows when her 8 month-old baby Jayden is done eating.

“I’ve always liked to have him finish all the food, but now I know when he’s done that ‘no means no’,” she laughs.

Hope learned how to better communicate with Jayden through I Believe I Become’s Baby Scholars program. She and Jayden started the program when he was 5 months old in the Baby Scholars 5-19 month age group. A coach came to her home once a week for... read more

LINC is happy to announce our participation in Erhardt Construction’s 50^th Anniversary Building Our Community Contest. Our organization has a chance to win a $45,000 construction project or cash donations from the contest, but we need your help. The public will be able to vote for their favorite and most deserving non-profit organization. You can vote once per day at http://www.erhardtcc.com/community/vote.php

We plan to use the $45,000 to renovate the currently vacant commercial space at 1363 Grandville Ave... read more

Home of Campus Elementary School and MLK Park, the I Believe I Become East zone is beginning a journey that will rally the community in support of improving educational outcomes for their kids.

The I Believe I Become community meetings in the B2B east zone kick off on June 21 at Campus Elementary from 5:30pm-8:30pm.

LINC leads the I Believe I Become community engagement efforts and we believe it is important to raise up the community’s voice and follow the community’s... read more

“This is what we do, bring people together.”

- Darel Ross at LINC’s Business Networking event June 1

Connection is at the heart of LINC’s work and is crucial for the revitalization of communities. It can take shape in simple forms like conversations, shared experience, or even a handshake.

On Friday June 1 we hosted the Business LINC where members of the Grand Rapids Black Chamber, West Michigan Hispanic Chamber, GROW, MI-SBTDC and Local First gathered with the community to network, connect with... read more

For a day filled with so many people and moving pieces, it seems that pictures speak much more of the energy, excitement and celebration than words. Check out this slideshow of the 2nd Annual Rock the Block Health Fest where over 3000 community members gathered on Madison Avenue to enjoy local food, live entertainment and connect with a host of resources.

Often times we talk about challenges and lack of opportunity, or the difficulty and distress our communities face.  Although that may be the reality and it can be overwhelming, I am humbled and amazed not just at the wisdom of our residents, but at their willingness and perseverance despite many challenges and limitations. 

While we continue to build capacity and develop leadership skills of community members our vision and understanding of what defines an effective leader are constantly expanded and altered.... read more

Back in February Tiffani Smith, an aspiring poet and mother of five, came to the LINC Opportunity Center orientation to learn more about the opportunities available to help her achieve success.  After the orientation she was assigned a personal opportunity coach and they worked together to identify a list of goals that she wanted to work towards. The seemingly ambitious list included repairing her credit, developing a business plan, building her poetry brand “Arnica Avenue,” and finding a job... read more

Summer is here, let's get together! 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.

June 12 & 19 | 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).

June 13 & 27| LINC Opportunity Center Orientation at LINC from 11am-12pm.

June 14 | I Believe I Become... read more

I Believe I Become, a neighborhood initiative designed to help children succeed in school, work and life, will host a free screening of the movie “Courageous.”

When: May 25, 2012 | 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy SE

Become a role model for your child, join us for a free movie screening of “Courageous” this Friday, May 25th. “Courageous” offers a deeper look at the role of a father with laughter, joy and heartfelt wisdom. This blockbuster moves us to think about the importance of male involvement... read more

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

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

What do you think of when you envision your favorite city, town or neighborhood? For many 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 an opportunity for community members to meet and mingle... read more

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

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

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

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

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

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 training... read more

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grand Rapids Public Schools is undergoing a major transformation, and the variety of educational options from pre-school to high school is increasing dramatically! GRPS knows that there is no “one size fits all” education, and so schools are being streamlined and updated to maximize every student’s time at school.

LINC Community Revitalization, Inc. understands that schools are community centers, and ensuring access to quality education for EVERY child is crucial to healthy communities. And that is why it is important that... read more