Local nonprofit leaders introduce Love Inc. mentoring program and "Broken People" peer-support group to commission

Representatives from two nonprofit organizations addressed the City Commission on May 12 to introduce local activities and solicit volunteer support.

Love Inc.: Trisha Chapman, executive director of Love Inc., described the national model for mobilizing local churches to provide services and introduced a new mentoring program called “Abide” that will begin in the fall. Chapman said Love Inc. has 13 partner churches locally and asked churches and individuals to consider becoming partners or mentors; she described mentoring topics including budgeting, cooking, child-rearing and resume writing. The commission thanked Chapman and noted program growth from an initial five partner churches to 13.

Broken People Peer Support: Joseph Reed of Broken People Peer Support introduced himself during public comment and said he and his wife founded the group, which operates in the Grand Rapids area and internationally. Reed said Broken People runs in-person support groups (one at 'other way' on Wednesdays and another in Grand Ledge on Tuesdays), online communities and has worked with law enforcement and local officials on mental-health initiatives. He provided printed information to the clerk and said his organization has hundreds of members locally and members in 43 countries.

Why it matters: Both presentations outlined volunteer and community-support opportunities. Love Inc. is seeking partner churches and mentors; Broken People highlighted peer-support meetings and outreach work with local officials and first responders.

Next steps: Commissioners encouraged interested residents to contact the presenters or the city clerk for follow-up information.