Caregiver urges timely funding for Benjamin's Hope; Holland Momentum Center says it has relocated

Public comment at the Ottawa County Community Mental Health meeting included a caregiver’s plea for timely funding for an adult program opening and an announcement about the Holland Momentum Center’s relocation.

Marshall Head, a Park Township resident, said he has been the primary caregiver for his adult son, Mark, for more than 51 years and that his son needs round‑the‑clock support. Head told the board he had learned from his son’s support coordinator that Mark was eligible for Benjamin’s Hope and that an opening at the program was available in June. He asked the board to approve funding so that Benjamin’s Hope could serve Mark on schedule.

“When I learned from Mark’s support coordinator that he was eligible for Benjamin’s Hope and that Benjamin’s Hope was willing to serve Mark, I felt my prayers for him had been answered,” Head said. He identified himself as Marshall Head and said he will be 91 in July.

Barbara Lee Van Horsten, representing the City of Grand Haven and the Momentum Center, told the board the Holland Momentum Center had relocated after the previous site — owned by Community Action House — was sold. The new site is at Central Park Church on Myrtle Avenue. Van Horsten said the new space includes a large kitchen and gymnasium and is open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, but that visitors should check the calendar because staff sometimes go on outings.

“We currently have 30 members of the Holland Momentum Center alone, as of yesterday. So please come out, visit,” Van Horsten said.

Both public comments were entered during the board’s designated public comment period; neither produced a formal board motion during the meeting.

The board moved on to the consent agenda after public comment and later took up its regular agenda items.