About Us

Our Mission

Empowering youth to reach their full potential.

Our Vision

Growing neighborhood leaders.

Our Values

Youth Centered

We believe that the youth of our community are not just the leaders of the future, but the leaders of today. We invest in our youth by creating job opportunities, providing relevant leadership training, and amplifying their voices as co-creators in our mission. We envision youth leading our community and New City Neighbors.

Radical Hospitality

We take a radically inclusive posture that welcomes everyone in our neighborhood to the table, embracing all aspects of diversity. We resist and dismantle systems of oppression that exist in our community. We engage our neighbors in the work of social and economic equity for all.

Holistic Ministry

We take a Christ-centered, faith-based approach in addressing the mental, emotional, physical and spiritual parts that make up an individual and our community. We challenge the systemic, cultural issues that affect the ability to thrive. We work toward wholeness in every regard.

Our Strategy is Good Food

Through urban farming we’re creating employment and empowering opportunities for youth, providing healthy food for our neighbors, and preparing a table where all are welcome to gather and form relationships with a nourishing meal.

Our Commitment

New City Neighbors does not discriminate in hiring, compensation, promotion, termination, retirement, training, programs, or services based on race, ethnicity, sex, national origin, religion, age, disability, height, weight, gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation.

Board of Directors

Lindsey Tipton
Board President
CUNA Mutual Group

Kim Craycraft
Board Treasurer
YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids

Catherine Cameron-Heldt
Board Secretary
The Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan

Monique Harris
Area Agency on Aging WestMichigan

Lisa Peterson
Corewell Health

Amy Piscopink Taylor
Pine Rest

Crystal Scott-Tunstall
Grand Valley State University

Nathan Slauer
Disability Advocates of Kent County

Tai Verbrugge
City of Grand Rapids

Our Partners

Many hands lighten the load. We are thankful to the many organizations that partner with us in our mission. 

Partners and collaborators include:

Amway Corporation

Harper Collins Publishing

The Wege Foundation

The CDV5 Foundation

Community Christian Ministries

Baker Books

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation

David and Carol Van Andel Family Foundation

The Grand Rapids Kiwanis Foundation

Ada Congregational Church

Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church

Second Congregational Church

Creston Christian Reformed Church

United Way

En Vivo Church

Catherine’s Health Center

MSU Extension

The West Michigan Growers Group

Grand Valley State University

Access of West Michigan

Mars Hill Bible Church

Kynda

Jaycees Foundation

Visiting Angels of West Michigan