The Momentum Center continues to expand its programming with a new podcast series and seven new affinity and support groups.
Two years ago, the Momentum Center and the (Anti) Racism Task Force began offering opportunities for community conversations on race and racism. These virtual town hall meetings took place using the Zoom platform. In order to make the content of these conversations accessible to more people, they are being repackaged as podcasts.
“It’s top of mind for people. It’s something people want to talk about. There’s not a lot of places that are having those conversations especially in this area,” says Chief Funding Officer for the Momentum Center Caleb Zokoe, who compiled the podcasts.
Podcasts of previous (Anti) Racism Task Force town hall meetings hosted by the Momentum Center will be available beginning Aug. 1. on the nonprofit’s
website and on podcast sites such as Spotify and Podbean. A new podcast will post every two weeks.
Everyone is welcome
The successful series drew a diverse group of people into the conversation.
“That’s our No. 1 goal — no matter where you come from or what perspective you have, we can all come to the table and have this conversation,” Zokoe says.
The town halls on race and racism include panelist presentations followed by question-and-answer periods. Topics include housing, indigenous lands, redlining, organizations, education, religion, and the justice system.
The Momentum Center, with locations in Grand Haven and Holland, is a grassroots movement to create a stigma-free community. It hosts community conversations and operates The Momentum Center for Social Engagement that addresses mental illness, addictions, and disabilities. The Momentum Center in Grand Haven also houses the Momentum Café and operates Just Goods Gifts.
Stigma-free society
After more than two years of living with COVID, more people than ever are experiencing struggles with isolation, loneliness, anxiety, depression, and generalized mental health struggles.
The Momentum Center is working to eliminate stigma of seeking help for these struggles and to create spaces of peer support by creating a variety of affinity groups.
Affinity groups offer the opportunity to reach more people in the community in a variety of ways. People are invited to engage and connect to others through a shared demographic, a common area of interest, or even a more convenient time of day.
“These programs provide an inclusive and supportive environment for individuals linked by common circumstances,” says Jenna Vipond, chief operations officer of the Momentum Center. “Creating a time and safe space is key for building connections and promoting productive communications.”
The Momentum Center annual membership includes access to all affinity groups, support groups, activities, and programs. Membership is $1 per year and open to everyone.
Groups
The Foster and Adopted Parents group meets 4- 5 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month.
Game Night is held 5-6:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month. Snacks and games are provided.
The LGBTQ+ group meets 4-5 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month.
Movie Meet Up is 4-7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month and transportation is provided from the Grand Haven location to the Grand Haven 9 movie theater.
The Parents/Guardians and Young Adults with Disabilities group meets 3:30-4:30 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month.
The Social Hour with Moms and Littles meets 10-11 a.m. Wednesdays.
The Teen Group meets 2:30-4:30 p.m. every Thursday.
Those interested in participating or who have ideas or questions, may contact Vipond at
jenna@momentumcentergh.org or 616-414-9111.
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