Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – The Momentum Center in Grand Haven will be moving from its current location at 714 Columbus Ave. to the previous Rendezvous building at 401 N. 7th St. This strategic move will provide better accessibility and more adequate space for programming and public events.
The new facility will allow the Momentum Center to expand its reach and provide critical mental health services to a growing population. Their adult program focuses on mental illness, disabilities, and addictions. The teen program focuses on positive relationships, mental health, success in school, and overall well-being. The Momentum Center originated as a grassroots organization named Extended Grace in 2015, serving to connect people to opportunities and address service gaps. In 2017, the Momentum Center for Social Engagement opened to provide social and recreational opportunities for teens and adults in a stigma-free environment, educational events for the community, and resources for all.
While the move is possible due to arrangements with the building’s owner, the Momentum Center will be launching a capital campaign “Building Momentum” to purchase the building and make it their permanent headquarters in Grand Haven. The capital campaign represents a long-term investment in the community’s health and well-being. The Momentum Center also operates in Holland, working to meet the growing need for nonclinical resources to address behavioral health needs, including exercise, nutrition, and community engagement.
The new Grand Haven facility will include multiple programming spaces and a public-facing, expanded café. The larger space will allow membership to double from 200 to 400, and most importantly it will allow for increased opportunities to participate in a large spectrum of programs and activities.
The café portion of the building will continue to operate as The Vous and be managed by staff from the US Café in Muskegon Heights, offering home style comfort food alongside Cajun specialties. The US Café has a proven track record as a community hub that also serves people with disabilities. Bringing them to this location will provide increased job training and volunteer opportunities for Momentum Center members.
The current Momentum Cafe’ provides a stigma-free space where members, staff, volunteers, and the public can gather in a non-threatening environment. Qualitative research demonstrates the café is one of the primary reasons that Grand Haven members experience a statistically significant improvement in depression, anxiety, and loneliness. The café also serves as a soft entry point for people in need of services.
“It is thrilling to know services impacting the mental health and well-being of individuals will continue to grow with this improved location through the support and continued partnerships in the community,” said Momentum Center’s Experi-Mentor, Barbara Lee VanHorssen. “Having a safe space available for everyone to gather, heal, and grow will impact the entire community.”
Members of the center report reduced depression, anxiety, and loneliness. Research shows engaged members of the Momentum Center utilize fewer Community Mental Health (CMH) services while their Adult Needs and Strengths Assessment (ANSA) scores improve. Members are improving and need less care at a more costly level as a result.
The Momentum Center, located in Grand Haven and Holland, is creating a community where every person is fully visible and connected. To that end, it hosts community conversations and operates The Momentum Center for Social Engagement that addresses mental illness, addictions, and disabilities. For information on becoming a member or to support the Building Momentum Capital Campaign, contact dee@momentumcentergh.org or call 616-414-9111.
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