December 17, 2024 – Grand Haven, MI – To date, the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation (GHACF) has awarded over $1.8 million through its responsive and impact-driven grantmaking
programs, including a recent round of over $745,000. Of this amount, Mosaic Counseling received $250,000 to support their “YOU Matter Campaign”, which focuses on improving mental health
services in Ottawa County, increasing youth access, and expanding services into Kent County.
Sarah Lewakowski, Executive Director of Mosaic Counseling shared, “Mosaic Counseling is very grateful to be a recipient of the Community Impact Grant for Mosaic’s YOU Matter Campaign to increase mental health services with a focus on youth. Mosaic Counseling provides professional counseling to residents of the community with mild to moderate mental health issues. The
percentage of Ottawa County residents that identify themselves as mild to moderate increased from 17% in the 2020 Ottawa County Community Needs Assessment to 27% in the 2023
Assessment. This gift will allow Mosaic to serve more people of all ages.”
Funding will be used to increase awareness of Mosaic Counseling’s services and enhance their capacity to serve more individuals, particularly youth. The organization aims to expand its reach
through affordable outpatient counseling and its School Outreach Program, which offers free professional counseling to young people who might not otherwise have access to such support.
“Health and Human Services is one of our key focus areas,” said Holly Cole, Vice President of Grants & Program at GHACF. “Mosaic Counseling is working to meet our community’s growing
demand for mental health services, especially for our youth. We couldn’t be happier to support their efforts.”
Additional Community Impact Grants Include:
Community Mental Health of Ottawa County – Expanding Crisis Intervention Reach ($30,000)
This funding will provide a dedicated vehicle to extend the Crisis Intervention Team’s coverage,
enabling master’s-level mental health clinicians to offer services in the northern region of Ottawa
County and respond to calls more efficiently and promptly.
Foundation for Muskegon Community College – Community Music & Events Room ($30,000)
This grant will support the completion of a large, multi-purpose space in MCC’s Art and Music
Building. The space is designed to serve as a rehearsal area for collegiate and community music
groups and a venue for community events such as K-12 music programs, regional honors choir,
band sessions, music competitions, lectures, trainings, and more.
Good Samaritan – Emergency Housing Stabilization Fund ($30,000)
Grant funds will support the creation of a fund to prevent homelessness by addressing challenges
like reliable transportation, job security, and access to childcare. The fund will also offer one-time
financial assistance to individuals and families in Northern Ottawa County to help maintain housing
stability.
Goodwill Industries of West Michigan – Cellulose Creation from Waste Textiles ($250,000)
In collaboration with Harvest Nano, Goodwill Industries of West Michigan is developing a process
to convert unusable, donated cotton textile waste into high-value cellulose and nanocellulose.
These materials can be used to create lightweight, cost-effective, and advanced products for
various industries. This grant will support the refinement of their prototype machine to improve
recycling efficiency.
Grand Haven Charter Township – Schmidt Heritage Park Maintenance ($35,739)
Grant funds will support grounds and equipment upgrades, including a lawn mower, fencing, trail
enhancements, and signage.
Ottawa County Parks Foundation – Rosy Mound Vision Campaign ($50,000)
An additional grant from the GHACF to support the ongoing capital campaign to expand and
enhance public access to Rosy Mound while preserving sensitive natural areas for a total
contribution of $250,000.
Northern Initiatives – Healthy Grand Haven Businesses ($20,000)
Funding from the GHACF will be utilized to offer loans, business coaching, and technical assistance
to at least three entrepreneurs in the Grand Haven area, helping them access capital and resources
to launch or expand their businesses.
Tri-Cities Historical Museum – Maritime History Renovations ($50,000)
Funding will support the transformation of the Tri-Cities Historical Museum’s front window space
into an interactive maritime history exhibit, showcasing the connection between the Tri-Cities and
the surrounding waterways. The project includes renovations to the ‘Barn Exhibit’, installation of a
new digital touchscreen, relocation of the ‘Michigan Geology’ exhibit, and the creation of a play
area featuring a replica of the iconic red lighthouse.
About the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation For more than a half-century, the GHACF has been regularly recognized as a national top 100 Community Foundation and one of the largest in Michigan. A public, charitable organization serving Northwest Ottawa County community since 1971, the Foundation encourages philanthropy
by individuals, families, corporations, and organizations; and serves as a steward of their charitable funds and legacies.
In addition to awarding grants, the GHACF also offers technical support to for impact organizations, convenes community leaders on issues of importance, and advocates for the
for-impact sector. For more, visit ghacf.org.
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