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Baxter Community Center Achievements
Going Green
Baxter received US LEED Green Certification in 2008 for the recently constructed gymnasium and received the Kresge Bonus Grant worth $150,000 for this accomplishment.
Healthy Bodies and Healthy Souls: The Around the Table Project, one of Baxter’s most recent additions, uses the framework of family mealtime to provide nutrition education and to encourage strong family relationships. The program brings people of all ages and backgrounds together in Baxter’s new kitchen to learn the value of healthy eating and family togetherness.
A Successful Tax Season
Baxter assisted 1,604 individuals with their tax returns in 2009. Tax refunds totaled $1.9 million, and an additional $175,000 was saved by clients in tax preparation fees.
Opening Doors Celebration
In November of 2009, Baxter held its 6th annual fundraiser, also the culmination of our 40th anniversary celebration, with 450 Baxter family and friends.
Brush Up for Baby
A prenatal program started by Baxter’s Dental Clinic and Strong Beginnings in summer 2007, Brush Up for Baby seeks to decrease the infant mortality rate within the Grand Rapids African American community and the Baxter neighborhood by providing dental care and education to at-risk pregnant women. The program has met with success thus far and presented its work at the American Academy of Pediatrics Conference in Boston, MA in October 2008.
Senior Days
In September of 2008 Baxter was accepted as a Senior Center by the Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. Through a partnership with Senior Neighbors, Baxter also became a site for Enhanced Fitness, a nationally certified senior fitness program. Many seniors attend Baxter’s Senior Days, which include Enhanced Fitness, sewing instruction, nutrition classes, and access to the Marketplace.
“My favorite part of mentoring is that we always learn something new.”
- Maleeka Conley, Mentoring Student
“The mentoring program has helped me to break down the stereotypes that I harbored without even knowing it…”
- Anne Cassard, Mentor
“I choose to be a mentor because I think it’s important that our kids have role models and support…”
- Shayon Smith, Mentor
“Women getting together and accomplishing something is really one of the best parts…”
- Nancy Barnhart, Threads Teacher since 2000
“The Threads project provides students with self esteem. It tells them, ‘You can do something if you put your mind to it.’”
- Erica Millbrook, Threads Project Coordinator
“The best part of coming to Baxter is sewing class. I get to make my creations.”
- Ivory, Threads Student
“Beyond serving obvious physical needs in the community, people know they can count on Baxter…”
- Tammy Beckering, Volunteer
“I know that if I have an emergency, I can just walk through the door, and someone is there to help me.”
- Mrs. Willa Alexander, Adult Clinic Client
“We cherish [our son's] safety and security while we are at work and he is being cared for at Baxter Child Care.”
- Luke and Andrea Robinson, Child Development Center Parents
“Baxter offers their children nurturing care to help them feel safe and secure, and a planned curriculum to engage them in learning.”
- Jennifer Griffith, Kent County Regional 4C
“If I could choose one word to describe this environment, it would be ‘friendly.’”
- Michelle Mitchell, Marketplace Pantry Client
“This has transformed the way I spend money. Now I know that everything under heaven belongs to God.”
- Hazel Lewis, Freedom in Your Finances Class Participant
“What I love most about volunteering at the Marketplace is working with the people. ”
- Amber Hora, Marketplace Volunteer