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Quick Facts
Who: History and Identity
- Baxter Community Center was founded in 1969 as a response to the civil strife, profound racial tension, and significant unmet needs mounting in the core city of Grand Rapids.
- We are a pathway out of poverty for families, a steadfast resource for basic human needs, and a safe haven for young people in our community.
The high incidence of crime and drug use has put a strain upon the neighborhood and the hope of the people who live there.
What: Mission, Programs, and Goals
- Our mission is to act as “A Christian Response to Human Needs.” Every program that we develop begins with the realization of a need or desire within our community.
- At Baxter, we offer many services under one roof:
- Child Development Center
- Wholistic Health Clinic
- Marketplace
- Mizizi Maji Youth Mentoring Program
- Baxter’s goals include:
- Addressing the immediate needs of individuals
- Assisting individuals in becoming responsible, productive, and self-sufficient
- Affirming the positive qualities of individuals and the community
Where: Location
We serve the Baxter neighborhood of Grand Rapids, Michigan, an area bound on the north and south by Wealthy and Franklin and on the east and west by Fuller and Eastern.
Why: Area Demographics
- 33% of households and 63.4% of children under the age of five live below the poverty line.
- Single parents lead over 50% of neighborhood households.
- Crime rates surpass city averages in all seven categories.
- 98% of children qualify for free or reduced school lunches.
- We are called to respond: “And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” (Micah 6:8).
“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