Vision

All Kent County residents have access to resources to meet their basic needs

Mission

Working together to address our citizens' basic needs

Purpose

  1. Assess the basic needs of the community
  2. Set outcome goals and measures
  3. Coordinate and integrate service delivery
  4. Advocate for policy advancement
  5. Leverage dollars
  6. Publish data

Governance Committee

The Governance Committee of the ENTF was formed in 2013.   Seven organizations came together to take on leadership roles and guide the ENTF.  A formal Memorandum of Understanding was created and Heart of West Michigan United Way was named the fiduciary and employer of record for the ENTF.  The seven participating organizations are:

  • Co-Chair: City of Grand Rapids - Connie Bohatch
  • Co-Chair: Kent County - Sandra Ghoston-Jones
  • West Michigan Works! - Tawana Brown
  • City of Wyoming - Rebecca Rynbrandt
  • Heart of West Michigan United Way - Michelle VanDyke
  • Department of Health and Human Services - Tracey Fountain
  • The Salvation Army - Pilar Meyer-Dunning

Staff

Wende Randall
Director, ENTF
wrandall@hwmuw.org
616-752-8642

Emily Madsen
Data Analyst
emadsen@hwmuw.org
616-378-6036

Brianne Czyzio Robach
Administrative Assistant
bczyzio@hwmuw.org
616-752-8621

KConnect

The Kent County Essential Needs Task Force operates as the Basic Needs workgroup for KConnect. We are a collaborative partner in their efforts. To learn more about their work visit:

KConnect