LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Winnie Brinks (D-Grand Rapids) has issued the following statement regarding Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s signing of the state budget bills today, which includes funding for the United Methodist Community House (UMCH) in Grand Rapids:
“The United Methodist Community House is a staple of our community that brings together generations of Grand Rapidians and helps foster respect, understanding and cultural awareness. I am proud to have fought for, and won, the inclusion of funding for them in the state’s budget so they can continue that mission, and I am eager to see the wonderful initiatives that will grow from it.”
$1 million was allocated to UMCH in the state budget, signed by the governor today and effective Oct. 1. The United Methodist Community House has served the Greater Grand Rapids Area for more than 100 years. This money is expected to be used for a public-private partnership for construction of an early childhood education and senior activity center, respectively, that will provide childcare for roughly 240 infants/toddlers and daily activities for more than 500 seniors.
“UMCH has been dedicated to serving Grand Rapids for more than a century. The challenges our community is facing in 2020—and the challenges to come—are compelling us to step up in a new way,” said Eric Williams, chief executive director for UMCH. “UMCH is in the midst of a transformation that will allow us to be more impactful, to reach more neighbors, and to invest in long-term sustainability like never before, and this funding will propel those plans forward. We thank Gov. Whitmer, Sen. Brinks, and the Michigan Legislature for their support.”
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