Feeding America mobile food pantriesAll too often, working men and women hit a time in their lives when making ends meet just isn't possible. When a family's finances take a hit, fighting for economic justice often takes a backseat to putting food on one's table. But the Labor Heritage Society of West Michigan is there to help with that, and help families get back on their feet.
In 2014-15, the west Michigan labor community has been able to deliver over 120,000 pounds of food to families in need. Kent-Ionia Labor CenterThe historic Kent-Ionia Labor Center, located on Grand Rapids' northside, has been a central gathering place for the west Michigan labor community for decades. Located in a former church, the Labor Center provides office space to labor organizations, meeting space for local unions and community groups, and serves as an archive of where we've come as a labor movement in west Michigan.
So that west Michigan's labor community will have a safe and modern gathering space for years to come, the LHSWM has partnered with the Kent-Ionia Labor Council Building Corporation to help fund updates and maintenance to the Labor Center. Caucus programThe LHSMW has partnered with the KICLC to support an active labor caucus program in west Michigan. The caucuses serve as a bridge to our region's diverse communities, creating and strengthening partnerships to enhance the standard of living for all workers and their families. The caucuses promote the full participation of all groups of workers within the union movement and ensures that union leadership hears and responds to the concerns of the communities they represent.
The caucuses are encouraged to organize at least two community service projects per year, and the LHSMW offers support in fundraising, public relations and outreach. The service projects for 2015 included a fundraiser for the Women's Resource Center of Grand Rapids which brought in over $1,200 (Women's Caucus). |
Future endeavors and ongoing plans
- Partner with area organizations to fundraise for annual community events around west Michigan.
- Partner with the Kent-Ionia Labor Council to resume the monthly lunch-and-learn series of trainings.
- Provide funding to help support the work of the KICLC.
- Partner with Michigan organizations that share the LHSWM's mission of growing a strong middle class and fighting for economic justice.
- Offer financial and hands-on support to organizations that provide for the basic needs of those in-need throughout our community.