A dream that began in the basement of a family home as a small, grassroots effort to support and empower Black and multiracial youth in the Holland-Zeeland area has grown into I AM Academy.
Five years in, I AM Academy is celebrating a milestone that marks its growth – both in leadership and programming. The Academy recently took over the entire third floor of First United Methodist Church in downtown Holland, where the non-profit plans to run a wide range of programs for youth and community members.
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Courtesy I AM AcademyI AM Academy recently took over the entire third floor of First United Methodist Church in downtown Holland, where the non-profit plans to run a wide range of programs for youth and community members.
“We moved into this space about a year ago,” says Lindsay Cherry, who founded the organization with her husband, Henry. Previously, the family stored the nonprofit’s materials in the basement of their home.
“First United Methodist came to us because they wanted this building to serve as a community center. That really aligned with our vision for what we wanted to create: a space where youth and families could gather, learn and grow.”
Leadership ‘triad’
To support the growth, I AM Academy has introduced a “triad” leadership model, bringing on Tara Weymon Leonard, who stepped up from her role as treasurer.
Lindsay is in charge of programming, Henry is focused on community engagement, and Tara handles development and strategic planning.
“This model allows us to focus on different aspects of the organization while working together toward our common goals,” Henry Cherry says. "The things we dreamed about and prayed for are actually coming to pass. Now it's about staying the course, continuing to do the work we do, and bringing others along with us."
Leonard says the transition into a leadership role feels like a natural progression. She has served on the board for nearly three years and has seen firsthand the impact that I AM Academy has had on her children, her nephews, and the broader community.
"My kids are involved with I AM Academy, and I’ve seen the positive effect it has had on them,” says Leonard. “This organization is doing so much good here in Holland and beyond, and I’m excited to be part of that growth."
In her new role, Leonard will focus on strategic excellence and fund development, leveraging skills she has honed in the corporate world to benefit I AM Academy.
“I'm going to be focusing on strategic excellence and fund development, so it taps into aspects that I'm already well versed in from my corporate life,” Leonard says.
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Courtesy I AM AcademyI AM Academy staff pose for a photo.
Another new leader
The new space I AM Academy is using was previously occupied by the Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, which
closed over the summer. It donated its Haworth furniture to I AM Academy.
Also, the nonprofit hired Patricia Strachan, formerly the fund development director at LEDA, to assist with event coordination and programming.
"With the fall student programs beginning and the planning of the Black Gala in December, I'm proud to be part of the team," Stachan says. "I look forward to reconnecting with the community relationships I have gained over the years!"
Strachan’s experience and connections have been valuable assets.
"We’ve always focused on representation and providing opportunities for our students," Lindsay Cherry says. "Our goal is to give them the support they need to flourish."
For Lindsay, who balances her roles as a mother of five and a West Ottawa High School assistant principal, this evolution was essential.
"I knew I couldn’t continue being an assistant principal and give I AM the attention it needed to thrive,” she says. “So, we’ve built a strong team. The responsibility no longer falls entirely on just two people, which allows me to contribute in a more sustainable way."
Adding experiences
Among the programs being offered are tutoring, college and career readiness, mental health support, and creative outlets like cooking and drumming classes. One of the new initiatives Lindsay Cherry is particularly excited about is a TED Talk project for students, set to launch next year.
"It will give our kids the chance to share their stories and ideas," Lindsay Cherry says. "It’s going to be an incredible experience for them."
In addition to educational support, I AM Academy emphasizes exposure to different experiences and skill sets. The organization has partnered with Francesca Manning, who offers drumming classes twice a week.
"Francesca’s drumming class has been a great addition to our offerings," Lindsay says. "This is what we want our space to be. A place where people can come together, learn new things, and connect with one another.
"We’ve always focused on representation and providing opportunities for our students," she says. "Our goal is to give them the support they need to flourish."
I AM Academy’s success is built on collaboration. Over the years, the organization has formed key partnerships with other local nonprofits and organizations such as the Boys and Girls Club, Salvation Army, and Latin Americans United for Progress. These partnerships, such as a mobile food pantry at the Boys and Girls Club, have allowed I AM Academy to extend its reach and provide even more support to the community.
The Academy recently hosted an open house to showcase its expanded facility and is seeking volunteers to assist with programming.
"We want this to be our legacy," Lindsay Cherry says. "A place where our Black and multiracial students know they belong and where parents can count on us to provide the support their children need to flourish."