State grant, community donations support Momentum Center's $2M expansion

The Momentum Center has been a steadfast advocate for mental health, providing a safe and inclusive space for individuals to connect, seek support, and engage in activities that promote their well-being. 
Momentum Center founder and Experi-mentor Barbara Lee VanHorssen is among about 50 Community Influencers who will help state officials better understand how social factors affect health.
The Grand Haven organization has plans for a new facility to expand these vital services, offering a wider range of programs and resources to address the growing demand for mental health support.

The Momentum Center has reached a significant milestone in its Building Momentum Campaign to fund this expansion plan. The campaign, which initially set out to raise $1.5 million for the purchase and phase one renovations of its new facility at 401 N. 7th St., formerly the Rendezvous restaurant, has received a major boost with the approval of a $700,000 grant from the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC).
 
The MEDC grant marks a turning point for the campaign, allowing the Momentum Center to undertake the renovations of its new facility identified as phase two of the building project.

“Donations are critical to our success, and we welcome gifts from all corners of our community,” says Barbara Lee VanHorssen, experi-mentor at the Momentum Center.

Moving into second phase

The minimum capital campaign goal of $1.5 million was set to acquire the property and complete minimal upgrades in order to gain occupancy. With this additional funding, the phase two campaign goal of $2 million is now within reach. 

With completion of phase two funding, the Momentum Center will be able to create a fully finished space that will better serve the mental health and wellness needs of the community. Long-term plans include phase three, which calls for raising of an additional $1.5 million in order to redesign the building to create a community center that could host events for at least 100 participants at a time.

The campaign, launched earlier this year, has garnered support from local businesses, community leaders, and individuals, raising over $800,000 in community donations. When combined with the recent $700,000 MEDC grant, the total raised to date stands at $1.5 million. 

"We are deeply grateful to our community and to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation for their generous contribution to the Building Momentum Campaign," says Alanna Barron, a local pediatrician who is co-chair of the campaign. "This grant propels us toward our phase two goal of $2 million, which will enable us to provide an even more comprehensive and supportive environment for individuals seeking our services."

Because the MEDC funding is restricted to phase two development, $500,000 still needs to be raised to complete phase one.

“The Momentum Center continues to call upon community members to join in the effort, emphasizing that every contribution, no matter the size, makes a meaningful impact,” said Emily Korchnak, account manager for the Shape Corp. and co-chair of the campaign.