We need your help! With the holiday season upon us, we're gearing up for the Christmas Store and the Holiday Food Basket program.

Our annual Christmas Store "gives the gift of dignity".  Parents from our neighborhood earn credit to purchase Christmas presents for their children by volunteering at "The Other Way" and in our community.

To date, we are behind in the number of group commitments we need to ensure that our Christmas Store is full of gifts when the store opens in December. Please prayerfully consider supporting as a family or group.

For information on how you can provide gifts for the Christmas Store or get others involved, please go to the "News" section on our website by clicking here.

We are also looking for families or individuals willing to provide a Holiday Food Basket for a family struggling in today's economy.  Last year, over 400 families applied for and received a Holiday Basket.  We anticipate even greater demand this year.

To find out how you can help and to download the Food Basket provider form, please visit the "News" section on our website by clicking here.

At "The Other Way" we desire to boldly proclaim the word of God and to continue the transformational work of Jesus in Westown. We know this is only possible when utilizing the many gifts of the church and through the power of the Holy Spirit.  Therefore, we celebrate these accomplishments together with dozens of volunteers who give their time each week to be physically present in our neighborhood.

• 31 volunteers read books to kids this summer donating 189 hours of their time
• Each month roughly 30 volunteers serve in work groups to help maintain our properties
• Throughout the school year 22 volunteers mentor children in our D-Group program
• This year 3 volunteers gave over 300 hours at our front desk welcoming neighbors
• 10 volunteers faithfully work in our food pantry giving over 400 hours this year
• 10 individuals assist weekly in teen ministry providing valuable mentors to the youth we work with
• This year 3 IT volunteers have saved us over $30,000 

We express our gratitude to all of our volunteers and devoted prayer partners for their commitment to our staff and to our neighbors.  THANK YOU!

Shortly before graduating GVSU in 2003 with degrees in Criminal Justice and Psychology, Brian was told by a mentor to "find a job where you don't need to work for the State.  Find one where you can work with young people before they are in the system." A few weeks later, Brian heard about "The Other Way" and landed himself an internship working with children in Westown. "By God's grace I was offered the internship; by God's grace I've been at 'The Other Way' ever since," says Brian.

Brian has played a number of roles since becoming a part of TOW's team. He has worked as the Children's Ministry Intern, Associate, and Manager. He has been instrumental in the development of Children's programs and now plays a significant role in the development and implementation of our Family Development programs. During his time at "The Other Way", Brian has also had his hand in a number of promotional and program videos.

Brian's favorite part about working at "The Other Way" is interacting with his neighbors. He also loves the shared commitment that our staff has to discerning and doing God's kingdom work in our community.

"I love our desire to proclaim the hope of Jesus, to treat our neighbors with respect, and to carry out a ministry of reconciliation across race and class," says Brian. 
 
Fun Facts:

• Brian eats chips and cheese a minimum of 5 nights a week
  
• Brian trained for and raced in the Reeds Lake Triathlon with his co-worker Kyle (and beat him by 2 minutes)
• Brian is a foster parent of a six year old boy and he and his wife, Liz, are expecting a baby girl in March
  

We thank God for Brian and his heart for this organization and community!