About Us.

Our Beliefs

Families need access to education, training, day care, transportation, and employment to maximize economic growth and stability for themselves, their children, and the community.

Children & youth are our most valued assets within the community.

We value the active participation & voices of youth.

Equitable opportunity is fundamental to a just society & future.

Lifelong learning is crucial to our progress in a changing global community.

Our Standards

Our Children, Our Future Resolution & Standards

All children should be wanted and cared for by a mature and nurturing adult. have nutritionally sound food three times daily. have clean clothing and shoes. have a home that is clean safe and affordable. have access to community support services. have adequate supervision at all times. be exposed to a positive and hopeful future.

Our Standards

Our Origins

1995
Where We Began
On January 17, 1995, the Grand Rapids City Commission made a commitment to the area’s youth by adopting a resolution that supported community-defined standards for all children in Kent County. This resolution was titled “Our Children, Our Future.” Mayor John Logie established the Child Well-Being Task Force in March of that same year, in order to assess city operations and make recommendations to better fulfill these new standards. The task force presented seven recommendations to the City Commission upon completion of their assessment.
1997
Established Goals
A partnership was created through the City Commission/Board of Education Liaison Committee comprised of three City Commissioners and three Board of Education members. A statement of joint goals and objectives addressing issues of children, youth and families was created by the committee and was adopted by their respective bodies in June 1997.
1998
A New Office
Lynn Heemstra, OCC’s first administrator, was hired in August 1998 to develop the office.

Get Involved Today!

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Learn More

Our Community’s Children provides young people in the City of Grand Rapids with opportunities and programs that are relevant and real to supporting their lives. Watch the video to learn more about OCC’s initiatives in Grand Rapids.

Over 1,500 youth requested more opportunities for employment and in response, Mayor’s 50 was created. Watch the video to learn more about how students are gaining experience in the workplace through business partnerships.