Allies of Southtown

Partners and organizations working alongside Uplift Southtown to create opportunity, strengthen community connections, and support residents through collaborative action.

Building a Stronger Community Together

These organizations are allies in the work of creating a more equitable, prosperous, and connected Southtown. Through shared values and complementary missions, we collaborate to expand opportunity, preserve culture, and support residents in achieving their goals. Each ally brings unique expertise and resources that strengthen our collective impact.

Arts & Culture

AllArtWorks Foundation

501(c)(3) nonprofit increasing access to the arts, creating opportunities for artistic prosperity, and fostering cultural appreciation through free art programming, artist education, and youth access.

DACC

The Division Avenue Arts Collective (DACC) is a community arts organization rooted in the Division Avenue corridor, supporting local artists and fostering creative placemaking.

Business Coaching

Nathan Beene - EOS Implementer

Professional business coach helping organizations implement the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to achieve vision, traction, and healthy team dynamics.

Community Center

Baxter Community Center

Neighborhood-based community center serving the Baxter neighborhood with programs, resources, and support services for residents.

Community Movement

Thrive & Prosper

A movement united by a vision of thriving communities and prosperous people. Creates transformative impact through authentic relationships, shared experiences, and collective action to ensure economic opportunity for all Grand Rapids residents.

Village 99

A community organization focused on neighborhood revitalization, resident empowerment, and building strong, connected communities in Grand Rapids.

Construction Industry

Construction Allies in Action

Reshaping the construction industry by empowering underrepresented contractors through the Strong Foundations Program, contractor directory, and transformational partnerships with general contractors and project owners.

Housing

Habitat for Humanity of Kent County

Provides affordable homeownership solutions through home construction, home repair services, and homeownership education for working families in Kent County.

Well House GR

Provides permanent, shared, low-cost housing for people experiencing homelessness. Purchases and rehabilitates vacant houses, prioritizing those who cannot access subsidized housing.

Regional Workforce

TalentFirst

CEO coalition of 100+ West Michigan leaders illuminating talent gaps, evaluating leading practices, and advocating to make the region a top 20% employment destination.

Workforce Assessment

JOFI JobFitScore

Assessment tool combining personality traits, career interests, and thinking skills to match people to the right jobs and career paths, supporting hiring and career navigation.

Workplace Safety

HourGlass Testing Solutions

Nationally certified drug testing service providing workplace safety through drug screen collections, breath alcohol testing, and training for employers.

Interested in Becoming an Ally?

If your organization shares our commitment to empowering Southtown residents and would like to explore partnership opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.