New City Neighbors

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

We’re excited to invite you to A Place to Grow - The Ball Ave Reveal & Celebration! We’re building more than a building—we’re creating a space where anyone can belong, learn, and grow. Come see the vision for our new 3,600-square-foot, net-zero Training Hub, meet neighbors and community members, and celebrate this exciting next chapter with us!

📅 September 16
⏰ 4:30–6:00 PM
📍 Ball Ave Site | 2284 Ball Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49505

08/17/2026

Thank you MDARD for sharing our work and impact in this video. We're empowering youth, helping new farmers gain skills, and creating better paths for food access at New City Neighbors.

07/31/2026

We had a fantistic time building connections with our neighbors through our Diverse Business Leaders panel this past Wednesday. Thank you to everyone who came out for good food, to make new friends, and to learn from our Creston business leaders! And a special thank you to our panelists for sharing their wisdom!

07/29/2026

Today is the day! Join us at 5pm for a lively time of food and networking, followed by the opportunity to learn from a panel of business leaders in our community. We hope to see you soon!

Main page: https://newcityneighbors.org/panel-events/
FB Event: Diverse Business Leaders Panel

07/28/2026

Meet our final panelist - Gilbertto Johnson from WeDo Custom Screen Printing!

Gilbertto fulfilled his entrepreneurial vision by opening a brick-and-mortar business dedicated to custom apparel and creative design. Over the years, he has continually adapted to advances in technology, developing skills in screen printing, embroidery, sublimation, heat transfer, DTF printing, and digital design. His commitment to excellence has earned him industry recognition, including Tri-State screen printing awards, certification from the National Screenprinting Association, and a business award from the City of Grand Rapids.

Join us tomorrow, July 29th, for food and networking at 5pm with a panel discussion to follow around 6pm. We hope to see you there!

FB Event Link: Diverse Business Leaders Panel
Main Page: https://newcityneighbors.org/panel-events/

07/27/2026

If you haven't heard, we're hosting a Diverse Business Leaders Panel on July 29th. All are welcome. We start with food and networking at 5pm and then we get to hear from amazing leaders such as Rohmell Matthews!

Rohmell, co-owner of Abo Coffee, was born and raised in Grand Rapids and has lived in the Creston neighborhood for the last 5 years. He says, “I was introduced to the coffee industry 8 years ago as a barista at our local Biggby Coffee. After that I continued to work at local specialty coffee shops in the area and quickly fell in love with the industry. Combining my natural entrepreneurial spirit with my love for coffee seemed like a very natural progression, and it has been so rewarding. It has allowed me to become even more connected with my community and I’m excited to see where this journey continues to lead.”

More about Abo Coffee: www.instagram.com/abocoffeecompany/
FB Event Link: Diverse Business Leaders Panel
Main Page: https://newcityneighbors.org/panel-events/

07/24/2026

Meet Christina VanDam at our upcoming event on July 29th, 5pm - 7pm. This community gathering is focused on diverse business leaders! We'll start with food and networking at 5pm before moving into our panel discussion. Follow the links for more info!

FB Event Link: Diverse Business Leaders Panel
Main Page: https://newcityneighbors.org/panel-events/

Christina has always dreamed about flying. After teaching in the public school system for 8 years, she felt called to the air. In 2018, Zeal Aerial Fitness opened its doors. Through surviving COVID and moving to a new space, Zeal has continued to grow and thrive. Her favorite thing is when people say they can’t, but it really is “I can’t….yet”. This mentality has helped many individuals discover a love for aerials, community, and themselves.

When not at Zeal, you can find her teaching color guard to local high schools, volunteering at various boards in the city or playing with her kiddos.

07/22/2026

Spread the word! Every summer we have local leaders form a panel to share their experience and knowledge with our youth and community at large. You're invited on July 29th for food, networking, and to hear our panel of business leaders from the Creston neighborhood. Meet our first panelist below and check the links for more info!

FB Event Link: Diverse Business Leaders Panel

Main Page: https://newcityneighbors.org/panel-events/

Chef Shaw (Streetchefshaw), was born in Detroit, MI and raised in Grand Rapids. He gained his knowledge and skill working under countless chefs in the Grand Rapids & Greater Grand Rapids area, totaling over 15+ years in the industry. He spent a significant part of his culinary career studying a wide range of native African cuisine & African American history, bringing that knowledge to bear in his work. Chef Shaw is the local chef and owner of Mizizi and StreetChefShaw. We’re grateful for his presence and artistry in our neighborhood as he brings tasty food and flavors to the communities of West Michigan.

07/21/2026

At New City Neighbors, we're all about raising neighborhood leaders. And today, that included visiting vital assets in our community - the Grand Rapids Pride Center and AYA Youth Collective. Our students learned about the important work these orgs are doing, asked thoughtful questions, and were challenged to consider the impact they might have as individuals in the world around them.