Our Coffee & Conversation speaker series are great affairs with speakers to match. This series is designed to educate and enlighten the residents of our community on the history, current conditions, and future of each of our impact areas. United Way of the Lakeshore is excited to host expert panel guests at each Coffee & Conversation, moderated by special community guests. We hope you will join us for each of our Coffee & Conversations this year.
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Income Stability - A conversation on housing in our region. (February 22)
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Early Childhood Success (April 26)
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Youth Success (June 28)
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Access to Health (August 23)
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Community Data & Engagement - Release of the most recent community reports and the impact it has on our community. (October 25)
Join us for breakfast from 8 - 9 am at the United Way of the Lakeshore headquarters to hear from a panel of local experts in our region (Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties). If you are unable to make it in person, there is a live stream option so you can watch from the comfort of your home or office!
The next breakfast is Wednesday, February 22: Income Stability - A Conversation on Housing in Our Region.
Housing is a hot issue in our community. Listen to, and ask questions of, experts on current housing conditions, existing programs, and future development of affordable/accessible housing in Muskegon, Newaygo, and Oceana counties. Hear the perspectives of representatives from Community enCompass, the Continuum of Care, and Dogwood Community Development. Coffee & Conversation is from 8 - 9 am at the United Way of the Lakeshore headquarters and includes a continental breakfast. If you are unable to make it in person, there is a live stream option so you can watch from the comfort of your home or office! In Oceana County, guests are welcome to attend a free viewing of the live stream at the DHD10 building. Order your tickets today!
Meet Our Income Stability - A Conversation On Housing Panel!
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Muskegon City Commissioner &
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Kimberly Leavell
Executive Director
Community enCompass
About Community enCompass:
Community enCompass is a neighborhood development organization serving the core-city neighborhoods of Muskegon. We are a small, local organization working in the following four areas: HOUSING, YOUTH, NEIGHBORING and FOOD. Community enCompass believes that stable housing is fundamental to a neighbor’s ability to be and achieve their best, as well as an indication of community stability. That's why we’re dedicated to creating affordable, quality housing and eradicating homelessness in Muskegon.
About Kimberly Leavell!
Kim is the new Executive Director of Community Encompass and brings to the organization over 30 years of experience in business administration, business leadership and management and program development. Kim has several years of experience in grant writing and management, youth and family engagement, and event planning and coordination.
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Miranda Paggeot
Housing & Homelessness Network Coordinator
Muskegon Continuum of Care
About Continuums of Care:
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development makes Continuum of Care funds available to communities through a grant process. Continuum of Care (CoC) funds serve as a catalyst for our communities to create a systematic response to ending homelessness and drive policy for our Coalition of service providers.The Muskegon County Homeless Continuum of Care Network (MCHCCN) is a collaborative and coordinating system that increases awareness and acts to promote and support services to eradicate homelessness in Muskegon County.
About Miranda:
Miranda has worked the past 8 years in grant management and execution of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Her career of overseeing the Homeless Management Information System has taken her to work in multiple states. Just this year she has left Ocala Florida to service as the Housing & Homelessness Network Coordinator in Muskegon.
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Lisa Reinecke, LSW
Housing Data, Grant Compliance & Training Manager
TrueNorth Community Services
About TrueNorth Community Services:
TrueNorth Community Services‘ Housing & Family Services strives to keep families and individuals in safe and affordable housing while working towards the goal of self-sufficiency. They seek to help families from low-income households remain in their current housing or to acquire safer, more affordable housing by providing housing assistance with rent payments to prevent homelessness or secure housing for those in crisis. They currently serve families in Lake, Mason, Newaygo, and Oceana Counties.
About Lisa:
Lisa has worked in housing and homeless services for over a decade. During that time she served as a case manager working with individuals directly. In the past three years, Lisa has used her skills in management to oversee many housing grants through TrueNorth Community Services and supervises several staff working in housing programs in Lake, Mason, and Oceana Counties.
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Kittie Tuinstra
Executive Director
Dogwood Community Development (Oceana County)
About Dogwood Community Development:
Dogwood Community Development (DCD) provides and promotes safe, dignified, affordable housing opportunities across West Michigan through housing development and permanent supportive housing activities. In January 2021, Oceana's Home Partnership merged into the DCD; strengthening the DCD's ability to provide quality housing opportunities across West Michigan.
About Kitte:
Kittie has worked with Dogwood Community Development for nearly 17 years providing direct housing services to area individuals and families along with attainable housing development in the West Michigan Region.