Finding a voice at the table
“Through ACN I joined a city committee for the first time. Now our neighborhood is heard.”
ACN's Community Committee Representation program supported her through training and mentorship.
— Community member
Our impact
Driven by Purpose. United by Impact.
A look at the moments, milestones and people that make ACN's work matter.
ACN’s work in action
Building connections, developing leaders and creating opportunities for our community in West Michigan.
Accomplishments
What we've achieved together
- Know Your Rights sessions held for newcomers, families and youth
- Community members placed on local committees and boards
- Cultural competency trainings delivered to regional organizations
- Foods that Bind gatherings uniting neighbors across cultures
- Interns trained in community leadership and advocacy
- African-owned businesses highlighted in our Open Business Directory
Success stories
In their words
From intern to advocate
“My internship showed me how to turn care for my community into real change.”
After completing the internship program, he now leads youth Know Your Rights sessions.
— Former intern
Growing a small business
“Being listed in the directory brought customers I never would have reached.”
The Open Business Directory connected her catering business with new clients across the region.
— Business owner
Career Day
Interns behind Career Day
- Coordinated Career Day planning and cultivated partnerships with industry leaders and guest speakers
- Drove event awareness through strategic social media campaigns and targeted marketing initiatives
- Designed registration platforms and developed engaging event resources for attendees
- Led the development of ACN's website as a key intern project, helping strengthen the organization's digital presence
- Contributed ideas and enhancements to modernize the website and improve the user experience
- Provided strategic feedback and recommendations to better serve and engage our community
- Led a research project focused on supporting youth involved in the juvenile justice system
- Examined how mentorship, guidance, and positive role models can influence better life choices
- Highlighted the power of community support in helping young people build brighter and more successful futures
YENU Experience
Our guest company · CEOs Clovis & Jiji Kalombo
- Explored the power of effective communication and its impact on building meaningful connections
- Identified key audiences and how to tailor messages to their needs and interests
- Examined why delivering the right information at the right time matters
- Developed strategies for understanding and engaging diverse audiences effectively
Foods that Bind
Conversations around the table
- Talking openly about the challenges we face in our community
- Sharing ideas on how we can strengthen and shape ACN's work
- Recognizing the power of our voices to help shape our community
- Using our shared stories to speak up for our community