Our History
Heartside Ministry, inspired by the life of Jesus of Nazareth, has been a principal catalyst of positive change in the Heartside neighborhood for a quarter of a century. The ministry, its staff and supporters have (respectively) dedicated themselves to responsible socioeconomic development in and frank advocacy for the Heartside neighborhood of Grand Rapids. Heartside Ministry has worked to enrich and empower the social-spiritual lives of Heartside residents, while supporting their access to basic human services. In working towards these objectives/causes the ministry has developed a range of in-house services (e.g. studio arts) as well as partnerships with other area service providers.
Founded in the summer of 1983, the ministry began as a small outreach, in the office space at 46 Division Avenue South. In 1985 Reverend George Heartwell joined the staff as a full time pastor and advocate. He would serve in this capacity for fourteen plus years at the ministry (leaving in 1999)—January of 2004 he would take office as Mayor of the city of Grand Rapids. In 1986, Saint Mary’s Hospital partnered with the ministry, offering much needed medical services, in the neighborhood. Launched in the ministry’s newly renovated 52/54 Division Avenue South property, the Heartside Clinic opened its door to provide free medical care for persons living in the Heartside area. Although no longer directly affiliated with the ministry, the clinic continues to provide free (and low cost) medical services to Heartside neighbors. As well as opening a space for a medical clinic, the move to 52/54 Division Avenue South allowed for additional offices and a chapel. Sunday morning worship services are held in the Heartside Chapel weekly at 11:30 A.M.; additionally, the chapel is used for a full range of ceremonial and devotional purposes (e.g. memorial and Lenten services).
Again responding to the needs of the community, in January of 1993 GED and adult literacy classes were added to the ministry’s programs and services. Soon after, the arts program was established—opening a studio and gallery space for Heartside artists (anyone or everyone) to create and exhibit their art and/or craft. The next year, the ministry’s education offerings were made more complete with the addition of a computer/IT instruction. In 1997—made possible through a series of grants—a computer center was opened, making desktop publishing, e-mail, etc. readily accessible to Heartside neighbors. In the summer of 2001, a pottery studio was set up in the basement of the ministry.
Most recently, the Urban Plunge program was created to foster understanding of and dialogue with the Heartside neighborhood and the Greater Grand Rapids community. The future: will, no doubt, bring with it a continued refinement of programs and services offered by the ministry, as well as the continued growth and support of the community through relationship building.
