Board: John Carman
Region 3 CDC Representative
VP of Operations, Inner City Christian Federation, Grand Rapids
What is the history/purpose of your organization, in one sentence?
Since 1974 ICCF has been serving the housing needs of Kent County families through the development of high quality affordable housing opportunities and excellent respectful housing counseling and homeownership education services.
What drives your passion for neighborhood/community and economic development?
Seeing neighborhoods and communities transformed by the development of high quality, architecturally sound, energy efficient, and sustainable housing energizes me every time I drive through the neighborhoods we serve. At the end of the day I can see the concrete results of our work! We are driven by three key values: respect, opportunity, and beauty. When we work and serve in a way that embodies these values our community and most importantly the people who live here experience this transformation. As a person of faith my call is to serve and to seek the good of my community…I can’t imagine a better way of fulfilling that responsibility.
Why do you love Michigan?
In Michigan you can have it all…dynamic urban environments, beautiful rural landscapes, and of course the Great Lakes. As a more or less life long Michigan resident the rhythm of my life is attuned to four distinct seasons, each of which is beautiful in its own right. While times are challenging now, we will always be “the Great State of Michigan!”
How do your family and/or community inspire your work?
I am continually inspired by the resiliency and verve of the people we are privileged to work with. Their energy and desire to better themselves and create a legacy for their family demonstrates the dignity they possess…I am privileged to play a small role in creating an environment that affirms that dignity, puts the necessary tools on the table, and encourages each one to take them up. Grand Rapids is a really exciting city to live in and lots of the leadership here “gets it.” My wife Linda is one of ICCF’s biggest fans; her support and patience make it possible for me to “be there” when I need to be.
What do you do in your free time (if it exists!)?
We spend a lot of time working on our house…no surprise to anyone who is also a home owner. We love outdoor activities including biking, going to the beach, hanging out in the city, and being with family. When time and circumstances permit there’s nothing like a good book…the real kind where you turn pages...our Friday night ritual almost always involves a movie and pizza at home. And, of course, that hallowed institution, the Sunday afternoon nap!