The Momentum Center in Grand Haven and Holland is a place where everyone can be fully visible and connected. We’ve worked with them for a few years, and we’ve loved getting to know the team and the Executive Director, Barbara VanHorssen. Barbara is passionate about growth and healing, and recognizes that everyone is broken in some way and needs a community to support them. And the Momentum Center is doing just that in West Michigan.
How it All Started
Barbara didn’t set out to create a nonprofit. She had previous experience in medical administration and her speaking career had just taken off when her son was diagnosed with schizophrenia. They spent 5.5 months in and out of the hospital and residential care, and Barbara had to find a job that allowed her to stay home to support him.
In 2015, Barbara began by working with a group of people who came together and wanted to make a difference in the community. They started by creating a safe space to have conversations, and it was called Extended Grace.
They quickly recognized the need for an ongoing physical community space where people were free to be themselves.
The Momentum Center is Born
In 2017, they changed the name to the Momentum Center and opened a physical space in Grand Haven. Since the beginning, The Center has provided a $1/year membership fee — a very affordable amount that eliminates the barrier to joining in on the important community, conversations, and connection. As they began to track their members’ experiences, Barbara says, “Our members experience a decrease in anxiety, depression, and stigma,” and that $1 actually equates to a value of $4, because of the decrease in the need for more costly medical services.
And the Momentum Center isn’t limited to those with extreme circumstances. It’s actually for everyone. “We’re all going through something at some point so we can all be members,” Barbara says.
And Barbara knew what it was like to have a loved one who struggled. She had watched as her child lost so many friends and connections. Barbara knew that an important part of regaining health after something like this is connection. At the Momentum Center, "I kept hearing echoes of my experience with my son over and over again. He became our first member.” And for the last 8 years, her son is stable and thriving, a member of the Momentum Center, and also the official “grillmeister” at many of their events.
Growth
More recently, the Momentum Center has opened a location in Holland as well, and provides other experiences such as local and international trips to help people gain new perspectives and provide fundraising support for ongoing programs. Across the Bridge is an event that brings leaders from Grand Haven and Muskegon to each other to address the divide just across the drawbridge. They also facilitate Civil Rights Road Trips to the southern United States and other local opportunities.
When asked what she loves most about the Momentum Center, Barbara didn’t hesitate saying, “The difference it makes.” Barbara is a results-oriented person. She says, “I’m not interested in just spinning my wheels. If we’re not having an impact, there’s no point.” And the Momentum Center really does make a difference!
Barbara Beyond the Momentum Center
When Barbara was little, she wanted to be a surgeon, then pivoted to social work. The root of all of her dreams? To help as many people as possible. After lots of self-reflection, she finally decided to pursue a degree in medical administration. After living through many cool experiences, including meeting a Lama in Tibet (not the Dali Lama), working with Habitat for Humanity in Korea, and meeting Jimmy Carter, she knew she was most passionate about growth and healing. Barbara says, "Recognizing that everybody is broken in some way, and trying to bring healing and restoration to people and relationships. That’s what I am most passionate about… that and chocolate”.
If you are interested in learning more about The Momentum Center, check out their website or stop by. They have locations in Holland and Grand Haven and know that you will always be welcome there. ♥️
