Task Forces of HMGR
Purpose
To mobilize the professional groups represented by each task force to exert leadership in more proactively supporting and strengthening the institution of marriage and the marriages of our community.
Mandate
- To identify ways in which each professional group may be unwittingly undermining marriage formation and stability.
- To develop specific recommendations for changes in policy and practice that will strengthen and stabilize marriages.
Rationale
- Marriage formation and marital stability are foundational building blocks for healthy communities.
- The decline of marriage is harming our citizens and our communities, particularly our children.
- Marriages succeed or fail not merely because of the attitudes and behaviors of individual partners, but also because of the degree to which the community and its leaders create a climate supportive of marriage formation and stabilization.
- Professional groups are highly influential leaders in shaping the cultural and social supports for marriage in the community.
- By mobilizing these community leaders, we can reverse the trend that is weakening marriage and in this way benefit our entire community, particularly our children.
African/American Task Force
- Rev. Samuel Moffett, Bethel Pentecostal Church
Education Task Force
- Appointment of co-chairs pending
Clergy Task Force
- Rev. Jerry Schreur, Calvary Church
- Rev. John Steigenga, LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed ChurchÂ
Judicial/Legal Task Force
- Hon. Patricia Gardner, Kent County Probate Court
- Hon. Joseph Scoville, United States Magistrate Court
Health/Mental Health Task Force
- Venesse Chandler, Family Outreach Center