Fuller House
Mentor Bio: Hannah
After graduating from Calvin with a degree in international development studies, Hannah spent 5 years working for different nonprofits and an international church in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In addition to being the Fuller House mentor, she works as the building and activity coordinator at Heartside Ministry, a community center in downtown GR that provides a safe place for neighbors (especially those experiencing homelessness) to hang out, complete their GED, express themselves creatively, and receive pastoral care, advocacy assistance, or have basic needs met. In her free time Hannah enjoys watching TV/movies, reading, swing dancing (specifically Lindy Hop), and attending or volunteering at neighborhood and city-wide events.
What's unique about the house?
The Fuller House joined Project Neighborhood in 2013 and is located in what used to be the parsonage of Fuller Avenue CRC. The house is adjacent to the famous and deliciously tempting Hall Street Bakery and is a short walk away from many of the great restaurants and shops in Eastown. Being the closest Project Neighborhood House to Calvin (3.3 miles), biking and busing to school usually takes less than 30 minutes. The house has space for five students and a mentor family. The large dining room table and cozy fireplace are some favorite places to spend time with housemates, neighbors, and friends. Five students, along with the mentors, can live in Fuller.
What's interesting about your neighborhood?
The Boston Square Neighborhood is a vibrant community. The neighbors are friendly and spending time walking outside or sitting on the large front porch during nice weather is an easy way to meet new friends. Many church members live in the neighborhood and often stop by to say hello and occasionally bring treats. Hall Street Bakery is a favorite study spot for many. For outdoor activities, the tennis and basketball courts in Martin Luther King, Jr. Park are just minutes away and always busy during the warmer months.
What partnership opportunities exist in your neighborhood?
Fuller House is partnered with Fuller Ave. CRC. There are many ways for students to get involved in the church through worship, community dinners, youth groups, Bible studies, and weekly family nights. The church is also involved in Kids Hope USA, a program that connects mentors with elementary students at a local school. For those interested in gardening, the Green Sprawl Urban Garden is located next door and is a great way to socialize with neighbors and get some fresh produce. Oakdale Neighbors and Boston Square Community Bikes are just down the street and are other great ways to get involved in the neighborhood.
