Justice For All: Faith Leaders and the Non-Violent Fight Against Poverty
April 10, 2025
A conversation at the intersection of faith, class, and politics as we reflect on our deepest religious and constitutional values and how to ensure a moral, ethical, and just democracy for everyone. In this dialogue, we explored the varied efforts of faith-based organizations working to alleviate the effects of poverty in West Michigan and discussed the proper roles of faith groups, government, philanthropy, and individual action in addressing poverty.
This event was hosted by the Hauenstein Center’s Common Ground Initiative in partnership with Grand Valley State University’s Kaufman Interfaith Institute.
Full Event Recording
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Speakers
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Shannon Jammal-Hollemans
Rev. Shannon Jammal-Hollemans grew up in an interfaith family here in west Michigan. She is a proud graduate of Grand Valley State University with her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies. She earned her Masters of Divinity from Calvin Theological Seminary, and as an ordained minister, worked in the fields of ecumenical and interfaith relations, racial and social justice, faith formation and global ministries at a denominational level for nearly a decade. She has taught classes at local Christian universities and high schools.
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Adrienne Goodstal
Adrienne Goodstal is an accomplished executive leader with over 15 years of experience in Faith based non-profit sector, currently serving as the Executive Director of North Kent Connect Under her leadership, North Kent Connect is on a path to make significant strides in helping families living in poverty find pathway to economic independence. Adrienne is deeply committed to ensuring all people are seen as having value and worth.
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Reggie Smith
Rev. Dr. Reginald Smith was born and raised on Chicago’s West Side in the North Lawndale neighborhood. He was very active in his home church, Unity Fellowship Missionary Baptist. He was educated in the Chicago Public Schools. He was the first in his family to go to college where he earned a Bachelors degree from Culver-Stockton College in History and Political Science in 1984. After working at Kirkland & Ellis law firm and Spiegel’s in Chicago, he felt the Lord calling him into ministry. He moved to Grand Rapids to attend Calvin Theological Seminary and earned his Masters of Divinity degree in 1992. He was ordained into the Christian Reformed ministry on March 14, 1994. Dr. Smith served churches in Chicago, IL and Paterson, NJ. He was the Senior Pastor of Roosevelt Park Community Christian Reformed Church from 1994 to 2015. In 2004, he obtained his Doctor of Ministry degree from Western Theological Seminary.