Supporting All Neighbors of All Ages

“I believe the Lord took us to this program.” 

Derrick and Willvany Polanco have lived in West Michigan for ten years. Willvany has been a stay-at-home mom for their three children: Devanny (9), Sarah (6), and Jose Daniel (2). Derrick worked full-time and his job did not allow him to see his children often. Derrick decided to start his own trucking business for a more flexible schedule and increased family time; however, the trucking business was unable to find traction and the Polanco family started to feel the financial strain. This led them to Streams.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Polanco family heard about the Streams drive-thru Food Center. They were able to get quality food and diapers for their young kids in order to ease the stress of feeding their three children. They continued to shop at the Food Center when they were unable to afford groceries. 

One day, Willvany dropped off Devanny and Sarah at school and was going to run to the Food Center at Streams. However, she needed gas to get there. After pulling up to the pump, Willvany checked her bank account. There wasn’t enough to get gas. Frustrated and losing hope, she said a quick prayer to God. She needed to make her food pantry appointment; her family needed groceries. She checked her bank account again. Somehow, she had enough money for gas!

Willvany’s side business–selling goods online–had made a sale against all odds. Her payment only arrived after the products reached the buyer. This buyer was in California, and it was impossible that the pallet had shipped in a day—but Willvany knew what happened: God had provided; she could make her food center appointment and bring groceries home.

At the food pantry, a Food Center employee asked Willvany if she’d like a Thanksgiving basket for her family. She gladly accepted. She would be able to provide groceries and a Thanksgiving dinner for her family. Reflecting on the story, Willvany recalled that all she could think was “God is so good.”

Another way the Polanco family utilized Streams was when Devanny, their oldest child, was struggling in school. They were referred to the free math and reading tutoring program through Streams. When asked about the tutoring program, Devanny said, “It’s not like doing homework, it’s actually fun!”

Additional Streams programs allowed the Polanco children to learn and grow. Last year, Devanny and Sarah joined the GEMS program in order to learn more about Jesus, play games, and make relationships centered on the Lord. A few months later, the whole family joined in for the Streams summer camp. They are unable to go on vacations very often, so summer camp was a perfect opportunity for their kids to be outdoors together, try out new sports, and make new friends.

Currently, Willvany and Derrick are part of the Thrive program at Streams, which empowers neighbors through financial literacy training. During Thrive classes, their three children take advantage of the childcare that’s offered for all Thrive participants. Derrick now works full-time at a local job that allows him to see his kids often, and Willvany is working part-time. However, she already has plans for 2024.

“I’m going to go to school to become a social worker,” said a smiling Willvany. “I want to help families, just like Streams and the Grand Rapids community helped us when we were struggling.”

We are so happy to serve families like the Polanco family through our programs that provide practical resources to all age groups and entire families. To support this important work, you can donate at streamsgr.org/give or send a check to Streams at 280 60th St. SE, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, MI 49548.