A place to feel at home—and live fully.

Our founder, Ebrima, came to the United States alone as a student in 2010. At Kalamazoo Valley Community College, an English instructor, Dr. Almeda, helped him understand not only the language, but the everyday rhythms of American culture. Peggy Rick, remembered with deep gratitude, opened her home to him during a transition, brought meals, and made sure he felt included.

That welcome stayed with him. While studying at Western Michigan University, Ebrima attended classes during the day and worked home-care shifts at night—an experience that deepened his respect for hard work and compassionate care. He earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting and economics in 2015.

Ebrima spent six years with Kellogg Company across several finance departments, first in Battle Creek and later in Grand Rapids—a move that brought him to the city in 2018. He also spent six years working in adult foster care at CLO, where he formed deep connections with the people he supported and realized he could create a home of his own. His wife—who completed her nursing studies at Grand Rapids Community College in 2025—encouraged him to take that step. Family members Bakusa, Mohamed, Sulayman, and Fatou remain closely involved—anchors in the work who help bring enrichment to each home.

Giddings AFC began around 2021 with one resident. By 2026, it had grown to serve 18 residents across three homes and had supported about 31 residents overall, including those who have since moved on—all while keeping the personal, family-centered care that shaped the first home.

Our purpose is to return the generosity our founder once received: to help each resident feel known, supported, and part of a community—and, one day, to build a foundation that extends that care to neighbors with fewer opportunities.