Erich Heger, Teresa Heger, and Steve Vissia

The Heger Vissia Soccer Coaches Scholarship Fund celebrates a historic season and a valued partnership of more than 20 years.

After Erich and Teresa Heger moved to Fremont in the early 2000s, a coworker introduced Erich to the high school’s soccer coach Steve Vissia. Erich became the assistant coach and has worked with the varsity programs ever since.

“Steve opened that door for me, and it’s been a life changer,” said Erich.

“It’s been lifechanging for both of us and for so many kids,” added Steve. “Erich has touched so many lives.”

The boys’ varsity team celebrated its most successful season on record in 2023. It felt like the right time to reveal Erich’s idea for a scholarship. “That was a special group and a special season,” he said. “It was the perfect year to create the scholarship fund.”

The scholarship will be awarded annually to members of the boys and girls varsity teams. The Hegers know first-hand how impactful scholarships can be. Their daughters received scholarships from the Community Foundation and other organizations. “After having received like that, we want to give back,” Erich said.

“We have a lot of gratitude,” said Teresa. “We also wanted to recognize Steve for his leadership and community involvement. Erich and Steve give to the community together, and this scholarship is a great way to honor that.”

Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter

Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter created the Seniors for Seniors Foster Cat Program as a way to address two problems: too many older cats lingered in shelters waiting for homes, and many older adults were missing out on the companionship of a pet because of concerns that kept them from adopting.

Through this innovative program, older adults are matched with a cat to foster. Costs like food, veterinary care, and other necessities are covered. Bellwether staffers Linda Vaughn and Joy Goodall visit once a month for checkups and are on-call for concerns between visits. Cat parents also know that if they can’t care for their pet—during a hospital stay, for example—their cat will be provided for and kept safe at Bellwether.

“The program has really taken off,” said Linda. “It’s rewarding to see cats in homes and flourishing.”

Seniors for Seniors—which is supported by grants from the Bridging Generations Fund—also makes an impact on human participants. “Having a cat brings our older adults so much joy and gives them a sense of purpose,” said Joy. “Some tell us they have a reason to get out of bed every morning now.”

“We love to see how well the seniors and cats are doing together,” added Linda. “It makes us really happy to know we are making a difference in their lives.”

The Deur Family

Lou and Bev Deur served in their church and on local boards, welcomed visitors, and made giving a top priority throughout their lives. Their outlook made a lasting impression on their children Jonell Pettinga, Eric Deur, Christopher Deur, and Garth Deur. “I’ve been a serial volunteer,” Garth remarked with a smile. “My siblings too.”

That drive to give and lend a hand is part of a legacy passed down from Eugene Deur, Lou’s father and Garth’s grandfather. Eugene founded Deur Chevrolet and actively served his community. “Grandpa was always very involved in the community,” said Garth. “I don’t think Dad ever realized it was an option not to be.”

After Bev passed away in 2018 and Lou in 2022, Garth went through three years of Lou’s check registers, making a long list of every charity he had supported. The family partnered with the Community Foundation to direct estate gifts to the organizations on the list and create two new endowment funds. “Dad always respected the people who worked at the Community Foundation,” said Garth. “He thought charity should be done well and professionally.”

Their gifts and the funds they created will help ensure that Lou and Bev continue to be a force for good in their home community for generations to come.

“They had huge, big hearts,” said Garth. “I’m super proud of them.”

Heritage Museum of Newaygo County

If you haven’t been to the museum in downtown Newaygo in a few years, then you haven’t been to the museum. After a dramatic renovation and rebranding, the Heritage Museum of Newaygo County is spacious, bright, and a perfect combination of new and historic. It features engaging exhibits, multi-functional meeting spaces, a gift shop showcasing local art, and more.

“We want to be a center for the community,” said Steven Radtke, executive director. “We’re proud of creating a space everyone can engage in and where everyone can come to learn.”

The museum highlights some of the most significant events, features, and industries in Newaygo County’s history. Adults and students are also welcomed regularly for classes, lectures, and educational programs. A 2023 grant from the Community Foundation helped fund more interactive displays.

“There’s a perception that history has no relevance to today or that museums are old and uninteresting,” said Steven. “We’re working to combat that. We’re breaking apart the idea of a dusty, old museum.”

Steven brought a lifelong love of history to his position in 2018, along with extensive experience in exhibit design. “When this job came up, it was right up my alley,” he said. “It’s been rewarding to work with the community, be part of the community, and make something that the community can be proud of.”

Dale and Sue Twing

White Cloud has always been the home of passionate, hard-working people who care for their families and their community. Dale Twing’s family has been there since the 1880s, and he and his wife, Sue, continue to be a part of that White Cloud legacy.

“People are what make a community, and this is a community you need to get involved in because it’s so small,” said Sue. “We have a commitment to it.”

Sue and Dale have owned several businesses and served on multiple boards and committees. Dale is also Newaygo County’s longtime drain commissioner and a former Community Foundation trustee. They are passionate about parks and lakes, giving second chances, and supporting the local autism community.

“There are a lot of ways to help out there,” said Dale. “You just need to get people engaged. You can’t always fix what’s happening nationally, but you can help your neighbor.”

One of the many ways the Twings have gotten involved is by using their fund at the Community Foundation to further support what they’re passionate about. “It’s been very fulfilling,” said Sue. “We want to help and reach out to people.”

“We have been blessed, so we should give back,” added Dale. “We’ve been immersed in the community, and if I’m in, I’m in all the way.”

Junior Achievement

On a sunny morning, Jazmin Vanderwall sat in a classroom at Croton’s Newaygo County Child Development Center surrounded by eager preschoolers. “What is a safe place to put money you earn?” Jazmin asked. They talked about piggy banks and wallets then banks and credit unions. “This is one of the most rewarding things I do,” Jazmin shared later.

Jazmin is the manager of Independent Bank’s Newaygo branch and visits classrooms as a volunteer with Junior Achievement (JA). JA provides financial literacy and career readiness education to students of all ages. Local programming is supported in part by grants from the Community Foundation.

It is also made possible through volunteers like Jazmin who present material ranging from basic concepts to more advanced topics like buying a car.

“Through volunteers, we can present curriculum with a local lens,” said Nate Blue, district manager for JA. “It’s a real adult from your town sharing why this knowledge matters.”

Whether Jazmin is speaking to preschoolers in Croton or eighth graders in White Cloud, she is passionate about helping equip kids for a healthier financial future.

“It’s important kids understand money doesn’t come from a magic well,” said Jazmin. “Where money comes from, saving, and building credit safely—those are conversations that need to start at an early age.”

Chad and Julie Burrell

Chad and Julie Burrell have deep roots in Hesperia. In fact, Chad’s family has been there for multiple generations. After he and Julie got married, they returned to the area so they could raise the next generation there. “It was always our goal to come back to this area and raise our family where we grew up,” said Julie.

As busy, longtime residents, the Burrells are keenly aware of local assets and needs. “There are so many opportunities here for people to be involved,” said Julie. “It’s important to me to try to make a positive difference.”

The Burrells are active in many facets of community life. In Julie’s position as senior economic development director in Newaygo County, she works closely with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and business owners. She was also recently elected to the Community Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

Another way the Burrells have gotten involved is by joining Our Next 75. “We chose to partner with the Community Foundation because of its reputation,” said Julie. “It’s a trusted organization and it gives us the ability to make a bigger impact. Through the Community Foundation, our gift turns into a lot more.”

Bill and Karen Nottelmann

One day on a drive, Bill and Karen Nottelmann saw a sign for Croton Dam and decided they should check it out. They had never heard of Croton before then, but they have now called it their full-time home for more than a decade. “We love the natural beauty and the low-key neighborhood,” said Bill.

“I love living rural,” added Karen. “We’re so impressed with this area and the quality of people here.”

The Nottelmanns wasted no time getting involved in their new community. Bill has served on the township board and as a reserve police officer in Newaygo. Karen is a founder of Hope 101, which provides housing and other services to those experiencing homelessness. “The staff and volunteers work so hard,” said Bill. “They have had some great success stories.”

Their involvement with Hope 101 also introduced them to the Community Foundation. They are now two of the newest members of Our Next 75.

Why is giving important to you?
Karen: Giving is what Jesus taught us to do and to be, to care for others. We think it’s biblical that you give, but to us it’s more than that too. It’s in your heart.

Why give through the Community Foundation?
Karen: I have been so impressed with the Community Foundation. It’s such a good way to give because someone manages it and does it so well. We trust them and we love what they do.

Horizon Bank

With a history stretching back 151 years, Horizon Bank has long understood the importance of community. “We see ourselves as a local community bank,” said Tom Rowland, Horizon Bank’s market president of the north region. “We have all the programs of a big bank but with a small-town feel.”

A commitment to local involvement and a desire to get to know customers enhances that community feel. Lynette Goodin-Belknap, Fremont branch manager, grew up in Newaygo County. “We genuinely care about our customers,” she said. “We like getting to know them. Here they can come in and know we’re going to take care of them.”

Founded in Indiana in 1873, Horizon Bank expanded into Michigan in 2003 and now has branches as far north as Charlevoix. They have had a branch in Fremont for two years, and for two years they have made generous donations to the Newaygo County Economic Development Fund at the Community Foundation.

Supporting economic development felt like a natural fit for the bank. “We want to see businesses and the economy grow,” said Tom. “That goes hand-in-hand with banking. A healthy economy makes a community grow. Economic
growth and development is what we’re about.”

Making giving a priority is a point of pride for the bank but also for individual staff members.

“The people who work here are very proud of giving back to the community,” said Lynette. Last year on Veterans Day, the bank closed and staff chose local volunteer projects that everyone could participate in for the day.

“We want to give back to the community,” said Tom. “That’s why we give to organizations like the Community Foundation. It’s important to us because giving is in our blood.”

Family Health Care

Family Health Care is a community health center that takes community seriously.

“Our staff live here, they know the area,” said Dr. Sarah Weers, family medicine physician at the White Cloud clinic. “It’s our community serving our community.”

Family Health Care is the oldest community health center in Michigan and one of the oldest in the United States. In Newaygo County—with locations in White Cloud and Grant—patients can access medical, vision, dental, and behavioral health services along with pharmacy, x-ray, and labs.

“Transportation is a barrier for so many in our area,” said Sarah. “What could be three stops somewhere else can all be done at once here.”

They have also made care more accessible for their youngest and oldest patients. They operate clinics inside several schools across the region and offer services specifically for homebound older adults. “We’re always looking for ways to help,” said Julie Tatko, president and CEO of Family Health Care.

As a nonprofit organization, philanthropy is especially important in Family Health Care’s work. They rely on grants and other funding to enhance services. Past grants from the Community Foundation have helped fund a new x-ray machine, dental spaces, and respite programs. Family Health Care also has endowment funds at the Community Foundation to support their work.

“Philanthropy can make a significant difference,” said Julie. “Everything gets poured back into the community and our mission. It gives us the opportunity to fill in the gaps. We want to make care as easy, accessible, and affordable as possible.”

“We take a lot of pride in taking really good care of our patients,” said Sarah. “I love coming to work every day
and building relationships with my patients.”

Joan and Cathy Obits

The Eagle Fund grew out of an idea Cathy Obits first mentioned on an evening walk with her mother, Joan Obits. Joan moved to the area in 1954, and Cathy has lived here her whole life outside of her military service. They love the people, the open country, and the light traffic, and they both believe strongly in giving back. Creating a fund together was a way to help meet needs and care for their community.

“It’s not that we have much to give,” Joan explained. “We just give little by little, and the fund keeps growing.”

Because their fund was created near both of their birthdays, “It was like our birthday present,” said Joan. “It makes me happy. And if I can make someone else happy, or ease their life a little, I want to. I like happy, for myself and for others.”

“It’s fun to give and to know that you’re helping,” said Cathy. “You may not even know the people who benefit, but you know you’re helping. If we can give someone a leg up or help them have a life that’s a little better than they had before, we want to do that.”

Creating the fund at the Community Foundation was a way “for our gift to go on in perpetuity,” said Cathy, and a way to invest in the future of their community.

“It was a good place to start,” added Joan. “It’s investing in humanity. I’m leaving a little sunshine for someone down the road.”

Leckrone Family

Dorsey and Sally Leckrone were farmers, teachers, and parents of eight. They made sure there were always magazines, books, and other reading material available at home and instilled a strong belief in
the importance of education in their children.

Their son Donald Leckrone noted that education was something of a family calling. At least four of his father’s siblings were teachers, as were several of Donald’s siblings. From teaching and seminary to nursing, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship, the Leckrone siblings “did not lack for get up and go,” said Donald. “Keeping the 85 billion neurons in your cranium active is healthy. Your mind needs stimulation—your spirit as well—and that gray matter has to be exercised.”

The Leckrone family has also had connections to the Community Foundation since its earliest years. Donald’s younger siblings received scholarships to attend Interlochen Center for the Arts. Donald also received financial help to attend college and seminary, and his first job in 1955 was to run the projector on Wednesdays for a Bessie Slautterback-inspired program at the Community Foundation.

“All eight of us kids benefitted from the Community Foundation in one way or another,” said Donald.

Those connections remained over the decades as Donald began to donate to the Community Foundation whenever he was able. Later, a story about a scholarship created in memory of his classmate Richard Crandell sparked a new idea. “The thought occurred to me that we could do the same to memorialize our parents,” he said.

Together, the Leckrone family created the Dorsey and Sally Leckrone Family Scholarship to support local graduates, particularly from Fremont Public Schools where Dorsey and Sally taught. The scholarship was awarded for the first time this spring, with several family members making the trip back to Newaygo County for the ceremony.

“We want to help a student who may not have the means otherwise to further their education,” said Donald. “We’re paying it forward.”

Grandfriends

Since 2016, Wellspring Adult Day Services has provided a safe place for older adults to socialize while offering respite for their regular caregivers. Housed at Reeman Christian Reformed Church, Wellspring guests enjoy conversation, lunch, and a balance of stimulating activities and rest. Programming combats social isolation and helps guests stay active and healthy.

A new program has given Wellspring an opportunity to make an even greater impact not just on their guests, but on others in the community as well. They partnered with Fremont Christian Schools and the Community Foundation’s Bridging Generations Fund to create Grandfriends.

Through Grandfriends, eighth graders from Fremont Christian School join Wellspring once a month for lunch, stories, and activities. Participants are matched based on similar interests, and the small groups play games, talk, do crafts, and teach each other. Before the monthly activities began, Wellspring staff also visited the school to teach students about the aging process, memory loss, and what to expect on their first visit.

“Our guests’ social circles continue to grow smaller as they age,” said Allie Maat, Wellspring’s program director. “This program gives them the opportunity to expand their circle and make new friends and new memories. It gives our guests something joyful to look forward to, and it is so great to see the compassion the youth have developed for our guests.”

Staff has watched friendships, empathy, and understanding grow across the generations. They write letters, share stories, and have even attended school functions together.

“We have seen the perception of each generation change, having more acceptance and empathy as well as an increase in understanding and respect,” said Allie. “The most rewarding part of the program has been to witness the building of these intergenerational relationships. As they gain a greater understanding of the different generations, we feel this builds a stronger community.”

Gerald and Suzanne VanWieren

As part of Dr. Gerald VanWieren’s commitment to the National Health Service Corps, he had to work in a high-need community after medical school. He and his wife Suzanne, a family nurse practitioner, chose Grant. Used to high doctor turnover, patients often asked how long they planned to stay.

“I was obligated to two years, but we’ve stayed 40,” said Gerald.

“We like small town life,” said Suzanne. “We like having those connections with people, and we’re rural but not very far from the city.”

The VanWierens raised their children here, love local trails and rivers, and are active volunteers. Suzanne served on Grant’s school board for 10 years and Gerald is a trustee of the Bridging Generations Fund at the Community Foundation.

As members of Our Next 75, the VanWierens have also given to the Maynard and Lavina DeKryger Scholarship. Their support honors the DeKrygers, who were mentors to them, and helps local graduates attending medical school.

“We’re not just here to amass material goods,” said Gerald. “We would like to leave the world a better place. We’re grateful for what we’ve received and want to return it.”

Love INC

Love INC offers many services, including a food pantry, resale store, and help center which connects people with the appropriate resources. Most importantly, however, it’s a place where transformation begins.

“We’re helping people go from just surviving to thriving,” said Traci Slager, executive director. “A lot of people feel very stuck, and we help them see life through a different lens.”

Love INC’s Transformational Ministry programs, supported in part by grants from the Community Foundation, help individuals and families make lasting changes and regain hope. Participants learn about budgeting, job skills, setting healthy boundaries, and more. They are also matched with mentors. “We always say that we’re not just giving people resources, we’re trying to build resources in people,” said Traci.

With the support of local church partners and a host of dedicated volunteers, Love INC is working to expand their Transformational Ministry and develop new initiatives to meet other community needs.

“The most rewarding part of our work is the freedom we see in people as they’re completing these programs,” said Traci. “They used to feel trapped and hopeless and didn’t see their situation being any different in the future. Now we can see the weight lifted off them. They’re starting to find a way out.”

Tim and Peggy Rossler

After Tim Rossler volunteered in his mother’s Head Start classroom in college—where he was studying business—he began picking up education electives and ultimately became a teacher and superintendent. For Peggy Rossler, a love of education started even earlier with a kindergarten teacher she adored. “Teaching was my dream from then on,” she said. “And I got to live my dream. It wasn’t always easy, but it was wonderful.”

Tim and Peggy are retired now, but they are still just as passionate about education. Their three sons are educators, Tim serves on the Promise Zone board, and Peggy, a Community Foundation trustee, is chair of our Education Committee. The couple also used our build-a-fund program to create the Tim and Peggy Rossler Fund for Early Literacy.

“Kids who are read to, talked to, and sung to when they’re young have a better chance of success,” said Peggy. Their hope is that the fund can provide books and learning materials for the area’s youngest residents. It’s also part of a long-standing Rossler family goal: Leave the world around you a little better.

“If you’re going to be part of the community, you have to contribute to the community,” said Tim. “You have to try to make it a better place.”

Emma Kartes

As a member of the Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Committee (YAC), Emma Kartes spent her first year quietly observing. “Then I started getting more comfortable speaking up,” she said. “I learned about communication. I learned that when you take on a leadership role, it’s not just being in charge. It’s making sure everyone is supported and knows that I feel confident in them. I use that all the time now.”

Today, as a college student, Emma is using her skills as she majors in public and nonprofit administration. She is also involved with the Nonprofit Leadership Student Alliance on campus and has an internship with the Council of Michigan Foundations. She has consulted with organizations, written grants, and helped guide giving campaigns. In her internship, Emma provides leadership for statewide youth philanthropy programming.

“I always knew I wanted to do good work for a good reason,” she said. “Being in YAC helped me begin to professionalize my interest in the nonprofit sector.”

Growing up in Newaygo County also served as early inspiration. “Seeing how involved people were in supporting each other, especially youth, made me want to get involved too,” said Emma. “I feel very lucky. All the support I got from the community made me want to give back.”

Newaygo County Compassion Home

Where some saw an eyesore, Newaygo County Compassion Home saw potential. While the hospice home began serving guests in 2018 at a donated house in White Cloud, they also began renovating a larger building in Fremont that had been empty for years. Today, it is a spacious, comfortable home where guests can complete their lives with dignity, surrounded by care.

“The end of life is part of living,” said Diane Rudholm, executive director. “We want to help people transition peacefully and gracefully. We want it to feel like home.”

Thanks to a devoted board and staff—including support dog Darla—the Compassion Home has served over 245 people, including more than 155 since moving to their new location in 2021. All services are free to guests and families, so the organization relies on donations and local support. “It’s a gift from the community to the community,” said Dr. Douglas Johnson, board president.

To provide additional long-term support, the Compassion Home created an endowment fund at the Community Foundation last year. “It will provide sustainability in the future,” said Diane. “It also provides another way for people to give. We are so grateful for the support of the community.”

Land Conservancy of West Michigan

Conservation is future-focused work. It requires deliberate, ongoing action. Habitats don’t improve overnight, and forests take decades to grow.

“Some restoration projects take a long time to show us the signs they are working,” said Kim Karn, executive director of Land Conservancy of West Michigan.

The Land Conservancy specializes in the long-term commitment that caring for natural areas requires. One of their newest projects is the McDuffee Creek Nature Preserve in northern Newaygo County. Multiple partners, including the Community Foundation,
supported the purchase of the property. Now, the Land Conservancy is also planning for amenities, like boardwalks and signage, and habitat restoration.

“Our goal is to manage the preserve with an eye toward creating and maintaining climate resilient and biodiverse landscapes,” said Kim. “We want to see the restored habitat thriving. We envision anglers, hikers, birders, and more using the preserve as a destination for nature exploration.”

While work like restoring the preserve’s oak savanna will take time, the Land Conservancy celebrates milestones along the way, like rare birds or insects returning to a once-degraded area. “How rewarding it is to know that we helped usher those conditions back!” said Kim. “To do so alongside members of the community, who volunteer their support in all manner of ways, makes it even more special.”

The Gorsky Family

Four of six Gorsky siblings moved to Newaygo County in the early 1970s with their parents, Al and Loretta. They graduated from high school, then spread out across the country for college, military service, and careers. Yet this area kept drawing them back.

“We have kept these connections for the 50 years since,” said Therese Gorsky Cosan.

“We could go anywhere in the world, but we choose to be here because it’s special,” said Alex Gorsky.

Older brother Jim Gorsky used to visit but never lived here until several years ago. “I realized I had only scratched the surface before,” he said. “There are so many people to meet here, really goodhearted people.”

Several family members live here full-time now, and the others love to visit regularly. They all follow Al and Loretta’s example of seeking out ways to give back and get involved.

The Gorskys have been instrumental in the resurrection of Waters Edge Golf Course, inspired by their father’s vision and the prospect of creating jobs and recreational opportunities. They also created an endowment fund together at the Community Foundation as part of the family’s ongoing commitment to the area.

“We are so fortunate in this community,” said Alex. “But it’s because people have made the effort to get involved. Giving back is our responsibility.”

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