Community Stories

Annual Report, Community, Giving, Scholarships
Annual report highlight: Your teamwork
June 2024
Erich Heger, Teresa Heger, and Steve Vissia
The Heger Vissia Soccer Coaches Scholarship Fund celebrates a historic soccer season and a valued partnership of more than 20 years.
Annual Report, Grants
Annual report highlight: Your joy
June 2024
Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter
Bellwether Harbor Animal Shelter created the Seniors for Seniors Foster Cat Program to help more cats find homes and help more older adults benefit from the companionship and joy of having a pet.
Annual Report, Giving
Annual report highlight: Your legacy
June 2024
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. "They had huge, big hearts," said their son Garth. "I'm super proud of them."
Annual Report, Community, Grants
Annual report highlight: Your history
June 2024
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, the Heritage Museum of Newaygo County is spacious, bright, and a perfect combination of new and historic.
Annual Report, Community, Giving
Annual report highlight: Your hometown
June 2024
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.
Annual Report, Grants
Annual report highlight: Your time and talent
June 2024
Junior Achievement
Junior Achievement provides financial literacy and career readiness education to students of all ages. Local programming is support in party by grants from the Community Foundation. It is also made possible through volunteers like Jazmin.
Annual Report, Community, Giving, Our Next 75
Annual report highlight: Your impact
June 2024
Chad and Julie Burrell
Chad and Julie Burrell have deep roots in Hesperia and are keenly aware of local assets and needs. "There are so many opportunities here for people to be involved," said Julie.
Community, Giving
It's in your heart
May 2024
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 no called it home for more than a decade.
Giving
Giving and growing
May 2024
Horizon Bank
With a history stretching back 151 years, Horizon Bank has long understood the importance of community. A commitment to local involvement and a desire to get to know customers enhances that community feel.
Community, Grants
Care and wellness
May 2024
Family Health Care
Family Health Care is a community health center that takes community seriously.
Community, Giving
Leaving a little sunshine
November 2023
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. Creating the fund together was a way to help meet needs and care for their community. "It's investing in humanity," said Joan. "I'm leaving a little sunshine for someone down the road."
Giving, Scholarships
Continuing a family legacy
November 2023
Leckrone Family
Dorsey and Sally Leckrone were farmers, teachers, and parents of eight. Their family created a scholarship in their honor to support local graduates, particularly from Fremont Public Schools where Dorsey and Sally taught.
Community, Grants
Friendship across generations
November 2023
Grandfriends
A new program is giving Wellspring Adult Day Services an opportunity to make an even greater impact not just on their guests, but on others in the community as well.
Annual Report, Community, Giving, Our Next 75, Scholarships
Annual report highlight: Choosing to stay
June 2023
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. “I was obligated to two years, but we’ve stayed 40,” said Gerald.
Annual Report, Grants
Annual report highlight: Connecting to transformation
June 2023
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.
Annual Report, Giving
Annual report highlight: Connecting to education
June 2023
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.”
Annual Report, Community
Annual report highlight: Connecting to service
June 2023
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.
Annual Report, Community, Giving
Annual report highlight: Connecting to compassion
June 2023
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.
Annual Report, Grants
Annual report highlight: Connecting to conservation
June 2023
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.
Annual Report, Community, Giving
Annual report highlight: Connecting to community
June 2023
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.
Community, Giving, Our Next 75
A very full life
April 2023
Christie Pollock
Family and community are deeply important to Christie Pollock. The fund she created at the Community Foundation combines her love of family and community with a lifelong desire to give back.
Community, Giving
Honoring Aunt Glad
April 2023
Gladys Hindes
Over 55 years ago, Gladys Hindes heard a simple message from her pastor about a family in Hesperia who could use a friend. Her immediate, whole-hearted response created an enduring bond between two families.
Community
A refreshed plan
April 2023
Strategic plan updated
Throughout 2022, the Community Foundation developed an updated strategic plan to guide our work. Woven throughout is a focus on continuing to build trust and collaborations.
Community, Giving, Our Next 75, Scholarships
The best work
November 2022
Jack and Mary Butterick
Jack and Mary Butterick have traveled the world, but their hearts are in West Michigan. Service and working to be good neighbors have been hallmarks of their life together.
Community, Giving, Grants
Taking care of each other
November 2022
Farmworker Appreciation Day
Farmworker Appreciation Day is an annual opportunity to recognize those who play a critical role in our local economy and community.
Community, Giving, Our Next 75
Up-close experience with giving
November 2022
Greg and Christy Zerlaut
The Zerlauts are both Holton graduates who returned to the area after college. Their up-close experience with the Community Foundation through Greg's work here, made this a natural fit as a place to give.
Annual Report, Giving, Our Next 75, Scholarships
Annual report highlight: Making giving a habit
July 2022
David and Rhonda Byrne
Hope College has always been an important part of David and Rhonda Byrne's story. They met there and were even married by the school's chaplain, who offered advice they have followed ever since: start giving together and make it a habit.
Annual Report, Community, Giving, Scholarships
Annual report highlight: Four generations of generosity
July 2022
Crandell Family
The Crandell family has been a fixture in Newaygo County for 120 years. They have always made community a priority, through their work, volunteerism, and with a scholarship they created for Fremont and White Cloud graduates.
Annual Report, Grants
Annual report highlight: Removing barriers to employment
July 2022
Michigan Works! West Central
Unexpected expenses strained Timothy's finances just as his truck's tires were giving out. Michigan Works! West Central helped Timothy get new tires so he wouldn't have to miss work.
Annual Report, Giving
Annual report highlight: Protecting local lakes
July 2022
Bill Alsover
Every summer since 1949, Bill Alsover’s family relocated from their East Grand Rapids home to a cottage on Pickerel Lake. When Bill moved to the area full-time over a decade ago, he began to notice changes in the lake.
Annual Report, Community
Annual report highlight: Saving for the future
July 2022
Kickstart to Career
While the class of 2030’s graduation may seem far off, Kickstart to Career Newaygo County has been planning for it since before those students started kindergarten in 2018. The kids in this inaugural Kickstart class were the first to receive savings accounts seeded with $50 from the Community Foundation.
Annual Report, Giving
Annual report highlight: Meeting local needs
July 2022
Jeanne Leaver
Jeanne Leaver and her husband Bill created a donor advised fund at the Community Foundation because they wanted a sustainable way to support the area they were born in and returned to as adults. It was here they learned the importance of giving back through the example of their families and neighbors.
Annual Report, Grants
Annual report highlight: Helping people get to work
July 2022
Fremont Service Committee
Transportation is one of our area’s biggest barriers to employment. Classis Muskegon’s Fremont Service Committee helps fill the need by providing cars and repairs to local people trying to get to work.
Giving, Scholarships
Remembering a legacy
June 2022
Diane and Charles Hazen
When her husband passed away, Diane Hazen remembered his desire to help local students. She created a scholarship in his memory to support Hesperia graduates and continue his legacy.
Community, Giving, Our Next 75
Many ways to give
April 2022
Lindsay and Vonda Hager
Over the years, Lindsay and Vonda Hager have seen first-hand all the ways community members give back. They passed along that example to their daughters and live it out themselves.
Community, Grants
A safe space for healing
April 2022
Center for Hope and Healing
The new Center for Hope and Healing is the joint vision of Newaygo County Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect and Open Arms Child Advocacy Center. Together, the organizations provide an array of services to build stronger families and prevent abuse while also supporting children who have experienced abuse.
Community, Grants
Enhancing the White River Watershed
December 2021
Trout Unlimited
By bringing together partners from local landowners all the way up to federal agencies, Trout Unlimited is leading efforts to restore and protect the White River watershed.
Community, Giving, Our Next 75
Sharing opportunities
December 2021
Lou Deleguardia
Through his work as a financial advisor, Lou Deleguardia was aware of the Community Foundation as a resource for local giving. He decided to get involved and is now creating a fund to support recreation programs in Newaygo County.
Annual Report, Giving, Our Next 75
Paying kindness forward
July 2021
Jeff Clark and Lori Tubbergen Clark
Growing up in Newaygo County, Jeff Clark and Lori Tubbergen Clark remember often being on the receiving end of the giving and kindness of others. Now, they look for ways to pay that kindness forward.
Annual Report, Community, Giving, Our Next 75
Annual report highlight: Give
July 2021
Roger and Becky Tuuk
Roger and Becky Tuuk have grown to love many things about Newaygo County in their 40 years here. Through service and their donor advised fund, they find ways to give back to the causes and organizations close to their hearts.
Annual Report, Grants
Annual report highlight: Innovate
July 2021
West Central Michigan Horticultural Research, Inc.
In less than two years, the West Michigan Research Station went from a field and a dream to a collection of neat green and white buildings and a hum of activity.
Annual Report, Community, Grants
Annual report highlight: Nurture
July 2021
TrueNorth Community Services
As the pandemic started to take hold in March 2020, the staff at TrueNorth Community Services was sure of at least one thing: "As soon as schools closed, we knew it would have serious repercussions," said Mike Voyt, director of hunger prevention programs.
Annual Report, Community, Giving
Annual report highlight: Appreciate
July 2021
Art Sanders
In the early 1960s, a phone call from Bessie Slautterback—the Community Foundation’s first executive director—with news of a scholarship helped clear the way for Art Sanders to start dental school. It also inspired a deep desire to give back.
Annual Report, Grants
Annual report highlight: Play
July 2021
West Michigan Symphony Orchestra
Despite the pandemic, local students still had ways to learn and make music together virtually through the Link Up program.
Annual Report, Community, Giving, Our Next 75
Annual report highlight: Inspire
June 2021
Dawn Anderson
The idea that we can be inspired by the passions of others played out in Dawn Anderson's childhood in a Grant-area family actively involved in giving and service.
Giving
Philanthropy at work
May 2021
James and Jamie King
From family dinners in his childhood to his career as a museum director, James King has seen philanthropy at work throughout his life. The generosity they've witnessed has inspired James and his wife Jamie to find ways to give back to the places that are important to them.
Community, Grants
Enrichment with local impact
May 2021
Grant Public Schools
Grant Public Schools has the largest after school program in the county and staff are committed to providing creative enrichment opportunities that impact not only students and families but the surrounding community.
Community, Giving, Our Next 75
Finding ways to make an impact
March 2021
Don and Ann Bont
Over the years, Don and Ann Bont have shared a commitment to supporting their community however they can. Their donor advised fund at the Community Foundation provides an opportunity to make an even greater impact.
Annual Report, Giving, Our Next 75, Scholarships
Where connection happens
October 2020
Bill and Judy Johnson
When Bill and Judy Johnson designed their scholarship fund, they got creative. Instead of helping a student with just the first semester or year of college, they worked with the Community Foundation to set up a scholarship that follows one student all the way through.
Annual Report, Community, Grants
Where innovation happens
October 2020
Grow North
Entrepreneurs in rural areas face unique challenges, including difficulty connecting with others who are going through the same thing. To foster greater connection, The Right Place partnered with the Community Foundation and Northern Initiatives to create the Grow North series.
Annual Report, Community, Giving, Our Next 75
Where generosity happens
October 2020
John and Ailene Pugno
Despite chapters in their lives lived in other cities, John and Ailene Pugno always felt the pull of their hometowns. Now the couple is creating two funds through their estate plan to permanently support the community that holds their hearts.
Annual Report, Grants
Where healing happens
October 2020
Open Arms Child Advocacy Center
Until recently, local children who experienced abuse often had to face telling their story over and over to police, lawyers, investigators, and others. Now, at Open Arms Child Advocacy Center, children tell their story just once to a specially-trained interviewer in a child-friendly setting and have access to an array of supportive services.
Community, Grants
Support during a pandemic
September 2020
Women’s Information Service, Inc (WISE)
Imagine navigating a pandemic and stay-at-home orders when home is a dangerous place. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, WISE has continued serving local survivors of domestic and sexual violence, even as the organization quickly adjusted to new safety guidelines and contended with budget limitations.
Community, Grants
Teens take center stage
January 2020
Stage Door Players Youth Drama
The youth drama program at Stage Door Players is bringing together teens from around the county to learn about theater and acting while also building skills, overcoming fears, and gaining self-confidence.
Community, Giving, Grants
Dignity at the end
January 2020
Newaygo County Compassion Home
In the middle of a blizzard on icy roads, three local nurses drove to Lansing to tour a hospice home. They knew instantly they had to bring the concept back to Newaygo County. The Newaygo County Compassion Home was born in that blizzard, a dream of a warm home where people could complete their lives in dignity, comfort, and love.
Giving, Scholarships
Helping students get ahead
January 2020
Don and Sue Farmer
Don and Sue Farmer believe in the power of scholarships, so they created one at the Community Foundation. It's a way for them to help local students get ahead and a reflection of the couple's gratitude for the ways the Newaygo County community has impacted their lives.
Giving, Our Next 75, Scholarships
Starting now
December 2019
Tom and Char TenBrink
Tom and Char TenBrink talked about creating a scholarship someday through their estate plan. However, after learning about the Community Foundation's build-a-fund program, the adventure-loving couple decided to use it to start their scholarship now.
Giving, Our Next 75
Supporting scholar athletes
September 2019
Randy and Shari Paulsen
Randy and Shari Paulsen and their two sons all attended Fremont High School. Both boys were also involved in athletics, so Randy and Shari know first-hand how important sports can be to students. That's why they created a fund to support their alma mater and its athletics programs.
Giving, Our Next 75
Everyday philanthropists
September 2019
Mark Ramsey and Lola Harmon-Ramsey
Mark Ramsey and Lola Harmon-Ramsey are passionate about being involved in the community where they live, own a business, and raise a family. The Our Next 75 donor group at the Community Foundation gave them a simple, accessible way to invest in their community's future. "When I heard about it, I thought 'We can do that,'" said Lola. "For the first time, I thought maybe I can be a philanthropist."
Giving, Our Next 75
Giving back to those starting out
September 2019
Dawn Williams
In recognition of the community's support of her salon and knowing how difficult it can be to start out as a stylist, Dawn Williams created the Hair Station Fund at the Community Foundation. The fund supports an annual award that will help graduating cosmetologists from the Newaygo County Career-Tech Center get their start.
Annual Report, Giving, Scholarships
Annual report highlight: A heart for compassion
June 2019
Nicole Klomp and Mike Slaughter
Mike Slaughter, along with family and friends, created a scholarship in memory of his son Tyler. It was recently awarded for the first time to Nicole Klomp, a local social worker who shares Tyler's passion for being an advocate for people in crisis.
Annual Report, Giving
Annual report highlight: A heart for family legacy
June 2019
The Branstrom Family
Margaret Branstrom was not as public a figure as her husband, William Branstrom, but she was very much his partner in philanthropy. In addition to carrying on a family legacy of giving, the couple's grandchildren want to ensure Margaret's name is remembered alongside William's.
Annual Report, Grants
Annual report highlight: A heart for empowerment
June 2019
Circles Newaygo County
Krista Sellers knows that life can veer in unexpected directions. For her, Circles Newaygo County represented the opportunity to get back on track and do something different for her family.
Annual Report, Giving, Our Next 75
Annual Report Highlight: A heart for generosity
June 2019
Bob and Susanne Jordan
Early experiences watching their parents give deeply influenced both Susanne and Bob Jordan. They continued that mission in their lives together. "We've always had a heart for people who needed a helping hand," said Susanne.
Annual Report, Community, Giving
Annual report highlight: A heart for connection
June 2019
Dave and Lynne Robinson
Dave and Lynne Robinson have translated their deep connection to the community into volunteerism, board service, giving through the Community Foundation, and teaching the next generation about the power of philanthropy.
Annual Report, Community
Annual report highlight: A heart for people in crisis
June 2019
Newaygo County Central Dispatch
Thanks to local voters' approval of the 911 surcharge reinstatement and a program-related investment from the Community Foundation, Newaygo County Central Dispatch is looking forward to some much-needed technology upgrades.
Scholarships
Back to school for a better future
June 2019
Angie Bradley
When Angie Bradley was passed over for her dream job because it required a bachelor's degree, she knew she needed to make a change. An adult student scholarship from the Community Foundation is helping her go back to school to finish her degree.
Community, Giving
Making a lasting change
June 2019
Bill and Jeanne Leaver
Their careers took them around the country, but Bill and Jeanne Leaver always knew they would come back home to Newaygo County. Through volunteerism, community involvement, and their donor advised fund, the Leavers are committed to strengthening their community and giving back.
Giving, Grants
Filling the gaps
November 2018
MYOI and June Britt
Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative provides support, education, and training to current and former foster care youth as they transition to adulthood. But a gap in funding meant older participants, like Luke, would lose access to important resources. That’s where June Britt stepped in.
Giving, Scholarships
A family business giving back
November 2018
Pat and Kim Brown
As owners of Mighty Lube Systematic Lubrication, Pat and Kim Brown wanted to give back to the community that has been home to their family and business. They also wanted to encourage more local graduates to consider careers in vocational and skilled trades. With the scholarship they created, they’re doing just that.
Giving, Our Next 75, Scholarships
Making a difference
November 2018
Stuart and Kay Stone
When a band teacher took Stuart Stone under his wing, it helped foster a love of the arts that Stuart now shares with his wife Kay, their children, and their grandchildren. Stuart and Kay’s scholarship for other Grant graduates who have been involved in the arts is a way to celebrate a shared family interest, help local students achieve their goals, and give back to their community.
Community, Giving
Saving and dreaming for the future
November 2018
Kickstart to Career Newaygo County
After launching in March, Kickstart to Career Newaygo County officially got underway in fall 2018. The program is expected to serve more than 7,000 local students over the next 10 years.
Grants
Supporting learning for teachers and students
September 2018
Kagan Cooperative Learning Training
In August 2018, more than 100 Hesperia and Fremont teachers gathered for a three-day training that immersed them in new tools to support student engagement.
Annual Report, Giving
Annual report highlight: We can help
July 2018
Tom and Carol Bieberle
Getting involved in the community has always been a priority for Tom and Carol Bieberle. They created a fund at the Community Foundation as another way to give back and empower local individuals and families.
Annual Report, Grants
Annual report highlight: Flexible jobs for busy lives
July 2018
Digital Works
As a mom of three very busy girls, Dawn Ausema dreamed for years of finding a good job with plenty of flexibility. The Digital Works program helped Dawn achieve that dream with training for customer service jobs that can be done from home.
Annual Report, Grants
Annual report highlight: Getting students world-ready
July 2018
Quest Career Coach
Staff at Quest Educational Programs in Fremont work hard to help their alternative and adult education students complete high school and plan for what comes next. With support from a Community Foundation grant, Quest hired a career coach to provide extra support and help students apply for financial aid, college, trade schools, and jobs.
Annual Report, Community, Grants
Annual report highlight: Safe homes for local families
June 2018
Center for Nonprofit Housing
For many families, a major unplanned home repair can lead to financial hardship or even unsafe living conditions. That’s why the Center for Nonprofit Housing is committed to helping local people obtain and maintain safe housing through foreclosure prevention, counseling, and home repair assistance.
Annual Report, Giving, Trustees
Annual report highlight: A responsibility to the next generation
June 2018
Mike and Carolyn Hummel
During their careers as educators, Mike and Carolyn Hummel had a front-row seat to the impact that grants and scholarships can have. When Carolyn joined the Board of Trustees, the idea to create a fund of their own began to grow.
Annual Report, Giving, Scholarships
Annual report highlight: A place in the world
June 2018
Marcia and Gary Woods
Gary Woods loved maps. He began each year in his Hesperia classroom by drawing colorful world maps across the blackboard. Former students who went abroad often wrote to say that, thanks to him, they always knew exactly where they were in the world.
Annual Report, Community, Giving
Giving out of gratitude
February 2018
Bob and Bonnie Erber
After more than 40 years, Bob and Bonnie Erber are still full of enthusiasm for Fremont, the town that won them over with its safe neighborhoods and friendliness. Moved by gratitude, they have worked to give back through service, volunteerism, and a scholarship fund at the Community Foundation.
Community, Giving, Scholarships
A bright future
February 2018
Newaygo County Area Promise Zone
Last year, as Dr. Lori Tubbergen Clark talked about the Promise Zone at a parent meeting, she noticed a woman in the front row who seemed concerned. Lori paused for questions and the woman raised her hand. “It sounds too good to be true,” she said, struggling to believe someone was simply going to pay for her child’s college education. Assured there was no catch, the mother in the front row began to cry.
Community, Giving
Giving back
February 2018
Ben and Linda Landheer
Ben and Linda Landheer have both “been involved in an awful lot of things,” Ben said with a smile. Giving back was something he learned by watching his parents’ example as he grew up on a dairy and vegetable farm in Grant. "I was raised that way," he said. "I learned we need to share with others.
Giving, Scholarships
Honoring a son
January 2018
Mike and Tyler Slaughter
Tyler Slaughter was known for his bright smile, compassion, and whole-hearted dedication to the work he was doing at Newaygo County Mental Health. His father Mike–along with family, friends, and Tyler’s coworkers–created a scholarship for adult students to honor his life and legacy.
Community, Grants
Learning about life and art
November 2017
Positive Impact Through the Arts
Every week at the Artsplace, a program called PITA is giving young people in the court system a chance to be creative, build skills, and head in a more positive direction.
Giving
Supporting women starting over
November 2017
Betty Taylor
In honor of their mother Betty Taylor, sisters Holly Moon and Linda Meisling created a fund at the Community Foundation to support the wellbeing of local women, especially those who find themselves starting over.
Community, Grants
Journey out of poverty
September 2017
Circles Newaygo County
Through Circles Newaygo County, local individuals and families find the resources, connections, and encouragement they need to lead their own journeys out of poverty.
Annual Report, Community, Giving
Giving others an opportunity
July 2017
Julee Tellkamp
When someone thinks of a donor at a community foundation, a teenager starting college is probably not the picture that comes to mind. But while Julee Tellkamp was packing to move into a college dorm last fall, she was also preparing to create a fund at the Community Foundation.
Annual Report, Grants
Predicting floods before they happen
July 2017
Newaygo County Emergency Services
In 2014, the Muskegon River swelled to one of its highest levels on record, damaging hundreds of local homes. The remarkable speed at which the water rose revealed the vital importance of quick warnings.
Annual Report, Grants
Connecting art and literacy
July 2017
Newaygo Public Schools
Last spring, third and fourth graders from Velma Matson Upper Elementary in Newaygo excitedly welcomed a crowd of parents and grandparents to their very own book release party. It was the culmination of an innovative program incorporating drawing, reading, writing, and history.
Community, Giving, Scholarships
Blessed to be a blessing
June 2017
Brian and Diane Karsten
Although they live in Grand Rapids now, Brian and Diane Karsten have a special place in their hearts for Fremont. They created a scholarship to support deserving Fremont graduates as a way to give back to a community they feel blessed to have been a part of.
Scholarships
When possibility becomes reality
June 2017
Alyssa Greene
In 2013, Alyssa Greene of Hesperia received the Possibility! Scholarship, a special full, four-year scholarship from the Community Foundation. In May 2017, Alyssa graduated with her bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University and a bright future full of opportunity ahead of her.
Grants
Building skills and resilience
April 2017
SEEDS Youth Conservation Corps
Last summer, SEEDS Youth Conservation Corps gave local youth–many in foster care–the opportunity to gain job experience, build skills, earn money, and learn more about environmental stewardship and conservation.
Community, Giving, Scholarships
Sharing a family legacy
March 2017
Lois Brookhouse
Introduced to the importance of giving and service at a young age by her own parents, Lois Brookhouse followed their example and then passed down a family legacy of generosity.
Giving, Scholarships
Art and generosity
March 2017
Helen Myers
Helen Myers studied art in college and while she went on to a career in business, she is remembered as someone whose artistry showed through in everything she did. Now a scholarship fund created by Helen’s family in her memory supports young women who plan to study art and design.
Grants
Changing course
March 2017
Project 180
Newaygo High School Principal Jackie Knight and Assistant Principal Sarah Rodriguez developed Project 180 as a way to help students facing expulsion stay on-track to graduate while also redirecting them toward more positive, connected lives.
Community, Giving
A good place to be from
March 2017
Charles and Marilee Whitman
Charles and Marilee Whitman came to Michigan from Ohio, ultimately adopting Fremont as home. Their service in the community, as well as the fund they created at the Community Foundation, are examples of their belief in the importance of giving back more than you take.
Annual Report, Scholarships
Taking the next step
March 2017
Randi Koogler
When Randi Koogler’s job was downsized, instead of focusing on the problem, she recognized a chance for a new start. An adult student scholarship from the Community Foundation helped her take the next step.
Community, Giving
Connection to home
January 2017
Harold Kalsbeek
Helping was as much a part of Harold Kalsbeek’s nature as his work ethic and inquisitive mind. At age 95 he created an unrestricted fund at the Community Foundation to give back and to help community programs continue.
Giving, Scholarships
A sister act
November 2016
Sarah Coville and Emily Zoulek
Sisters Sarah Coville and Emily Zoulek both received Community Foundation scholarships and went into careers in healthcare. They created the Coville Scholarship to give back to future students from their hometown entering the medical field.
Community, Grants
A fresh start
October 2016
Fremont Service Committee
For more than 20 years, Classis Muskegon Ministries and its Fremont Service Committee’s car ministry has helped more Newaygo County residents achieve self-sufficiency and the opportunity to build a better life.
Community, Giving
Giving from the heart
September 2016
Nancy Deters
If anyone understands the importance of a healthy heart, it’s Nancy Deters. That’s why she used her donor advised fund to place AED machines at two local schools.
Community, Grants
Getting back on the water
September 2016
Bridgeton Township Boat Launch
Susan Reagan knew what it was like to be stuck on shore when she really wanted to be in her kayak. Along with a group of dedicated friends and neighbors, she found a way to make sure more local people can get back out on the water.
Community, Giving
A responsibility to give back
July 2016
Woody and Sue Bowman
Woody Bowman has spent 25 years in White Cloud, and he and his wife, Sue, are always on the lookout for ways to get involved and make a difference. Because for Woody, when a place becomes home, it becomes your responsibility to take care of it.
Community, Giving, Scholarships
Making home even better
May 2016
Doran Ditlow
In addition to a firm belief in education, Doran Ditlow learned from his parents that it was important to “leave things better than I found them.”
Community, Grants
The gift of sight
March 2016
Students in Need of Eyecare
When a Hesperia teacher asked her class to share what they were thankful for, one student wrote two little words that spoke of a big impact: “to see!”
Community, Giving, Scholarships
Embracing change
March 2016
Norm and Jane Reath
Jane Reath’s life has been characterized by a love for education and her willingness to accept change, embrace innovation, and face challenges with positivity.
Community, Giving
Beginning a tradition
January 2016
Wes and Melissa Miller
Just before the birth of their daughter Evie, Wes and Melissa Miller started a build-a-fund (and a family tradition) at the Community Foundation.
Annual Report, Community, Giving
Creating family legacy
December 2015
Stan and Joyce Beckman
Stan and Joyce Beckman remember Joyce’s parents, Reo and Bessie McMillen, as generous people who lived with integrity and faith. Now Stan and Joyce are passing down those values through the generations of their family.
Community, Giving
Celebrating a vibrant life
November 2015
Chad Hickman
Chad Hickman’s family created a fund in his memory as a way to give back to the community and to continue Chad’s legacy of inspiration and determination.
Community, Giving
Investing in people and community
September 2015
Don and Marsha Van Singel
To Don and Marsha Van Singel, giving back and investing in people is a natural response to the gift of living in a community they love.
Community, Grants
Enhancing community
September 2015
Grant Farmers Market
Not long ago, the home of the new Grant Farmers Market was just an empty lot. But with plenty of vision and hard work, a dedicated community gave the lot a new purpose and a role to play in the city’s future.
Giving, Scholarships
Growing family values
September 2015
Al and Marlene Karnemaat
Al and Marlene Karnemaat love what they do and see their family business as a calling. They established the Karnemaat Family Scholarship to help local young people train for their own rewarding careers.
Community
Ensuring a bright future
July 2015
Croton Township Library
Croton Township Library set up an agency endowment fund at the Community Foundation to ensure a promising future.
Annual Report, Community, Grants
Celebrating hardworking families
June 2015
Farmworker Appreciation Day
It has all the elements of a great celebration, but Farmworker Appreciation Day is more than just a party. Held each summer in Grant, the event is also an expression of gratitude to the migrant and seasonal workers in Newaygo County whose hard work is critical to local farmers and to the economy.
Community, Grants
Faithfully serving
May 2015
Alpha Family Center
The dedication and warmth of the staff and volunteers at Alpha Family Center can be a lifeline for clients who arrive scared and overwhelmed.
Giving, Scholarships
A lasting tribute
April 2015
Iris Davidson
Charles Davidson’s wife Iris and family established a scholarship fund in his memory as a meaningful, lasting way to honor his life and legacy.
Community, Giving
A legacy of giving
March 2015
Roger and Becky Tuuk
For Roger and Becky Tuuk, a donor-advised fund through the Community Foundation is a way to support the community they love and to honor the lessons they learned from their parents.
Community, Grants
Growing hope
January 2015
Love INC and Mistie Wolfenbarger
Mistie Wolfenbarger was ready to make positive changes in her life. The Growing Hope program at Love INC, funded in part by a Community Foundation grant, helped her take the next step.
Community, Scholarships
Building a future through education
January 2015
Alyssa Greene: Possibility! Scholarship
Alyssa Greene received the Possibility! Scholarship in 2013. This special full, four-year scholarship served as a springboard to the rest of her life.
Annual Report, Community, Giving
Protecting natural resources
October 2014
Newt Dilley and the White River
Newt Dilley’s passion for the White River inspired his daughter to start a fund to protect and preserve this natural resource.
Community, Giving
A gift that grows
April 2014
Jason and Kristin Brookhouse
For Fremont natives Jason and Kristin Brookhouse, creating a donor advised fund at Fremont Area Community Foundation was a way to demonstrate gratitude.
Community, Giving
Building a lasting legacy
April 2014
Maggie Bailey and Hesperia Community Library
Maggie Bailey loves her family, pets, flower gardens, and the Hesperia Community Library. Although she is in her 80s and no longer a regular physical presence at the library, she has made a donation every month for the last 10 years.
Annual Report, Giving, Scholarships
Determined to give back
April 2014
Joe and Abby Berger
Joe Berger is an offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings and in his tenth season in the NFL. But he’s also a Newaygo High School graduate who has not forgotten the important role his family and home community played in his success.