The Roberson Family

Isabelle Roberson loves the color red, the Detroit Tigers, and telling knock-knock jokes. When you ask how her day is going, she always gives the same answer: “it’s the best day ever.”

“Sometimes I have a hard day at school, but it doesn’t stay that way,” said Isabelle. “You can turn it around.”

When Isabelle’s parents, Joe and Amy Roberson, created a fund at the Community Foundation, it was wholly inspired by their daughter and her steadfast positivity. They set up the Isabelle Roberson “Best Day Ever” Fund to support activities for people with disabilities. The Robersons wanted to help other kids have some of the same great experiences that Isabelle—who lives with a rare genetic condition—has had. They also wanted to encourage other families.

“Having our family when we did in Newaygo County, we had so much support,” said Amy. “I’m so grateful. We didn’t feel isolated.”

“We would love to recreate our experience for others,” added Joe, who is a former Community Foundation trustee. “Every little bit helps. Every time you find another resource, you think ‘I can do this. I’m not alone.’ We hope people will see this fund and know there are others who understand. That can soothe anxiety and drive hope.”

Vera’s House

The red door on Justice Street in Newaygo is no accident. In the Episcopal tradition, a red door is a sign of welcome. Behind this door, next to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, anyone in need can find soup and a loaf of bread. It’s part of the mission of Vera’s House, a ministry of St. Mark’s.

“Our vision is for Vera’s House to be a place of healing and wholeness for the community,” said Mother BJ Heyboer, rector of St. Mark’s. “Our programs have been described as lifelines for people.”

Vera’s House is home to the Women in Transition support group and connects people to counseling through Project Illuminate. They also offer food through their Justice Street Pantry programs. In addition to the soup and bread, dedicated volunteers run Groceries to Go. On Friday afternoons, people can pick up a bag of meal ingredients and a recipe card. Each program has received grant support from the Community Foundation.

“There’s no one person who makes all this happen,” said Mother BJ. “It takes the efforts of many: the people who volunteer and the program participants. Each one is important. We tell everyone who comes that we’re grateful to be in community with them. We want this to be a place of gratitude for each other.”

Jim and Jan Tuman

Jim Tuman spent years traveling as a motivational speaker in schools. Even when he returned home to the Detroit area, he kept working to help kids. The organization he created—Jimmy’s Kids—has gathered school supplies, food, Christmas gifts, and more for children and families since 1988.

“Jim experienced a lot of trauma as a young person,” Jan Tuman, Jim’s wife, shared. “He felt like he could reach kids in those situations because he had been there.”

After Jan and Jim married, they divided their time between Detroit and White Cloud, Jan’s hometown. While they had their work with Jimmy’s Kids in Detroit, they also wanted a way to help students here. “Jim knew I loved the kids here,” said Jan, who worked for White Cloud Public Schools for more than 30 years.

The Tumans decided to create a scholarship at the Community Foundation for White Cloud graduates. Tragically, Jim passed away in 2025, before the first scholarship could be awarded. The scholarship will now be part of the legacy of kindness Jim worked to build in Michigan and beyond.

“It can live on for him,” Jan said. “If you can be kind, if you can help, why wouldn’t you? That was Jim. We both had a heart for young people, and there’s nothing better than seeing them succeed.”

Newaygo County Environmental Coalition

Whether you’re new to the area or have lived here all your life, the Newaygo County Environmental Coalition (NCEC) wants to make sure you understand how special our corner of
Michigan is.

“We’re lucky to have really unique ecosystems,” said Sarah Pregitzer, NCEC board chair. “It’s one of the most diverse areas in Michigan.”

These unique ecosystems deserve protection, so NCEC works with other groups and passionate volunteers to generate a robust calendar of opportunities for learning and action. Offerings include youth programming, vernal pool mapping, a new pollinator pathways initiative, and more. Their healthy habitat project received a grant from the Community Foundation.

“I love the spaces we have and the land that’s been protected here,” said Sarah. “We want people to understand not only how it all works, but how to help it work.”

In addition to teaching people how to care for our exceptional ecosystems, Sarah hopes more people realize connecting to nature can be an important form of self-care.

“If you’re feeling anxiety and stress about what’s going on in the world, take a break and learn more about the natural world,” she said. “When you know even a little bit, you start to recognize things when you walk in the woods. It’s something familiar. It feels like a friend.”

Richard and Sherrie Harris

While Fred Harris’s life was tragically short, it was also incredibly full. Fred was a talented artist and musician with perfect pitch. He liked to paint with his grandmother, tell jokes, and be on stage at the cystic fibrosis camp he attended in the summer.

“He was kind of a ham,” said Richard Harris, Fred’s father. “In the hospital, the nurses and therapists would come and banter with him. He was just a delightful child.”

As a way to honor Fred, Richard and his wife Sherrie created two funds at the Community Foundation to support things Fred loved. “We knew we wanted to honor Fred and his accomplishments where he spent many of his 13 years,” said Sherrie. “We also wanted to highlight his love for music, art, and theater.”

Sherrie and Richard created the Frederick Harris Memorial Funds for the Dogwood Center and the Newaygo County Council for the Arts. The funds are especially focused on supporting youth programming. “The arts are so important, and that’s what Fred loved,” said Sherrie. “The arts enriched his life, and it is important to us that other young people experience its magic.”

“It’s part of Fred’s legacy,” added Richard. “He loved life, and he made mine so special. I was privileged to be his father.”

Newaygo County Career-Tech Center

The 2025-2026 school year saw the end of an era at the Newaygo County Career-Tech Center (NCCTC). For over a decade, students in the construction program have built camping cabins for Newaygo County parks. But with the last two cabins set for completion this spring, NCCTC received a grant from the Community Foundation to start something new.

Beginning this fall, they’re partnering with Hope 101 and Love INC to build tiny homes for local people facing housing insecurity. The collaboration will help more families find shelter while continuing to provide invaluable experience for NCCTC students.

“We’ve used mock-ups to fill in gaps of what the cabins didn’t give us, like drywall and cabinets,” said instructor Chris Aebig. “Now with the tiny homes, students will get to do it all for real. It’s more of what they’ll see in the residential construction world.”

The new partnership is the next chapter of NCCTC’s mission to not only teach students technical skills, but to build durable skills like perseverance and communication along with a greater connection to community.

“We embed service throughout our curriculum,” said Andy Melius, NCCTC principal. “Certainly the technical skills are important, but students are also learning skills like leadership and adaptability and providing a service to their community. They’re making a meaningful impact.”

Fremont Middle School

In Fremont Middle School’s life skills class, seventh graders learn about budgeting, basic sewing, and etiquette for weddings and funerals. “But cooking is the favorite,” said teacher Heidi Bonnema. “They take pride in what they make. I have a lot of photos of kids holding their perfect pancakes.”

One of Heidi’s goals is to help students become a little less dependent on adults. In class, they cook in small groups, with everyone assigned a role. They celebrate successes and failures, because everything is an opportunity to learn and problem-solve.

“Kids who struggle with traditional seatwork absolutely thrive in here,” said Heidi. “It’s hands-on and they work as a team. It’s fun to watch kids come to life and enjoy themselves at school.”

While donations help the school navigate rising food costs, the classroom itself needed a major refresh. “I had parents and grandparents of students say they remembered this room looking exactly the same when they attended school here,” said Heidi.

Hard work and collaborations—including a grant from the Community Foundation—gave the class a boost to start the 2024-2025 school year. Students were welcomed into a renovated space with bright, modern kitchens.

“The kids take a lot of ownership; they make sure the room is kept clean,” said Heidi. “This is my eleventh year at Fremont, and it has really put energy into my teaching to have this new space.”

Judy Chesley

Owning a business began as a practical matter for Judy Chesley and her late husband, Dick Chesley. They were expecting their first child when they opened their store, figuring they could keep the baby right there with them during the day. Dick, Judy, and later their son, ran Hilltop Shopping Center near Hardy Dam for almost 50 years.

“I loved watching it grow and seeing the customers come back year after year,” said Judy. “People feel you’re their friend when you have a mom-and-pop store. You get to know them.”

Over the years, Judy made thousands of the huge cinnamon rolls Hilltop was known for. She also helped introduce many young adults to the workforce. “We had so many nice young people who worked for us,” she said. “I taught them how to make change and interact with customers.”

Today, Judy and her family are still helping students prepare for jobs, just in a different way. Judy created the Chesley Family Scholarship for Grant and Newaygo graduates planning to study entrepreneurship or small business. It was awarded for the first time in 2024.

“School is so expensive and you need all the help you can get,” said Judy. “I’m just one of hundreds who have created scholarships, but I hope that kids who receive it feel proud that someone believes in them.”

Woodland Park

During the era of Jim Crow segregation, Woodland Park was a haven for Black vacationers and travelers. In the summer, every cottage, resort rental, and room at the Kelsonia Inn and other hotels was booked.

As new opportunities opened for Black travelers in the mid-1960s, Woodland Park and nearby Idlewild saw a steady decline in traffic. Landmarks like the Royal Breeze Hotel exist now only in memory. However, a local group is dedicated to reviving and sharing those memories.

“We were inspired by a desire to preserve the work done by the founders of this historically Black resort community,” wrote members of the community group. “We feared our history would be lost.”

The committee works with partners like The Right Place and MSU Extension, and in 2024, the Community Foundation awarded a grant for historic signage.

“We felt many driving nearby wouldn’t even know they were in Woodland Park or why it was so special,” said Julie Burrell of The Right Place. “We wanted to change that in a visible way, and a collection of interpretive signs was the answer.” It’s a big step in a plan to preserve and celebrate the significance of this treasured area.

“We look forward to visitors learning more about Woodland Park,” wrote members of the committee. “Woodland Park is not only a local treasure, it is a national treasure.”

Pictured: Patricia Plaut-Payne, Venola Walton-Stanciel, Harvey Sanders, Debbie Jones, and Julie Burrell. The committee also includes Ziyadah Shakir, Carol Vandyke, Stephen Jones Jr., Leslie Woods, and David Woods.

Isaac Frisbie

As a student at Newaygo High School, Isaac Frisbie was a member of our Youth Advisory Committee (YAC). “YAC provided the opportunity for youth in the community to help others and make an impact,” said Isaac. “I liked meeting students from other schools and the community service we did.”

After graduation, Isaac received a scholarship from the Community Foundation and attended Northern Michigan University. “I wanted to do something in the trades, but I wasn’t sure what that could be,” said Isaac. He talked to another student who was planning to be a shop teacher and it sparked a new idea.

Isaac is now an industrial arts teacher at Reed City High School, where he works with eighth through 12th graders. He enjoys watching students develop their skills, progressing from learning about tools and safety basics to planning and executing their own projects.

He has also found a way to build on his philanthropy experience as an advisor for Osceola County Community Foundation’s YAC.

“It has been cool to help students realize the value in service and giving back,” said Isaac. “I hope they take away that you don’t have to have money to give. Find an organization you’re passionate about and volunteer. You always have an opportunity to help.”

Charles Chandler and Dianne Taylor

Charles Chandler and Dianne Taylor traded corporate airline jobs and the hustle of the Dallas-Fort Worth area for the rural living and outdoor adventures of White Cloud.

“Fly fishing brought us here,” said Dianne. “We had already been coming here to fish, so we decided we wanted to retire up here.”

Dianne and Charles quickly immersed themselves in the community. Their interest in fly fishing led to kayaking, hiking, and a love of the North Country Trail. “We got involved early on when we came here and through that we developed a community of friends,” said Charles.

As they got involved in different local projects, Charles shared, “everywhere I turned, I saw these little signs: ‘donated by Fremont Area Community Foundation.’” Charles learned more about the Community Foundation, joined our community development committee, and now serves on our Board of Trustees.

He and Dianne also decided to create a fund here centered on natural resources and the environment.

“I don’t think there’s a better place to put our money,” said Charles. “The Community Foundation is a place that allows us to be our better selves. We know that when we’re not here, the Community Foundation will still be here and continuing to grow. This is a legacy investment we’re making.”

Hope 101

Hope 101 was created to help people achieve stable housing. It’s still the heart of their mission. Unfortunately, food insecurity often goes hand-in-hand with housing insecurity.

“A lot of our participants use food pantries,” said Julie Vitale, executive director. “But it can be hard to get protein there, or the protein that is offered may be disconnected from the other items they receive.”

As Hope 101 thought about ways to help, they realized that many churches have commercial kitchens that often go unused during the week. This inspired the creation of The Cookery, which was supported by a Community Foundation grant in 2024.

Team members—often Hope 101 housing participants—prepare hearty entrees and soups in licensed church kitchens. Frozen meals are available on a “pay what you can” basis and stocked at partner sites. The program also provides job experience and income for those on the cooking team. A newly-renovated building in downtown White Cloud will expand their reach and allow for serving hot meals.

“Homelessness and hunger don’t just happen to someone else. It could be you, it could be your child,” said Julie. “One of the most rewarding moments was when a participant said, ‘Thank you for seeing me when I couldn’t see myself.’ These are people who work hard and have dreams, but life has been unkind. They need someone to see them.”

Price Family

While Orville and Wanda Price didn’t push their three children toward specific careers, they did communicate the value of skilled trades. “They told us that skilled trades had been really good paths for them,” said their son Dan Price. “Even if we didn’t pursue it as a career, it would give us good experience to fall back on.”

Beyond their own family, Orville and Wanda worked hard to bring training opportunities to all local students. They were both active in the creation of the Newaygo County Career-Tech Center. Orville, a diesel mechanic, took a leave of absence from his job to help set up the automotive program. Wanda set up and taught the culinary program.

After Orville passed away in 2024, the family created two funds at the Community Foundation to support the Career-Tech Center—one in Orville’s name and one in Wanda’s. “I had a good mom and dad,” said Dan. “Their motto was you might not have a lot of money, but there are still a lot of things you can do. Whatever level you’re at, you can help somebody.”

“Giving through the Community Foundation is one of the ways a person can come from limited means and make a big difference,” Dan continued. “We’re tickled to death to be a small part, because we know that big things start small.”

Pictured: Mat Emerick, Kathy Price, Dan Price, Andrea Price, and Terry Price

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.”

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