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 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.”

Chris and Elizabeth Wren

Chris and Elizabeth Wren moved to Newaygo County from the east side of the state nearly a decade ago. While their move was prompted by Chris’s job as county administrator, they have embraced the sense of community, slower pace, and outdoor opportunities they found here. “We’re very fortunate to be in Newaygo County,” said Chris. “It was a big change for us, but the more we’re here, the more we appreciate what it has to offer.”

As part of their commitment to this community, Chris—who serves on our board—and Elizabeth joined Our Next 75. “We know that through the Community Foundation a little can go a long way,” said Elizabeth. “We want to set an example for our son so he can learn the importance of giving too.”

“It’s all about being part of a community,” said Chris. “We’re invested in this community. We chose to raise our son here. We want to see this community grow and thrive.”

John and Colleen Buckley

For John and Colleen Buckley, the draw of Newaygo County always comes back to one thing: the people.

“It’s all about the people,” said John, who is president and CEO of Gerber Federal Credit Union. “There’s an energy here from people wanting to make things a little better than they were yesterday. There are things going on here. Local people get it.”

John grew up in the Washington, D.C. area and Colleen is from Holton where both of her parents were teachers. “I never imagined I would be back,” she shared with a smile. However, she and John were living in Cadillac when the career opportunity at the Credit Union came along. They have been here ever since.

“For me, it’s home,” said Colleen. “It’s a great place to be from.”

The Buckleys love their peaceful community, its caring people, and the beauty of nature all around them. They also like that it has been easy to pursue their interests and get involved here.

“It’s easy to plug in and get involved in what we like to do,” said John, who is a longtime Rotarian. Both he and Colleen also serve on local boards.

Being involved and giving back comes naturally. “It’s how we were raised,” said John. “Our parents showed us that this is how you act in community.”

“It’s not a question of if we give, but how we give,” added Colleen. “And when we looked for a way to give locally, there was no question we would partner with the Community Foundation. They make it easy.”

The Buckleys have included the Community Foundation in their estate plan as one more way to do their part in supporting the community they love.

“Everybody has the opportunity to make a difference,” said John. “And it doesn’t have to be a big thing. Every little bit moves us one step farther.”

DuWayne and Jean Schuler

Sadly, Jean passed away in August shortly after we interviewed her and DuWayne for this story. She was a gracious, generous person, and she is deeply missed.

DuWayne and Jean Schuler have floated down the Amazon River, hunted roe deer at Balmoral, and visited former exchange students in Japan. But for all their travels, it’s their home on Ryerson Lake that the Schulers describe as their piece of heaven on Earth.

After decades in Kent County—where Jean was a teacher and DuWayne owned a wine shop—the Schulers were introduced to Ryerson Lake by friends who invited them to visit. “We thought it was terrific and kept coming back,” said DuWayne. They eventually began renting a cottage and then bought property of their own. They have now lived here full-time for more than 20 years.

This community, said DuWayne, “has a certain Currier and Ives feel to it.” The Schulers enjoy the rural setting with impressive amenities like Tamarac, the Dogwood Center, and a great library. They also like that local people are quick to give back.

“We’re thankful that so many people have put their resources back into the town,” said Jean. “You can see the difference it makes.”

DuWayne and Jean share the same commitment. DuWayne has served on the library board and volunteered with the Friends of the Library, an organization Jean led for years. Jean has also enjoyed volunteering at Camp Newaygo and being part of the Fremont Garden Club and Quilter’s Guild. When friends introduced them to the Community Foundation, it felt like another natural fit. They decided to create the Jean Schuler Education Fund here in honor of Jean’s career as an educator.

“I wanted something that would reflect what Jean had been involved in,” said DuWayne. “She was an extraordinary teacher and had a profound influence on many young lives.”

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.”

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.”

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

Buzz and Shelly Kasprzycki

Shelly Kasprzycki was introduced to community foundations early in life. She received a scholarship from a community foundation and wrote her first grant at age 22. She spent time in the nonprofit sector and became president and CEO of Jackson Community Foundation in 2002. In 2021, Shelly was selected as the next president and CEO of Fremont Area Community Foundation.

However, coming here from the Jackson area was more than just the next step in a successful career for Shelly and her husband Buzz. “I feel like we’re home,” said Shelly. “It’s such a wonderful community. This has been the best experience of my life professionally, and it has been very good for us personally. We’re trying to get all our kids to move here.”

Shelly began her career in public health and went on to lead several nonprofit organizations. She and Buzz met when they were both working for the Red Cross. Buzz also worked in manufacturing for many years and retired from an aerospace company. When the opportunity here at the Community Foundation appeared, the Kasprzyckis were drawn to the rural community with modern amenities like beautiful libraries and a good hospital system.

“I love it here,” said Buzz. “I can’t say enough about this area. Everyone waves and says hi. Living here has taught me to be kinder and more generous.”

In appreciation for the warm welcome they received, Buzz and Shelly created an unrestricted fund at the Community Foundation.

“I like the idea of leaving something for those who come after us,” said Buzz.

“We give through the Community Foundation because of its knowledge, because of the wonderful staff who knows the community, and because of the excellent reputation,” added Shelly. “We give here because we want to be part of this community for generations to come.”

FISH and Great Start Baby Pantry

“It started with a wish,” said Christina Yuhasz, standing in the office space of the Family Information Service Hub (FISH) and Great Start Baby Pantry. “Who would have thought that it would become this?”

FISH grew out of a concern for families whose children weren’t arriving at school kindergarten ready. The truth is it can be hard to prepare kids for kindergarten when you have to focus your energy on how you’ll find housing or tomorrow’s meals.

“Families didn’t know what services existed or how to find help meeting basic needs,” said Christina, a Great Start parent liaison through NC RESA. “There’s such a stigma around needing assistance, and there shouldn’t be. So many families are just one paycheck away from disaster.”

Now FISH sets up in different locations throughout the county to meet with families and help them find resources and apply for assistance. Christina and her colleagues Victoria and Sarah know who to call and how to fill out applications. “We’ve gotten to know local organizations and what they offer,” said Christina. “We can make those connections.”

FISH’s Fremont location, housed in the Fremont Rec Center, is also home to the Baby Pantry. Parents can visit by appointment to pick up diapers, formula, clothes, and other items. They also offer Spanish-speaking service, safe sleep education, medication lock boxes, and more.

The Baby Pantry and FISH serve more than 1,000 Newaygo County families annually. Their work is supported by an array of partners providing grants—like one last fall from the Community Foundation—along with in-kind support and donations. Donation bins at the Baby Pantry are regularly filled with new and gently used items. Some of the items come from past clients, eager to give back.

“Families are so excited to donate back clothes and help someone else,” said Christina. “It’s so rewarding to see. Watching the whole community come around this makes you really grateful.”

Harry and Laura Johnson

Harry and Laura Johnson have made their home in northern Newaygo County since the early 1970s. In addition to their involvement in service organizations like the Lions Club, the Johnsons are passionate about Big Jackson Public Schools. The distinctly rural school district serves kindergarten through sixth grade students in the northeastern part of Newaygo County. The Johnsons’ three sons attended there, and now their grandson does. They are regular volunteers and Laura has served on the school board for more than 20 years.

“The school community is a little family, not just a school,” said Laura. “There’s a support network here.”

The small size of the school means everyone knows each other and people pitch in to help. “We support each other in times of need,” said Laura. “That’s the kind of community we have.”

Harry and Laura have also supported the school by giving to the Big Jackson Public Schools Fund at the Community Foundation. It’s a way to help now and in the future, and it speaks to their love of the school and what it means to the area.

“We don’t have an abundance, but our bills are paid and I think it’s important to share what you have,” said Laura. “Big Jackson has an endowment fund, and we wanted to give to it to support the school. It’s not a lot, but it’s just our little way to support it.”

Newaygo County Autism Community

Drowning is a leading cause of accidental death for children, and children with autism are at an even greater risk—160 times greater, according to a 2017 Columbia University study. This sobering reality was top of mind when the Newaygo County Autism Community developed their Safe Swim Academy.

“When we started the Newaygo County Autism Community group, we thought about what was important,” said Kathe Scott, a founder of the group. “With so many bodies of water in Newaygo County, we believed it would be irresponsible not to offer a program like this.”

The program—funded by a grant from our Amazing X Charitable Trust—provided swimming and water safety instruction for local people living with autism. Beginning with an individual assessment, instructor Dana Simon developed a course for each student based on factors like their experience, abilities, and overall comfort in the water.

With Dana, “we struck gold,” said Kathe. Dana has taught swimming since she was a teenager and holds multiple swimming and water safety certifications. She is also a certified special education teacher. “Where else can you find a special education teacher with these qualifications?” added Kathe.

“Having that experience has been very helpful,” said Dana. “You have to meet them where they are and take small steps.”

Lessons also included sharing tips and skills with parents and guardians. Dana is passionate about teaching layers of protection, from proper supervision and installing self-latching gates around pools to choosing brightly colored swimsuits that are easy to spot in the water.

While all students began and ended classes this summer at their own unique levels, their growth was something to celebrate for Dana and Kathe.

“It has been exciting to see the growth from day one to now,” said Dana. “It’s rewarding to see that progress and how the small steps add up.”

The Beattie Family

Cameron Beattie was social, athletic, and loved to sing in the car. He relished time spent with his older brother and cousins. “He wasn’t a kid who had a small circle,” Cameron’s mom, Kirsten Beattie, shared with a smile.

When Cameron passed away in 2015, so many people attended the Fremont sophomore’s memorial that the service had to be held in the high school gym. In the years since, his legacy has continued through the efforts and generosity of family and friends. Each year, the Beatties host a cornhole tournament with proceeds going to projects or organizations that Cameron was involved in or would have loved.

The family also created a scholarship at the Community Foundation in Cameron’s memory. “It’s for students who may have a little lower GPA, like Cameron, and it includes his sports background,” said Kirsten. “We want those students to know they can be successful.”

It is a fitting tribute to a teenager who once gave away his new tennis shoes because he felt someone else needed them more.

“He told me his old shoes still fit,” remembered Kirsten. “My son was a giver. He knew a single mom down the street worked third shift, so he would play outside with her kids so she could sleep.”

Though Cameron’s life was tragically cut short, reminders of this generous, fun-loving young man are everywhere. The nephew he never got to meet “is so like him,” said Kirsten. His name is prominently displayed at Fremont’s baseball field and, each year, another student continues their education with help from Cameron’s scholarship.

“It was the best way we could think of to keep his memory alive,” said Kirsten. “People tell me, ‘I didn’t know him, but I see his name everywhere.’ It’s very rewarding.”

Jenine Stickler Memorial Fund

This story comes from the newsletter of our affiliate, Mecosta County Community Foundation. While MCCF holds the Jenine Stickler Memorial Fund, the fund also benefits young people in Newaygo, Osceola, Lake, and Montcalm counties.

For more than 50 years, Wheatland Music Festival has been a celebration of the music and art that is passed from person to person and from one generation to the next. The organization’s Jenine Stickler Memorial Fund at Mecosta County Community Foundation continues that celebration and legacy.

Jenine Stickler served on Wheatland’s arts and crafts committee and was a vocalist, pianist, and community leader. “There was always music in her home,” said Pamela Burke, a Wheatland Music Organization volunteer. “She was full of life and giggles. She was a ‘reacher-outer.’ She might stop and visit five people on her way home from work to check on them.”

After Jenine passed away, friends and family created a fund in her memory to help local students develop their artistic abilities. Through the fund, youth with financial need from Mecosta, Newaygo, Osceola, Lake, and Montcalm counties can apply for help obtaining art tools and equipment like instruments, dance shoes, art kits, and more. Teachers and nonprofit instructors can also apply for funding for a group of instruments or art supplies that students can use and take home.

“We established the fund at the Community Foundation because we wanted to have a fund that’s invested and earning interest,” said Pamela. “That makes it permanent, and permanency is the key. The fund will always be there, growing and helping people.”

As the fund helps young people buy instruments, pottery supplies, dance shoes, and more, it introduces new generations to art forms that have been carefully preserved over many years. It also celebrates the vibrant life of a woman who valued creativity and community.

“Jenine was very much a gift-giver,” said Pamela. “This is her still giving. She was full of joy, and filling others with joy would make her so happy.”

For more information on applying for funds from the Jenine Stickler Memorial Fund, visit Wheatland’s website at wheatlandmusic.org or email scholarship@wheatlandmusic.org.

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.”

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.”

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.

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Story Category: Community