Volunteerism

Reza Nematy's work with the U.S. armed forces in Afghanistan qualified him and his immediate family to come to the United States as refugees.

Afghan refugee, Haworth employee among honorees at Literacy Center of West Michigan’s Spellebration

​​In Afghanistan, Reza Nematy had been a flourishing member of his community as a software designer and entrepreneur. After coming to the United States, he struggled with English proficiency, but the Literacy Center of West Michigan's Customized Workplace English program has changed his outlook.

Latest in Volunteerism
Allegan County youth particpate in a grant selection process. (ACCF)
Allegan County youth award $64K in grants

Allegan County youth have awarded more than $64,000 to 24 organizations. The students are part of the Teens Aiding Growth Team and the Youth Advisory Council of the Allegan County Community Foundation.

Kay Walvoord is the CEO of the Holland Symphony Orchestra (Courtesy photo)
Holland Symphony President Kay Walvoord strikes a high note

The leader of one of Holland’s preeminent music institutions for more than 30 years, Kay Walvoord is described as a passionate visionary. She works to broaden HSO’s appeal among community members who did not grow up with classical music performances. That initiative to infuse diversity, equity and inclusion has resulted in more community collaborations. 

John Shea (left) and Jay Peters posed for a photo this week after Peters used CPR to save Shea from a "widow maker" heart attack. Peters is active in helping Holland achieve a Heart Safe Community designation.
Heart Safe: Surviving a heart attack through training and a little bit of luck

It was only through a series of coincidences that John Shea survived a "widow maker" heart attack this fall. The city of Holland is working toward becoming a Heart Safe Community. Part of that process requires increased CPR training for the public.

Sandy Parker
Spring Lake health educator’s wellness events raise funds for community causes

Sandy Parker, owner of On The Path Yoga, has raised funds to support several community causes through her outdoor yoga classes. It’s just one way she’s making a difference in the Village of Spring Lake.   

A flag ceremony is the highlight of the Grand Haven Hispanic Heritage Fiesta.
How the Grand Haven Hispanic Heritage Fiesta is making a difference

Grand Haven Hispanic Heritage Fiesta was created to highlight the Latino community living along the Lakeshore that makes the region a great place to live, says co-founder, the Rev. Dr. Jared C. Cramer, of St John's Episcopal Church.  

Women of Color Give founders Robyn Afrik, Lucia Rios and Yah-Hanna Jenkins Leys speak during the Power Reimagined event on Oct. 6. (Shandra Martinez)
Women of Color Give announces top 5 nominees for $56k in grants

At its 2022 “Power Reimagined” event, Women of Color Give announced five nominees who will take part in a December pitch event for a total of $56,000 in grants.  

At this Next 40 event, Host Jon Cauchi moderated the panel with board members Elliot Keyes and Marcus Fairfield and staff members Patrick Parkes and Mary Sibley.
Growing the next generation of disability advocates

How is the next generation of disability advocates getting involved? Associate boards. These informal groups provide a fun way for young professionals to learn about board governance while organizing events that bring people together to better understand disability issues.

Future residents of the Vista Green neighborhood.
Lakeshore Habitat to host Community Block Party to celebrate 42 home builds

Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity is inviting the community to a block party at its Vista Green Development on the south side of Holland, where 42 homes will be built for affordable homeownership in partnership with Jubilee Ministries. 

The Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance’s “Nonprofit Community Assessment” launched in 2019 to help measure the overall health of the local nonprofit community. The 2022 report was released at an event at Midtown Center in Holland earlier this month.
Nonprofit survey reveals burnout, DEI struggles and triumphs

Employee burnout in the nonprofit sector is a real threat and one that the Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance intends to address.  

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