Bigger
Together

A big and little brother sit outside smiling at each other holding a basketball

Bigger
Together

Every child has potential. It’s our job to defend it. Since 1958, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan has worked to ignite the power and promise of local youth. Thanks to our community’s continued financial support, we make meaningful, monitored matches between mentors (Bigs) and children (Littles), ages 6 through 18, in Kalamazoo, Allegan, Calhoun, and Van Buren counties.

Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion

At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Michigan, justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion guide our work towards achieving our mission and vision. We recognize, affirm, and celebrate the diverse communities, backgrounds, lives, and experiences of all of our stakeholders, including youth, families, donors, volunteers, board and staff. Our commitment is to create, support, and sustain connections for all to realize the full potential within each of us by ensuring that all voices and perspectives are heard and honored.

Vision

All youth achieve their full potential.

Mission

Create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth.

 

A big a little sister face profile away from the camera and smile

Our impact is real

87%
of littles report improved emotional regulation.
87%
of littles report avoiding risky behaviors.
85%
of littles report improved school performance.

When kids are paired with a mentor, they’re introduced to places and experiences that open their hearts and minds to a future filled with boundless possibilities.

But don’t just take our word for it. Research demonstrates the positive impact mentoring has on local children in our programs.

Latest News

Contact Us

Main office

3501 Covington Road
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
269-382-6800
888-898-3001 (Toll Free)

Calhoun County Office

34 W Jackson Street, Suite 5A
Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-964-7117
888-898-3001 (Toll Free)

Media Contact

Amy Kuchta, Chief Executive Officer
269-488-2857
amykuchta@bbbsmi.org

Join our Team

Join a workplace where your work is meaningful, is memorable, and matters. A career with Big Brothers Big Sisters is an opportunity to merge your talents and personal values with your desire to help kids in your community realize their full potential.

Leadership & Staff

Afton Darsow

Mentoring Relationship Specialist

Ally Hodgson

Events Assistant

​​Amy Kuchta

Chief Executive Officer

Brooklyn Groenheide

Co-Program Manager

DeShawaun Mitchell

Co-Program Manager

Elizabeth Meimers

Mentoring Relationship Specialist

Erica Inman

Marketing Specialist

Jessie Reyes

Marketing Coordinator

Jordan Thrash

Sports Buddies Mentoring Relationship Specialist

Josalyn Kiplinger

Enrollment & Recruitment Manager

Kathy Praedel

Community Engagement Coordinator

Melinda Andrews

Enrollment Specialist

Melissa Kendal

Events Manager

Nathifa Sligh

Director of Programs

Nicole Godley

Associate Director of Administration

Noelle Walker

Senior Administrative Assistant

Regina Miller

Director of Corporate Operations

Shelly Wright

Enrollment Specialist

Tamila Brode

Database Coordinator

Tanisha Thompson

Senior Administrative Assistant

Tyler Walker

Outreach Engagement Specialist

Board

Cody Allkins, Past President

The OnStaff Group
Vice President of Finance

Eric Bird

Zhang Financial
Senior Manager – Tax and Client Services

Nathan W. Bolton

Old National Bank
Assistant VP and Manager

Kari Brown

PNC Wealth Management
VP, Wealth Management Banking Advisor

Joshua Bush, Treasurer

Mercantile Bank
VP, Commercial Relationship Manager

Kimberly Carter, Vice-President

Battle Creek Public Schools
Superintendent

Susan Culhane

Nulty Insurance
Sales and Development Manager

Craig Davies, Secretary

Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo Center
Assistant General Manager

Curtis DeBoer

J.P. Morgan Chase
Executive Director

Ryan DeNooyer, President Elect

DeNooyer Chevrolet
General Manager

Kristen DeVries

Western Michigan University Foundation
Vice President and Executive Director

Andy Dominianni

WWMT
Anchor and Managing Editor

Chelsie Fall

Manpower Engineering
Client Site Manager - Pfizer

Kate Getman-Norman

Jaqua Realtors
Real Estate Agent

Torean Greeley

HUB International
Sales Executive

Gus Hoffman

Microsoft
Senior Digital Advisor

Trisha Kidd

PlazaCorp
Real Estate Development Coordinator

Brian Lueth, President

Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Controller

Jason Machnik

Herbert Machnik Law Firm
Attorney and Owner

Matthew Montange

Plainwell Community Schools
Superintendent of Schools

Beatrice Orns

Bronson Healthcare Group
Organizational Development and Learning Specialist

Jennifer Shea

YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
Youth and Family Director

Sanita L. Virgil

Neighborhoods Inc.
Housing Court Liaison & Case Manager

Erin Visscher

Huntington Bank
Vice President – Private Bank Relationship Manager

Sonja Widrig

Portage Public Schools
Teacher