Bigger
Together
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.
Our impact is real
of littles report improved emotional regulation.
of littles report avoiding risky behaviors.
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
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
Leah P.
Lead Mentor: Generation Next
Melinda Andrews
Mentoring Relationship Specialist
Melissa Kendal
Events Manager
Nicole Godley
Associate Director of Administration
Noelle Walker
Senior Administrative Assistant
Regina Miller
Director of Corporate Operations
Shelly Wright
Enrollment Specialist
Solomon Johnson
Lead Mentor
Tamila Brode
Database Coordinator
Tyler Walker
Outreach Engagement Specialist
Board
Cody Allkins
The OnStaff GroupVice President of Finance
Eric Bird
Zhang FinancialSenior Manager – Tax and Client Services
Nathan W. Bolton
Old National BankAssistant VP and Manager
Kari Brown
PNC Wealth ManagementVP, Wealth Management Banking Advisor
Joshua Bush, Treasurer
Mercantile BankVP, Commercial Relationship Manager
Kimberly Carter, President Elect
Battle Creek Public SchoolsSuperintendent
Susan Culhane
Nulty InsuranceSales and Development Manager
Craig Davies
Radisson Plaza Hotel at Kalamazoo CenterAssistant General Manager
Curtis DeBoer
J.P. Morgan ChaseExecutive Director
Ryan DeNooyer, Board President
DeNooyer ChevroletGeneral Manager
Kristen DeVries, Vice President
Andy Dominianni
WWMTAnchor and Managing Editor
Kate Getman-Norman
Jaqua RealtorsReal Estate Agent
Torean Greeley
HUB InternationalSales Executive
Gus Hoffman
MicrosoftSenior Digital Advisor
Trisha Kidd
PlazaCorpReal Estate Development Coordinator
Brian Lueth, Past President
Kalamazoo Valley Community CollegeController
Jason Machnik
Herbert Machnik Law FirmAttorney and Owner
Matthew Montange
Plainwell Community SchoolsSuperintendent of Schools
Sanita L. Virgil, Secretary
Neighborhoods Inc.Housing Court Liaison & Case Manager
Erin Visscher
Huntington BankVice President – Private Bank Relationship Manager
Sonja Widrig
Portage Public SchoolsTeacher