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.

Vision

All youth achieve their full potential.

Mission

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

Accountability

By partnering with parents/guardians, volunteers, and others in the community, we are accountable for each child in our program achieving:

  • Higher aspirations, greater confidence, and better relationships
  • Avoidance of risky behaviors
  • Educational success
A big a little sister face profile away from the camera and smile

Our impact is real

95%
of littles report stronger relationships.
92%
of littles perform better in school.
71%
of littles report increased self-confidence.

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)
Contact Us

Calhoun County Office

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

Media Contact

Kori Jock, Director of Marketing and Development
269-488-2862
(9AM to 5PM, M-F)
Contact Us

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

​​Amy Kuchta

Chief Executive Officer

Annie Lawrence

Senior Mentor Relationship Specialist

Brooklyn Groenheide

Mentoring Relationship Specialist

Hali Tavalsky

Senior Enrollment Specialist

Jessie Reyes

Marketing Coordinator

Josalyn Kiplinger

Enrollment Manager

Kathy Praedel

Community Engagement Coordinator

Kori Jock

Director of Marketing and Development

Matt Kidney

Database Coordinator

Melissa Kendal

Events Coordinator

Nathifa Sligh

Director of Programs

Nicole Godley

Administrative Manager

Noelle Walker

Administrative Assistant

Regina Miller

Director of Corporate Operations

Tanisha Thompson

Senior Administrative Assistant

Board

Cody Allkins, Past President

The OnStaff Group
Vice President of Finance

Vincent L. Behnke

Behnke Dedicated

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

Ryan DeNooyer, President Elect

DeNooyer Chevrolet
General Manager

Kristen DeVries

Western Michigan University Foundation
Vice President and Executive Director

Chelsie Fall

Manpower Engineering
Client Site Manager - Pfizer

Kate Getman

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

Jenasia Morris

LaMora Park Elementary
Literacy Tutor

Beatrice Orns

Bronson Healthcare Group
Organizational Development and Learning Specialist

Bob Overbeck

JP Morgan Chase & Co.
VP, Senior Relationship Manager

Jennifer Shea

YMCA of Greater Kalamazoo
Youth and Family Director

Patrick Sweeney

The Bishop Company
Principal (Founder and President 1980–2005)

Darren Timmeney

CHASE
Senior Vice President / Community President

Sanita L. Virgil

Neighborhoods Inc.
Housing Court Liaison & Case Manager

Erin Visscher

Huntington Bank
Vice President – Private Bank Relationship Manager