Request For Funding Overview

$10,000
In 2023, Arbor Circle received a grant of $10,000. These funds supported and sustained counseling/therapy services for youth working with and staying at The Bridge, bolstering staffing resources specific to these services while providing an initial connection to engage these young people with the potential for long-term support when needed. The Bridge, located in Grand Rapids, Michigan, serves youth in both Kent and Ottawa counties. When paired with other funding resources, these funds supported Arbor Circle in serving over 50 youth.
Board Members: Judy Freeman (Chair), Dr. B. Donta Truss (Vice Chair), Pujita Sieplinga (Secretary), Matthew Boggiano (Treasurer), Mark Nettleton (Member at Large), Dr. Patricia Farrell-Cole, Regina Hill, Sonya Hughes, Sue Mason, Mandice McAllister, Carlos Pava, Melina Sinigos, Elliot Talen, Gwen Thomas
Officers: Kristin Gietzen (President & CEO), Susan Sheppard (COO), Marie Brill (CFO)

$20,000
In 2024, Fellinlove Farm received a generous $10,000 grant from West Shore Aware. This funding significantly bolstered our capacity to offer adaptive field trips, senior assisted living tours, inclusive Young Fellinlove Farmers program and individualized volunteer opportunities, benefiting upwards of 12,000 guests of all ages and abilities.
If Fellinlove Farm receives West Shore Aware funding this year, we estimate reaching around 13,500 guests. These visitors will benefit from hands-on animal interactions, nature-based learning experiences, and customized visits designed to support individuals of all abilities. The funding will help us expand our educational and therapeutic offerings, and ensure a welcoming, enriching environment for all who visit.
Cheryl Kaletka, Holland, MI - Chairman/Treasurer
•Development Coordinator - Ann Hoppe, Zeeland, MI
•Secretary - Nancy Zerdin, Holland, MI
•Public Relations - Melanie Lewin, Holland, MI
•Events/Fundraising - Pam Phillips, Holland, MI
•Director - Jennifer Kragt, Holland, MI
•Director - Scott Bryers, Saugatuck, MI
•Director - Lynne Vork, Holland, MI
•Director - Daniel Noguera, Saugatuck, MI
•Director - Christina Purkiss, Holland, MI
•Director - Andrew Schutte, Holland, MI
•Jr. Director - Hope Haverdink, Holland, MI

$10,000
Wings Home received $4,200 in 2021 ($2,500 in January and $1,700 in November). This provided 32 days of care, free of charge, for patients in their last weeks or days of life.
In 2024, it cost $193 per patient, per day. A grant of $10,000 would cover approximately 52 days of care at Wings Home.
Mallory Smith Rimkus, President
Larry Brown, Vice President
Lisa Kokotan, Secretary/Treasurer
Anne Guy
Steve Tibbitts

$15,000
The West Shore Aware’s generous donation of $15,000 to the Pride Fund made possible grants administered by the ACCF. See the 2024 Grant report data. The ACCF has proudly administered the WSA Scholarships since 2013.
https://alleganfoundation.sharepoint.com/:x:/g/ESiOyFr6hN9HtfjNhfz-k9cBmtjl1ox1XEyujMRgTeKsTg?e=4IScoc
Ricardo Bazan - Board Chair
Jodi White - Secretary
Kevin Harness - Treasurer
Kaylani Shooks - Trustee
Mary Grile - Trustee
Brian Marr - Trustee
Angelique Joynes - Trustee

$10,000
OutCenter has received the following awards from West Shore Aware:

- $9,800 for general operating support in 2015
- $9,000 for Teen Pride in 2018
- - Approximately 215 teens served
- $10,000 for our LGBTQ+ Safe Schools Collaborative project in 2019.
- - Reached over 100 staff members, including teachers, principals, and counselors
- - 188 of families and/or caregivers provided with information, resources, tools, trainings, and/or teaching skills
- - 30 students who participate in school and/or out of school programs and receive individual support
- $5,000 for our LGBTQ+ Safe Schools Collaborative project in 2021.
- - 300 of families and/or caregivers provided with information, resources, tools, trainings, and/or teaching skills
- - 190 students who participate in-school and/or out-of-school programs and/or receive individual supports

Based on our current estimates for this upcoming year of funding, we estimate the following services will be provided:

- # of policies or practices created, changed, or promoted: 80
- # of ways or value of additional capacity created (for example, new features, policies, or services organizations can offer once they increase their competencies): 45
- # of people trained and applying new knowledge/skills: 350
- # of organizations impacted: 60
John Royse, Board Chair
Greg Fulmer, Vice Chair
Carly Hubers, Recording Secretary
Scott Gane, Treasurer
Tim Dawson, Member
Sam Darrigrand, Member
Sven Erickson, Member
Shannon Lyons, Member
Audrey S. Peeples, Member
Briana Sallis, Member

$5,000
We have not previously received an AWARE grant.
David Lincoln, President
Karen Graves, Vice President
Holly Little, Treasurer
Kristie Noguera, Secretary
Kathleen Piggins, Board Member
Wendy Van Tassell, Board Member

$7,500
Last year, Sylvia's Place assisted 2,161 callers via our 24/7 hotline. 470 of those callers seeking immediate shelter services. Our shelter facility provided 2,358 safe bednights to 95 victims of domestic violence that made the hard decision to flee an abuser. An additional 122 clients were provided non-residential services from our Victim Legal Advocate. Your support would offer services to just as many, or more victims of domestic violence. Our services are available 24/7 to those enduring abuse.
Ryan Sabatke, President
Amanda Wolf, Vice President
Lauren Olmstead, Secretary
Lindsey Williams, Treasurer
Kristin Alkire
Lora Kamyszek
Laurie Fuelling
Jenelle Johnson

10,000
n/a
Fred Bueltmann - Fennville, MI - President and Co-founder of Red Horse Center, Fred is an advocate for human-horse collaboration. With over 20 years of experience in both the equine world and the beverage industry, Fred brings a unique perspective on intentional company culture and leadership. His journey includes TEDx talks, published books, and a passion for fostering growth through equine-assisted organizational development.

Ulla Frederiksen, MA., LLP - Fennville, MI - Board Member - Ulla is a psychologist, group facilitator, teacher, and artist. Co-founder of Red Horse Center, she specializes in client-centered, solution-oriented, oriented & trauma-informed therapy for Highly Sensitive People. She strives to create a safe, fun, and non-judgmental space for insight and healing to take place. Ulla has facilitated with horses since 2002 and has trained facilitators internationally since 2010.

Jenny Atlee - Fennville, MI - Jenny has worked in Central America since 1984 in the areas of human rights, trauma and recovery, and international policy. She is the author of Red Thread: A Spiritual Journal of Accompaniment, Trauma and Healing, which chronicles her experiences in the war zones of Nicaragua during the U.S.-sponsored Contra War. She has worked with the herd at Red Horse Center since 2017.
Abena O. Apea - Chicago, IL - Abena is a transformative leader with over 30 years of experience serving nonprofit and higher education organizations. Abena earned a certificate in Leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Northwestern University; she is a member of the 2014 Management and Leadership in Education Cohort at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. Abena is a board member at Chicago Fair Trade and the Red Horse Center for Collaborative Leadership.

Tom Loudon - Fennville, MI - Tom worked in Central America for over thirty years in the areas of human rights, sustainable development, and international policy. He served on the Commission of Truth in Honduras following the 2009 coup. Tom has recently retired from the Migrant Workers program for the state of Michigan. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Nicaragua – United States Friendship Office Rotary Fennville, Pullman and the Lakeshore, and Red Horse Center

$10,000
Community Pride MI hosted two events in 2023 (when we received Aware funding) and 2024 (when we did not receive Aware funding), and similarly, is preparing to host the same two events for 2025.
The first being our PRIDE week information sessions and festivities from June 1 through June 7, 2025; and the second being Oktoberfest which will be held on October 11, 2025. Attendance at both events in 2024 was strong, but our 2024 PRIDE event attendance on Saturday was down to 2,000 people due to inclement weather. Oktoberfest attendance in 2024 was over 1,000 people We have expanded our PRIDE offerings for 2025 to cover seven days starting June 1 and ending with our PRIDE festivities on June 7 starting with a parade and culminating with Sixteen Candles Band, a well-known band based in Chicago who has performed at many LGBTQ+ events, as our headliner. With the expanded event offerings during PRIDE week and the addition of Sixteen Candles, we believe we can expect ~ 5,000 across week’s events. We view Oktoberfest as an additional opportunity for community outreach and awareness and to fund raise, and our goal is to increase Oktoberfest attendance in 2025 by 50% over 2024.
Liz Engel, President
Mike Wright, Vice President
Jeff Hanlin, Treasurer
Troy Weiland, Secretary
Jim Babcock, Board Member
Greg Harvath, Board Member
Randy Walker, Board Member

$2,500
This is the first time that the court is requesting funding assistance.
Judge William A. Baillargeon is the presiding judge of the WMRVTC.
Dan Norbeck is the case manager for the court. The court is strictly bound to apply all funds for WMRVTC purposes and accounting is processed by Allegan County Finance.
We are partnered with U.S. Veterans Administration as well. The Court has a memorandum of understanding and has jurisdiction over Allegan, Ottawa, and Van Buren county cases.

$10,000
N/A
Fred Bueltmann - Fennville, MI - Executive Director and Co-founder of Red Horse Center, Fred advocates human-horse collaboration. With over 20 years of experience in equine and beverage industries, Fred brings a unique perspective on intentional company culture and leadership. His journey includes TEDx talks, published books, and a passion for fostering growth through equine-assisted organizational development.

Ulla Frederiksen, MA., LLP - Fennville, MI - Ulla is a psychologist, group facilitator, teacher, and artist. Co-founder of Red Horse Center, she specializes in client-centered, solution-oriented, oriented & trauma-informed therapy for Highly Sensitive People. She strives to create a safe, fun, and non-judgmental space for insight and healing to take place. Ulla has facilitated with horses since 2002 and has trained facilitators internationally since 2010.

Jenny Atlee - Fennville, MI - Jenny has worked in Central America since 1984 in the areas of human rights, trauma and recovery, and international policy. She is the author of Red Thread: A Spiritual Journal of Accompaniment, Trauma and Healing, which chronicles her experiences in the war zones of Nicaragua during the U.S.-sponsored Contra War. She has worked with the herd at Red Horse Center since 2017.

Abena O. Apea - Chicago, IL - Abena is a transformative leader with over 30 years of experience serving nonprofit and higher education organizations. Abena earned a certificate in Leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion from Northwestern University; she is a member of the 2014 Management and Leadership in Education Cohort at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Education. Abena is a board member at Chicago Fair Trade and the Red Horse Center for Collaborative Leadership.

Tom Loudon - Fennville, MI - Tom worked in Central America for over thirty in the areas of human rights, sustainable development, and international policy. He served on the Commission of Truth in Honduras following the 2009 coup. Tom has recently retired from the Migrant Workers program for the state of Michigan. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Nicaragua – United States Friendship Office and Red Horse Center

CFL is requesting $10,000 to help purchase food for children impacted by hunger in Allegan county but we will accept whatever you can afford. Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Yes we received funding last year (and in previous years) and we provided weekend meals for approximately 250 children each week or over 10,000 meals in 2024. If we are lucky enough to receive funding this year, it will again go towards the purchase of food.
CHILDREN FIRST LAKESHORE
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

GEORGE STOUTIN, Co-President
Fennville MI

GLEN MCNEIL, Co-President
Fennville, MI

JOSEPH BLODGETT, Treasurer
Saugatuck, MI

JANET SCHMIDT, Secretary
Saugatuck, MI

JIM SELLMAN, Director
Saugatuck, MI

JODY VOGELZANG, Director
Fennville, MI

SHARON SHANAHAN, Director
Fennville, MI

BIRDIE WESTER HOLLEY, Director
Saugatuck, MI

DENISE ADAMS, Director
Fennville MI

ERIC JIPP, Director
Saugatuck, MI

AVA TRINGALI, Saugatuck High School Board Liaison

MARI VANDEPOEL, Saugatuck High School Board Liaison

Mediation Services is requesting $6,425-$12,850 from AWARE to train facilitators to lead Restorative Circles, a healing form of conflict resolution that creates a safe, balanced space where every participant has equal voice and equal opportunity to listen deeply. This unique process is different from traditional mediation because each participant is given the opportunity to speak through the use of a designated talking piece. Restorative Facilitations increase the likelihood that the person speaking is heard fully without interruption. This method fosters deep listening, genuine understanding, and a focus on healing and repairing harm. We are currently using Restorative Circles with court involved youth in Allegan County and their families. We have requests throughout Allegan to facilitate more Restorative Circles with families of LGBTQ+ youth, community members, and even fellow nonprofits.

Training 10 Restorative Circle facilitators costs Mediation Services $6,425. It is our goal to train up to 20 facilitators.
We were not selected for grant funding in 2024. In 2023 we were granted $4,500 and served nearly 700 Allegan County residents with that funding. By training Restorative Practice facilitators it allows even greater reach in serving clients, meeting them where they are. Once trained facilitators agree to provide Mediation Services with numbers of clients they serve in Restorative Circles.
Board of Director Officers:

Cathleen Anthofer-Fialon
Executive Director (August 2023)
11952 Zephyr Drive
Holland, MI 49424
765-977-5977
cathy@mediationservices.works

Robert Nida (President 1/2024)
Past 5th Circuit Court Director, Barry County
2314 Perry Street
Holland, MI 49424
616-403-2535 Mobile
robert.f.nida@gmail.com
nidabowne@charter.net
Date of Board Entry: 12/2020

Casey Marietta (Vice-president 1/2025)
C Marietta Property Management
648 Midway Ave.
Holland, MI 49423
(616)283-7151 Mobile
cmarietta.com
Domestic and General Civil Mediator
Zoom Host Facilitator
Date of board entry 3/2024

Mike Van Ast , (Treasurer 1/2023)
Senior Manufacturing Engineer
Gentex Corporation
430 West Lawrence
Zeeland, MI 49424
616-218-4470 Mobile
mikevanast@gmail.com
General Civil Mediator
Date of Board Entry: 12/2014

Directors:

William Brown
Superintendent, Allegan Area Educational Service Agency
310 Thomas Street
Allegan, MI 49010
269-512-7705 Office
419-356-9740 Mobile
william.brown@alleganaesa.org
Date of Board Entry: 11/2020

Sharmila Rajani, J.D.
Attorney, Puzycki Law, PLLC
270 James Street
Holland, MI 49424
616-738-8800 Office
616-283-8514 Mobile
srajani@puzycki.com
Date of Board Entry: 12/2020

Charles Elwood
SolisMatica, LLC
2207 N Bristol St
Holland, MI 49424
charlese@solismatica.com
Date of Board Entry 12/2022

Alberto Serrano
1189 South Shore Drive
Holland, MI 49423
616 - 335-8823 (cell)
arserrano61@gmail.com
Date of board entry 10/28/21

Jennell Challa
Friend of the Court
414 Washington Avenue
Grand Haven, MI 49417
616-566-7935 (cell)
jchalla@miottawa.org
Date of board entry 10/28/21

Conrad Mutschler (Past President, 12/2020)
Past VP Product Planning, Perrigo Corporation
2309 Lakewood Blvd.
Holland, MI 49424
616-403-1269 Mobile
conradm@charter.mi.net
Domestic, Guardianship, and Child Protection Mediator
Zoom Host Facilitator
Date of Board Entry: 12/2018

Susan Klooz, M.A., J.D. (Past President, 12/2020
Vice-president 1/2023)
Attorney & Mediator, Lakeshore Resolution
Past Senior Vice President & General Counsel,
Walmart Corporate Headquarters
141456 Georgian Bay Drive
Holland, MI 49424
(479) 236-1434 Mobile
susan.klooz@gmail.com
General Civil, Domestic, Behavioral Health, Special Education, & Restorative Justice/Practices Mediator
Date of Board Entry: 3/2017

David Solmes
President Dewey’s Auto Body, Inc.
1111 W. Green St.
Hastings, MI 49058
269-838-8106
dsolmes@deweysautobody.com
Date of board entry 2/2025

Jill Roof
Research Manager, Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, Grand Valley State University
1258 River Bluff Ct
Zeeland, Mi 49464
616-283-3045
roofjill@gmail.com
Date of board entry 2/2025

$5,000
The History Center reached an audience of over 7,000 people in 2024. This includes in-person attendance at the SDHC's two main facilities, the History Center galleries in Douglas and Museum at Mt Baldhead Park. We anticipate increased attendance this year at exhibitions and programming based on expanded open hours and robust program calendar.
Steve Hutchins, President
Margaret Hudson, Vice-President
Angela Page, Treasurer
Mike Mok, Secretary
Frank Aiello, trustee
Annie Hayes, trustee
Mark Neidlinger, trustee
Toni Perrine, trustee
Christopher Thau, trustee
Vern Slusar, trustee

$5,000
We have received funding in the past. These funds were used to provide assistance with electric bills for people in need in our community. These funds provided help for 8 families. If funds are granted this year, it will provide help for potentially 10-12 families.
Commodore - Mike Applegate
Vice Commodore- Ken Trester
Secretary - Corky Naughtin
Treasurer - Christine Marcy
Request Director - Jude Mikesell Gemmen
Director - Janice Tenharmsel
Director - Brandon Udell
Director - Christine Pierce

$10,000
If Grand Rapids Trans Foundation (GRTF) receives Aware funding this year, we will use it to support a couple of our Trans-affirming programs. Specifically, 1) provide guidance, advocacy, and financial assistance to 60 Transgender residents seeking legal name changes, and 2) provide recurring monthly bus fare to low-income Transgender residents (variable number of clients, but 100 months’ worth of fares).
Patti Thelen, President, She/Her (Steelcase retiree)
Laurel Walker, Treasurer, She/Her (Community Member)
Brinkley Ward, Secretary, She/Her (Trinity Health Grand Rapids)
Liam Bailey, Member, They/Them (University of Michigan)
Alexander Yaluk, Member, He/Him (Community Member)
DeAn Hollowell, Member, They/Them (Grand Valley State University)

$6000
In February of 2021, the Saugatuck-Douglas District Library received $2500 from West Shore Aware. The funding request was originally for the purpose of holding 5 concerts or educational events for adults. By the time funds were approved, we were under lockdown and were unable to hold large-scale public events. With permission from your organization, we pivoted and hosted a summer-long public art exhibit called "Unmasked." It featured cell phone portraits submitted by our users. We had over 100 submissions. We selected 50 to be printed and displayed. Countless visitors viewed the portraits over the course of the summer. We also had a public reception and a virtual photography class with Kim Zahnow.
Ingrid Steen Boyer, Director
David Blatt, Board President
Janice Krakowski, Vice President
Larry Blose, Treasurer
Demetrhea Terrien, Secretary
Frank Aiello, trustee
Sara Nelson, trustee

2000
N/A
Logan White - Festival Director
Devin O'Rourke - Programming Director
William Baillargeon - Board Member
Auston Marineau - Board Member
Jon Helmrich - Board Member
Eddie Quinones-Walker - Board Member
Dennis Remer - Board Member