Known Profits

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Known Profits, we sit down with Jennie Knight, Executive Director of QHub Health, and board member Doug Booth to talk about improving healthcare access and experiences for LGBTQ+ individuals across the greater Grand Rapids region. Jennie and Doug share how QHub Health works to reduce healthcare disparities, connect people with resources, and advocate for more in...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Known Profits, we sit down with Shari Duthler from West Michigan Therapy Dogs to talk about the powerful connection between people and therapy dogs and the impact that connection can have on our community. The organization brings trained therapy dogs and their handlers into schools, hospitals, libraries, senior communities, and other settings to provide comfort,...

Send us Fan Mail Take a deep dive with us to learn more about JR’s story and the drive behind Known Profits.

Send us Fan Mail Take a deep dive with us to learn more about Kyle’s story and the drive behind Known Profits.

Send us Fan Mail Take a deep dive with us to learn more about Drew’s story and the drive behind Known Profits.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Known Profits, we sit down with Joel Bell, President & CEO, and Holly Anderton, Director of Campus Programs and Program Impact at D.A. Blodgett – St. Johns, to talk about creating brighter futures for children, youth, and families in West Michigan. Joel and Holly share how D.A. Blodgett – St. Johns supports children and families experiencing challenges relat...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Known Profits, we sit down with Lynne Hughes, Founder and CEO of Comfort Zone Camp, to talk about helping children navigate the loss of a parent, sibling, or guardian. Lynne shares the story behind founding Comfort Zone Camp and how the organization creates a safe, supportive community where grieving children can connect with others who have experienced a simila...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Known Profits, we sit down with Sean T. Granahan, President of The Floating Hospital, to talk about expanding access to healthcare for children and families facing barriers to care. Sean shares how The Floating Hospital delivers comprehensive medical, dental, behavioral health, and social services to underserved communities, ensuring that families receive the ca...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Known Profits, we sit down with Kurtis Kaechele, Executive Director of Streams, to talk about strengthening neighborhoods and creating opportunities for families in Southeast Grand Rapids. Kurtis shares the mission behind Streams and how the organization walks alongside children, families, and neighbors through education, food access, youth programs, and communi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Known Profits, we sit down with Robin Fox, HIV Programs Manager at the Grand Rapids Red Project, to talk about reducing risk and expanding access to HIV care and support in the West Michigan community. Robin shares the mission behind the Red Project and how the organization walks alongside individuals living with or at risk for HIV as they navigate testing, trea...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Known Profits, we sit down with Lisa Anderson, Founder of Grace's Table, to talk about creating opportunities and support for young moms in the Grand Rapids community. Lisa shares the story behind Grace’s Table and how the organization walks alongside young mothers as they navigate parenting, education, employment, and personal growth. Through mentorship, p...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Known Profits, we sit down with Curt Gritters, Director of The Dementia Institute, to talk about supporting individuals and families navigating the challenges of dementia. Curt shares how The Dementia Institute works to provide education, resources, and compassionate support for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and those living with dementia. Through traini...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Known Profits, we sit down with Brooke Kenyon, Director of Development at Alpha Grand Rapids, to talk about creating support, stability, and hope for individuals and families navigating unexpected pregnancies and early parenthood. Brooke shares how Alpha Grand Rapids provides free services and resources for both women and men, including pregnancy support, parent...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Known Profits, we sit down with Michele Suchovsky, CEO of Paws With A Cause, to talk about the life-changing impact of assistance dogs. Michele shares how Paws With A Cause trains and places custom assistance dogs to support individuals with disabilities, helping them gain greater independence, confidence, and quality of life. From mobility support to hearing an...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Known Profits, we sit down with Mike Guswiler, President of the West Michigan Sports Commission, to talk about the impact sports tourism has on communities across West Michigan. Mike shares how the organization attracts major sporting events to the region, supports local businesses, and creates economic opportunities through youth, amateur, and professional spor...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Known Profits, we sit down with Christine O’Driscoll, Co-Founder of New Growth Project, to talk about creating inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Christine shares how New Growth Project provides hands-on experiences—often through urban agriculture and food-based programs—that help participants build life and job skills, gain confidence, a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Known Profits, we sit down with Dee Dee Taylor, Founder of Taylor Made Re-Entry, to talk about second chances, dignity, and the work of supporting individuals returning to the community after incarceration. Dee Dee shares the story behind Taylor Made Re-Entry and the personal experiences that inspired her to create a nonprofit focused on helping people rebuild t...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Meg Derrer, Executive Director of the Refugee Education Center, to explore how education, belonging, and community support can transform the resettlement journey for refugee families in West Michigan. Meg shares how the Refugee Education Center walks alongside children and families as they adjust to life in a new country by providing academic supp...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Carla Ludwig, Founding Director of Hope for Single Moms, to talk about building pathways of support, stability, and possibility for single mothers in the community. Dr. Ludwig shares the story behind founding Hope for Single Moms and how the nonprofit is rooted in dignity, encouragement, and practical support. The organization walks alongside...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Bob Von Kaenel, President and CEO of Hope Network, to explore how mission-driven leadership can transform lives and communities across West Michigan and beyond. Bob shares his journey into nonprofit leadership and how Hope Network has grown into a comprehensive organization serving people with mental health needs, developmental disabilities, brain...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Keli Christopher, Founder and Executive Director of STEM Greenhouse, to explore how innovative STEM education can transform communities and create pathways to opportunity.  Dr. Christopher shares the story behind STEM Greenhouse and how her background in education and leadership inspired her to reimagine how young people—especially those histo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Brian Elve, Executive Director, and David Madiol, Director of Development and Communications at Guiding Light—a Grand Rapids nonprofit dedicated to helping men and women break free from addiction and rebuild their lives.  Brian and David share how Guiding Light’s long-term, residential recovery programs walk alongside men and women with dignity, a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Mikisha Plesco, Founder and CEO of Cultivating Futures and a passionate advocate for the young people and families of West Michigan. Mikisha shares how her own journey led her to create Cultivating Futures, an organization dedicated to helping youth build confidence, develop meaningful life skills, and access the support systems they need to thriv...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Stacy Bare, Executive Director of Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, a nonprofit working to ensure every neighbor has access to vibrant, welcoming, and well-cared-for public green spaces across the city. Stacy shares how Friends’ work — from community-led, urban tree plantings and park revitalization projects to youth programs and neighborhood partner...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with BeAnka Masefiade, Executive Director of Osofomaame - a Grand Rapids nonprofit that is committed to reducing the overrepresentation of Black families in the child welfare system. BeAnka shares how Osofomaame’s work - through programs like the Abundant Life Academy and community education initiatives - is building pathways to belonging, stability, a...