Known Profits

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...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Megan Erskine, CEO of Catherine’s Health Center - a Grand Rapids nonprofit expanding access to exceptional, compassionate healthcare for every neighbor, regardless of income or insurance. Megan shares how Catherine's Health Center's dedication to community health and health equity fuels their mission to break down barriers to care. From...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Hannah Berry, Executive Director of Lions and Rabbits Center for the Arts, a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit transforming communities through creativity, collaboration, and public art. Hannah shares how her journey as an artist and entrepreneur inspired her to build a space where art isn’t just seen - it’s shared, celebrated, and used as a catalyst f...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Shawn Kohlhaas, owner of Culinary Cultivations and a dedicated local philanthropist who is using his passion for hospitality to strengthen the West Michigan community. Shawn shares how his journey as an entrepreneur led him to see food and hospitality as more than business, it’s a vehicle for connection, generosity, and change. Through his philant...

Send us Fan Mail New Look. New Season. Same Mission. One year in, and we’re just getting started. In this episode, we celebrate our first anniversary, share an exciting new partnership with Heart of West Michigan United Way, and give you a look at what’s next for the podcast. Tune in and join us for the journey ahead!

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Stacy Datena-Postma , Senior Philanthropy and Engagement Manager, and Shelisa Jeffers , Case Manager with Covenant House , a nonprofit dedicated to providing shelter, support, and opportunity to young people experiencing homelessness. Stacy and Shelisa share how Covenant House works to break the cycle of homelessness by offering not just a safe pl...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Nicholas Kristock, founder and Executive Director of Fleece & Thank You , a nonprofit bringing comfort and hope to children facing extended hospital stays. Nicholas shares how the simple gift of a handmade fleece blanket—paired with a personalized video message from the maker—creates a powerful connection between volunteers and patients. Since...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Karol Clason, a board member with Michigan Ovarian Cancer Alliance, a nonprofit dedicated to promoting early detection, supporting survivors, and funding research to end ovarian cancer.  Karol shares some of her own personal story with OC and how MIOCA is raising awareness across the state through education, advocacy, and community engagement, whi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Gratia Lee and Satorie Spicer from Access of West Michigan , a nonprofit dedicated to building a community where all people have access to healthy food and economic opportunity. Gratia and Satorie share how Access is addressing food insecurity and poverty through collaborative partnerships, poverty education simulators, innovative food systems wor...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, the guys sit down with Jamon Alexander, President and CEO of West Michigan Center for Arts and Technology (WMCAT), a nonprofit in Grand Rapids working at the intersection of equity, education, and opportunity. Jamon shares his path to leadership and how WMCAT is empowering teens and adults through creative programs, career training, and community partnerships. Fro...