Front Row (from left to right): Eleanor Hitsman, Ally Bennink, Josie Jackson, Leilany Teasley, Clara Streng, Lily Frendt
Middle Row: Kaia DeSchaaf, Brooklyn Verplank, Julia Schulte, Larissa Christian, Sadie Tulloch
Back Row: James Friggens, James Doss, Grace Humphrey, Madeline Meigs, Brody Bench
Not Pictured: Prithvi Multani, Frank Mulcaahy and Luke Ratke
The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation’s (GHACF) Youth Advisory Council (YAC) recently awarded 12 grants totaling nearly $117k. One of the recipients was BErista, Inc., whose $12,500 grant will go toward supporting an enhanced employee training and growth program for Kenzie’s Be Cafe.
In its first two years, Kenzie’s has experienced operational growth by focusing on employee development and skill building. To build upon these efforts, parent company, BErista, has brought on two retired teachers as program coordinators who will work on elevating the training program, enhancing its impact, and ensuring its sustainability for the future.
The YAC grant will assist in funding these efforts. BErista Inc./ Kenzie’s Be Cafe Executive Director Erin Lyon stated, “We are so thankful for the generous grant funding provided by the GHACF Youth Advisory Council. Their support is crucial for our future growth in providing job training and meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities in our community.” She added, “This grant will help us expand our impact and empower more individuals, providing them with the skills, confidence, and opportunities they need to thrive. We are deeply grateful to the YAC members for their help in fostering inclusivity and supporting our mission.”
Other GHACF Youth Advisory Council grants awarded include:
Mosaic Counseling – $15,000 to support the expansion of their School Outreach Program which eliminates barriers to mental health assistance by providing free, in-school professional counseling to children and teens in Northwest Ottawa County.
City of Grand Haven – $10,000 to help with the Riverview Deck replacement project.
Northwest Ottawa Recreation Authority – $18,000.00 in support of developing an Outdoor Recreation program that provides underserved youth access to a variety of outdoor recreational activities.
Ottawa County Parks Foundation – $11,000 to help with the Rosy Mound Natural Area Expansion project.
Grand Rapids Children’s Museum – $4,996 to support field trip visits to the museum at no cost to participate in their Playful Mind program centered on mental health and social emotional learning.
Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital – $5,000 to help fund the Jr. Wheelchair Sport Camp, a free, weeklong sports camp at Grand Valley State University for children with physical disabilities or limited mobility,
First Tee of West Michigan – $8,000 in support of expanding services to provide programming for youth who may not otherwise have an opportunity to learn how to golf.
Walden Green Montessori School – $4,600 to support counseling and social emotional learning for small groups, grades K – 8, during lunch and recess throughout the 2025 – 2026 academic year.
Grand Haven Area Public Schools – $7,439 to help fund weekly field trips for students in the GHAPS Summer Migrant Education Program, offering them an equitable opportunity to experience activities outside the classroom.
Camp Blodgett – $7,500 to help provide access to summer camp for low-income children living in the Grand Haven Community.
Village of Spring Lake – $12,500 to help fund a universally accessible swing set as part of the redevelopment of Central Park.
“We are proud and honored to be able to award grants that make a difference for the youth in our community,” said Madeline Meigs, 2024-2025 YAC President. “We hope that what we do inspires others to support such worthy causes as these.”
The Grand Haven Area Community Foundation Youth Advisory Council awards grants annually to support local programs and projects that work to expand programming and opportunities for the youth in our community. Does your organization have a new program or project that benefits local youth? We may be able to help! The next YAC grant deadline is October 15, 2025. Reach out to our Grants and Program team for any guidance.