Dave Person

Sep 9, 2024 | nowkalamazoo.org | Ben Hoger |Dave Person |Reid Williams |Catalina Gonzalez

Around every corner in the cities and down every county road, our amazing neighbors are putting their creativity, passion, and purpose on display.

Aug 19, 2024 | nowkalamazoo.org | Dave Person

The VFW 1527 Red Arrow Post in Kalamazoo had a problem. It was struggling to find volunteers to staff its kitchen for Tuesday and Thursday evening meals, which are open to the public. “All of our staff are volunteers,” Karl Ogilvie, the post’s quartermaster, explained. And in order to keep membership affordable for veterans on limited incomes, Ogilvie says they can’t pivot to paid employment. In addition, many post members have already paid their dues as volunteers, he said.

Jun 14, 2024 | nowkalamazoo.org | Dave Person

Beneath the surface of Open Roads’ mission to provide bicycles to young people lies a deeper, transformative purpose: guiding youths through the challenges of life. “We are a youth-development program first and foremost,” says Isaac Green, executive director, “so the number one thing we want to do is engage kids and make them feel comfortable talking to an adult, talking about whatever problems they might be having at home, and connecting them with resources.

Apr 11, 2024 | nowkalamazoo.org | Dave Person |Ben Lando

It takes a will, skill, and family for two women running a cafe in the middle of rural Scotts. Yet the community is grateful they’ve taken it on, from the retired couple who offered them the chance, to their meat suppliers who are also regular diners.

Jul 27, 2023 | nowkalamazoo.org | Dave Person |Channon Mondoux |Ben Lando

KVCC’s Food Innovation Center offers far more than the typical academic experience. Students are taught both the enterprise and values of an industry they want to build, from supporting area farmers to servicing local restaurants and cafeterias to serving those less fortunate. It just won a multi-million-dollar federal grant for that.