Barry County United Way & Volunteer Center

Barry County United Way & Volunteer Center Together, united, we are creating positive change in our community for a better tomorrow; that’s what it means to LIVE UNITED

The Community Leadership award highlight the true Leadership that it takes to create change in our community. It goes be...
06/11/2026

The Community Leadership award highlight the true Leadership that it takes to create change in our community. It goes beyond the hours spent within an organization and spreads out into all aspects of their life.

While raising her family in the Thornapple Kellogg School district, Robin Walters has dedicated her life to giving back at her non-profit job, the TK school system, her community, to her friends and family and also to other nonprofit organizations.

The nominating organization, Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation, explained that she has a genuine desire to make a difference. In fact, when the current TAEF president stepped down, she jumped in to fill the role – leading the board forward in the most efficient and positive direction.

With her strong desire to help others and support the community she has a long list of volunteer work:
TAEF community granting, student scholarships, fundraising, leading the marketing committee. At the Barry Community Foundation reviewing scholarships and helping with administrative work. At TK schools volunteering at all high schools plays and musicals – as well as manning other district events. And an active member with the Odyssey of the Mind.

This is the true leadership that it takes to create change in Barry County. Someone willing to go above and beyond in more ways than one to benefit others.

We are happy to announce this year’s Community Leadership Award went to Robin Walters.

The Volunteer Excellence award highlights the true Leadership that it takes to create change in our community. It goes b...
06/10/2026

The Volunteer Excellence award highlights the true Leadership that it takes to create change in our community. It goes beyond the hours spent within an organization and spreads out into all aspects of their life.

Tammy Pennington led seniors at the Commission on Aging for years – helping them to maintain their independence, provided extensive programming to keep them healthy and active, and worked around the clock to make sure that the needs of our aging community were met.

Tammy is an advocate for all. She will speak truth – while sometimes making a joke or two along the way – yet, she always seems to bring everything back into perspective. As a lifetime United Way board member, she has served in many roles through her time with us. She has been a celebrity server – for those of you who are old enough to remember that. She helps at every single one of our events – Santa Dash, Kick off, Day of Caring, Veteran’s Day event at Applebees, and so so much more!

She may not know it, but she has changed this community for the better and continues to make such a big impact.

We were extremely honored to present this year’s Volunteer Excellence Award to Tammy Pennington.

Please be aware of our program changes for TOMORROW ONLY!See you there!
06/09/2026

Please be aware of our program changes for TOMORROW ONLY!
See you there!

This is a brand new award this year. The Barry County United Way has spent the last few years trying to find a way to ho...
06/09/2026

This is a brand new award this year. The Barry County United Way has spent the last few years trying to find a way to honor our dear friend Roz Snider who passed away after a tough, hard fought battle with cancer. Roz was an active member on the United Way’s Volunteer Center Advisory Board for years. She was always willing to help with anything – baking cookies, selling balloons, contacting local businesses to donate – and she did it all with her Roz like charm and smile. There was truly no other like Roz.

We took this opportunity to recognize someone else in our community who was a friend of Roz’s and a friend to many across Barry County. Lyn is the first to raise her hand to volunteer in literally any way that she can. From my Advisory Board, to Red Cross, to the Fire Department and beyond. She has a heart that I am sure is made of pure gold. She is a shoulder to cry on, a warm hug to comfort you, and the first one to pray for you no questions asked.

Lyn has taken a page out of the Roz Snider playbook and continues to not only live her legacy, but create her own.

Congratulations to the first ever Roz Snider award recipient, Lyn Briel.

This long standing award with the Barry County Commission on Aging has been given out annually within their organization...
06/08/2026

This long standing award with the Barry County Commission on Aging has been given out annually within their organization. This year we are, again, partnering together to present the Senior Citizen of the Year award to a deserving senior who continues to give of their time to help others in our community. Their service is not limited to assisting within the Commission on Aging itself, but outstretches to the entire community.

Every week, well almost every day actually, throughout the school year you will find Jim Bruce at Southeastern Elementary giving his time to care for and teach young minds at the school. He started as a mentor (and continues to mentor) but has quickly grown his role there into so much more. He helps to provide hands on learning - working with every single 4th grade student allowing them to construct and take home their own birdhouse. He helps them learn how to operate power tools and to create something tangible with their hands.

Jim also organizes the annual Young Eagles event, in which dozens of students each year are given an unforgettable opportunity to fly at the Hastings Airport at no cost. His commitment continues outdoors as he leads the maintenance of the school’s flowers beds – working with students to keep the school looking amazing and instilling pride in their work.

One of the nominators wrote, “Jim has a heart of gold and sees every student as an individual. He is deeply committed to helping each one succeed and works tirelessly to support them in becoming successful adults.”

Another wrote, “He doesn’t just volunteer his time – he creates opportunities for students to feel capable, valued and inspired. He is, without a question, one of a kind.”

Jim also recently celebrated his 85th birthday!! Please join us in wishing him a Happy Belated Birthday and also recognizing this year’s Senior Citizen of the Year award recipient, Jim Bruce.

The Volunteer Center recognizes that groups are a powerful tool in volunteering and often go the extra mile for those in...
06/07/2026

The Volunteer Center recognizes that groups are a powerful tool in volunteering and often go the extra mile for those in Barry County. A group can make a large impact when all working together toward a shared goal in their community.

While we have always had an amazing partnership with the Barry County Transit, the last few years have really highlighted how vital they are to not only the Barry County United Way, but also to this community.

As we mentioned before, we serve around 250 families each week at our Fresh Food Initiative. The Transit was seeing the need first hand. As the main means of affordable transportation for our county, they consistently drop off individuals to pick up a free food box on Wednesday morning. This is the first need they saw… that our community needs food. Secondly, they were seeing that affordability to get a ride is sometimes a challenge. Thankfully they connected the dots to both by offering free rides to residents who bring a canned good or nonperishable food item with them to donate. A win win!

Speaking directly from the United Way side of things, we often see those facing the hardest times of their lives. They come to us at a low and we utilize the resources that we can to help. The Barry County Transit works with us to assist those facing housing crisis by transporting them to shelters outside of Barry County. They care about this community and are willing to step up to help whenever they can.

We are so excited to present this year’s Group Volunteer Award to the Barry County Transit.

In each organization there is typically one person or a group who have been volunteering their time and energy year afte...
06/06/2026

In each organization there is typically one person or a group who have been volunteering their time and energy year after year. The Continuing Service Award recognizes the long-term volunteers who continue to make an ongoing impact.

For the last 21 years, Bishop David Hustwick has been dedicated to helping at Thornapple Manor. His compassion and willingness to provide spiritual comfort and support to all there – regardless of religion – has been a true asset, especially during the difficult COVID years.

No matter the time of day, if he gets a call to any of the 3 campus buildings at the Manor, he is on his way to be by the resident’s side.

We received 8 letters of support for this person, all saying the same thing – he is a blessing! He is dedicated! And his presence brings peace and comfort to those he sees; staff, current residents, those who are passing and loved ones of those passing.

For his 21 years and counting of service, bringing kindness and love to Thornapple Manor, we honored this year’s Continuing Service Award recipient, Bishop David Hustwick. He was unable to attend the event; however, Thornapple Manor staff accepted on his behalf.

Address

Hastings, MI
49058

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+12699454010

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