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“Working together to build a strong, caring community”
34 West Jackson Street, Suite 4A, Battle Creek, MI 49017 Phone: 269.966.4189 Fax: 269.966.4194 |
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Meet the Staff! |
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Our Mission The Volunteer Center mobilizes volunteers and connects people, information and services to build a strong, caring community. |
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Karen Dittmer, Bookkeeper Karen has been employed as a part-time bookkeeper at the Volunteer Center for 30 years. She also works part-time as a bookkeeper at Regional Pathology Consultants. If you want Volunteer Center history just ask Karen! |
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Jim Pearl, Executive Director Jim is a native of Battle Creek. He graduated from St. Philip Catholic Central, the University of St. Thomas and St. John’s Provincial Seminary. He is married to Samantha, who serves as the Executive Director of the Calhoun Health Plan. He is the proud father of nine year old twin daughters, Emily and Hannah. Jim is involved in the community as the treasurer of JONAH, chair of the Lake Swim Committee, and as a member of the Girls on the Run steering committee. Jim has been an avid runner for 29 years. |
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Megan Russell, Youth Program Coordinator Megan Russell joined the Volunteer of Battle Creek in September 2006. She was born and raised in Battle Creek graduating from Harper Creek High School in 2002. After high school, Megan went on to study English literature, journalism, and communication at Albion College. Before joining the Volunteer Center staff she interned with the Battle Creek Community Foundation working on a community mapping project for youth programming in the area. Megan is currently enrolled in the Masters of Public Administration program at Western Michigan University. As a lifelong resident of Battle Creek, Megan’s hope is that by engaging young people in exciting opportunities within their community, they too will have the desire to become lifelong residents. |
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Kari Marciniak, Program Director Kari has been the Program Director at the Volunteer Center for 3.5 years. Her main role is to oversee the daily operations of the 211 Call Center for Calhoun County, including service expansion to St. Joseph County. Kari also works to coordinate Volunteer Management Training sessions and the Community Volunteer Awards. She is a graduate of Union City High School and holds a Master’s Degree in nonprofit program planning from Michigan State University. Kari currently lives in Potterville, MI with her husband Tom and one-year old daughter Kyra. |
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Cherise Buchanan, Youth Program Assistant Cherise was raised in Battle Creek, Michigan and graduated from Battle Creek Central High school in 2002. She then went on to attend Michigan State University where she was an active member of Black Caucus served as Public Relations chair and Vice President of Professional African American Network (PAAN). She held a position as a summer intern with Summit Pointe in Battle Creek Michigan and with Michigan State’s Upward Bound Program. Cherise obtained her bachelors in Communications in 2006. In November of 2006 Cherise committed a year of service to the Volunteer Center of Battle Creek as an Americorps VISTA working with youth programs. Once her year of service was completed she was able to stay with the VCBC as a Youth Program Assistant. Cherise is currently attending Western Michigan University to get a Masters in Public Administration. Cherise has a passion for working with young people weather it be in her church or community. She is over the New Harvest Warriors dance ministries as well as the Art’s & Drama department at New Harvest Christian Center. Cherise believes that while she may not be able change the whole world single handedly she can impact one person at a time making the world a better place. |
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Nina Markos, Adult Program Coordinator Nina was born in Battle Creek and graduated Valedictorian from Union City High School in 2003. She went on to specialize in Nonprofit and Community Health at Grand Valley State University. While there she graduated with a 3.7 GPA in Public Administration in April of 2007. While attending school Nina gained experience working in volunteer services at Saint Mary’s Hospital. She also completed an internship with the American Cancer Society. Nina is currently attending Western Michigan University Masters Program in Public Administration. She joined the Volunteer Center team in August 2007.
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Board of Directors
Rick Stover (Chair) V.A. Medical Center Cindy Scharns (Secretary) Branch Gymnastics Nancy Betts Community Rep Susan Baldwin Community Rep Leon Buford Battle Creek Public Schools David Lucas Attorney, Vandervoort Christ & Fisher PC Deborah Owens Battle Creek Chamber of Commerce Ron Slagell LifeCare Ambulance Allie Coggins Student, St. Philip High School Patrice Smith Student, South Hill Academy Nancy Babcock V.A. Medical Center Kathy Wilson Battle Creek Community Foundation Glenda Morling Instructor, Kellogg Community College Creighton Mabry Pastor, Abundant Grace Covenant Church
“Please note that organizational affiliations are meant for identification purposes only and do not imply an endorsement by these organizations”. |
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Volunteer Center of Battle Creek |
