Barry Community Foundation

06/16/2026

Housing affordability is one of the most important challenges facing communities today.

When families can find housing that fits their needs and budget, our entire community benefits.

That's why expanding attainable housing options remains an important focus for the Foundation and our partners.

Want to be part of the solution? Learn more about our housing initiatives and discover ways you can help support attainable housing in Barry County: https://www.barrycf.org/community-engagement/community-initiatives/affordable-housing/

06/12/2026

Please be alert and aware of these scams. These type of posts are harmful to people looking for affordable rent. Before you respond to these, call a local real estate professional!

06/09/2026

🌞 The Hastings Farmers Market is in full swing!

🌞 Join us downtown on Wednesdays and Saturdays for quality food items, hand-made crafts and more! There are so many great vendors this year, so don’t miss out!

🌞 It isn’t too late to sign up as a vendor! If you are a local farmer, small business, or artisan interested in showcasing your homemade goods, we would love to see you there! Register here: https://formsbcf.org/view.php?id=132055.

🌞 Call 269-945-0526 with any questions!

06/04/2026

Congratulations to our Vice Chair Chris Stafford! You are an inspiration

If you look around the Barry County community, you will notice those who have taken their volunteer service to the highest level. The Volunteer of the Year award honors an individual who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to community involvement and volunteer service.

Starting out with a quote directly from nomination packet…
He is motivated by a true desire to see young people find success in life. It’s as simple as that.

Chris Stafford became heavily involved with the Hastings High School Marching Band in 2016 when his kids joined the program. He was the president and board member of the Hastings Band Boosters, supported all events and programming with set up/tear down, initiated summer service projects for the group, lead efforts to build a band storage pole barn and helped maneuver the COVID-19 pandemic protocols to keep marching band students not only safe, but still able to perform.

For years he dedicated himself to the Hastings Band Program, where he became known as the “third band director.” After retirement from Bradford White, Chris moved on to assisting with the career and technical educational needs of all students in Barry County, starting his own business “The Hub of Barry County.” From volunteering with the Hastings High School’s robotics program, vice chair of the Barry Community Foundation, leading the Career Consortium of Barry County – it is clear that he does not take “no” for an answer when it comes to programming to help the youth of our community.

Congratulations to this year’s Volunteer of the Year, Chris Stafford.

05/28/2026

We are proud to be a community supporter of mental health services for our students! Thank you Corewell Health Foundation West Michigan and Corewell Health Pennock Hospital for bringing this to Thornapple Kellogg TK Schools

This is "Corewell Health: Youth TeleHealth Program" by Corewell Health (Internal) on Vimeo, the home for high quality videos and the people who love them.

05/27/2026

💡BCF is looking for a part-time Janitor/Maintenance Associate!💡

🔨If you’re reliable, motivated, and enjoy working with your hands, we’d love to hear from you!

🔧This flexible, part-time position pays $17-19/ hour and includes a variety of responsibilities like general repairs, cleaning tasks, yard maintenance, setting up for events, and more!

🔩You would ensure the safety, cleanliness and welcoming nature of the building, supporting the staff, programs, and visitors who help Barry County thrive. This is a great opportunity for someone looking for a rewarding role, work-life balance, and a friendly team!

⛏If you are interested, please apply here: https://formsbcf.org/view.php?id=84255. *Applications close on June 7th, 2026!

05/23/2026

It’s getting closer!!

Mill Street Market is excited to announce that Anne Ellis will be joining the team as the Farm Stop and Cafe Manager.

Anne is the longtime owner and operator of Anne's Health Foods, a trusted local business that has served the community for many years with a commitment to healthy living, quality products, and personal connection. Anne's Health Foods will officially close on June 13, 2026, as Anne transitions into this new leadership role with Mill Street Market.

We are honored to partner with someone who has been such a strong advocate for health, wellness, and local food in our community. Anne brings 28+ years of experience, relationships, and passion that will help shape the future of the Farm Stop and Cafe.

Her leadership will help guide Mill Street Market's mission to expand access to healthy, local products while strengthening connections among farmers, food producers, and the community.

Please join us in welcoming Anne to the Mill Street Market team and thanking her for the incredible impact she has made through Anne’s Health Foods over the years.

05/20/2026

So proud of our Emeritus Director and 2 time Board Chair!! Congratulations Dr. Norris

It was an honor to recognize Dr. Kimberly Norris with the 2026 Compassion Award at this year’s Julep Gala.

For decades, Dr. Norris has exemplified what it means to provide truly compassionate, patient-centered care, leaving a lasting impact on Corewell Health Pennock Hospital and the community we serve.

“Dr. Norris represents the very heart of compassion — caring for people not only as patients, but as individuals,” said Bill Hoefer, President and Regional Market Leader for Corewell Health Pennock and Zeeland Hospitals. “Her example mirrors what this community makes possible through generosity.”

Dr. Norris now joins a distinguished group of past Compassion Award honorees, including Dr. Oscar deGoa, Dr. Christopher Noah, Dr. James Weatherhead, Colleen Garber, Sandy Bowen, Dr. Larry Hawkins, and Judy Olsen.

Please join us in celebrating Dr. Kimberly Norris and the legacy of care shared by all of our past recipients.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to Anna Sheck, Executive Assistant for your successful completion of Leadership Barry County! And kudos to Director Duska Brumm for another outstanding year!

05/16/2026

Leadership Barry County in action.