Reaching Out

The Outreach Team connects C3 members with meaningful opportunities to support
causes that reflect C3’s shared values through service, partnership, and advocacy.

Our Purpose: Compassion in Action

The Outreach Team connects C3 members with meaningful opportunities to support causes that reflect C3’s shared values through service, partnership, and advocacy.

How You Can Help

  • Support Week 3@C3
  • Sign up for upcoming opportunities
  • Suggest partner organizations and volunteering opportunities

Interested in learning more or getting involved with C3’s outreach efforts? Connect with an Outreach Team member or reach out by email:

outreachcommittee [at] c3exchange [dot] org

Outreach Team Members
Mark Smith, Team Co-Leader
Kathy Smith, Team Co-Leader
Chrys Moelter-Gray
Adam King
Lorie Gravitt
Annie Wassmann
Tom Edwards

 

Namaste C3 Community

As we move into spring, we pause to celebrate the compassionate work the C3 community continues to do throughout West Michigan. Your time, energy, and generosity make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors, and we are deeply grateful for the many ways you show up with open hearts and willing hands. We also extend heartfelt thanks to Rod Van Abbema (pictured below) for his years of passionate leadership of the C3 Outreach Team, and we are excited to welcome Mark and Kathy Smith as they step into this role, bringing fresh energy and ideas for living out C3’s values in action.

Upcoming Opportunities

• Adopt-A-Highway Spring Clean Up, April 11 (rain date April 18)
Twice a year, C3 volunteers and friends come together to clear two miles of US Highway 31, removing waste to help uncover and preserve the natural beauty of West Michigan. More details and safety video here, sign up via email awassmann [at] wassmanndesign [dot] com (include your name and phone number).

• Earth Day: C3 Booth, April 25 at First Presbyterian Church
C3 participates annually in Grand Haven’s Earth Day celebration, promoting environmental sustainability through information and an earth-focused children’s activity.

• Pride Fest: C3 Booth and Events Committee, June 13
C3 recognizes and honors LGBTQ members of West Michigan during national Pride Month.

• Vigil for Peace and Justice: Saturdays at Noon at Central Park, GH
Seasonally, every week, C3 members and friends stand in silent vigil for peace and to promote social justice causes such as Black Lives Matter, Pride Month and Civil Rights.

• Week 3@C3 — March
Kenzie’s Be Cafe (1103 Washington Ave., Grand Haven) is a nonprofit coffee shop providing training and employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities; donations (cash, check, or credit card—label “March 2026 Week 3@C3,” see Chase for cards) will be accepted on Giving Sundays, March 1, 8, and 15.

C3 Members participate in Adopt a Highway

2025 Volunteers in Action

  • Plant Up & Fly Right: Raised $4,800 from 34 donors, resulting in 60 trees planted
  • Earth Day: Sponsored a C3 booth with materials and a sunflower seed planting station
  • Pride Fest: Sponsored a C3 booth
  • Hispanic Heritage Fiesta: Sponsored a C3 booth
  • Red Kettle: Volunteers staffed the kettle for two days, raising over $1,000
  • Parks Clean-Up Blitz: Volunteers collected trash at Mill Point and Tanglefoot Parks (Spring Lake)
  • Adopt-A-Highway: 28 volunteers collected 84 bags in April and 67 bags in September along a four-mile section of US-31
  • People Center: $500 donation
  • Weekly Vigils for Peace and Justice

2025 Week 3@C3 Highlights

  • February: Collected nonperishable food for the People Center (Spring Lake)
  • March: Raised funds for World Food Kitchen USA
  • April: Collected mattress protectors and undergarments for Every Woman’s Place (Muskegon)
  • May: Raised funds for Humanity for Prisoners (Spring Lake)
  • June: Raised funds for AgeWell of West Michigan (Meals on Wheels)
  • August: Collected Back-to-School supplies for Muskegon Heights Public School System
  • September: Raised funds for Mobility Worldwide of West Michigan
  • October: Raised funds and purchased goods for GVSU’s Fostering Laker Success program
  • November: Purchased stocking stuffers to fill 50 stockings for children at MADL–Muskegon Heights
  • December: Organized a Seasonal Card Blizzard—250 cards for residents at four local care centers

Partner Spotlight

Kenzie’s Be Café

Kenzie’s Be Cafe is a non-profit cafe in Grand Haven, Michigan. They provide meaningful employment and workforce development training for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. We will be collecting financial donations in March as our Week 3@C3 partner organization.

Volunteer Spotlight

Chrys Moelter-Gray

Chrys is a tireless advocate for C3’s values, leading the weekly Vigils for Peace and Justice for the past 6 years, attending local rallies, volunteering for the Red Kettle campaign, and
many other outreach activities.