Supporting West Michigan families as they move forward after the sudden loss of a parent or primary caregiver.
We passionately pursue this goal by providing families in crisis with what they need most: financial assistance in the short-term, connection to community resources for the long-term, and support from families who have walked this path before.
What we Do
Financial Assistance
Families facing sudden loss shouldn’t have to choose between paying for essentials like rent or groceries and taking care of their children or homes. We provide short-term financial assistance to West Michigan families with minor children. Most frequently, our financial support is used to help with basic family needs like housing, utilities, food, transportation and child care.
Community Connections
We maintain a network of like-minded organizations who come alongside grieving families. These include grief counseling for families & children and employment training for those reentering the workforce. Our team helps direct families to the appropriate resource for their situation.
Community Food Club
Member-based grocery store which serves those with food access challenges.
Gilda's Club
Grief support programs for anyone grieving a death loss, including youth programming.
Grand Rapids Children's Museum
The GRCF provides discounted tickets for Kinzler families; contact us for more information.
Home Repair Services of Kent County
Providing repairs, inspections, accessibility modifications, education, and financial counseling.
i understand
Free monthly support group meetings for those who have lost a loved one by suicide.
North Kent Connect
Supplying food, clothing, education, and financial assistance for housing and utilities.
Northlawn United Methodist Church Diaper Ministry
Providing supplemental diapers and wipes to families on a monthly basis.
Positive Impact for Life
Reaching at-risk students with youth development, tutoring, and community wellness services.
Women's Resource Center
Empowering women through career development and personal growth resources.
Gilda's Club
Grief support programs for anyone grieving a death loss, including youth programming.
i understand
Free monthly support group meetings for those who have lost a loved one by suicide.
Positive Impact for Life
Reaching at-risk students with youth development, tutoring, and community wellness services.
Women's Resource Center
Empowering women through career development and personal growth resources.
Our Legacy
Jason Kinzler loved his family above all else. In his free time, he enjoyed running, staying active, and spending time with his wife and kids. He fell in love with Kristi while they attended Grand Valley State University where he was a star linebacker. The college sweethearts were married after graduation and started a family. Jason kept up with his fitness routine by working out and running regularly, in between watching Detroit Lions football and coaching his kids’ soccer and baseball teams.
In May 2011, Jason signed up for the Fifth Third Riverbank Run, which he had completed successfully the previous year. During the race he suffered a heart attack and passed away suddenly just one mile from the finish line. Jason left behind his wife and their three children ages 6, 8, and 10. Kristi, along with some of their closest friends, founded the Jason Kinzler Family First Foundation in 2012 to honor Jason’s legacy and provide for families experiencing similar hardship.
“I see the foundation’s work as, ultimately, Jason’s gift to all of us. If Jason wouldn’t have planned for our family, I never would have been in the position to imagine how this foundation could help others in our community. Today when we help other families, they become a part of our family.”
Kristi Kinzler
By the Numbers
Our Impact
Last Year
34 families
served
$125,000
given in assistance
Since Our Founding
250+ families
served
$1 million
given in assistance
Our Team
Patty McCormick
Executive Director
Advisory Council
Lauren Davis
Regional President, West Michigan, Huntington Bank
Jim Ayres
Owner and Principal, JDA Pathfinding
Seth Yon
Sanara MedTech, President, Commercial
Our Board
Kristi Kinzler
Founder
Dr. Joshua Kooistra
President
SVP, Chief Medical Officer, Corewell Health
Len Iakiri
Vice-Chair
Consultant
Ray Dumistra
Secretary
Director of Corporate Development and Acquisitions, Crystal Flash
O
Mike Curtis
Treasurer
Community Advocate
Drew Ysseldyke
Member
President of Grand River Bank
Megan Zernicke
Member
Co-owner, Three Blondes Brewing
Helping families put
first things first
Hear Our Stories
The families we assist experience extreme hardship but demonstrate inspiring resilience. Explore their stories.