Paul Kuiper was a beloved member of the Renew family for many years, serving as a volunteer and most recently as a Board member from 2022-2024. Paul passed away on January 31, 2025, leaving a legacy of deep compassion for those in the Holland area living with disabilities. Paul was especially driven to help establish Standing Watch at Renew, a service specifically designed to serve veterans and first responders. To honor his memory and his legacy, the Paul Kuiper Memorial Scholarship Fund has been created with the purpose of funding this program as the first priority, and funding scholarships for Renew’s other services as a second priority.

The scholarship was announced at Denim & Diamonds at the Derby on April 24, 2025. Raven Strategic Group has generously agreed to match funds for the first $2,500 given for this purpose.

Please consider a gift to the Paul Kuiper Memorial Scholarship Fund. Your generosity, as always, is deeply appreciated.

GVSU Students Partner with Renew

The students in Doreen Petersen’s Digital Marketing class were given the opportunity to take part in a unique experiential learning opportunity during their winter semester at Grand Valley State University.

“The textbook focuses on for-profit organizations,” Doreen explained, “but flipping the mind-set and adding in a non-profit component aids in critical thinking. As students learn the digital marketing concepts, we apply them each week to the non-profit organizations that we’ve partnered with for the semester. It provides students with real-world experience, while at the same time giving back to our local community. Students learn more when they can apply what they’ve learned. It also gives them something they can add to their portfolio after they’ve finished the class.” 

Two groups of students focused their efforts on Renew, taking a deeper dive into Renew’s website and social media. The groups provided feedback on what they believed is working well, as well as some suggestions for improvements.

Thank you, students, for all of your hard work and helpful insights!

Dozens of Volunteers Bless Renew

Renew had a tremendous amount of volunteers come to the farm this month, roll up their sleeves, and get the work done! A group of passionate and hard working students from Illinois State University’s Encounter Campus Ministry traveled to Holland to volunteer at various local nonprofits. During their time on the farm, Dan put them to work on a variety of special projects. Then on the West Coast Chamber of Commerce Impact Day, nearly 90 people from local businesses, including OAISD Young Adult Services, Macatawa Area Express Transit, Coastal Automotive, City of Holland, and Request Foods, spent an afternoon pitching in with farm chores. It takes many hands to keep the herd well cared for and the property looking its best. We are so grateful for all of the time and energy that was poured into the mission. Thank you!