Planned Giving Testimonials
The Quiet Legacy of Jack and Helen Wattles: Building a Vibrant Community in Kalamazoo
The Wattles
Jack and Helen Wattles loved Kalamazoo. Helen was born here, while Jack was born in South Bend, Indiana. They met on a blind date while studying at Western Michigan University and eventually married and raised a family of three children. Together they sought to foster a thriving, close-knit community in Kalamazoo. Their approach to philanthropy was not one that sought recognition or accolades. Instead, they worked quietly, behind the scenes, preferring to build a legacy of generosity only visible to their children and grandchildren. Through Jack and Helen’s example, those family members now carry forward a commitment to uplift and enrich their own communities.
A Passion for Community and Giving
Jack and Helen believed that a strong community was the foundation of a healthy and fulfilling life. They understood that true prosperity was not only measured in material wealth but also in the quality of connections among neighbors, the support extended to those in need, and in the opportunities provided to future generations. They hoped their contributions would make a lasting difference. They believed their philanthropy was about supporting excellence.
A Lifelong Dedication to Camps
Both Jack and Helen enjoyed their childhood time at summer camp. They witnessed the transformative potential that camps provide to young people. They believed that time spent in nature, learning new skills, forming friendships, and challenging oneself, was an invaluable part of childhood development. Through these experiences, they saw children gain a deep respect for the outdoors and essential character-building lessons in perseverance, teamwork, and self-reliance. Jack and Helen understood that camps offered more than just recreational opportunities and daycare. Camp can foster a sense of resilience in the face of struggle. Such lessons can serve people throughout their whole lives.
Jack spent over forty years as a board member of the Kalamazoo YMCA. While he supported the athletic and developmental culture of the membership organization, his heart was always on the camp side of the business. As a founding board member of the Sherman Lake YMCA Outdoor Center, he was honored to be part of the creation of a new YMCA camp located in between Kalamazoo and Battle Creek. That organization’s emphasis on honesty, caring, respect and responsibility perfectly aligned with his own values.
Supporting Family & Children Services Summer Enrichment Program
Jack and Helen were also long-time supporters of Family & Children Services. When we launched our Summer Enrichment Program, the Wattles were thrilled to contribute. They did so for the rest of their lives. This program offers children the chance to attend various camps and enrichment activities, opening doors that might otherwise remain closed due to financial limitations.
A Lasting Legacy
Though Jack and Helen Wattles are no longer with us, their legacy of generosity and community support continues through the Wattles Family Foundation. One way their foundation carries its mission is through continuing support of Family & Children Services Summer Enrichment Program.
The Wattles family’s commitment to community enrichment serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that quiet generosity can have. Their support of camps, children’s programs, and community initiatives have touched the lives of many individuals. Their story is one of dedication, selflessness, and an unwavering belief in the power of supporting people. Through their actions, they have created a ripple effect that continues to benefit the Kalamazoo community and beyond. The children who attend camps thanks to Jack and Helen may one day become the leaders, mentors, and philanthropists who, in turn, support the next generation.
In a world that often celebrates grand gestures and public recognition, Jack and Helen Wattles remind us that some of the most profound impacts are made quietly, through consistent, thoughtful, and heartfelt giving. Their legacy lives on not just in the programs they supported but in the lives they have enriched and the communities they have strengthened.
Serving Beyond Their Years: The VanWestrienens
Barbara VanWestrienen
Paul and Barbara VanWestrienen led lives defined by service, generosity, and a steadfast commitment to their community. Through their actions, they demonstrated that making an impact was not limited by profession or circumstance but was instead a way of life.
Paul, an accountant in Kalamazoo, and Barbara, a teacher at Mattawan High School, dedicated their time and resources to strengthening the community they loved. Though they had no children of their own, Barbara considered each student she taught and every young life she touched through charitable giving as her own. She had an incredible memory for names, recalling students decades after they graduated. One class, particularly close to her heart, even came together to host her 80th birthday party, a testament to the lasting bonds she formed.
Paul, equally dedicated to service, spent more than twenty years on the Family & Children Services board. He and Barbara were drawn to organizations focused on supporting children and families, believing that a community is strongest when its youth are nurtured, educated, and empowered. Their passion for creating opportunities for the under-resourced was evident in their philanthropy, ensuring that their contributions had a direct and meaningful impact.
As lifelong Christians, Paul and Barbara viewed their resources as tools for purposeful giving. Their donations supported numerous community organizations, including ours, and though they gave with no desire to be acknowledged or celebrated, knowing their contributions made a tangible difference brought them immense joy.
Paul VanWestrienen
Their generosity extended beyond their lifetimes. Understanding the lasting power of strategic giving, they established an IRA beneficiary account that continues to support Family & Children Services and other local agencies. Through this thoughtful planning, the VanWestrienens ensured their legacy of service and compassion would live on for generations to come.
We are deeply grateful for the indelible mark Paul and Barbara have left on our community. Their story reminds us of the power of generosity and the profound difference that a life of service can make.