BUILDING BLOCKS
of
Kalamazoo
ABOUT US
mission
Building Blocks of Kalamazoo empowers residents, one block at a time, to enhance the quality of neighborhood life.
vision
Building Blocks of Kalamazoo envisions vibrant neighborhoods where resident groups have the tools and voice to address block-level issues. We foster deep collaboration to enable vibrant communities to flourish with the power of resident-led advocacy.
strategic commitment statement
Building Blocks of Kalamazoo is dedicated to promoting social justice by prioritizing focus on the historically marginalized neighborhoods of Eastside (49048), Edison (49001), Northside (49007), Vine (49008), and West Douglass (49007). Our mission is to engage our communities in collaborative efforts that address systemic inequities and enhance the quality of neighborhood life for all.
meet the team
Katie McPherson
Executive Director
Stephanie Vallar
Northside & Douglas Community Organizer
Jonah Bolton
Special Projects Organizer
board of directors
President
Judd Easton
Connected Care Account Manager,
Philips Healthcare
Former Vine Building Blocks Participant
Co-Vice President
Adam Reaume
Kalamazoo Colllege
Co-Vice President
Steve Walsh
Executive Director,
Vine Neighborhood Association
Tresurer
Joe Kiser
President,
Old National Bank Foundation
Secretary
Willa Ditaranto
Housing Project Manager,
Kalamazoo County
Zac Bauer
Executive Director, LISC Kalamazoo
Kim Cummings
Retired Kalamazoo College professor
Founder of Building Blocks
Kaylen Humes
Deputy Director, Community HomeWorks
Danielle Johnson
Senior Branch Manager, PNC
Tshepo Mathekga
Community Investment Officer, Kalamazoo Community Foundation
Sarah Matyczyn
Recruitment Manager, Kalamazoo Anesthesiology
Former Edison Building Block Participant
Michael Seals
Retired, former Clerk Cashier at WMU
Tammie Winfield
Former Eastside Building Blocks Participant