Jeff Brown, Director, director@haltpoverty.org

 Jeff hasn't quite filled out his profile details yet, but rest assured, he is quite an emmaculate professional with many years of experience in a variety of fields. He is the visionary of the PRI and provides it direction and purpose.

 

 

 

 

 
 

Pam Burpee, Americorps VISTA: Program & Resources Developer, priresources@haltpoverty.org

 Pam was born and raised here in Kalamazoo and graduated in 2006 from WMU with her degree in Criminal Justice. As a lifelong resident service to her community has always been a priority. She serves as the Secretary for the Board of Directors for the Disability Network of Southwest Michigan and is involved with the Kalamazoo/Portage Substance Abuse Task Force.

 As the current Resource and Program developer, Pam identifies gaps in service provision, opportunities for collaborative programming in the community, and the resources (funding) necessary to make these poverty reduction efforts operate.

A quote that she lives by:
Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference ~ Sir Winston Churchill.


Kelcie Douglas, Americorps VISTA: Event Coordinator, povertysimulation@haltpoverty.org

Kelcie considers herself a proud Michigander, growing up in the beauty of Leelanau County, Michigan. She found a second home in Kalamazoo after moving to attend school at Kalamazoo College. In 2009, Kelcie received her Bachelor of Science in the Liberal Arts, graduating with degrees in History and Art. Hoping to remain in Kalamazoo to learn more of the community she grew to love, Kelcie found herself connected with the PRI after college.

Her work as a Volunteer Coordinator and Facilitator of the Poverty Simulation Workshops has taught her the importance of communication, collaboration and inter-personal relationships. Kelcie finds her motivation to educate others on poverty through the stories of financial hardship those in our community face on a daily basis. Through her work at the PRI, Kelcie has witnessed the power of education and the ability to change minds and make a difference.

Away from her desk, Kelcie enjoys being outdoors, reading cookbooks and venturing into the world to meet its’ people. 

 

Kevin Lignell, Americorps VISTA: Public Relations & Marketing, klignell@haltpoverty.org

Kevin grew up in Grand Rapids, MI and graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2008 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications. He has over 2 years of professional experience in public relations and marketing and has worked for 4 non-profit organizations. After graduating from GVSU, Kevin moved to Kalamazoo and accepted his current Americorps position in December of 2008. Responsible for creating a 3-year communications plan for the Poverty Reduction Initiative, he hopes to create a greater awareness of the poverty issues in Kalamazoo.

In his spare time, Kevin loves to exercise at the YMCA, plays ultimate frisbee and serves as a Big Brother volunteer.

“Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
- The Dalai Lama

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Ruth Berger, Americorps VISTA: Asset Development Coordinator, rberger@haltpoverty.org

Ruth grew up near Jackson, MI and graduated from Michigan State University in 2009 with a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Social Science, focusing on economics and international development. During her time at MSU she greatly enjoyed working with local non-profits on youth programming, fund-raising, and advocacy. A passionate volunteer from a young age, Ruth views Americorps as an excellent opportunity to dedicate herself fully to poverty issues. At PRI, she works on asset development and community collaboration.

In her free time, Ruth enjoys running, traveling, and reading about global issues.

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is: What are you doing for others?" - Martin Luther King Jr.