About.
The origins of Caring Connection are historic and deep. In 1891, as the National Children’s Home Society for the District of Michigan, our mission was “to secure for every child the same love and the same opportunity that we would have our own children receive should they be left orphaned and friendless.”
The first child was taken into our care on September 28, 1891, followed by hundreds of orphaned children who we helped by finding them permanent homes.
Since that time, our programs have evolved to meet the needs of the communities we serve, and we have grown to become a full-service organization serving children, families, and adults of all ages. Most recently, we were known as The Avenue, but our programs demanded a name that would better encompass all that we do. Today we are Caring Connection. Home to multiple programs that provide care, love, understanding and hope for the future to so many people in our community.
Our Mission:
Empower. Advocate. Support.
Our Vision:
Creating Peace of Mind and Pathways to Thrive
Team.
Officers
Nancy DuBois
Chief Executive Officer
Erik Bergh
Chief Operating Officer
Robin McGinnis, MSW
Chief Strategy Officer
Wayne Sawyer
Chief Financial Officer
Board of Directors
Pamela Pancoast
President
Philanthropist
Alex Moore, CPA
Treasurer
Assurance Manager
Plante & Moran, PLLC
Elliott Berlin
Secretary
Attorney
Varnum, LLP
Lise A. Black
Past President
Early Childhood Coordinator
Van Buren Intermediate
School District
Rayonte Bell
Berrien County Commissioner
Dr. Eric P. Lester
Retired Physician
Janet Reimann
Board Liaison to Ladies Auxiliary
Retired Teacher
Leadership
Christina Williams Benton Harbor Manager
Jennifer Martin
Paw Paw Manager
Christy Payne Guardianship Director Safe and Secure Director
Rebecca Wyre
Empowerment Center Director
Barbara Payne, RN
Quality Assurance &
Compliance Director
Auxiliary
The Auxiliary is made up of community women that meet regularly and hold two large fundraisers each year: The Ice Cream Social in the summer and the Spaghetti Dinner in the fall. They also provide monthly dinners for group sessions at the Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Center, provide blankets and exit baskets for shelter guests, volunteer, and much more! This caring group has been in existence for over 100 years supporting our agency.