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, 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.
Leadership Team
Robin McGinnis, MSW
Chief Executive Officer
Wayne Sawyer
Chief Financial Officer
Board of Directors
Pamela Pancoast
President
Philanthropist
Alex Moore, CPA
Treasurer
Assurance Manager
Plante & Moran, PLLC
Rayonte Bell
Berrien County Commissioner
Dr. Eric P. Lester
Retired Physician
Janet Reimann
Board Liaison to Ladies Auxiliary
Retired Teacher
Farai Rukunda
Director of Global Seperation Science-LECO Corporation
Amy Nichols
Retired Campus Coordinator for AAA
Brett Wier
Vise President, Business Banker (Michigan) 1st Source Bank
Directors
Jessica Carlsen Director of Finance
Barbara Payne Director of Adult Day Services
Christy Payne Guardianship Director
Melanie Hooker
Empowerment Center Director
Susan Holcomb Safe and Secure Director
Open
Director of Quality Assurance & Compliance
Managers
Open Benton Harbor Manager
Sandra Dee
Paw Paw Manager
Alicia Raab
South Haven Manager
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.