western great lakes region

Mailing Address:
PO Box 2533
Holland, MI 49422-2533

Phone: (616) 446-7733

Who We Are

Our Vision

Young Life in every county in the region by the end of 2030.

Through teams of volunteers, equipped and supported by paid staff, we will live out our calling to reach every kid by having Young Life in every county in the Western Great Lakes Region by the end of 2030.

Our Volunteers

669 volunteers who know 10,575 kids by name.

Young Life can be leaders can found on school campuses, at sports events, and at kids' favorite hangouts. In many cases, they are the only adult friends kids have in their lives.

VIDEO: Grand Rapids Young Life Anthem Video

Our Impact

121 active Young Life ministries in 18 of the 32 counties in the Western Great Lakes.

We are praying that God would open doors for us to build relationships with students at these schools.

DOWNLOAD: Future Club Prayer List

Summer Camp

This past summer 938 kids & leaders from the Western Great Lakes Region experienced the best week of their lives at Young Life camp.

At camp, kids have the opportunity to step outside the everyday chaos to experience the love of Jesus and the joy that can be found in Him.

VIDEO: In Their Words: Brandon & Quincy

Chris Theule

Regional Director

Contact Chris

Rachael VanderWerf

Regional Administrator

Contact Rachael

Sara Kunzi

Regional Administrator

Contact Sara

Beth Price

Regional HR Coordinator (hiring & on-boarding)

Contact Beth

Matt DeHoog

Associate Regional Director for Greater Grand Rapids & Calvin University Partner

Contact Matt

Erin Wanschura

Associate Regional Director for NW Michigan

Contact Erin

Jane Lemmen

Associate Regional Director

Contact Jane

Steve Winkle

Regional Initiatives: Church Partner Coordinator

Contact Steve

Crystal Wright

Regional Initiatives: Movement Team Leader

Contact Crystal

Missy Johnson

YoungLives​ Regional Coordinator

Contact Missy

Eli Margaron

Capernaum Regional Coordinator

Contact Eli

Jenna Perkins

Regional Trainer & GR Metro Director

Contact Jenna

You Were Made for This

We know you want to be a difference-maker

Volunteer your time to work directly with young people.

Support the staff and leaders as part of the local adult committee.

Give resources to start or sustain the financial foundation at the local or regional level.

The involvement of people like you is vital to healthy, sustainable, quality youth ministry in your community and around the region.