Board Member - Vice President
Compliance Systems - Software Project Manager

Board Member - Treasurer
Vice President, Commercial Loan Officer
United Bank

Board Member - Secretary
Streams of Hope - Food Center Manager

Board Member

Board Member

Executive Director

Before coming to VIS in 2007, Bernita spent time working in marketing research, human resources, teaching piano and beginning and directing a Kids Hope ministry in a local church. What attracted her to VIS was the mission of empowering the church to serve and impact lives for Christ. “Throughout my years serving at VIS, I have enjoyed building relationships with ministry leaders, specifically deacons, who are eager to be equipped to more effectively love and serve. I have seen many lives touched by the love of church volunteers resulting in some committing their lives to Christ. It just doesn’t get better than that!” Outside of VIS Bernita enjoys spending time with her husband, kids, and granddaughter, playing piano, camping, hiking, biking and other outdoor activities.

Suzanne ReininkDirector of Operations and Training

Suzanne joined the VIS team in December 2019 as the Director of Operations and Training. She came to VIS with over 14 years of experience directly working with those in need and the impoverished as well as over ten years of working with church leadership. Suzanne is passionate about working with the disenfranchised offering the love of Christ to those around her. Prior to coming to VIS, she worked at Degage Ministries where she held various positions as Program Manager, Project Manager and Director of Human Resources.
Suzanne handles the day to day operations at VIS and is eager to share her resource knowledge and experience to expand VIS’ call to serving the community. She will also be involved in the training of ministry leadership and has a deep passion for equipping individuals with every spiritual gift needed for serving others.
One of Suzanne’s favorite verses is 1 Peter 2:9 - You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.

Casework Connections Associate

David is a social worker who most recently was the Director of Clinical Services and Counseling Supervisor at the Evangelical Child and Family Agency in Wheaton, IL.  Prior to that he was the Executive Director of the Covenant Children’s Home and Family Services for 15 years in Princeton, IL.  He says he is now semi-retired and moved to Grand Rapids in 2015 with his wife, to be closer to his children and grandchildren.  He and his wife attend Shawnee Park CRC.  He is excited to be a part of VIS and to learn to play a role in connecting churches with those who are longing for the touch of Jesus in their lives.

Connections Coordinator

Prior to coming to VIS in 2008, Debbie worked for the American Red Cross for nearly 33 years in various capacities, most recently managing the Disaster, Military, International, and Transportation programs. She started at the Chapter in Grand Rapids, moved to Cedar Rapids, IA in 1986, and returned to Grand Rapids in 1990 where she remained until she retired in May, 2008. Debbie has been very active in her church, Cascade Christian Church, where she served on the Board, as Elder Chair, and Missions Committee Chair, and is currently on the Missions Committee and Praise Team. Debbie thoroughly enjoys the role she plays at VIS in helping to empower people to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need. She also enjoys spending time with her family, especially in her new role as Nana to little Wyatt!

Connections Associate

Before coming to VIS as a part-time employee, Muriel worked for the CRCNA Denominational Office for almost 15 years. Prior to that she served as the secretary at the Cutlerville East CRC.  Murial enjoys spending time with her granddaughters, participating in church activities, and reading. She enjoys the connections made with VIS clients and appreciates being able to work with the VIS staff in serving the Lord by serving others.

Accounting & Development Coordinator

Before coming to VIS in July 2022, Rachel spent time on staff at her local church and at World Renew. One reason VIS was appealing to her was because of the great work they are doing in Grand Rapids and the surrounding area. She and her family attend 1 st Byron Center CRC. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her kids and extended family, visiting Traverse City and reading. Her favorite verse is “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Casework Connections Associate

Rosemary began working with the team of Volunteers In Service in January of 2016. She worked in the past as a social worker for D.A. Blodgett/St. Johns in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program and as a Home support counselor for what used to be Thresholds, an organization serving persons with developmental disabilities. Aside from working with VIS, Rosemary enjoys being part of Bible Study Fellowship, as well as an outreach ministry in the church she and her husband attend. She also enjoys spending time with her husband, two daughters and son in laws, and their precious grandchildren. Rosemary loves to read, go for walks, and observe wildlife. Rosemary is humbled with the privilege of working with the VIS team in seeing the many ways God is at work in this ministry. The following verse keeps her in check: Micah 6:8 “…And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”

Trainer

Attah is a zealous speaker, professional coach, and business consultant. Attah’s gift is being in tune to people in poverty, and he is passionate about empowering people to transform their lives. His message encourages and challenges individuals to make a positive change towards personal and professional development. Coupled with his drive to spur personal development, Attah has a deep passion for economic development through entrepreneurship. For VIS, Attah trains people who want to be financial mentors. Attah attends Madison Square Church.

Trainer

Duke is Vice-Chair of Elders and Chair of the Administrative Committee at Kentwood Christian Church. He helped start the S.H.A.L.O.M. Ministry there, which is an acronym for Service, Humility, Accountability, Love, Obedience, and Mercy. Their mission is to provide service opportunities for their membership, and service to their community. He has been the Director of this ministry since it started and it is through this group that he came to know VIS. He is also a trained Stephen Minister. Duke’s gift is being able to apply scripture as a response to people and their challenges. His primary focus is on deacon training and coaching.