Board Member - President
Compliance Systems - Software Project Manager

Board Member - Vice President
Realtor Blu House Properties by EXP Realty

Board Member - Treasurer
Investor Coach & CFP® Cornerstone Wealth Partners

Board Member - Secretary
Kids Hope Mentor
Evangelistic Outreach -and -Welcome Committee at LaGrave CRC

Board Member
Meritage Hospitality Group, Inc - Senior Counsel

Board Member
President 28 Studio

Board Member
Air Force Officer - Retired

Board Member
Software Developer - Retired

Board Member
Executive Director - Christian Outreach For Africa

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.

Director of Programs & Training

Cori joined the VIS team in November of 2023. She has served as a Volunteer Coordinator with Corewell Health Hospice and Palliative Care, Executive Director of Africa's Child, and as the National Administrator for Family Friendly Partners Network. She currently serves as the President of the Board of Directors at Camp Concordia and is a member at St. Matthew Lutheran Church. Cori enjoys long walks, reading, watching her son's soccer games and every chance she gets to spend time with her college-aged children. Cori feels blessed for the opportunity to serve on the VIS team. She is passionate about mobilizing the church to serve their local community for the purpose of building the kingdom of God!

Casework Connections Associate

David spent 40 years as a social worker in various settings in Wisconsin and Illinois. He and his wife, Linda, retired to Grand Rapids in 2015. When he discovered a staff vacancy at VIS in 2016, it seemed like a good fit for him, and has proven to be that and more. David and Linda have two children and three grandchildren, all who live in Grand Rapids. David attends Shawnee Park Christian Reformed Church. His leisure activities include watercolor painting, kayaking, biking, and volunteer work in the community and in his congregation. Bringing the love of Jesus to VIS Friends and others brings him joy.

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!

Casework Connections Associate

Melanie joined the VIS team in November of 2024. She has a background in music therapy and served as a stay-at-home mom for many years. Melanie and her family are members of Covenant Christian Reformed Church where she helps coordinate the Hand 2 Hand program. She is excited about working at VIS where she can help spread God's love and care in her community.

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 Peace Church. 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.”

Casework Connections Associate

Spencer began working with VIS in November 2024. Prior to this he has held positions in various non-profit organizations and ministries, mainly serving populations experiencing homelessness. Spencer and his family have lived in Wyoming since 2014 and attend Clyde Park Church of the Nazarene, where he also serves as a worship leader. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, reading, hiking, running, and playing music. Serving and equipping the Church is Spencer’s passion and he is excited to join the VIS team in an effort to make a Kingdom impact in our community.

Community Partner: 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.