In 2024, Streams of Hope received a three-year $90,000 grant to support its StreamsU, Tutoring, and SWAG multi-generational programming. Hear from Executive Director Kurtis Kaechele, as he shares his insights into this work.
Name and role with the organization.
My name is Kurtis Kaechele, and I serve as the Executive Director of Streams.
Brief overview of your organization and what you do.
Streams is a community-based nonprofit in the Townline neighborhood of Kentwood. We create a healthy hub for families by offering access to food, education, and supportive relationships. Our goal is to walk with neighbors at every stage of life so that children, adults, and seniors alike can thrive.
Please provide an overview of your StreamsU, Tutoring, and youth programming.
Our focus for this grant has been on two core initiatives: tutoring for children and StreamsU for adults. Tutoring serves students from kindergarten through high school with licensed teachers who build confidence in math and reading. StreamsU offers classes for adults in financial empowerment, grief and loss, ESL, and digital literacy. Every adult class includes free childcare so that families can participate fully and remove any barriers to participation.
Who does the program serve?
The programs serve families in and around our neighborhood. We are located in one of the most disadvantaged areas in Kent County, so many of the families we serve are working to overcome barriers related to poverty, food access, and access to education.
What are its primary goals?
Our goals are to strengthen academic outcomes for students, equip adults with tools for stability, and build a stronger and healthier community.
How does this program support both youth and their families?
By providing tutoring for children and StreamsU for parents, both generations are supported at the same time. Families receive wraparound supports like food access and childcare, which help them participate more consistently. This creates opportunities for the entire household to grow and succeed together.
How has youth and parent voice shaped this project over time?
We hold informal listening sessions with parents and students to guide our programs. Parents asked for early childhood preparation, which led to the creation of Kindergarten Kickstart. They also expressed a desire for adult learning opportunities, which shaped the design of StreamsU. Their input continues to guide our planning.
What have you learned and what might you share with other organizations who similarly provide multi-generational support for families?
We have learned that family engagement is strongest when programs provide more than instruction alone. When food access, medical and dental care, childcare, and supportive relationships are included, families stay committed and outcomes improve. Streams is able to do this because of strong organizational partners who share their expertise. We are intentional about not reinventing the wheel. If another organization already does something well, we seek out that partnership so our “hub” can grow and our neighbors can benefit. Other organizations may find that joining forces strengthens both their impact and their identity.
What do you hope is the lasting impact of the program?
We hope t
o see continued measurable outcomes. More than 100 students enrolled in tutoring last year, while 17 graduated with a GED or high school diploma. Hundreds of parents and children participated in StreamsU classes. These results give families tangible progress toward stability and success.
How does multi-generational programming support the Steelcase Foundation’s overarching mission of cultivating communities where children and their families can flourish?
Multi-generational programming ensures that children and parents advance together. This reflects the Steelcase Foundation’s mission because it strengthens entire households, not only individuals. Families who learn and grow together are better positioned to flourish in the long term.
Is there anything else you would like to lift up about this work?
We are deeply grateful for the Steelcase Foundation’s partnership. Their support has allowed us to build programs that meet real needs and create long-term impact in our community.