In recent years, it became increasingly clear to the Holland Deacons’ Conference (HDC) leadership that having all of the Brothers & Sisters Homes close together would provide critical benefits for the 30 men and women for whom these houses are home. Because of that, a little over two years ago, the HDC Executive Board decided to begin taking steps to do just that.

The first step in this process would be to build a new house for Brothers Home 2. Although there are presently two homes not located close to three of the other homes, BH2 was located furthest from the other Brothers & Sisters Homes. The property for this home, located directly across the street from two of the existing homes, was recently purchased from the City of Holland. Additionally, the size and dimensions of the property are more than adequate for two homes. Thus, when HDC is ready to build another home, there will be no need to purchase additional land.

To meet this vision and raise the funds necessary to build the new BH2, the leadership of HDC began planning and preparing to implement a $600,000 capital campaign in 2022. The campaign, which is being co-chaired by Jack Kooyman, HDC’s Executive Director, and James Schippers, co-founder of Lighthouse Group, officially began earlier this year and was christened, Growing Together.

With the help of a matching gift challenge from an anonymous donor, all contributions to Growing Together will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $300,000. Gifts will stop being matched either when $300,000 in pledges and contributions has been received or by September 30 of this year, whichever comes first.

To see the Growing Together brochure and/or watch a brief video about the campaign—featuring residents, staff, and parents— visit the Brothers & Sisters Homes website at brothersandsistershomes.org/growing-together.