Board of Directors

Generous Hands is currently serving more hungry children than ever before. Nearly 350 kids receive weekly Power Packs, and their families also take advantage of monthly grocery vouchers for our local Family Fare as well. Behind this success are countless individuals, each playing a vital role in different capacities. Here are some of the people who make Generous Hands happen, in their own words.

Executive Board

Sheri Louis (Executive DirectoR)

I have served as Executive Director at Generous Hands, Inc. since May of 2011. I enjoy the relationships made with our GH families and have a passion for working with children of all ages. I previously taught preschool at Lakeland’s Creative Beginnings and Kids Crossing Learning Center.

I am married with two married daughters and four grandchildren. Active member at Lakeland Reformed Church, previous Stephen Ministry leader and teacher, Hospice volunteer, and a Kids Hope Mentor.

I love to spend time with my family. I enjoy nature, hiking, raising chickens and being outdoors.

Jan Modderman-Hui (President)

I have been involved with Generous Hands prior to 2010 as a fund raiser for the organization. I then was offered a position on the Finance Committee; then made the leap to a Board member position. Following Paula (Schriemer’s) decision to step down as Board President I took on that role in 2015 and have served in this capacity since. I have embraced the mission of Generous Hands from the very beginning, the wonderful community support and involvement and every single family we serve. Over time I have become even more passionate about this organization and the Board members. I do my very best to share our mission with those unfamiliar with us.

I am married to Frank who I met through our days at Upjohn. We have two children who make Colorado their home. We find ourselves spending a good amount of time there with them. Our son and daughter-in-as have 2 children and our daughter and her husband are expecting their first child in September.

Kay Anderson (Vice-President)

I joined Generous hands as a volunteer in 2010 and as a Board member in 2011 after retiring from teaching at Vicksburg High School. Currently I serve as Vice-President, and am committed to serving students and families in need in our community. I welcome the opportunity to use my language skills in communicating with our Spanish-speaking clients. One of Generous hands’ strengths continues to be our ability to adapt to meet the changing needs of the students and families we serve.

Sandy Welch (Treasurer)

Fred and I will have been married 50 years in June; we have three boys. We have lived in SW Michigan the last 30 years and in Portage since Nov., 2019. I have a BA in math/science education and an MBA, both from U of M.

I worked for IBM as a Systems Engineer for 12 years, was a stay-at-home mom for 9 years, and worked part-time in accounting and tax preparation from 1995 until I retired in 2017. I was a volunteer treasurer of Fairplain Presbyterian Church, Benton Harbor for 20+ years and held various volunteer positions in a few other organizations. I currently serve as the treasurer of GH.

I think every community needs a Generous Hands—people who care.

Anne Liggett (Assistant Treasurer)

I love children, having fun, helping out, and the occasional bit of mischief. I graduated from WMU and spent most of my career as an accountant. Living the retired life now and enjoying it.  Generous Hands is more than just a place I volunteer, it is a passion.  It’s the people we serve and serve with, helping children in any way we are able.  What started as a weekend food source for hungry children has become much more.  Yes, the peanut butter, granola bars, and oatmeal go into Power Packs each week, but we also provide period products, school supplies, books, new school shoes, three local Blessing Boxes, and Christmas parties.  

At board meetings, a need is brought up, and usually, a solution is proposed and passed on the spot. It is that nimble of an organization.  As assistant treasurer, I see firsthand donations ranging from coins to incredibly large amounts. Every donation is given and accepted with the intention of enriching a child’s life.  I am grateful that I am a part of such a worthwhile organization.  

Brittany Hagen (Secretary)

As a child, I grew up volunteering at Generous Hands through my various school and community activities. As an adult, I moved away from the Vicksburg community for quite a few years and when my husband and I moved back we really wanted to renegade in the community in a meaningful way. An opportunity to volunteer with Generous Hands came up and ultimately I was reinvigorated with the passion and purpose of Generous Hands and serving the families and children of the community. I especially adore the community events we get to cohost and be a part of! Engaging with the families we serve is SO rewarding!

BOARD MEMBERS

Jamie Cree

Bio is coming.

Madeleine Lakatos Fojtik

I am most content to be behind the scenes, I have been working with Generous Hands since 2013 providing graphic design—digital and traditional technology support.

I am retiring from Western Michigan University in 2025. My job for the last ten years has been working for the VP of Marketing and Strategic communications, as a senior graphic designer on a variety of digital and print projects, photography/ video art direction and UI support for web projects.

Spending time with my five young grandchildren take up most of my free time.

Shaun Hagen

Bio is coming.

Kathy Holladay

Bio is coming.

Chis Kosiba

My husband Larry and I moved to Vicksburg in 1986 from our hometown Chicago. We raised our four children here and I taught at Vicksburg High School for 20 years. During this time as an educator, I was aware of Generous Hands and the good it was doing for our community. I knew I wanted to get involved, but couldn’t make the commitment until I retired. I retired from VHS in June of 2023 and have been involved with Generous Hands since then. I have never worked with a more caring and wonderful group of people as those who are the foundation of this incredible organization. I am very proud to be a part of Generous Hands and to be on the board of directors.

BOARD CONSUSTANT

Paula Schriemer, M.D.

I was one of the founders of Generous Hands way back in 2004. I served as President of GH for 10 years, and since then have remained a consultant to the board, mostly working on special projects (starting the Period Project to supply menstrual products to our families and the Blessing Box program, for example). Generous Hands has grown and changed over the years, but has still retained its primary focus to feed hungry children. I have been exceedingly grateful over the years for the Vicksburg community’s unwavering support!

My husband David and I have lived in Vicksburg since 1989. I am an anesthesiologist in Kalamazoo and delight in seeing our three grown kids (and their spouses) thrive as they find their way. We look forward to welcoming our first grandchild in May!!