Three-Year Fundraiser Will Renovate Hawthorn Landing, Upjohn Care, and Campus-Wide Spaces
*By The Kalamazoo Press*
KALAMAZOO, MI (March 28, 2026) – Heritage Community of Kalamazoo has officially launched the Thrive Together Campaign, a three-year, $9 million fundraising initiative designed to completely transform senior living, expand affordable memory care, enhance wellness spaces, and strengthen benevolent care across its campus.
The major fundraiser will fund significant renovations at Hawthorn Landing, upgrades to the Upjohn Care and Rehabilitation Center, and campus-wide improvements aimed at improving dignity, wellness, and access to care for the nearly 450 seniors served annually.
"The Thrive Together Campaign is an investment in the future of aging in the area," Heritage Community of Kalamazoo leadership stated. "We have committed $6 million toward facility renovations and program enhancements, with $3 million coming from community philanthropy to complete the vision."
Renovations are expected to begin in 2026 with completion anticipated by 2028.
Campaign Goals and Budget Breakdown
Heritage Community of Kalamazoo has served the community since 1945 and remains one of the region's leading nonprofit senior living providers. The organization offers independent living, assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and home care services all on one campus.
It is one of the few senior living communities in Kalamazoo that accepts Medicaid, making it accessible to residents with limited financial resources.
The Thrive Together campaign leadership is inviting individuals, businesses, and philanthropic partners to help complete the campaign. The organization has already secured $8.8 million of its $9 million goal through Heritage's own investment and early philanthropic support.
Budget Allocation
The $9 million campaign will be distributed across three major projects:
- Hawthorn Landing Expansion - $3.27 million for 11 new memory care apartments and a vibrant wellness hub featuring a theater, fitness studio, barbershop, maker's space, smoothie bar, and more
- Upjohn Renovations - $1.6 million for dignified arrival experiences, refreshed resident rooms, and upgraded care spaces
- Campus-Wide Enhancements - $4.09 million for improved walking paths, gardens, libraries, and common spaces for all residents
Mission and Impact
The campaign's stated mission is to create spaces of dignity, joy, and connection for older adults—today and for generations to come. Heritage Community of Kalamazoo says the campaign builds on more than 80 years of being "more than a place to live—it's been a place to belong."
"Your gift will create spaces of dignity, joy, and connection for older adults—today and for generations to come," Heritage Thrives Together campaign materials read.
The organization has outlined specific outcomes they expect to achieve:
- 11 new affordable memory care apartments will open
- A retired nurse practitioner will find new purpose volunteering alongside neighbors
- Residents can gather in vibrant, updated spaces that inspire creativity and connection
- Older adults remain rooted in the community they helped build
- The future of aging in Kalamazoo is one of belonging, not isolation
How to Give
Contributions can be made by visiting heritagethrivestogether.org or contacting the Heritage Community of Kalamazoo Foundation at (269) 276-4046 or aboard@heritagecommunity.com.
Ways to Give
The organization offers multiple avenues for donations:
- Outright Gifts - One-time contributions via check, credit card, donor-advised fund, or online through their secure giving portal
- Pledged Gifts - Multi-year pledges that can be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually
- Stock, IRA Distributions, or Donor-Advised Funds - Appreciated assets and qualified charitable distributions from IRAs
- Planned Gifts and Bequests - Estate plans including bequests, charitable remainder trusts, or other arrangements
- Corporate and Foundation Support - Sponsorship, naming opportunities, and visibility options
- In-Kind Contributions - Goods and services, particularly related to construction, furnishings, or printing
Naming Opportunities
The campaign includes various naming opportunities to honor loved ones, celebrate families, or create lasting legacies in renovated spaces. A full list of opportunities is available upon request.
About Heritage Community of Kalamazoo
Heritage Community of Kalamazoo has served as a cornerstone of senior care in Southwest Michigan for over eight decades. The organization remains one of the region's premier providers, offering comprehensive services across multiple levels of care under one roof.
The campus includes:
- Contemporary Independent Living
- Newly Renovated Independent Living
- Assisted Living (both cost-conscious and premium options)
- Memory Care (cost-conscious and enhanced programs)
- Memory Care Learning Center
- Skilled Nursing Care
- Rehabilitation Center
- Home Care services
The organization's commitment to accepting Medicaid ensures that financial limitations do not prevent residents from accessing quality senior care in their community.
Campaign Leadership
The Thrive Together campaign has assembled a dedicated cabinet of co-chairs and leadership members who are stepping forward with extraordinary dedication to rally the community to reach the $9 million vision.
Campaign co-chairs include Jack Hopkins, Dan Rinzema, and Scott Sylvester. The full campaign cabinet includes Judy Sarkozy, Patti Chipman, Joyce DeNooyer, Millie Karnemaat, Bob and Kay O'Boyle, Rex Bell, Helen Bogatschow, Rosie Cekola Hall, Troy Cuvelier, Andrew DeNooyer, Craig DeNooyer, Sarah DeNooyer, Laura Eller, Kim Hatchel, Jack Keiser, Bill Millard, Bob Miller, Terry O'Connor, Tom Owen, Darcey Owings, Pete Seaver, Bill Venema, Perry Wolfe, Aaron Bradford, Julie Deppner, and Keith Hopkins.
Timeline and Next Steps
The organization expects renovations to commence in 2026 with the project timeline extending through 2028 for full completion. Heritage Community of Kalamazoo is actively reaching out to the community to fill the remaining $3 million gap needed to bring the entire campaign to life.
"We have secured $8.8 million of its $9 million goal already through Heritage's own investment and early philanthropic support. Now, the leadership of the Thrive Together campaign is inviting individuals, businesses, and philanthropic partners to help complete the campaign," Heritage Community of Kalamazoo stated.
The organization emphasizes that contributions will support renovations, expand access to care, and ensure that no resident is turned away because they outlive their financial resources.
Contact Information
For more information about the Thrive Together Campaign or to make a donation, visit heritagethrivestogether.org or contact the Heritage Community of Kalamazoo Foundation directly.
Heritage Community of Kalamazoo Foundation
- Phone: (269) 276-4046 or (269) 382-1255
- Email: aboard@heritagecommunity.com
- Address: 2300 Portage Street, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
WKZO News Contact
- Email: wkzonews@wkzo.com
- Studio Line: (269) 382-4280
Sources
- Heritage Community of Kalamazoo announces $9-million Thrive Together Campaign | WKZO | Everything Kalamazoo | 590 AM · 106.9 FM - https://wkzo.com/2026/03/27/908299/
- Heritage Thrives Together - Heritage Thrives Together - https://heritagethrivestogether.org/
- Contact Us | WKZO | Everything Kalamazoo | 590 AM · 106.9 FM - https://wkzo.com/contact-us/