But the streak almost ended before it even started.

The night before his very first Klassic, Dick had been at his brother Lou’s wedding in Holland, Michigan. After the reception, he drove back late and crashed at his friend Mark’s house on Winchell Avenue, close to the racecourse. Exhausted after only a few hours of sleep, Dick considered skipping the race altogether. But Mark nudged him out of bed and convinced him to go.

That decision turned into 47 years and counting.

Part of what kept drawing Dick back was the familiarity of the course. Streets like Bronson Boulevard were more than race routes. They were places where he had trained years earlier while running cross country and track for Kalamazoo Christian High School. Each summer felt like revisiting a piece of home.

Over time, the Klassic became more than just another race on the calendar. In the late 1980s, while living in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Dick still made the trip back to Kalamazoo each summer to compete in the 10K. Somewhere during those years, the event stopped being optional. It became a commitment.

Part of his motivation is simply keeping the streak alive one more year.

Some of Dick’s most meaningful memories involve family. In 1999, the Klassic became unforgettable for both joyful and frightening reasons. His brother Lou won the 10K that year. Lou’s daughter Anne completed the 5K for the first time. But just moments after starting the 5K himself, Dick’s father George suffered a heart attack. Runners heard ambulance sirens echo through the course before learning George had been rushed to Bronson Hospital. Thankfully, he survived.

Other memories carry a lighter spirit. Dick still remembers the 1997 race after a violent storm swept through Kalamazoo the night before. Fallen trees blocked parts of Bronson Boulevard, threatening to cancel the event. But before sunrise, volunteers arrived with chainsaws and cleared the roads so the race could continue. Dick remembers the smell of freshly cut wood in the morning air as he pushed toward a sub-18-minute 5K finish just behind his friend Rick Chambers.

Through the years, the Klassic has also become a family tradition spanning generations. Dick watched proudly as his daughters, Deborah and Renee, ran their first Kids Klassic races before eventually joining the 5K themselves. Lou ran alongside Deborah during her first 5K and later joined Dick again for the “virtual” Klassic runs during COVID. Friends and family continued to share miles with him over the decades. Rick Chambers ran beside him in 2014. His son Caleb joined him last year. This year, his wife Susan plans to run with him too.

The race itself has changed over the years. In the early days, runners finished at the top of Peeler Street instead of near Maple Street Magnet School for the Arts, making an already difficult course even tougher. Back then, the Klassic offered only a 10K, and because road racing was less common, elite runners from around Michigan regularly showed up. Dick still points out that Mark’s 35:28 finish in 1979 placed only 28th, despite being fast enough to potentially win some races today.

But for all the changes, one thing has stayed remarkably consistent: unpredictability.

Some years are brutally hot and humid. Others are cool and comfortable. Then there was the year officials used a cannon to start the race. Dick realized too late how loud it would be. As he rushed to plug his ears, the cannon exploded and startled him so badly that he accidentally punched himself in the face before taking his first stride.

“The first few steps of the race that year were not steady,” he laughs.

If there is one word Dick uses to describe the Klassic, it is simple: “Hill.”

Specifically, Maple Street hill.

And if he could go back and give advice to his younger self standing at the starting line in 1979? “Don’t run up Maple Street hill on your toes.” He learned that lesson the hard way after injuring his calf on the climb during his very first Klassic. What should have been a 38-minute finish turned into a painful final stretch and a 39:46 time instead.

Still, he came back the next year.

And the year after that.

Forty-seven years later, Dick is still returning to the same streets, the same hills, and the same community that has cheered runners on for generations. For him, the Klassic is not just a race. It is a timeline of family, friendships, perseverance, and Kalamazoo itself.

The following day, staff shared Rachel’s success with the GrowGreen* team, and another client took her out for more practice. Rachel remembered everything she had learned and continued mowing beautifully throughout the day.

This was a wonderful success story not only for Rachel, but also for her supportive teammates who helped encourage her growth and confidence. Great job, team!

*GrowGreen is part of our Workforce Development program. Clients learn lawncare and landscaping skills through volunteerism, classroom, and paid work opportunities. 

Since joining the Klassic in 2018, the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek myTEAM TRIUMPH (mTT) chapter has made it clear: they don’t just participate, they show up with purpose. “We don’t miss the Klassic,” Michael, a member of mTT, shared. That consistency speaks volumes about both the partnership with the event and the impact it has on everyone involved.

What is My Team Triumph?

At its core, myTEAM TRIUMPH is about shifting the focus of racing. What if, for one day, it wasn’t about personal records or finish times? What if the goal was someone else’s triumph?

Founded in 2008 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, mTT is dedicated to providing individuals with disabilities the opportunity to experience the thrill of endurance racing. Participants, known as Captains, are supported by Angels, volunteer athletes who push, pull, and guide them through the course.

Whether in a racing chariot or supported by a guide runner, Captains get to experience something many take for granted: the energy of race day, the cheers of the crowd, and the unforgettable moment of crossing the finish line.

More Than a Race

For the Angels, the experience is just as powerful. Many are seasoned runners who joined simply wanting to give back, but they often walk away with much more.

“I have never talked to someone who came out of it that didn’t think it was worth it,” Michael said.

This mTT team typically participates in about four races each year in Southwest Michigan, building strong connections with the running community along the way. And the impact extends beyond race day. Some Captains grow in confidence and go on to try other sports, from baseball to new athletic challenges.

A Day at the Klassic

Race day starts early. The team sets up a tent, prepares equipment, and gathers race packets for each Captain. About an hour before the start, Angels arrive for a safety briefing and team introductions.

Then comes one of the most meaningful parts of the day: getting everyone into position, sharing a moment together, and heading to the starting line. Often, the mTT team starts a few minutes ahead of the main race, giving them space and a well-deserved spotlight.

And from there, it’s all about the journey.

Spectators cheer. Fellow runners offer encouragement. Sometimes, they even jump in to help, like the time other participants stepped in to push a chariot up a challenging hill. Those moments of unity are what define the Klassic experience.

Why It Matters

“It’s about the Captains,” Michael emphasized.

Everything from reserved accessible parking to the welcoming attitude of the Klassic organizers helps ensure that every Captain can fully take part. It’s a partnership built on inclusion, respect, and a shared commitment to community.

And the joy is unmistakable. Whether verbal or nonverbal, Captains express their excitement in smiles, laughter, and raised hands as they cross the finish line.

Get Involved

myTEAM TRIUMPH is always looking for more people to join their mission. Whether you want to volunteer as an Angel, become a Captain, or simply learn more, the first step is connecting with the local chapter through their Facebook group.

No matter your role, one thing is certain: this isn’t about racing for time. It’s about racing for someone else’s moment.

In One Word?

If you had to sum up myTEAM TRIUMPH in a single word, the answer is simple: Triumph.

Because every race is a reminder that with teamwork, compassion, and a little determination, everyone deserves their chance to cross the finish line.

Patsy’s first Klassic came at a time when opportunities for girls in sports were limited. “Girls didn’t have anything they could do sportswise,” she recalls. But encouragement from a friend changed everything. What started as a fun, social activity quickly became something more. After that first race, she made up her mind: as long as the event continued, she would be part of it.

Over the years, Patsy has experienced the Klassic in many forms. Starting as a runner and eventually transitioning to power walking so she could continue participating. That adaptability is part of what has kept her going, and it mirrors how the event itself has evolved. What began as a single 10K race has expanded to include a 5K and eventually a 5K walk, making it possible for participants to keep showing up year after year, even as their abilities change. It’s a transformation that has allowed people like Patsy, who started early, to stay involved as they’ve gotten older. “I know what to expect,” she says, though one thing hasn’t changed: her dislike for the course’s infamous hill. “God, I hate that hill,” she laughs.

There are also more participants now, especially more women, which she sees as a meaningful change. Yet the heart of the event has remained the same: a welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities come together. “You meet really good people, and it doesn’t matter how old you are or how fast you are, the point is you’re doing it.”

Her most memorable moment came the first time she won her age group; a milestone that stood out among decades of races and personal achievements. It was a moment that reflected not just her effort on that day, but years of dedication and consistency.

At 80 years old, Patsy continues to train regularly, walking laps in her neighborhood and steadily building toward her goal of completing a 5K. Her determination hasn’t faded, in fact, it’s sharpened. “I expect to win now,” she says with a smile, noting that fewer people her age are still competing. This year, she’s aiming for a 40-minute finish, improving on last year’s time of 44:48.

For Patsy, the Klassic is more than just a race. It’s a reason to stay active, both mentally and physically. “I am living and am still trying to have as young a body as I can have,” she says. It’s also a reminder of how far she’s come and how far she can still go. When asked to describe the event in one word, her answer is simple: “Goals.”

Her advice to newcomers reflects the spirit that has carried her through nearly five decades: “Have fun. Do the best you can, but don’t worry about it. Being in it is the important part.”

And if she could go back and speak to her younger self at that very first race? She knows exactly what she’d say: “Thanks, Don.”

Because sometimes all it takes is one person (and one step) to start something that lasts a lifetime.

Her effort paid off. By December, Megan transferred into a position within the casino café as a host and barista. With this change came new responsibilities, including greeting guests and helping maintain a welcoming atmosphere.

In her new role, Megan continued to build her customer service and communication skills. Greeting customers and staying attentive did not always come naturally at first, but she made steady progress through practice and feedback. Over time, she became more confident, consistent, and independent in her work. She also showed initiative by applying what she learned and taking responsibility for her tasks.

Outside of work, Megan has taken steps toward greater independence. She opened a savings account and is working toward goals such as obtaining her driver’s license and securing her own place to live.

Megan’s progress reflects her dedication and willingness to grow. She is building a strong foundation for long-term success through continued effort, support, and practice.

Today, Lish holds a job at McDonald’s, where she continues to build valuable workplace skills, and she also helps answer phones at Kalamazoo Loaves and Fishes in the Call Center. These opportunities have allowed her to strengthen her communication skills, gain independence, and show just how much she has grown.

“I like that the people are nice to me and want me to work there.”

-Lish K.

Geonca Rolle’s powerful quote from her recent testimony, delivered at her graduation ceremony from Kalamazoo Gospel Mission’s New Life | New Hope program, is a testament to her strength and perseverance. Over the past six years of working with BridgeWays Case Management, Geonca has transformed her life and found her purpose.

Growing up, Geonca often struggled to find her place. In her struggle to find community, Geonca engaged in high-risk behaviors that endangered herself and others. One night, her home was subject to gun violence. Fortunately, no one was harmed in the shooting— “I felt it was God’s hands protecting us,” Geonca said. Still, the event prompted her to change her environment and move to Kalamazoo not only for her own safety, but for the safety of her children too.  She faced difficulty coping in the wake of this traumatic event and experienced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, driving her to use illicit substances and isolate herself in her home. Substance abuse was an escape for Geonca—it was an escape from her life at the time, her past struggles, and from the efforts she went through to provide for herself and her children. Her mental health struggles evolved into suicidal ideation as well as attempts, as she began harming herself in various ways. It was only when her son knocked on her door during an attempt that this cycle was disrupted. “I didn’t want my son to see,” she said. “It was a reality check.”

Geonca stopped using substances and began attending therapy through Integrated Services of Kalamazoo (ISK). Her journey toward healing had its share of setbacks and struggles. She was scared to be in social environments and was resistant to leaving her house. In her effort to build up her confidence in leaving the house, Geonca experienced another traumatic event and began using substances again.

BridgeWays was a catalyst for change in Geonca’s life. When Geonca joined the BridgeWays program, she felt that she needed someone to talk for her, to be her voice when she felt unable to speak. She connected with case manager Kachet Bonds and peer support coach Ituha “E” Cloud. “E and Kachet are my life-changers,” she shared. Even when Geonca relocated to Grand Rapids during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kachet stayed connected with her and continued to be a vital member of her support system. “With BridgeWays, I was able to be honest. I would have hidden the truth if not for E,” she said.

In addition to the support from her girlfriend, E, and Kachet, as well as therapy from ISK, Geonca’s grandmother was instrumental to her progress. She was Geonca’s “go-to” and “best friend” and told her she needed to “get grounded.” This final push motivated her to start the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission’s New Life | New Hope program—a one-year residential program that provided a safe place for Geonca to overcome substance misuse, nurture her mental health, and find a sense of stability.

When she first joined the program to escape the brutal winter cold, Geonca did not anticipate finding the success that she has today—but Kachet cheered her on, encouraging her to take her newly prescribed mental health medications and continue in the program. “Kachet is an angel. She would guide me right,” Geonca said. During the third quarter of the year-long program, Geonca truly started to excel. Kachet helped connect her to a psychiatrist, who prescribed different medications that effectively treated Geonca’s mental health. She started journaling and working toward being the person she wanted to be, and “being that unapologetically.” Grounding exercises, like meditation and yoga, helped her through her recovery journey. She built a healthy foundation with her family. After fully embracing the program and what it had to offer, Geonca’s life changed for the better. “It allowed me to transform in a different way—I made what I wanted a reality,” she said. “It gave me new tools to do things I didn’t think I could do.”

Geonca has now graduated from the New Life | New Hope program. Kachet and E joined her in celebrating her transformation, an effort that Geonca treasured. “E and Kachet knew the progress.” Currently, Geonca is applying for jobs and searching for housing for herself and her 7-year-old daughter, 9-year-old son, and 15-year-old son. She no longer experiences suicidal ideation, which she considers to be the biggest challenge she’s overcome. She has been free from self-harm for nine months already and continues to nurture her mental health through journaling, therapy, and grounding exercises. She has also learned to set healthy boundaries with others. For example, she tells her friends not to use substances around her, and if they drink, they know not to give her a drink unless it’s non-alcoholic. This way, Geonca can still enjoy time with those she holds close while maintaining her commitment to sobriety.

Geonca’s biggest goal is to help people, whether that’s through motivational clips she posts to social media, pursuing professional motivational speaking, or going back to school to help others through lived experiences as a social worker or peer support coach. Sharing her testimony at her graduation ceremony was a huge accomplishment for Geonca. “On the day I graduated, I finally felt seen and heard.” Her biggest motivation to share her story is the knowledge that others can learn from her. She appreciates that she can relate to others through her range of experiences and help them through struggles similar to her own.

“I am living proof that it is possible to change your life,” Geonca said. “And I want to help others change their lives.”

United Way has long provided essential funding for our Community Employment Program. These funds help us match job-ready candidates with valued local employers, offer job-coaching and on-the-job supports, and ensure ongoing success for both employees and employers. Because of their investment, participants are gaining real work experience, earning paychecks, and contributing strong value in workplaces across our region.

United Way also served as a valued sponsor for our inaugural Tacos & Tequila Crawl fundraising event held in September. Their sponsorship helped ensure the event’s success, fostering community engagement while raising critical dollars to support services and program growth.

We deeply appreciate United Way’s shared commitment to building an inclusive community where individuals with disabilities thrive. Their leadership demonstrates how collaborative philanthropy can create measurable impact—one job at a time.

We look forward to our continued partnership with United Way as a partner and our broader community. Together, we’re championing potential, promoting equity, and inspiring independence.

When PJ first came to MRC, he spoke very little and kept to himself. But today, thanks to the supportive environment of our Technology career track, he’s not only engaging in regular conversations with staff and peers — he’s thriving. “Go, PJ! We are so proud of you!” says Alicia Eckert, Workforce Development Supervisor.

With encouragement from Technology Instructor John Tidd, PJ has made huge strides in developing his verbal communication and social skills. He’s also become a speed demon on the keyboard, proudly declaring that typing is his favorite part of the program.

PJ is gaining hands-on experience through our partnership with Loaves and Fishes, where he’s currently observing the call center training program. He’s now considering stepping up to answer calls himself — a bold move to build the customer service skills he’ll need in future employment.

And speaking of the future, PJ has big plans. He’s set his sights on a job at one of his favorite stores — Five Below — where he hopes to stock shelves and continue growing his skillset.

From limited speech to limitless potential, PJ’s journey is a testament to what’s possible with the right support and determination. Keep going, PJ — your MRC family is cheering you on every step of the way!