A Foundation Built on Neighborly Roots
Dan Scheffers saw something in Kalamazoo that others overlooked — not the problems, but the potential. Growing up on the west side of Kalamazoo, he watched neighbors help neighbors through tough winters, tight budgets, and uncertain times. But he also saw the gaps: families falling through cracks in the system, neighborhoods losing their connective tissue, young people without the mentors they needed.
What started as informal community organizing — connecting families with resources, organizing neighborhood cleanups, and rallying volunteers — eventually became something bigger. The Alamo Foundation was born from the conviction that sustainable change doesn't come from the outside. It comes from people who know the streets, the schools, and the stories.
From its earliest days, the Foundation operated on a simple principle: others depend on you, so let's make sure you have what you need. That philosophy of mutual support continues to drive every program, partnership, and initiative the Foundation undertakes today.
Our Journey Through the Years
Seeds of an Idea
Dan Scheffers and a small group of Kalamazoo residents begin organizing informal community support networks to help families in need across the greater Kalamazoo area.
Official Founding
The Alamo Foundation receives its 501(c)(3) designation, formalizing years of grassroots work into a recognized nonprofit organization based in Kalamazoo, Michigan.
First Major Programs Launch
The Foundation launches its flagship family stability and youth mentorship programs, serving dozens of families in the first year alone.
Community Partnerships Expand
Strategic partnerships with local schools, churches, and businesses multiply the Foundation's reach. Volunteer network grows to over 100 active members.
Pandemic Response
When COVID-19 hits, the Foundation pivots rapidly — coordinating food drives, distributing emergency supplies, and connecting isolated families with virtual resources.
Expanded Reach
The Foundation serves its 2,000th family and launches new neighborhood development initiatives, deepening its roots across Kalamazoo.
Looking Ahead
With more programs, more partners, and more community trust than ever, the Alamo Foundation continues building toward a stronger, more connected Kalamazoo.