Our Staff

Brewster began his relationship with MOWWM in January of 2013. Prior to that, he founded and led an Organizational Consulting firm, The Brewster Group, which focused on helping individuals and organizations to function more effectively. He also held a variety of leadership positions at Steelcase for over 20 years. When asked to join the MOWWM team, Brewster accepted with the knowledge of our mission being critical to keeping seniors healthy and independent. The demographics show that the need for helping seniors is growing at an astounding rate. He was eager to join in the fight against senior hunger and isolation. Within the next 20 years, seniors in Kent County are expected to double due to the aging of the Baby Boomer demographic. Brewster sees his role as being strategic in helping move the organization forward and as a barrier remover to assist in forward growth for the staff and the organization as a whole. Aside from Brewster’s commitment to serving the senior community, he is also an active member on the Board of Michigan Coalition against Homelessness, where he served 8 years as the Board Chair and 12 years as a member. “We have a great team! Without them we could not do what we do; last year over 450,000 meals were delivered to homebound seniors! I’m fortunate to have a job that I love and feel grateful every day for the opportunity to help our seniors thrive.”

Lisa Wideman started at MOWWM in April of 2009 as Director of Operations after 12 years at Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan. Her change in roles had largely to do with her wanting to make a more direct impact on the lives of older adults. Lisa loves working with the team to make our program better for our clients. Lisa, who has a B.S. in Foods and Nutrition from Michigan State University, is heavily involved in menu planning and ensuring our meals meet strict nutrition guidelines. “I can’t think of a better way to use my education and experience than helping older adults”, says Lisa, “I love this program.”

In December of 2009, Dave began his work with MOWWM as a driver. His role has since gone through many changes, from a driver, to Distribution Clerk, to Congregate Supervisor, to Delivery Supervisor, and finally to his most current role as our Delivery and Distribution Manager. Dave specializes in logistics management. He oversees the details/scheduling/systems involved in MOWWM’s delivery processes, as well as manages the personnel required to do so. As a very mission-minded person, Dave feels right at home at MOWWM. Working with MOWWM has allowed him to be creative and have a focus that is in helping people. “I am a strong believer that access to food is a RIGHT, not a privilege.” As lifespans get longer and the senior demographic grows, “I would hope for a boundary-less culture both inside and out, where caring and compassionate agencies and likeminded folks all over the community come together with those of us at MOWWM and accept nothing less than making a space for all ‘at-the-table.’ I would hope for us to come together, and meet these challenges not with apathy, but rather with a zealousness, and a fundamental vision that all will ‘eat.’”

Danielle Simmons started at MOWWM as the Food Pantry Manager in May 2000. Before pursuing this career, Danielle worked in retail and distribution for 10 years. Her background in the grocery business gave her the knowledge and experience to operate successful food pantries for the elderly. Danielle oversees all pantry operations, which includes: purchasing food orders, coordinating volunteer projects, maintaining all records, organizing food drives, coordinating Project Fresh (a farmers market program), and serving as a community liaison on related committees to coordinate efforts with other older adult programs. “I believe the food pantry is a blessing in many ways. With the rise in food costs, seniors need additional help to ensure they are receiving an adequate amount of food and nutrition. Our pantry is able to provide them with these needs.”