Nonprofit fund story
Holland Community Health Center - Dave and Mary Bosscher
Driven by the belief that every child deserves the opportunity to explore the magical world of books, Dave and Mary Bosscher are targeting their philanthropy to promote early childhood literacy. Their connection to the Holland Community Health Center, desire to give back, and passion for early literacy led them to establish the Holland Community Health Center Support Fund at CFHZ in 2021.
Dave and Mary met through Dave’s sister, who was in the same nurse’s training program as Mary. They discovered a shared curiosity about communities beyond West Michigan and a desire to see how the kingdom of God works across the globe. Once they married and Dave was accepted into medical school, they decided it was a sign to explore the world together.
Their journeys took them to Oklahoma, North Dakota, rural Mississippi, and Africa. Driven by their philanthropy and their faith, they served low-income families by providing access to health care. “We believe in treating every person with dignity, and that includes breaking barriers to accessing the healthcare that individuals and families need to thrive,” said Dave.
In 2006, family commitments brought the Bosschers back to West Michigan. Dave took a full-time position as a physician in Allegan and began volunteering at the Holland Community Health Center (HCHC). The Health Center provides primary care for uninsured and under-insured individuals and families within the greater Holland area, caring for more than 400 patients each month. Dave said, “It was a great environment to practice medicine and work alongside people I respect. The team is giving, smart, and committed to the mission.”
Mary, an avid reader whose family prioritized literacy and social connection, was a natural fit to help with the Reach Out & Read program at HCHC. Reach Out & Read is a national program which distributes books to medical offices to give to children during wellness visits from birth to age five. Parents are encouraged to read, talk, and sing to their children to promote healthy cognitive and emotional development.
Mary expanded the book selections to include options for older children and teens, continued offering to read to or with young children in the waiting area, and assisted in purchasing books. “I read every book before it’s put on the shelf. I want them to reflect the diverse lived experiences of the HCHC patients,” she said. “It’s a privilege to foster a sense of connection and joy through reading.”
When Dave retired from HCHC, he and Mary discussed how to leave a legacy for the organization beyond their time on staff. They partnered with the Community Foundation to establish the Holland Community Health Center Support fund – a donor-designated nonprofit fund that provides financial resources to HCHC for its Reach Out & Read program.
“It’s rewarding to share our resources with others through gifts of time, talent, and treasure. Our fund at CFHZ helps fulfill one of our passions – creating a brighter future for children through literacy – while also supporting an organization we love. It’s a legacy for our family and for the community.”