Who We Are
Chosen Family of Michigan exists to provide advocacy and support services to the LGBTQ+ community. This is done by fighting for inclusive policies, educating the community at large to foster understanding and acceptance to empower our allies to take action, and providing LGBTQ+ youth with services to combat LGBTQ+ youth homelessness. We also work with various community partners to connect all members of the LGBTQ+ community to counseling, health and legal services.
The term "chosen family" is an important part of queer identities and culture. When facing a lack of acceptance at home, many LGBTQ+ people create their own families through friends, mentors and the community as a whole. Chosen Family of Michigan wants to be a support system for those who feel isolated, unaccepted, or unable to live authentically.
Chosen Family of Michigan was established in 2022 by Rickie Kreuzer and a former Co-Director at a Kalamazoo-based LGBTQ+ nonprofit. Kreuzer's background in management and LGBTQ+ policy in partnership with a diverse and experienced Board of Directors, make them the perfect team to advocate on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community and provide them with support services to fulfill our vision of creating "a Michigan that uplifts the LGBTQ+ community through equity, understanding & opportunity."
Chosen Family of Michigan is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. All donations are tax-deductible.
Our Team
Our Executive Director manages the day-to-day operations and management of the organization. In addition to our experienced and passionate team, we are fortunate to have many community partners and volunteers. If you are interested in joining our team as a partner or volunteer, please contact us!
Our Board
Our Board of Director's provides governance to the organization. Our Board is made up of passionate volunteers who support the work of the organization. They represent a variety of demographics & professional expertise.
Board Officers
President: Jesús Chavez | he.him.his
Vice President: Benjamin Rozema | he.him.his
Past-President: Rickie Kreuzer | he.him.his
Secretary: Lyza Ballard | she.they.theirs
Treasurer: Toren Chenault | he.him.his
Board Members At-Large
Jaclyn Richards | she.her.hers
Jen Coppens | she.they.theirs
Cass Trouble | they.them.theirs
Autumn Hamlin | she.her.hers
Annual Report to the Community
Here you find our Annual Reports for each year. This is a great way to stay up to date on our activities as well as review our financial position.
Annual Report: 2022 - Planting Seeds
Annual Report: 2023 - Growing Together
Annual Report: 2024 - Community Gardens
(Coming May 2025)