MOKA welcomes Diane Szewczyk-Smith

Diane Szewczyk-Smith (Szewczyk pronounced chef-chick) joined MOKA as Development Director on June 21. We are excited to have her on board. In her role here she will build relationships on behalf of MOKA and the MOKA Foundation and will be vital in the future financial success of our fundraising efforts, along with marketing and growing the MOKA Endowment. Diane has a wide ranging background which includes 10 years of fundraising experience. She has served people for the last 26 years through social services, youth, education, museums and history, public and private nonprofits, local and county governments and the park recreation and tourism industries. Most recently she served as the Financial Development Coordinator for the Muskegon Oceana and Newaygo Chapter of the American Red Cross managing their mission focused fundraising program, donor cultivation and major gift fundraising. She also worked as the Administrative Coordinator at Camp Pinewood in Twin Lake owned by the YMCA of Chicago fundraising, marketing and administering their scholarship program. Diane served as the Foundation Director for MCC, the development Director for NCCS in Newaygo County, and Assistant Director for the Muskegon County Museum.

Diane and her husband Rick currently live in Twin Lake, moving from Hastings 13 years ago where Diane served as the Director of Historic Charlton Park, Village Museum and Recreation Area helping to establish their foundation. Their son and daughter in law live in Colorado where they are busy raising 3 girls ages 8 years to 9 months. Active in a number of volunteer organizations, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, sailing, and Motown music. Born and raised in Detroit she received her Bachelor’s degree from Northern Michigan University, a Masters from Michigan State and her Certificate in Fundraising Management from The Fundraising School and The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University.

Diane shares “I am so excited to join the MOKA team, and I have a lot to learn about supporting children and adults with disabilities, but I am enthusiastic about our mission and eager to learn about our needs and goals.”

Network180 Awards Programs to MOKA

In response to a proposal network180 recently awarded several contracts to MOKA. This story under development.

Social Coaching continues to grow

What started as a joint venture with Muskegon Community College is now expanding to other counties and local communities in western Michigan. This section under development.

Newest Residential Facility opens

The Indian Trails home opened recently and represents a joint venture between MOKA and Indian Trails Camp. This story still under development.

MOKA Welcomes Mary Kloster

Mary Kloster joined our Executive Team as Property Director in February, 2011.. Mary comes to us with a wealth of experience in housing and residential support after 18 years as Director of Housing and Property Management across the state of Michigan for Hope Network. In that role she oversaw all aspects of operations of housing owned and operated by Hope.

In her role at MOKA she is overseeing all maintenance and capital improvements to our properties (both owned and leased), helping with operational efficiencies as well as the development of new facilities to grow and support our existing programs.