Dear friends,

As I prepare to retire this summer, my heart is full! For almost 15 years, I have had the privilege of witnessing—every single day—the strength, generosity, and creativity of this remarkable community. What we have built together over these years has been nothing short of extraordinary.

What stands out to me most are the friendships, partnerships and the people who wove this community together. With our neighbors, we deepened our collaborations with Gull Lake Community Schools, the Richland Community Library, RABA, the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts, the Gilmore, Arts Council of Greater Kalamazoo, Gull Lake Area Rotary and so many others who share a commitment to learning, culture, and connection.

We created thousands of programs, developed fundraisers such as Plant Yourself and My Guy and I, unforgettable garden tours; we hosted Arts & Eats, Art Hop, Summertime Live, hands‑on workshops, and special events that brought us together. I am especially proud of the work we did to bring the Richland Farmer’s Market back to RACC. LIve music, fresh produce, food trucks, what could be better on a Wednesday afternoon?

But none of this was accomplished alone. I am profoundly grateful for our exceptional staff, past and present, whose dedication and creativity shaped every success. To our volunteers, Board members, artists, instructors—your passion and generosity made RACC a place where everyone feels welcome.

And to our donors, both long‑time supporters and new friends, thank you for believing in this work and sustaining the vision long before I arrived and long after I retire.

The remodel/refresh of the RACC has been in process for more than 5 years. With the renovation now nearly complete, while bittersweet, I am excited to leave the Center well‑positioned for whatever the community envisions next!  Our search for the next Director is underway, and we have a great team in place to find the right person to take RACC forward.

Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of my life. As I begin my next chapter—one filled with travel, art, adventure, family and long‑overdue dates with my husband—please know I’m so grateful to have spent my time with you.

Thanks for letting me be part of your story!

Love to you all,

Jilisa Grooters Williams