Conversations with Jeremy Wiebenga

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeremy Wiebenga.  

Hi Jeremy, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
Sidekicks started off as an idea from my wife (Kaci) and myself back in 2020. We are both special education teachers and often thought to ourselves about the lack of resources, especially in the summer months for individuals Teen/Young Adult with disabilities. More specifically, there was a lack of opportunities of fun adventures, friendship, and inclusion with peers. In the summer of 2021, we launched what is now Sidekicks of West Michigan. At that time in 2021, we thought we might have 5-10 families that would be interested on sending their individual on fun adventures with peers to places like amusement parks, zoos, concerts, baseball games, and so much more. At the end of our first summer, we had about 30 individuals who had gone on our outings. We did this with just a small group/staff of 3 local teachers and teacher assistants. We were doing exactly what we had set out to do, services individuals right in our backyard along the lakeshore. As photos started circling around the web, local newspapers got wind of what we were doing, our program continued to grow into 2022. At the end of the summer in 2022, we had reached closed to 65 different families of individuals with special and unique needs. With continued traction along the lakeshore, we started gaining even more demand for our service with neighboring communities. At the start of the new year in 2023, we had made the transition from a small business LLC to a nonprofit organization. We knew in order to continue to meet the demand and expand our ability to provide opportunities, we needed to find ways to generate additional funding. Since then, we have worked with many local businesses and community leaders throughout the West Michigan area to lower cost for our families. For the first time this summer, individuals will no longer have to pay for tickets or entry fees to anywhere we go. We are able to transport Sidekicks in a larger 12-person van. And after being featured in a local television news cast our summer numbers for the 2023 summer have ballooned to close to 100. We have individuals from over 18 different school districts or post-secondary programs. We have widened our footprint significantly in a very short time. Although we are growing faster than we can keep up, our now staff of nine individuals are working hard to provide as many opportunities as possible with the resources we have. We hope that in the near future we will have a fleet of Sidekicks vans venturing across West Michigan providing lifelong memories for individuals for years to come. 

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Although there have been many more highs than lows, there has definitely been a learning curve in the world of running a business. Our background is of years teaching and coaching. Working with teens and young adults with special needs comes second nature for us. If we are not in the classroom or community with our students or athletes, we are out and about with our 3 children, that are 4, 3, 1. coming up with fun and exciting adventures for our family. Running a nonprofit organization is much more complex and different that running a classroom. However, as career learners, we stuck our heels in the dirt and lean on many great mentors along the way. 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
High School Special Education Teacher 

– Students with Special Needs.  

– B/A Degree from Grand Valley State University 

– Master’s degree- Curriculum& Instruction 

– Western Governors. University 

10 years as a classroom teacher. 

Teacher of the Year- Autism Support of the West Shore 

Known for my programming in inclusive education and events. 

Football & Wrestling Coach (Grand Haven High School, Treasure Coast High School, Fl) 

15 years of Coaching 

– 4 County Head Coach of the Year FL 

– Michigan Regional Ast. Coach of the Year. 

Executive Director/Founder: Sidekicks of West Michigan Inc 

Sidekicks of West Michigan is a nonprofit organization that offers individuals with and without disabilities the education and tools to gain independence and build friendships through guided adventures in inclusive settings throughout West Michigan. 

I think what sets me apart from other is my ability to grow programs; I have always taken pride in setting lofty goals professionally to push the needle of opportunity and planning strategically to identify ways to achieve them. Personal note… I set a goal to run the Chicago Marathon for Autism speaks and accomplished that goal! 

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Family, my wife, Kaci, and my 3 children, Grayson 4, Elliott 2, and Tatum 1 

Providing opportunities for all. 

Coaching 

Sports and competition. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sidekickswestmichigan.org
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Sidekicks-of-West-Michigan/100067905265426/