Join us in introducing Disability Network West Michigan’s new Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator, Brad Hastings.

Brad is a Muskegon local and graduated from Reeths-Puffer High School in 2007. From there, Brad attended Michigan State University where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Anthropology with a Minor in Philosophy and Law. Through his coursework, Brad studied many topics surrounding human cultures, social systems, and ways of thought. Much of his coursework focused on systematic disadvantage, structural barriers to socio-economic mobility, civil rights, and how historical events and policies have impacted broader societal structures and individual abilities to achieve a basic quality of life and well-being. After college, Brad pursued an internship with Global Youth for Education and Change that took him to a Township in South Africa, where he worked at a drop-in care center for children who had been impacted by HIV/AIDS. In this capacity, Brad helped with after school programs for children, preparing meals, as well as working on basic life and employment skills with young adults.

Prior to Disability Network West Michigan, Brad spent 5 years with TrueNorth Community Services as their Community Food and Wellness Coordinator, overseeing the food pantry, teaching cooking classes, assisting with fundraising efforts, and leading the Newaygo County Hunger Elimination Force. In this position, Brad facilitated community collaboration on issues surrounding poverty and hunger, as well as community outreach and education, and the coordination of policy advocacy efforts. During his tenure with TrueNorth, Brad was also a member of the Staff Training and Social Committee and helped to organize and lead social events, as well as staff trainings and professional development.

In his new role as the Advocacy and Outreach Coordinator, Brad is working toward becoming a Certified Coordinator for the Americans with Disabilities Act. He is excited for the opportunity to promote the many issues impacting people with disabilities as well as the opportunity to work alongside the disability community and local governments, businesses, and other organizations to make sure that people with disabilities have equal access to all the community has to offer. He hopes that the community continues to grow and move forward with accessibility and inclusion as top priorities.

We welcome Brad to the Disability Network West Michigan team!