You may know Jennifer Pascua as the weekend morning show anchor and reporter on WZZM 13 News, but she is also one amazing community advocate. Her love for the city in which she resides has kept her here in Grand Rapids longer than any other city she has worked in.
Although one would expect a media personality to be involved with many community projects, Pascua’s philanthropic roots stem back to her childhood in the Chicago suburbs. Both of her parents were teachers who instilled compassion and concern for others to her and her brothers and sisters.
“My parents opened a homeless shelter and that was our family time,” explains Pascua. “We loved being part of the community.”
She has continued that tradition of giving in Grand Rapids through her strong associations with Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids, Catholic Charities of West Michigan and Kids’ Food Basket. Pascua, her husband and children have worked in the pantry at God’s Kitchen as well volunteering for the back-to-school shoe drive at In The Image.
“I was first introduced to Gilda’s Club when I was working in the Quad Cities. Now it’s in my own neighborhood,” says Pascua. She and her family regularly prepare dinners for those who visit the cancer support agency.
What has kept Pascua in Grand Rapids when other cities have been alluring?
“This is a caring community,” answers Pascua. “There’s always a ton of people giving. “ She even recalls a time when a family who really couldn’t afford to buy a blanket for a charity drive still wanted to give something and brought what they could. That made a profound impact on her.
Jennifer Pascua is a dynamo, and Grand Rapids is fortunate to have her as an advocate, both on-air and in the community.
Want to help put the good back in do-gooder like Jennifer? Here are some of the organizations she supports:
Source: Jennifer Pascua
Writer: Jennifer Wilson, Do Good Editor
Enjoy this story?
Sign up for free solutions-based reporting in your inbox each week.