First event: March 28, 2024 at Rezervoir Lounge. FriendZone night. The next day, a bonfire. The rest is history.
I created this group because I was deeply lonely.
I'm Allie. I'm 37 and not married, and I returned to Grand Rapids from Monterey, California, where I lived for almost a decade. I used to be a 12th-grade English teacher. I quit, backpacked Europe, moved to San Francisco for my MFA in Writing, and landed in the nutraceutical and biotech world doing marketing.
I thought moving back to Grand Rapids, I'd jump right back into the social life I had before I left. But people changed. They had partners, kids, new careers. I was burned out on dating apps. I was sick of the disposable nature of friendships. I didn't feel like anyone was taking the time to truly know me.
I was talking to a guy who kept trying to make last-minute plans. I said, "Hey, it would feel really nice to plan a few days ahead." He said: "I'm not booking 7 to 8 days out lol good luck." And that was it.
I spent the next weekend alone. Trader Joe's. Coffee at Schuil. Clay and a paint by number at Hobby Lobby. Home to silence. Grilled cheese and tomato soup. Butterfly clips in my hair. Snuggling with my beagle, Parker. Painting.
I cried.
I didn't understand how to make friends as a 37-year-old. So I made a post on GR Informed asking for advice. And this group came from that. From a deep and aching loneliness, from wondering if I'm going to be alone every weekend.
I decided to commit to having the best summer I could dream of. Within a week, we were adding 1,000 people. Within months, we'd done karaoke, beach days, fowling, drive-in movies, sunset cruises with Latin dance lessons, kickball leagues, a full Prom at Silva, Field Day at Millennium Park, spirit weeks, mock elections, and so much more.
The Space Between Who You Were and Who You're Becoming
There's this strange, tender space we don't talk about enough. It's not all breakthroughs and clarity. Most of the time, it feels like tension. Like loneliness. Doubt. Restlessness.
Growth doesn't mean you stay the same. You are allowed to change. You are meant to change. To love someone, including yourself, is to attend a thousand births of who they are becoming.
You don't have to stay who you were just because someone else is more comfortable with that version. You don't have to apologize for outgrowing spaces you once fit inside.
You are allowed to take up space here, exactly as you are. Keep going.
This is your reminder that your relationship status doesn't define you. You're a full, complete, loved, complex person on your own.
What We Believe
Everyone Belongs
Any age (18 to 70+), race, gender, sexual preference, religion, political stance. Kind, loving, accepting? You're in.
Show Up As You Are
You are loved. You are affirmed. You don't have to perform or pretend. This is a space for your authentic self.
Connection Is Health
Isolation increases heart disease risk by 29%, stroke by 32%. A solid friend group helps you live longer.
Adults Deserve Community
Making friends after college is hard. This group gives you a clear answer when you're wondering who to call.
This Group Is for You If...
- You want a plus one to that concert or pickleball game
- You miss the community you had in college
- You're tired of spending weekend nights at home alone
- You want a built-in friend group for BBQs and cottage weekends
- You've gone through a divorce and lost your social circle
- You have social anxiety and are learning to put yourself out there
- You're sober and looking for things that don't revolve around alcohol
- You just moved to Grand Rapids and don't know anyone
- You're tired of pouring into people who don't pour back
- You just want to eat really good food with good humans
Our Mission
To create a loving group of safe humans where everyone belongs, is celebrated for their authentic self, and finds their community and their people.
Through shared experiences, outdoor adventures, casual gatherings, and meaningful conversations, we build supportive community networks. We break down the barriers of adult friendship-making and create accessible opportunities for people to find their people.
Nonprofit Board
West Michigan Social Club is a registered nonprofit. EIN: 33-1671645
Allie Chandler
Founder & President
Nate Bacon
Board Member
Jackie Worthington
Board Member
Dan Worthington
Board Member
Drew Mulbrecht
Board Member
Cody Pownall
Board Member
Melissa VanderSloot
Board Member