Andrew Jacob Memorial Foundation

Andrew Jacob Memorial Foundation -

Founders

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Who are we?

LauraLaura Ouwehand – Laura is Andrew’s older sister. As president of the AJM Foundation, she is driven by her love for Andrew and her passion to create change and justice for those that are stigmatized against. As a homecare nurse in the city of Hamilton, Laura witnesses and treats mental illness in many different manifestations, and she recognizes the urgency to repair the holes within the mental health care system. In her spare time, Laura enjoys time with her family and friends, antiquing, and yoga.

 

John & IdaJohn & Ida Kerkhof – John and Ida are Andrew’s parents who, through Andrew’s life and death, have been taught in profound ways. God has given them compassionate hearts for those affected by mental illness and for LGBTQ individuals. As vice-presidents of the AJM Foundation, their desire is to utilize their own pain and experience in order to help those that are suffering in silence. John works as a heavy machinery operator at a brick manufacturing company and his interests include bird watching, walking and taking care of his hobby farm. Ida works as a personal gardener and when she is not working, she enjoys tending to her own gardens, walking, and reading. They also enjoy spending time with their grandchildren.

 

JordanJordan Kerkhof ­ – Jordan is Andrew’s younger brother. He also serves as vice-president for the AJM Foundation, and through this role, he wants to gain knowledge and experience to further his education and to become equipped to help the needs of others. He is currently studying Health, Wellness and Fitness at Mohawk College, and he hopes to pursue a career as a fitness instructor. His passions include playing soccer, staying physically active, and he aspires to partake in the CrossFit games. When not busy with work and school, Jordan is often with close family and friends.

 

Kevyn To – Kevyn is Andrew’s long-time friend. He serves as executive director for the AJM Foundation and along with the other founders, it is his vision to support and improve the lives of LGBTQ individuals affected by mental health. He is a physician in the Toronto area and in his spare time, he enjoys writing, staying active, the outdoors and spending lots of time with his cat, Knuckles.

 

 

 

PipDarrell Ouwehand – Darrell, better known as Pip, is Andrew’s brother-in-law. Darrell and Laura are also the parents of Andrew’s niece and nephew. Darrell serves as treasurer of the AJM Foundation, and just as Andrew inspired him, he also hopes to be an inspiration within his community and workplace. He is experienced in carpentry and works for an established construction company serving Hamilton and the GTA. His hobbies include home projects, running, biking, road trips and relaxing with his family.

 

fghAlison Boven – Alison is long-time girlfriend of Andrew’s brother, Jordan. Alison serves as secretary for the AJM Foundation, and through this role she wants to not only educate others with her own experiences, but also to learn and grow from others. She is currently working on an undergraduate degree in the area of Neuroscience at the University of Toronto and hopes to pursue a career related to mental health research.When not busy with work and school, Alison is often with Jordan and their families as well as her friends.