NextGen After Hours: Planning for Every Stage of Life

Name: NextGen After Hours: Planning for Every Stage of Life
Start: 2026-03-18T17:30:00-04:00
End: 2026-03-18T19:30:00-04:00
Location: Campus for Creative Aging

Schedule

Wed Mar 18 2026 at 05:30 pm to 07:30 pm

UTC-04:00

Location

Campus for Creative Aging | Saint Joseph, MI

NextGen After Hours:
Planning for Every Stage of Life

Join us on March 18th from 5:30 to 7:30 at Region IV Area Agency on Aging’s Campus for Creative Aging (2920 Lakeview Avenue) for an engaging evening of meaningful conversation, professional insight, and networking as three accomplished leaders share expertise that impacts every generation—from building inclusive communities to protecting your family to strengthening your financial future. Snacks and beverages will be provided.
Alexandra Newman & Jess Kolbe
Region IV Area Agency on Aging
We’ll begin the evening with Alexandra Newman, Communications & Outreach Coordinator at Region IV Area Agency on Aging, where she has led marketing and outreach efforts for more than three years. Alexandra regularly presents to community groups and professionals throughout Berrien, Cass, and Van Buren counties, helping connect individuals and families to vital aging resources and services.
Joining her is Jess Kolbe, Campus for Creative Aging Coordinator and Program Manager for the Older Adult Home Modification Program. Jess oversees classes and programming offered in-person, virtually, and throughout the community, while also supporting low-income adults over age 60 with non-medical home modifications that allow them to age safely and independently.
Together, Alexandra and Jess will lead an interactive discussion on ageism — what it is, how it affects individuals of all ages, and how it shows up in workplaces and communities. Have you ever been told you’re “too young” to lead or “too old” to pivot careers? Ageism impacts all of us. This discussion will explore how we can recognize it and work collaboratively to create a more age-friendly Southwest Michigan.
They will also provide a high-level overview of the resources available through the Area Agency on Aging and the Campus for Creative Aging, including:
Care planning services
In-home care programs
Support groups and educational classes
The Older Adult Home Modification Program
Volunteer and community engagement opportunities
You’ll also learn how the Campus for Creative Aging is intentionally reframing aging as a time of creativity, purpose, growth, and lifelong learning — not limitation.
As we consider how we support individuals and families across generations, our next speaker will guide us through another critical life transition that requires both preparation and the right support system.

Gabriella “Gabi” Reihanian Havlicek
Berecz & Associates, PLC
Gabi Havlicek is a family law attorney and mediator at Berecz & Associates, PLC, where she is committed to helping clients navigate divorce, custody, and post-judgment matters with clarity and the right process for their unique circumstances. As both a legal professional and a mother of two daughters, Nora and Clara, Gabi understands firsthand the importance of protecting family relationships while pursuing thoughtful, lasting solutions.
She is especially passionate about representing survivors of domestic violence as they break free from abusive situations, ensuring they have strong advocacy and a safe path forward. Outside of her legal practice, Gabi is deeply involved in her community and enjoys volunteering, reading, and baking.
Berecz & Associates partners closely with clients to determine the most effective path forward — whether that means litigating when necessary, mediating or collaborating when appropriate, or serving as a “guide on the side” for those who need consultation rather than full representation. Their focus remains on problem-solving and preserving family relationships whenever possible.
During her presentation, Gabi will discuss:
The different legal processes available for divorce (litigation, mediation, collaborative divorce, and consultation)
Why prenuptial agreements are important and how they can provide clarity and protection before marriage
Key considerations in child custody matters
The full scope of services provided by Berecz & Associates, PLC
While prenuptial agreements, divorce, and custody discussions are not always easy topics, they are vital to protecting families and ensuring stability during times of transition. Gabi will provide practical, approachable insight into how to navigate these conversations proactively.
As we shift from legal planning to financial preparation, our final presenter will tie the evening together by focusing on long-term strategy, fiduciary responsibility, and building a legacy.
Chelsea Brandt
Horizon Bank, Private Wealth Management
Chelsea works with individual clients and business owners to build long-term professional relationships rooted in trust, strategic coordination, and fiduciary responsibility. She specializes in aligning estate planning, investment management, retirement planning, and financial strategies to ensure clients have a comprehensive plan in place.
In her role, Chelsea delivers trust and private banking services while partnering with other Horizon Bank professionals to provide a team-based approach that addresses each client’s unique goals and needs. Her focus is not simply transactional — it is relationship-driven and centered on long-term growth and protection.
During her presentation, Chelsea will cover:
The importance of effective budgeting as the foundation for financial stability
Fundamental principles of investing and building wealth
The evolving role life insurance plays throughout different stages of life
Key strategies for establishing a strong estate planning foundation
Her insights will help attendees understand how proactive financial planning supports not only personal and professional goals, but also safeguards families and preserves assets for future generations.
An Evening of Insight, Empowerment & Connection
From creating inclusive, age-friendly communities, to navigating family transitions, to building financial security and legacy — this NextGen After Hours event offers practical knowledge you can apply at every stage of life.
We look forward to an evening of education, conversation, and networking as we learn from these outstanding professionals and continue strengthening our NextGen community.