The Barton and Sheila Shaw Allegan Legal Assistance Scholarship Fund was established in 2026 to support Allegan County students pursuing studies in law. Barton and his late wife, Sheila, were proud to call Allegan County home for more than 50 years. To them, volunteering was more than a way to give back, it was an opportunity to deepen their understanding of the community and the people within it. Through those experiences, they came to believe that everyone is called to serve their community in different ways.

Bart worked for TruHeat for 37 years, during which time the company proudly supported numerous community initiatives through charitable giving. His passion for community engagement began when he joined the Board for the Allegan County Substance Abuse and Prevention Coalition. In the years that followed, Bart became deeply involved in Allegan County’s criminal justice and community support systems, serving on a variety of planning committees related to corrections, jail operations, and countywide public safety efforts. His leadership roles included chairing the Allegan County Sheriff’s Community Relations Advisory Board and contributing to organizations such as the Community Corrections Advisory Board and the Allegan Alliance for Safer Communities. He also worked closely with the Prosecutor’s Office as a victim advocate and supported prevention efforts related to substance
abuse and impaired driving.

In 2011, Bart partnered with Judge Margaret Bakker, Professor Nelson Miller, the Community Safety Group, and the Grand Rapids Cooley Law School Pro Bono Group to establish the Allegan County Legal Assistance Center (ACLAC) as a nonprofit organization. Soon after, ACLAC became a reality and continues to serve as a valuable hub of legal information and self-help resources for Allegan County residents.

Beyond his work in the justice system, Bart has remained an active community leader, serving on boards and committees for organizations including United Way and Sylvia’s Place, but he is especially proud of his work with the Allegan Sports Complex. Bart lead a committee of by fundraisers for the 60+ acre complex, and says that it is something that he and the Allegan community can showcase with pride in perpetuity.

Sheila was equally dedicated to serving the Allegan community. She supported fundraising efforts for Wings of Hope Hospice, served as a judge for the Allegan County Fair Parade, and helped decorate fair booths for the Sheriff’s Office and the Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce. She also played an active role in organizing the Allegan Parks Garden Tours and Allegan General Hospital Home Tours and was instrumental in launching the downtown Allegan flower plantings. Bart and Sheila’s lifelong commitment to service, public safety, and community well-being is reflected in the creation of this scholarship fund, which supports local students pursuing careers in law.

The scholarship is awarded to eligible Allegan County students attending accredited colleges or universities in Michigan. In addition to supporting students with aspirations in the legal field, the fund was also established to assist interns of the Allegan County Legal Assistance Center. Preference may be given to current or former ACLAC interns in recognition of their commitment to community service. Through this scholarship, the Shaw family hopes to strengthen access to legal services in Allegan County by investing in the education and professional development of future legal professionals.