Circles Newaygo County strives to end poverty one family at a time, working with Circle Leaders (heads of families) to help them achieve self-sufficiency. 

Become someone who supports those efforts by becoming an Ally, volunteering to work alongside them on their journey forward. Or support the Circle Leaders and Allies as a volunteer with one of our resource teams.

We are in particular need of childcare volunteers, who work with children at our weekly Circles meetings and volunteer from 6:30-8 p.m. Thursdays (with dinner included and the curriculum provided).

To volunteer with or to get more details on Circles Newaygo County, call (231) 924-0641, ext. 220, or email circles@truenorthservices.org.

Circles is funded by a grant from Fremont Area Community Foundation​ and is affiliated with Circles USA​.

TrueNorth Community Services' emPower heat and energy assistance program assists people struggling to afford their utility and deliverable fuels bills in Michigan, helping them to become self-sufficient.

emPower is working to provide help across Michigan for 2018-2019 in partnership with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Michigan Agency for Energy.

These are the steps to discover success with emPower’s assistance through its Self-Sufficiency Services:

1. Complete and be approved for Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ State Emergency Relief (SER) assistance. Apply through MI Bridges
2. Choose TrueNorth Community Services as your referral partner
3. Get contacted by emPower to start your self-sufficiency journey

For more details, visit our emPower information page ; visit emPower's website or call 231.355.5880.

There are a range of community activities to enjoy at Camp Newaygo. Discover someplace special.

The upcoming events include:

Spring Tasting and Open House, Friday, April 12, 3 p.m.-6 p.m. Join Ridge Specialties and Camp Newaygo as Ridge Specialties unveils new 2019 menu options. Try some of Executive Chef Whitney Saylor's delicious Southwest Chicken Canape, Brie and Bacon Bites, Bao Buns and more. Check out the facilities and take home some ideas for your next meeting, event, or retreat. The event is free, but you must RSVP by April 5.

Spring Volunteer Day, Saturday, April 13, 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Help Camp Newaygo get its facilities and grounds ready for spring and summer, with lunch included. Please RSVP to take part.

Tai Chi Class, Saturday, April 27, 10 a.m.-noon. Done by Camp Newaygo in collaboration with Safe Routes to Health, The Michigan Fitness Foundation, and Michigan AmeriCorps, the classes are a part of Safe Routes' Newaygo County Rec-Connect Program and are held at the Health & Leadership Lodge. There is no cost, but donations are encouraged. Children younger than 13 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Enchanted Forest, Saturday, April 27, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Check out the amazing little homes created by local artists especially for visiting fairies and gnomes. There will be crafts, cookies and punch; and several homes will be for sale during the event. The cost is $7 per person or $25 per family of four. No registration needed; pay at the door. If you'd like to make a house for the event, email csmalligan@campnewaygo.org for details.

Spring Open House, Sunday, April 28, noon-4 p.m. See what Camp Newaygo has to offer for its overnight Girls' Resident Camp and for its Co-ed Day Camp this summer. Check out the facilities, meet the staff and see what adventures await. The free event includes refreshments.

For more information, call (231) 652-1184 or email campbiz@campnewaygo.org. Camp Newaygo is located at 5333 South Centerline Road in Newaygo. 

TrueNorth Community Services is a host site for free tax preparation services for low- to moderate-income households starting Monday, February 4, and running through early April. 

TrueNorth is a partner with Goodwill Industries of West Michigan’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Services for West Michigan (VITA). Hours at the TrueNorth Service Center, 6308 S. Warner Avenue (M-82) in Fremont, are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays and 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesdays.

To qualify, individuals must have a household income below $60,000.

For an appointment, call Michigan 2-1-1 at 211 or (800) 877-1107. Eligible filers can opt for a full-service one-on-one appointment with an IRS-certified volunteer, or choose self-service with assistance with the free use of computers and software.

VITA Services for West Michigan is funded, in part, by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County, Fremont Area Community Foundation, United Way of the Lakeshore and the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan.

TrueMentors is focused on nurturing kids.

TrueMentors' community mentoring volunteers are matched with Newaygo County youth between the ages of 5 to 14 years old in a one-to-one mentoring relationship for a minimum one-year commitment.

To apply to be a mentor with TrueMentors, contact Hailey at mentoring@truenorthservices.org or (231) 924-0641, ext. 131.

You can help support TrueMentors by getting involved with Bowlapalooza 2019, which is April 25 to 27 at The Commons of Fremont in Fremont. Strike up a team of five bowlers or make a contribution in support; get the details here.

When people ask: "Why should I support and/or volunteer for TrueNorth Community Services?" We say: "Because ..."