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 2019-2020 in partnership with Michigan Department of Health and Human Services,  the Michigan Agency for Energy and utility. energy and deliverable fuels providers across the state.

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.

Circles Newaygo County strives to end poverty one family at a time. 

Our program is focused on personal exploration and growth, working with Circle Leaders (heads of families) to help them achieve self-sufficiency. We provide dinner and childcare for our Circle Leaders. You can take steps toward a better life by getting involved with Circles.

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

Circles is funded by a grant from the Fremont Area Community Foundation​.

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. We've got kids awaiting a match.

We particularly need adults as volunteers with TrueBlue Academy, an after-school mentoring program done in partnership with Newaygo Public Schools and the Newaygo Police Department. The program meets once a week on Tuesdays from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Newaygo Middle School in Newaygo.

To apply to be a mentor with TrueMentors and for more information, contact us by email at truementors@truenorthservices.org or call (231) 924-0641, ext. 109.

The 14th annual Dam to Dam Ice Fishing Tournament, a fundraiser for TrueMentors, is Saturday, February 15, at Croton and Hardy ponds in Croton Township. Registration and weigh-in are at Croton Township Campground, 7683 S. Croton Hardy Drive. You can register online.

You can help support TrueMentors by making a financial contribution to the program; get the details here.

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

The upcoming holidays events and offerings include:

January Fitness Series, on Wednesdays in January on January 8, 15, 22 and 29 at 10:30 a.m. in the Health & Leadership Lodge at Camp Newaygo. Get a great start on your New Year with our weekly fitness class samplers featuring local instructors. There is no cost to participate, but donations are welcome. Know a great instructor or interested in leading a class? Call (231) 652-1184 or email ajones@campnewaygo.org.

Krop for Kids, 10 a.m. Friday, January 24-5 p.m. Sunday, January 26, Lang Lodge, Camp Newaygo. Support TrueMentors and Camp Newaygo at this weekend scrapbooking event. Cost: $125 for the weekend (includes Friday dinner, three Saturday meals, Sunday brunch and overnight accommodations Friday and Saturday) or $38 for Saturday (includes scrapbooking 9 a.m. to midnight, lunch and dinner).

LunaFest, 7 p.m. Friday, February 7, Lang Lodge, Camp Newaygo. A traveling film festival that celebrates, showcases and champions women in film. Cost: Free, but donations are encouraged.

Daddy Daughter Dance and Dinner, 5:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 9, Lang Lodge, Camp Newaygo. A special night with that special girl in your life for dads, uncles and grandpas; cost: $7 per person. For dinner, enjoy a build-your-own pasta meal before the dance with servings at 5:15 p.m. and 5:45 p.m.; cost: $14.95 per adult, $9.95 per child. Advance registration is required for both events.

Mom & Me Stomp and Dinner, 5:15 p.m.-7:30 p.m., Sunday, March 15, Lang Lodge, Camp Newaygo. Have a fun evening with your daughter or son. Enjoy dancing, refreshments, cookie decorating, crafts and photos; cost: $7  per person. Enjoy dinner before the dance; cost : $14.95 per adult, $9.95 per child. Advance registration is required.

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

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