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.

The 29th annual Coats for Kids (& Adults) coat drive is under way, and runs through October 28.

Help Newaygo County children and adults in need stay warm this winter by dropping off donations of new or gently used coats or jackets (in good, clean condition) at Coats for Kids (& Adults) drop boxes located in Fremont, Grant, Hesperia, Newaygo and White Cloud. Items needed include child and youth winter coats, newborn through size 10; child and youth snow pants and snowsuits, newborn through size 10; and child and youth winter hats, gloves and mittens in sizes XS to XL.

The Coats for Kids (& Adults) distribution day is Saturday, November 2, from 9 a.m. to noon at the TrueNorth Service Center, 6308 South Warner Avenue in Fremont. Each individual (children and adults wanting a coat) must be present in person; and must either attend school or reside in Newaygo County. Participating adults must bring a photo ID.

Coats for Kids (& Adults) is supported, in part, by grants from The Gerber Foundation and the Fremont Area Community Foundation. For more information, contact Mike Voyt at mvoyt@truenorthservices.org or (231) 924-0641, ext. 119

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 Fremont Area Community Foundation​ and is affiliated with Circles USA​.

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 us by email at truementors@truenorthservices.org or call (231) 924-0641, ext. 109.

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

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

The upcoming events include:

Halloweekend, Friday-Sunday, October 25-27. Bring the whole family during Camp Newaygo’s Halloweekend Festival. Get into the spooky spirit with face painting, trolley rides, a Halloween craft, home made donuts, a cider press, Halloween bingo, pumpkin painting, spooky cabin tours, and a petting zoo. Hours are 4 p.m.-7 p.m. October 25 and 1 p.m.-5 p.m. October 26-27. Cost: $7 per person or $25 for a family of four. 

Trick or Trot 5K Run/Walk, Saturday, October 26. A benefit for Camp Newaygo, the five-kilometer (3.1-mile) run and walk winds through the Chain of Lakes — Emerald, Sylvan and Pickerel; and has a 10 a.m. start and starts and ends at Camp Newaygo. Registration is in advance; or 9 a.m.-9:45 a.m. Saturday, October 26. Cost: $30 per person. The race is part of the three-part Holiday Hustle Series, in partnership with Tamarac and the River Country Chamber of Commerce and also including the Tamarac Turkey Trot on November 28 and the St. Nick Kick on December 7. 

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 ..."