STEAM Challenge

Annually TrueNorth’s Out-of-School Time Programs host their STEAM Challenge, a day full of projects, exhibits and, yes… challenges, surrounding Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Mathematics.   

This year’s event, held at Hesperia Community Schools, focused on the theme – “there’s a superhero in everyone!” Approximately 135 students from 13 different Project FOCUS and Project FOCUS Rural Grit sites gathered, along with 115 community members, for a day full of superhero-themed activities, contests, exhibits and surprise day-of challenges. 

For the Main Challenge, groups of up to five students were to create an original superhero character and provide a visual representation of them. Their hero had to have a unique name, powers or abilities and a clear purpose.

“We hadn’t done a superhero theme before, and we got to design and build our own shields and heroes. As a team, we saved the day, so we were the heroes rather than the ones learning about them,” stated Eliel Lopez, an 8th grader from Hart Middle School.

Students also entered artwork into the open art competition, and the 3D art challenges where students were directed to create a superhero shield. They had to include a one-dimensional “blueprint” of their design and had to follow strict rules on size and construction materials.

“Bringing students together for the STEAM Challenge is very important to our program, as it creates opportunities for kids to connect, collaborate and learn from one another,” said Kelly Pascavis, Hart Middle School Site Coordinator. “It encourages teamwork, creativity and problem-solving through hands-on activities. Events like this strengthen relationships between schools and show students that learning, innovation and working together can make a positive impact.” 

Getting Connected Through ENGAGE!

Sue Kommer moved back to Newaygo County after an extended time away. As she put it; she had always been involved in whatever community she lived in, often volunteering with various Veterans organizations. As a former combat medic with the Army, it is a cause close to her heart. “I always tried to stay engaged,” she stated.  

She moved back to Michigan to care for an aging parent, and after their passing, found herself in an empty house, alone. The idea of social isolation became very real to her.  “Especially moving (back) here to Fremont, where I was not part of a community. When I worked, I was always engaged with other people, but just sitting at home is a perfect way to social isolation…” Sue said.

She read about ENGAGE! and did a self-referral to the program. Sue shared with the ENGAGE! link worker about her past experiences volunteering and how she wanted to get involved giving back.

Due to some physical restrictions, Sue can only spend limited time on her feet. Recognizing this, she volunteers with the Call & Connect program, where she calls and checks on home-bound older adults. She also started attending various Community Connections activities, including Friday volunteering and occasionally helping out at TrueNorth’s front desk.  

Sue sums up her experience nicely, “I don’t need people to take me under their wing and make my life better… I just need to be able to give back and meet individuals who are in the same situation. The opportunities here, through ENGAGE! are awesome.”

If you are interested in learning more about ENGAGE! click the button below or call (231) 924-0641.

Bowlapalooza 2026

Strikes, spares and strong community connections are at the heart of Bowlapalooza, the annual bowling fundraiser benefiting TrueMentors, TrueNorth’s youth mentoring program. Each year, Bowlapalooza invites community members to come together for a fun night out while supporting meaningful connections for local kids.

This year’s Bowlapalooza takes place at Fremont Lanes on April 16th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm, and April 17th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm or 8:00 – 10:00 pm. The event serves as a celebration of supporters’ annual fundraising efforts, bringing together families, friends and change-makers who believe in the power of mentorship.

Funds raised through Bowlapalooza support TrueMentors’ youth mentoring initiatives, including community-based mentoring, school-based mentoring and outdoor-based mentoring. These programs connect children in Newaygo County with caring adult role models who provide guidance, encouragement and positive experiences that help youth grow into confident, caring individuals.

“Many kids in our communities need supportive role models,” said Chadwick Walenga, TrueMentors Coordinator. “When our community comes together for Bowlapalooza, it not only helps ensure more youth receive the guidance they need, but it also shows them they are surrounded by people who care.”

Community members are encouraged to form teams and raise pledges to support the program. Individuals who raise $40 or more will receive two games of bowling with shoe rental, a Bowlapalooza t-shirt and a door prize entry on their designated bowling night. The top adult fundraiser (age 18 and older) will receive the event’s grand prize.

To learn more, register or start fundraising, visit truenorthservices.org/event/bowl.

Belonging Through Volunteerism

Belonging is built through shared experiences, hospitality and showing up for one another. At TrueNorth, placemaking means more than physical spaces. It’s about creating environments where people feel seen, valued and connected.

Doug Bonner knows firsthand the power of service to create belonging. For him, volunteering isn’t just about giving time, it’s about shaping spaces where people feel at home. “It takes time to get to know the people,” Doug shares. “We’re getting feedback on their stories. We’re building relationships that make
this place feel like ours.”

Doug also emphasizes the importance of seeing and understanding the needs in our community. “We are not aware of the needs because we are not exposed to them,” he says. “We go about our daily life, go back to our little half-acre or whatever it is, and have blinders on. You don’t see the people in need because they’re not on the street. It’s not until you come here, to TrueNorth, that you start to see and get exposed to the need… and then you start to understand how many people in our community are affected. Part of belonging is being exposed to the need, and then you can’t put the genie back in the bottle.”

Food, Doug explains, is a common language that grounds us, reinforces our humanity and opens the door to connection. “The sharing of food is a basic act we need to do with our neighbors,” he says. Whether greeting families at our Mobile Food Pantry or helping in the Food Center, Doug shows how every smile, conversation and helping hand turns shared spaces into communities where everyone belongs.

This spring, we’re strengthening that sense of belonging by inviting families and youth to serve together during our extended Thursday evening hours. Being open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm makes it easier for busy community members to connect, serve and build relationships across generations.

But the impact doesn’t stop there! There are countless ways to make a difference in our community. From helping during a Mobile Food Pantry, to supporting special events and programs, every act of service turns our shared spaces into communities where everyone belongs.

We appreciate all of our volunteers, and National Volunteer Week, April 19 – 25, is a special time to specifically thank our volunteers for all the hard work they do for TrueNorth. We encourage you to try volunteering too! Reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at (231) 924-0641, ext. 112 or volunteer@truenorthservices.org.

Local Support Key

Before it was a gathering place for thousands each year, Camp Newaygo began as something much simpler; a promise. A promise rooted in Newaygo County, shaped by local relationships and realized through community support, starting in 1926.

That year, William J. Branstrom, a respected Newaygo County philanthropist, sold property on Pickerel Lake to the Grand Rapids YWCA for one dollar. The transaction reflected a shared understanding. The land would be thoughtfully stewarded and used to serve young people for generations as Camp Newaygo.

Branstrom was well known throughout Fremont and the surrounding area for his commitment to community spaces and civic life. His generosity supported Branstrom Park, the Fremont Arboretum and the Hesperia Library, honoring his mother, Amelia S. Branstrom. The gift of property to become Camp Newaygo fit naturally within that legacy as it was an investment in people, place and long-term community well-being.

The YWCA selected the Pickerel Lake site with intention. Access to clean water, wooded land and a setting that encouraged focus and connection made it well suited for a resident camp experience. At a time when
opportunities for girls outside the home were limited, Camp Newaygo was designed to provide structure, leadership development and independence through outdoor living. The natural environment was central to that purpose, shaping programs that emphasized cooperation, responsibility and growth.

From the beginning, Camp Newaygo was woven into local life in Newaygo County. Nancy Reber Johnson recalled how her father and William Branstrom would walk home together from their law offices on Main Street in Fremont, their lengthy conversations often delaying lunch. Nancy and her sister, Marge Salata, were among the first campers to attend Camp Newaygo, reflecting the close ties between the Camp and local families.

Camp Newaygo opened under the operation of the Grand Rapids YWCA, welcoming girls from Newaygo County and beyond. The original cabin structures were built to support shared living and time outdoors. All nine of those original cabins remain standing today and are fully in use by current campers and programs, providing a direct, living connection between Camp’s earliest seasons and its modern operation.

The acquisition of Camp Newaygo’s land in 1926 established a clear purpose that has guided the Camp for a century. One hundred years later, now a program of TrueNorth Community Services, that foundation
continues to support a thriving, community centered organization

Troy’s Story

When the wind chill hit 18 below zero, Troy wasn’t sure how he had made it through another winter in the woods.

After losing both of his parents to brain cancer, the family farm was sold and the life he knew disappeared with it. With nowhere else to go, Troy moved onto a few acres he owned, parking a camper there and settling in with his dog and the few belongings he had left. For years, he lived without electricity or running water. Just him and his dog.

“I was living in the woods for quite a while,” Troy said. “Last winter the wind-chill was 18 below zero. I came in and told them, ‘I don’t know how I made it through this year but I did… and I was wondering if I could get some food.’”

Troy receives Social Security Income, but navigating the systems required to move forward felt overwhelming. With TrueNorth support, he began untangling the paperwork and learning how to manage his benefits independently so he could move ahead with confidence.

TrueNorth staff visited him at his camper, helping him complete housing applications and gather the documentation property managers required. He also hadn’t seen a doctor in years, so he got connected to local care, a step that proved critical. His senior dog, his only steady companion through years of isolation, posed a barrier to many housing options. With documentation from his new provider, his dog was approved as an emotional support animal, clearing one more hurdle.

By early December, Troy was approved for housing. And by mid-December 2025, he was inside his own apartment — just in time to avoid the worst of the cold.

Today, he talks about the simple things: turning on a light switch, opening a refrigerator and taking a hot shower.

After years of surviving, Troy is finally home.

emPower Heat & Energy

We recognize when a neighbor reaches out for help with a heat or electric bill, it’s often a sign of a much larger struggle. Whether a sudden job loss, medical crisis or change in family dynamics, these financial hurdles can quickly threaten a household’s entire foundation. TrueNorth’s emPower program team provides more than just a payment; they offer coaching and resource navigation necessary to help families regain their footing.

The emPower team recently supported neighbors whose challenges went far beyond what financial assistance alone could fix. One mother was navigating a difficult separation while raising three children, including a daughter with a disability. Without stable housing or a reliable vehicle, even the most basic daily needs felt overwhelming. 

Another neighbor, a grandmother living on a fixed income, was in the process of legally adopting her grandchildren. As she covered mounting legal fees, she was also trying to keep her vehicle running so the children could get to school and participate in extracurricular activities.

These stories illustrate why emPower focuses on “Complex Care.” By addressing immediate utility needs while providing one-on-one coaching, TrueNorth helps neighbors move from a state of constant survival towards long-term security.

By removing the immediate pressure of a utility shut-off or a fuel shortage, emPower creates the space for families to tackle other barriers to self-sufficiency. Whether it’s helping a father maintain his household after a seasonal layoff or ensuring a guardian has the transportation needed to care for her family, the emPower program is about dignity and security.

One participant recently shared before working with emPower staff, they felt a constant sense of tension and instability. Today, they are housed, their vehicle is insured and they have a clear path forward. Another participant noted, the support they received during their most vulnerable moments didn’t just pay a bill, it provided a path forward when they weren’t sure where to turn. When we support our neighbors through their most vulnerable moments, the entire community grows stronger. 

Day of Giving

TrueNorth Community Services is proud to invite our community to take part in this year’s Day of Giving, a special opportunity to come together and support neighbors across Newaygo County and beyond. This day is about more than fundraising. It is about showing up for families, older adults and individuals who rely on TrueNorth during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Every day, TrueNorth provides access to healthy food, helps households stay warm and safe, supports youth and older adults and builds connections that strengthen our entire community. These services are only possible because of generous supporters who believe everyone deserves stability, dignity and hope. The Day of Giving helps ensure these vital programs can continue and grow to meet increasing needs.

On February 24, our goal is to raise $10,000 to support food assistance, housing stability programs, utility support and other essential services. Every contribution, no matter the amount, directly impacts someone in our community who needs help today.

We invite you to be part of this meaningful day by making a gift and sharing this opportunity with others who care about building a stronger community. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

Learn more right here!

Friends for Life

For Kathy and Kyrin, a mentoring match that began three and a half years ago has evolved into something much deeper. They’ve become friends for life.

“The first time I met Kyrin, she said she didn’t know what a mentor was,” Kathy recalls. “I told her I was a friend that could help her in any way she needed, and that’s exactly how our relationship has been.”

For Kyrin, that specific type of friendship was just what she needed. She explains; “it feels amazing to be able to hang out with someone who sees me as more than a kid.”

While acknowledging Kyrin has a close-knit, supportive extended family, Kathy views herself as “the companion that is there to expose her to new activities, listen to anything that might be on her mind and to provide a different perspective.“

Despite a 50-year age difference, the relationship is mutually beneficial. “I love spending time with Kyrin,” Kathy says. “In the same way that she benefits from my perspective on things, I like her fresh perspective too. She’s creative and funny. I like hearing her views on the proper care for horses, and going thrift store shopping with her.”

For Kyrin, time spent talking and listening has had a tangible impact. She credits Kathy with teaching her “how to communicate better with people.”

“Everyone has something to offer a young person,” Kathy says, “and the staff at TrueNorth is there to help if you run into obstacles along the way. Try it!” To learn more about TrueMentors contact Chadwick at (231) 924-0641, ext. 120 or truementors@truenorthservices.org.

Ice Fishing Benefits TrueMentors

Dam to Dam is more than an ice fishing tournament; it’s a powerful investment in mentorship and the young people who rely on it. This annual fishing event directly supports TrueMentors, a program that connects caring, consistent adults with youth who need guidance, stability and encouragement to thrive.

Held on Saturday, February 14th at Croton Township Campground, this year’s tournament is part of Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend, meaning no license or advanced registration is required to participate. Anglers of all ages can enjoy a day on the ice, friendly competition and great community camaraderie, all while supporting a stronger mentoring network for kids across Newaygo County.

Funds raised through Dam to Dam help TrueMentors expand its reach, from school-based mentoring with TrueBlue Academy to one-to-one community matches and outdoor mentoring through Parks in Focus. Your participation directly supports recruiting, training and sustaining these life-changing mentoring relationships.

A big draw of the day is the Hooked on Mentoring raffle, offering exciting prizes including a brand-new Back40 4X4 Camo 550cc UTV and more. Tickets can be purchased in advance at local retailers or on-site during the event, and every ticket sold helps expand the reach and impact of mentoring in our community. Join us on the ice to support youth, mentors and community connection!