Takes Many Forms

Mentoring comes in every shape and size! Since January is National Mentor Month, it’s only natural we share about some of our mentoring matches. Learn about a few of our “one-on-one” matches currently mentoring with TrueMentors.

Laura and Riley are currently our longest matched pair, having been together over five years. When they first began, Laura and her husband Justin didn’t have any children, so spending time with 12-year-old Riley was easy. 

“She’s just become part of our family, and has gotten to see how we do things and how we interact as a family,” she said, adding she was “surprised how easy and fun it was!” Even now, as a mother of a 5-year-old and a baby, she still finds it easy.

Cathy is retired, and decided to become a mentor “later in life” after noticing lots of fun and interesting things going on in the community. She has nieces and nephews who are about the same age as her mentee, Cora, but live far away: “I thought; I’m sure there’s somebody around here who would attend those things with me,” she said. She also said she was surprised at how much fun it’s been. 

Cathy continued, “When we go to the beach, we go and jump in the waves and when I go to the beach by myself, I sit there and read a book. When I go with my husband, we walk, but when I go with Cora, we go and play on the dunes.” 

When married couple Rachel and Greg asked if they could mentor together, we told them, while atypical for our “one-on-one” matches, it has been done before. They were set up with a precocious 6-year-old boy named Gannon, and now have a year of mentoring under their collective belts.

“I’ve learned as much as I’ve taught,” said Greg. “Getting a child’s perspective on things in life is really fun to see.”

If we’ve learned anything, since offering mentoring programs over the last 53 years, it is that mentoring is not one-size-fits-all. Due to this, TrueMentors offers site-based, community-based, adventure-based, and both group and one-on-one mentoring opportunities to best meet the needs of the youth involved. These mentoring opportunities are also able to align with the availability, interests and passions of our adult mentors. To learn more or get involved contact us as (231) 924-0641 or mentoring@truenorthservices.org.

 

 

 

 

 

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on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

The “Dream in Art” initiative invited youth to reflect on Dr. King’s vision of equality, justice and unity by designing impactful posters inspired by his message. Students were encouraged to creatively represent what Dr. King’s dream means to them and how we can work together to create a better, more inclusive world.

“He inspired a lot of people with his speeches,” said Bentley, an 8th grader at Baldwin Jr. High. “I drew a picture of Dr. King, as best I could, and I’m going to put a bunch of his quotes all around it…”

Kairi, a sixth grader, built a miniature podium out of popsicle sticks and a small Dr. King paper doll to stand behind it, as a 3-D component to her poster, while Onia, another sixth grader, painted a portrait of Dr. King, which she planned to add to her poster.

Students in our Out-of-School Time Programs at Baldwin Jr. High, Hart Middle School, Hesperia Elementary and Middle Schools, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy in Muskegon Heights and at White Cloud Elementary and Jr. High all participated in this activity.  

Blake Dockery, a Program Assistant at Baldwin Jr. High said it is important to teach about Dr. King “So his message is not forgotten.”

“We showed the students Dr. King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech in preparation for this,” said Cecelia Hamilton, Site Coordinator at Baldwin Jr. High. “We asked the students what they had learned about Dr. King and quite a few of them knew quite a bit!”

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Join caring volunteers like Diane

“I like talking to people, and I know how lonely sometimes I get,” says Diane, a TrueNorth volunteer, about why she decided to volunteer for Call & Connect. “If they don’t have somebody to talk to then I said, ‘I might as well be trying to make a smile on their face, especially if they don’t get out.’”

Call & Connect is a new volunteer opportunity that pairs volunteers with older adults in Newaygo County who would benefit from extra social interaction. This initiative aims to spread kindness and encouragement through a simple phone call, helping everyone feel a part of our community.

Diane is one of the first volunteers for Call & Connect. She also participates in Community Connections and understands the importance of socialization and relationships. Diane says, “If they know somebody else is out there that cares, maybe it will help them feel better.”

Although Diane is just starting to volunteer for Call & Connect, she is looking forward to continuing conversations and building relationships. These conversations not only impact those who are called but will also impact the caller as they engage with each other.

“I want to try to be an encouragement to other people,” says Diane. “It’s a good thing to do to help brighten somebody else’s day.” Join caring people like Diane when you volunteer for Call & Connect. For more information or to get involved with Call & Connect, please contact Charlie Forbes, TrueNorth’s Volunteer Hub Coordinator, at (231) 924-0641, ext. 112 or cforbes@truenorthservices.org.

 

 

through emPower’s Water Assistance

Jacquelyn, a single mother who is also raising five grandchildren, was concerned when her water bill skyrocketed. She later learned this was due to leaking pipes and a water line that wasn’t installed properly. Thankfully, TrueNorth was able to help Jacquelyn through emPower’s water assistance program.

“I called and got a response right away… it wasn’t even two days, about getting help with my water bill.”  
Unbeknownst to her, the water line that fed to her refrigerator had been leaking for quite some time and she was paying for water she wasn’t using. The leak also ended up damaging the floor behind the refrigerator and stove, as well as in her bathroom, adjacent to the kitchen.  

“Within a couple of weeks, they (the emPower staff) hooked me right up, and had my leak taken care of and my water bill paid… and they’re wonderful! They don’t degrade you at all for needing help. Nowadays there’s more people that can use help than ever before. Lower income families are in a lot of trouble right now.”

emPower’s water assistance program is available to income-eligible households in Lake, Mason and Newaygo Counties who have metered water service. In addition to Jacquelyn, 34 households have been assisted through this program since spring of 2024. 

to Help Families Like Alyssa’s Thrive

“The economy that we’re living in right now is not very liveable, especially if you have a one-income household like we do. Childcare is incredibly expensive and when you have multiple kids, it adds up fast,” says Alyssa, a participant of TrueNorth. “So being able to have help available to you, again takes the stress off, makes things feel a little easier and lighter.”

While struggling to make ends meet, Alyssa found the guidance and support she needed at TrueNorth. Her hard work and determination enabled her to take steps toward a self-sufficient future with her family.

Unfortunately, there are others just like Alyssa in need of a hand up. You can offer that hand up by supporting TrueNorth’s Generate Generosity campaign today.

Our goal is to engage 100 donors and 300 volunteers by the end of 2024 to strengthen our community. Not only will your support meet the needs of our neighbors, but it will also inspire hope for brighter futures.

Your generosity will ensure the well-being of our neighbors. Many in our community struggle to secure housing, put food on the table and connect with others. Caring supporters like you are the foundation of our mission, and we need your support as we work together to help our neighbors.

Alyssa says, “Honestly, if it wasn’t for your assistance program and your guys’ help I probably would not be in my home currently…that really was like a lifeline for my family to be able to get back on our feet.”

Give today to help families like Alyssa’s receive the support and encouragement they need to move their lives forward. You can make a real impact when you generate generosity.

at Childrens Christmas Programs

For the past couple of years, Candace has been grateful for our Children’s Christmas Programs (CCP), as it allowed her to provide Christmas joy for her children. As a family with a single income, due to medical issues, CCP has made a significant difference in their household.

“Especially the last couple of years… It makes a huge difference when it’s just my husband working. My kids always absolutely loved everything we got for them, and they love when I get them books. My 14-year-old is really into drawing a lot right now, so I got him one of those creative art kits and Legos… he’s going to love it!”

Last year the program also aided her niece’s three children who unexpectedly had to stay with Candace for a few months over the holidays. 

“It was a week before Christmas, and I’m like; send them to me, I’ll take them. I don’t have a lot, but we’ll take them in…”

She credits how she was raised for her sense of generosity and helping others in need. She also recognizes how much of a blessing a program like CCP is for families like hers. 

Candace is just one of the many families CCP has helped this year. Distributing over 13,307 gifts so far this year to 1,901 children, holiday joy is being spread throughout Newaygo County.

 

Baldwin Students Take Field Trip

All kids love the zoo, and there are several great ones in Michigan. This fall, students from Project FOCUS Out-of-School Time Programs in Baldwin, took a field trip to the Detroit Zoo. They even had the opportunity for special experiences most people never get to enjoy thanks to Mike Reed, a zoologist at the Detroit Zoo.

Mike, who summers in the Baldwin area, was able to provide the students from both the elementary and junior high school unique behind-the-scenes experiences. They were able to learn how the zookeepers prepare food for the animals at the Zoo’s Commissary. “It was nice to go to the back rooms to see how they operate the zoo,” said Tabby, a 6th grader at Baldwin Junior High School. “I liked looking in the freezer to see what the animals ate.”

Some of the highlights for the elementary students included seeing a tiger and brown bears, the reptile house, the gorilla exhibit along with the “Comparing Primates” interactive piece and the walk-through of the “Outback Experience” where kangaroos and wallabies were freely roaming, which delighted the kids! “I liked seeing the flamingos best,” said Zaelyk, a first grader at Baldwin Elementary.

The junior high school students were excited to see the butterfly house and many animals they would never see in Baldwin. 

Site Coordinator, Cecelia Hamilton, said, “By having these experiences, we want students to start thinking about the many interesting career opportunities available to them.”

A generous community donor allowed for Jersey Mike’s sub meals to be provided for all the students for dinner and a local Wesco donated five dozen donuts and bottled water.

Evan, a kindergartener, said, “My favorite part was the kangaroos… and the donuts!” 

 

 

 

Join Caring People Like Leighan

For Leighan Campeau, giving back to her community has always been a priority. She has seen the needs of her neighbors and works to help them through donating and volunteering at TrueNorth.

“We always thought it was important to give and to help people,” says Leighan about why she and her family support TrueNorth. “My husband and I feel like we are very fortunate in circumstances and in life, and so that’s why we want to make sure we always help people.” Leighan and her husband have been long-time donors at TrueNorth and have started giving monthly to make an even greater impact. 

Leighan has also started giving through her time by volunteering at TrueNorth’s Food Center. From being a friendly face helping participants, to stocking shelves and helping wherever is needed, Leighan continues to better her community. She has volunteered over 225 hours since starting in early 2023. Leighan says, “The need is great…being able to help out makes me feel good.”

Not only does Leighan personally help her neighbors, but she also gets her two sons involved to teach the importance of giving back. Leighan and one of her sons most recently helped pack backpacks for Tools for School this past summer–helping provide school supplies to area children in need.

“It just helps us all realize together that there is a need,” reflects Leighan on the importance of volunteering as a family. “There are others that struggle, and if you can help out, you should.”

You can join caring people like Leighan by supporting TrueNorth’s Generate Generosity campaign. Launching on Giving Tuesday, join us for a day of volunteerism at the TrueNorth Service Center. Our goal is to engage 100 donors and 300 volunteers by the end of 2024, and we need your help! Donate or volunteer today to personally offer a hand up to our neighbors in need.

Brings the Community Together

“The Fremont Harvest Festival Hay Art is one of the Fremont community’s favorite events each year,” says Karen Baird, Executive Director of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce. “Since the inception of the Hay Art competition, the Fremont Area Chamber and the community has donated over 70,000 pounds of food to TrueNorth’s Hunger Prevention programs. We are grateful for the giving community that we have supporting this event!”

The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Hay Art competition during the Fremont Harvest Festival, where local businesses and organizations transform bales of hay into creative works of art. Community members vote for their favorite works of art by donating shelf-stable food items. The donated food helps support the efforts of TrueNorth Community Services’ Hunger Prevention programs.

Events like this engage our local businesses and organizations, strengthen our community and help bring residents together. This collaboration help build and sustain strong, vibrant communities which are essential for supporting neighbors in times of need.

In total, 5,886.25 pounds of food was donated during the competition. This year, Fremont Middle School won the Hay Art Competition (pictured above far left), by donating 1,934.75 pounds of food.

“These donations make a tremendous difference in the lives of hundreds of food-insecure families and serve as a powerful reminder of our community’s compassion and resilience in the face of challenges,” says Mike Voyt, TrueNorth’s Hunger Prevention and Children’s Services Director.

Kurt & Anthony’s Shared Friendship

“[The mentoring program is] really fun, it’s a good way to learn life skills and meet new people”, says 14 year old mentee Anthony. Anthony and his mentor Kurt have spent the majority of their summer months enjoying the outdoors. From kayaking and paddleboarding, to fishing and swimming, they have embraced the beautiful Michigan weather. Anthony even caught his first ever fish on one of their outings together.

Kurt and Anthony are paired in TrueMentors community-based mentoring program. They initially met this past January, however, it wasn’t until June when they became an official mentoring match. Getting together approximately once a week, they have enjoyed everything from sharing meals together, riding carnival rides and even built a boat out of cardboard and duct tape (that lasted for a short while above water!). This fall they are looking forward to attending some football games and visiting the pumpkin patch together.

Kurt has enjoyed the fact he has been able to develop friendship and trust with Anthony. If you are debating getting involved as a mentor, Kurt has this to share “It’s a great opportunity to be a resource for the community- to help inspire and empower the growth of a child- to lead toward successes in life.”

In addition to community-based mentoring, TrueMentors also offers TrueBlue Academy at Newaygo and White Cloud Public Schools and Parks in Focus. New this fall, TrueMentors, along with Newaygo Elementary, is also launching Lions Together, a mentoring program focused on matching boys ages five to eight with mentors which meets weekly throughout the school year. To learn more about TrueMentors or to become a mentor, contact Serena Lafferty at (231) 924-0641, ext. 174 or slafferty@truenorthservices.org.