TrueNorth Community Services•Articles by: TNLisaDaniell

Author: TNLisaDaniell

30 Days Around the World

With our Engage! Program

For the month of November students in our Engage! Out-of-School Time Program at Hesperia Middle School journeyed across the globe to learn about different countries and cultures. Activities ranged from Bollywood dancing, making sushi, and Turkish art, among many others, and also included guest speakers! Youth sampled food from other countries, practiced different art styles of various cultures, and played games to learn about landmarks around the world.

Students were able to keep track of their travels in their personalized passports, writing what they learned and adding their stamp. In total we covered 19 countries: Mexico, Honduras, Venezuela, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Mali, Ireland, United Kingdom (England and Scotland), Turkey, Germany, and Burkina Faso. Ask your student about their favorite country and activity!

Homeless Not Hopeless

Learn About Jerry’s Journey

After a break up that left Jerry homeless, he was referred to TrueNorth for assistance. We were able to temporarily provide housing for him and his daughter in a hotel. While staying there, Jerry struggled to find and secure affordable childcare and almost lost his job. The case manager assigned to him worked with a local landlord and was able to get him into a rental in Oceana County. Once he was housed, he was able to secure childcare, to provide a more stable environment.

Jerry has built a great relationship with his landlord who was willing to move him to a larger unit and has offered him employment as the maintenance person for all of his rentals. Jerry has one more month in the TrueNorth program but is positive he will be able to pay his rent going forward. Jerry and his children are very happy with their new rental and Jerry’s new job, which allows him more time with his children and an optimistic future.

National Mentoring Month

Sharing the importance of mentoring

By definition, a mentor is – an experienced and trusted adviser; a friend; and someone to help provide guidance, support and be a positive role model. Which is exactly what the adults in our TrueMentors program are. Adult to child mentoring has been a central part of the TrueNorth mission since 1976.

Beginning with our Connections program, followed by an 18-year partnership with Big Brother Big Sisters, and more recently as TrueMentors. Through these programs we have offered a variety of mentoring experiences, from traditional one-on-one pairings, to group mentoring at TrueBlue Academy, and outdoor adventure and art programs like Parks in Focus.

Mentors make a difference in the lives of youth through their gift of time. This includes everyday activities and experiences like grocery shopping, taking a walk, cooking a meal, or can include more infrequent activities like amusement park visits, sporting events, and movies. Either way, the time spent between mentor and mentee can have a life changing effect.

During January, National Mentoring Month, we acknowledge the importance of mentoring and bring light to the on-going need for additional mentors. We are encouraging everyone interested to become involved.

Anyone interested in becoming a mentor to a Newaygo County child, or to RSVP for the event, should contact Lisa Brown, TrueMentors Program Director, at (231) 924-0641, ext. 109, or lbrown@truenorthservices.org.

Celebrating 50 Years

Moving Michigan Forward, 50 Years Strong

This year we are celebrating 50 years of serving the community! Hitting this hallmark year is quite a feat for a nonprofit organization. In 1972, Newaygo County Community Services was created as an independent private nonprofit organization. This year, we will feature highlights from the last 50 years in each of our newsletters – where we started, where we’ve gone, and where we’re headed in the next 50 years!

In the 50 year history of TrueNorth, remarkably just two people have held the position of President & CEO, Rev. Gene Cotton (1972 – 1989) and Bev Cassidy (1989 – Present).

At the time of its launch, TrueNorth had four staff members and a budget of $300,000. Today, TrueNorth has over 200 staff across the state of Michigan and a budget of over $25 million. Like the organization, the community has grown tremendously over the last 50 years. There are 11,000+ more residents now than in 1972, an increase of 25%. We’ve evolved alongside Newaygo County to meet the ever changing needs.

Throughout our 50 year history, the agency has had a wide variety of programs and services. Some for a short duration, others for a decade or two and some offered for our entire 50 years. It’s no secret that TrueNorth focuses on strengthening communities and empowering individuals. It’s through robust program offerings, relationship building, a supportive community and an agency that’s committed to our Newaygo County roots that has helped us grow over the last 50 years.

It’s an exciting time to reflect on our past, acknowledge lives changed, and look forward to the next 50 years. Join us throughout 2022 as we celebrate together! To get a feel for the day – check out this short video!