Michelle’s Vibrant Future with Stable Housing Secured

“It’s not a lack of ambition or a lack of effort. Calling and saying I’m homeless…that was a huge step,” says Michelle, a participant in TrueNorth’s Housing Resource Center, about the challenges she faced while experiencing homelessness. “That was one of the hardest things about going to TrueNorth–I didn’t want people looking at me as homeless because of the stereotype.”

Stories of people like Michelle illustrate the importance of Homeless Awareness Month. Many in our community experience similar challenges as Michelle and need a hand-up to live and thrive.

Not only did Michelle experience financial difficulties, her living conditions put both her health and safety at risk. One of the greatest challenges Michelle faced was not having access to water. Michelle’s Home Health Aide had to bring in water and help Michelle heat it so she could perform basic necessities such as bathe and clean.

Before coming to TrueNorth, Michelle lived in a fifth-wheel trailer, that was unsuitable for living, for three years. She faced a number of health-related obstacles and was living on a fixed income, making it challenging to make ends meet. Michelle says, “I knew there was no way I could ever pay rent and bills and car insurance on my income. It’ll never ever happen.”

Winters were especially difficult due to inefficient heating and the trailer’s dangerous, icy steps. There were even times when the trailer’s windows and door had frost on the inside. “But with my health, the steps, the cold in the winter, to try and heat it, honestly you’re not meant to live in it. There’s not a lot of insulation in the walls,” recounts Michelle about the unsafe living conditions in her trailer.

When Michelle came to TrueNorth for help, she was afraid to call because of the negative stereotypes surrounding those who experience homelessness: “People stereotype homelessness without a doubt,” says Michelle. “Just because I was homeless doesn’t mean I’m a bad person, that I was a drug addict, that I didn’t care, that I didn’t try, that I was doing things with money that I shouldn’t.”

Thankfully, Michelle did call TrueNorth and received the encouragement and guidance she needed to move forward on her path to self-sufficiency. Michelle’s hard work and determination led her to find safe housing with support from TrueNorth. Now, being housed for over a year, Michelle can focus on her health and overall well-being.

Michelle cares deeply for her community and has started volunteering since being housed. She currently volunteers at the Oceana County Department of Veterans Affairs office, Hart VFW Auxiliary #1329, and is Senior Vice President of District 12 Auxiliary. Having secure housing has allowed Michelle to follow her passions and give back to the community she now calls home.

“To be able to get into a place where I can maintain my bills, my car insurance, you know be able to go to my appointments, it’s life-changing,” reflects Michelle on the impact having safe housing has had on her.

You can ensure people like Michelle receive the guidance and support necessary to improve their lives. Whether you donate, volunteer, advocate or help in any way you can, you can be confident you are impacting lives for a lifetime.

New Connections

Both Community Connections and Camp Newaygo work to build connections and resilience through shared experiences. Combining these two programs at an intergenerational event this month created a fun, unique experience for participants and campers.

Campers and staff from Camp Newaygo’s Spanish Immersion Day Camp came to TrueNorth to gather together for a meal of Mexican street food with Community Connections participants. The campers also shared a camp song in Spanish with the group, showing a snapshot of what they had learned during the week.

Having the Day Campers join Community Connections’ participants for a meal made an impact on everyone involved. “When you spend seven days a week eating alone basically, it’s nice to have somebody to actually eat with–have a conversation,” says Community Connections participant Cindy.

For day camper Lauren, she had fun sharing a meal with new people and the friends she made at Camp Newaygo. While she was nervous singing in front of others, overall she enjoyed the new experience.

“That was really cute…having the kids sit at the different tables so you could actually converse with them, that was cool,” says Cindy about the event. “I think it’s a wonderful idea because some kids don’t have the opportunity to, you know, be around their grandparents.”

Engaging with new people from different generations helps broaden horizons and form new relationships. This event partnered between Community Connections and Camp Newaygo allowed participants, young and older, to connect and learn from one another for a fun-filled, engaging experience for all.

Tools for School Helps Ashley Find Community

“It just helps out,” says Ashley Shields, about TrueNorth’s Tools for School event. “Just to get all the information that’s out there, the resources. There’s a lot more out there than what I anticipated.”

Ashley has participated in TrueNorth Community Services’ Tools for School event for the past two years. Ashley has two daughters, one going into second grade and the other going into third grade. From picking out their backpacks to seeing all the community resources available, coming to Tools for School helps set up Ashley’s family for success this school year and beyond.

Ashley says, “It helps a lot of families that can’t provide, you know, for their children. Because everything’s gone up.” With rising costs, getting these essential items for school helps relieve stress from Ashley and parents just like her. The convenience of having everything in one place from school supplies and community resources to haircuts makes a major difference as Ashley gets her kids ready for the upcoming school year.

Not only does Tools for School provide a number of resources to families just like Ashley’s, but it also fosters feelings of togetherness. Ashley says, “I like how everybody gets together too. It feels good, like safe.” Having families come together for the same purpose of preparing their children for school creates a sense of community. Not only does this help build excitement for the school year, but it also helps families just like Ashley’s feel seen and supported.

Help families just like Ashley’s by giving to Tools for School. Many in our community struggle to get everything their kids need for school due to the rising costs of living, but through your support, you can provide students with the tools they need to succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

You can level the playing field for over 1,000 local children. Your gift will not only supply the physical tools needed for school but will also provide access to resources that will help students and their families flourish. Click here to make a caring gift today and ensure the next generation thrives.

Help Celebrate National Volunteer Week

“I think just helping people, and it’s pretty amazing how grateful most people are,” says TrueNorth volunteer, Randy Kinsey, about his favorite part of volunteering. “I’ve just been blessed my whole life, and I just like to try and give back to the community.”

Randy has been volunteering in TrueNorth’s Hunger Prevention Programs for over four years. From being the friendly face greeting Food Center participants to stocking the Food Center and packing Weekend PowerPacks, Randy is a passionate and reliable volunteer.

Randy first came to TrueNorth after retiring to Hesperia. He wanted to find a way to give back to the community–helping those in need get back on their feet. Volunteering has always been important to Randy as he volunteered at a variety of organizations before retirement, such as Habitat for Humanity and various soup kitchens.

Feeding the hungry has always been a passion for Randy, which is why he continues to volunteer with TrueNorth’s Hunger Prevention programs. Being able to meet this essential need for the community has been the most rewarding part for him. Randy says, “To see the smile on people’s faces and to see their gratitude and know that you’re doing something for people that really need the help…it [TrueNorth] is such a blessing for the community.”

Besides seeing the impact his volunteering and TrueNorth’s programs has on the community, Randy has grown as an individual throughout his time at TrueNorth. He enjoys making people feel welcome and reassures those who struggle to ask for help.

“It’s made me a better person by helping other people,” says Randy. He continues to make an impact as he encourages people at his church to volunteer at TrueNorth and has even helped lead a fundraising project there to purchase coats for TrueNorth’s Coats for Kids.

Randy has volunteered over 300 hours at TrueNorth and is looking forward to continuing. He is grateful for the opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives and encourages anyone who is interested to do so as well.

Next week is National Volunteer Week–showcasing the vital work of volunteers and how everyone can make a difference in their community, just like Randy. “I just highly encourage it [volunteering]. It’s just, to me, it’s a life-changing experience to be able to give back and help other people,” says Randy.

You can help celebrate National Volunteer Week in a number of ways. From thanking a volunteer to volunteering yourself, you can make a positive difference in someone else’s life. To learn more about volunteer opportunities at TrueNorth, contact Volunteer Hub Coordinator, Charlie Forbes, at cforbes@truenorthservices.org.

Vicente Becomes a Leader at Parks in Focus

Vicente has been a part of Parks in Focus at TrueNorth Community Services for over four years. From being a participant to becoming a returning leader, Vicente has stepped outside of his comfort zone and become a leader for the other kids.

Parks in Focus is an outdoor youth mentoring program. Kids like Vicente go on outdoor trips to connect to nature through photography while also receiving additional support from TrueNorth staff and volunteers. Vicente has grown as a person and leader through the additional support and experiences from the program.

“It was one of the first times that I stepped out of my boundaries or outside of my comfort zone,” says Vicente about his first experiences at Parks in Focus. Going on the week-long trip for the first time was both exciting and nerve-wracking for Vicente because it was the longest he’d been away from his family. But by the end of the trip, Vicente felt accomplished. 

Throughout his time in the program, Vicente has become more curious and well-spoken. He enjoys learning new photography skills while interacting with kids he may otherwise have never met. Having the support from TrueNorth staff and the other kids in the program enabled Vicente to thrive as he went on many trips over the years.

Vicente flourished through these experiences as he connected with the other kids and became a role model for them. Dawn Dechand, a long-time volunteer for Parks in Focus, has seen Vicente grow over the years he’s been in the program. Now that he’s a returning leader, Dawn has enjoyed working with him as they both support the new kids in the program.

“It’s really nice to see how they grow  into their ability to lead and be role models for other kids, Vicente is a really great example of that,” says Dawn about her experience with Vicente in the program. “He was a really good example of how the returning leaders really developed into being great people, great leaders.”

Vicente’s positive attitude as a returning leader has helped create a community in Parks in Focus. Not only has he helped everyone get involved in the activities, but he also has grown in his own leadership skills that will set him up for success beyond Parks in Focus.

When reflecting on his favorite parts of being a part of Parks in Focus, Vicente says, “I love just walking around, taking pictures and going on hikes, but I also love the small community that we have. I love the way the workers interact with the kids and then I love the way the kids get along.” 

Click here to learn more about Parks in Focus and TrueMentors.

Landen Builds Friendships at TrueBlue Academy and Parks in Focus

Being involved with both TrueBlue Academy and Parks in Focus at TrueNorth Community Services has had a positive impact on Landen’s life. From starting in both programs to today, Landen has grown out of his shell as he’s made new friends in the programs.

Landen first became involved at TrueNorth in the Parks in Focus program. Seeing new places and experiencing nature with kids like him has helped Landen open up. While at first it took Landen some time to become comfortable around others, once he got to know the other kids better, he began to flourish in the program.

Landen did not have any experience with photography before Parks in Focus. But during his time in the program, he grew in his skills and enjoys photography in and outside of the program. 

Not only has Landen learned applicable skills in Parks in Focus, but he has also grown through his time in TrueBlue Academy. Having more opportunities to connect with other students has helped Landen grow as a person and leader.

“You get to learn more about people,” says Landen. “I got to be a lot more social and made a lot more friends.” Overall, Landen has thrived in both programs as he builds friendships and gets out of his comfort zone.

Click here to learn more about Parks in Focus and TrueBlue Academy.

Danny Builds Confidence in Herself at Parks in Focus

Being a part of Parks in Focus has helped Danny feel more comfortable around others. Not only has Danny come out of her shell, but she has also formed new friendships with different kids throughout Newaygo County in the program.

Parks in Focus is an outdoor youth mentoring program. Kids like Danny go on outdoor trips to connect to nature through photography while also receiving additional support from TrueNorth staff and volunteers. Having this added support system has helped Danny better connect with those around her.

“The program has helped me get out of my comfort zone,” says Danny about the impact being in Parks in Focus has had on her life. “Before I was in Parks in Focus I used to get really nervous around people, but now that’s kind of calmed down and I’m not really nervous.”

The new experiences Parks in Focus provides helps Danny leave her comfort zone in a safe environment. Many of the other kids have similar experiences as Danny and are able to grow together throughout their time in Parks in Focus.

Dawn Dechand, a long-time volunteer for Parks in Focus, has seen Danny’s growth throughout the time she’s known her. Even in the week-long trip, Dawn saw Danny build confidence and become more comfortable with everyone in that short period of time.

Dawn says, “Danny definitely gained in confidence and being herself…You definitely saw Danny get comfortable and having meaningful conversations with people as the week progressed.” Having time to build relationships while experiencing new things with the other kids has enabled Danny to grow throughout the six months she’s been in the program. 

Click here to learn more about Parks in Focus and TrueMentors.