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.

 

Brooklyn Flourishes Through Her Trust in Nancy

“Everything,” says thirteen-year-old Brooklyn when asked what her favorite part of spending time with her mentor, Nancy, was. “I always enjoy spending time with Nancy.” Whether Brooklyn and Nancy are going to a local event or just taking walks together, they both treasure the time they spend together. 

Brooklyn and Nancy have always been open with each other and have only grown more comfortable together over the years. No matter what they do together, they “never lack for things to talk about.” This is possible because of the mutual trust Brooklyn and Nancy have built.

Not only have Brooklyn and Nancy formed a strong relationship, but Brooklyn has also grown in her confidence and communication skills. Nancy says, “I’ve really enjoyed seeing the growth in her, how much she’s matured and just listening to her stories. She’s just very easy to communicate with and seems to trust me with her thoughts and feelings and things that are going on. We’ve built a really close relationship.”

Having Nancy as a positive influence has impacted Brooklyn in a variety of ways. She knows that she can go to Nancy for help and Nancy will always be there for her. Overall, the positive encouragement and stability Nancy has given Brooklyn has allowed her to flourish.

“It’s impacted me a lot because I feel like I’ve kind of came out of my shell more and like I feel like I finally have those communication skills with the people that I kinda lost a little while ago,” says Brooklyn. “And, I know that Nancy loves hanging out with me.”

Throughout her time spent with Nancy, Brooklyn’s perspective has matured as she learns how to handle sensitive situations in her life. This has only been possible because of the trust Brooklyn has in Nancy. Both Nancy and Brooklyn are excited to continue in their relationships as they continue to support each other. 

Click here to learn more about TrueMentors.

Gerber Gives Back in Many Ways

Gerber Life is a Life Insurance company based in Fremont. With a little over 500 employees in total, between their main offices in Fremont, an office in White Plains, NY, and remote workers, they service the entire country. As a community-minded organization, they allow each employee individually to serve four hours, and an additional four hours as a group, volunteering for local organizations, on the clock.

The offices in Fremont house their Contact Center, Agency, I.T., and Operations Teams, and a great many of these employees have volunteered for a variety of TrueNorth programs and services, including, the Feeding America West Michigan Mobile Food Pantry, Tools for School, and Children’s Christmas Programs. 

“TrueNorth is such an asset to, and serves so many in our community,” said Kari Faltinek, Gerber Life Senior Project Manager. “We at Gerber Life consider ourselves a family, and those values translate perfectly to what TrueNorth does, so we’re happy to be a part of that.”

Since 2006, Gerber Life staff have volunteered over 1,815 hours for TrueNorth. “Gerber Life continues to be a pillar of support for TrueNorth and our communities. Their commitment to creating a better world is evident through their generosity and service. We are proud to have them as partners in achieving our mission,” said Mark Kraus, our Community Liaison and Development Director.