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TrueNorth Community Services•Blog

A New Connection

Community Friends

A new social opportunity aimed at individuals 55 and older is emerging in Newaygo County. Community Friends is spearheaded by TrueNorth
Community Services and Camp Newaygo and provides opportunities for the older population to stay active and socially engaged with their peers as well as connecting with younger generations. There have been several curated outings since the group formed in the summer of 2021. Members have participated in a guided baking class in the kitchen at Camp Newaygo and created bespoke glass Christmas ornaments with the instructors at the Artsplace in Fremont. Every Tuesday in January and February Camp Newaygo hosted euchre for Community
Friends. This popular winter event has drawn in up to 20 avid new and veteran card players each Tuesday and has the possibility of continuing through March.

Currently most events are free to attend but donations are welcome to help plan and promote future excursions. Events are varied and focus on discovering new resources and entertainment within and outside of Newaygo County, learning and
brushing up on new and old skills, and creating new friendships and social networks. These programs also adhere to all currently prescribed Covid precautions from the CDC.

If you are interested in learning more about Community Friends or joining their mailing list please reach out to the coordinator, Caitlin Voyt at (231) 652-1184 or email at cvoyt@campnewaygo.org. You can also join the Facebook group at
www.facebook.com/groups/truenorthfriends.

50 Years Strong

Community Support

Long-standing community support is often built on positive relationships and
trust. In TrueNorth’s 50 historic years, relationship building has always been a top
priority for TrueNorth leadership, staff, and Board of Directors. It is something we
strive to do everyday. With innovative approaches to serving the community, we
are constantly assessing how new initiatives, programs, and services can truly
impact the lives of the families we serve. The community has come alongside us
in this work, supporting our programs and services through generous financial
and in-kind gifts, and thousands of volunteer hours.

We are honored to have served the community for the past 50 years. It’s humbling to hear TrueNorth is “the first place people go [for help]” and “TrueNorth has been a life saver for thousands of families”. It’s only through the trust we’ve built with our participants, our partners, our volunteers, and within our communities that we are able to do the work we do.

This strong relationship with the community allows TrueNorth to live out our
mission. In addition to Relationships, Integrity and Excellence are core values
of the organization. Our supporters place trust in us to be good stewards of
their donations and time. Based on our proven track record of success, impact,
and fiscal responsibility, we have been provided with many opportunities for
expansion and growth.

Community Friends

Social opportunities through shared experiences

A new social opportunity aimed at individuals 55 and older is emerging in Newaygo County. Community Friends is spearheaded by TrueNorth Community Services and Camp Newaygo and provides opportunities for the older population to stay active and socially engaged with their peers as well as connecting with younger generations. There have been several curated outings since the group formed in the summer of 2021. Members have participated in a guided baking class in the kitchen at Camp Newaygo and created bespoke glass Christmas ornaments with the instructors at the Artsplace in Fremont. Every Tuesday in January and February Camp Newaygo is hosting euchre for Community Friends. This popular winter event has drawn in up to 20 avid new and veteran card players each Tuesday and has the possibility of continuing through March.

Currently most events are free to attend but donations are welcome to help plan and promote future excursions. Events are varied and focus on discovering new resources and entertainment within and outside of Newaygo County, learning and brushing up on new and old skills, and creating new friendships and social networks. These programs also adhere to all currently prescribed Covid precautions from the CDC.

If you are interested in learning more about Community Friends or joining their mailing list please reach out to the coordinator, Caitlin Voyt at (231) 652-1184 or email at cvoyt@campnewaygo.org. You can also join the Facebook group here.

Hunger Among Us

Missy shares her involvement with Hunger Pgms.

Missy (pictured above) is serving as a National Service AmeriCorps member with our Hunger Prevention Programs. She grew up in a local, working-class family. She saw her parents struggle, even though they worked long, hard hours. As Missy put it;“As a parent, no matter what you do in life, your kids can always tell you are struggling. They can hear when you don’t think they are listening, and can see when you don’t think they are looking, and they can always see past your fake smile.”

Missy recalls coming to TrueNorth with her mother (back when we were still called NCCS) because her mom had a bill they couldn’t afford to pay. She remembers a nice woman named Margie (Marge Fraser) helping her mother with the bill and them leaving with two bags of pre-packed groceries from our old Food Pantry closet.

“I helped my mother carry them out; looking up at a real smile instead of the fake one she gave me when we entered.”

Later, as a teen Missy volunteered with our Food Depot program. She recalls working with Program Director, Becky Beets (pictured above on the right) and being moved by the compassion, love and acceptance Becky showed for everyone she helped.

Missy says her perspective as an adult is much different. In the relatively short time she has been here, she has had the chance to see the impact made on the people we serve.

“I have seen a homeless man go from sleeping in his vehicle to having a place he and his daughter could take a hot bath and a bed to sleep in. I saw the impact of the PowerPacks we create and deliver to schoolchildren so they have food on the weekend. My son came home and told me his friend whose family was struggling and had no food made an entire meal with his PowerPack. I have learned firsthand what the volunteers mean to the organization. I have had a chance to see first-hand what it’s like to make an impact on the community through the power of compassion, generosity, love, and acceptance.”

TrueNorth Day of Giving

February 22, 2022

By now, you know TrueNorth is turning 50 this year. As part of our celebration, we have set Tuesday, February 22 as our first annual TrueNorth Day of Giving.

The TrueNorth Day of Giving is an opportunity for supporters to come together on one day to show their commitment to our mission of bringing together influencers, innovators, and change-makers to inspire hope and create a better world. During the 24-hour event, we are asking the community to meet the challenge of raising $15,000 to strengthen communities for individuals and families.

“There’s a few ways to get involved,” said Mark Kraus, our Community Liaison and Development Director. “You can make a financial donation on the Day of Giving; February 22 and unite with compassionate people like yourselves by giving at the link below. Your gift provides safety, improves self-sufficiency, and builds social capital in our communities,” he continued.

You can also help spread the word about TrueNorth’s Day of Giving. Share your passion for helping those in need. Encourage your friends and family to give a gift to help the families who urgently need the support TrueNorth programs offer, and if you are on social media, be sure to like and share our Facebook posts about the TrueNorth Day of Giving on the 22nd.

If you have additional questions, please contact Mark Kraus at (231) 924-0641 ext. 161 or mkraus@truenorthservices.org.

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!

Here to Serve: Those in Need

On a daily basis, Tom, a Mason County resident, faced a leaky roof on his old house. That, combined with a tight budget, made for a stressful and unsafe household. With diminished water pressure, Tom often found himself washing dishes in his bathtub, as it is the only faucet that provides enough water pressure. Due to a previous injury compounded by years of hard labor, Tom has limited physical ability and lacked the funds necessary to complete needed home repairs, his well had to be replaced, his roof required serious attention, and he needed to catch up on his utility bills. Just as unfortunate events beyond his control led to extremely difficult circumstances in Tom’s life, connecting with TrueNorth started as a small moment but, instead, led to a positive path forward. Tom was able to set up an affordable payment plan with the emPower program. This assistance has substantially reduced Tom’s stress levels, giving him the time and space to breathe and relax. He no longer has to worry about his looming electricity bill, since this much more manageable expense is now factored into his budget. Due to the payment plan for his utilities, Tom has been able to divert funds to other needs, like fixing his roof, making continuous car repairs on his very old car and tackling some expensive health needs. With help from his caseworker, Tom is awaiting the installation of a new well provided through a combination of support from various community organizations. The new well will be a real game-changer for Tom.

This story was featured in our 2020 Annual Report, view the full report here.

Here to Serve: Our Neighbors

Dion Smith, a single father of two children, was in the later stages of a career as a Youth Detention Officer when, in 2016, a car accident left him with serious and life-changing injuries. A long recovery process left him with limited physical abilities, and an unfortunate end to his career. It also took over two years to get set up on SSI Disability. Many on-going home maintenance issues Dion normally would have been able to do, became impossible and his home steadily became not as safe for his family. So unsafe that Dion actually injured himself again due to a faulty stair railing. After a few years, the needed repairs were also financially out of reach. Dion was enrolled in TrueNorth’s CARE Program which helped with his utility bills. It was through that involvement he first heard about the Healthy Housing Initiative. This initiative aims to create safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient homes in partnership with Consumers Energy. Through this program, Dion had a new furnace and water heater installed, plumbing repairs completed, an exterior door and windowpane replaced, and a new stair railing installed. Dion is extremely grateful for these much-needed repairs and has contacted TrueNorth staff regularly to express his gratitude.   “There were just things I couldn’t do myself… I couldn’t fix the railing, the hot water heater wasn’t working right, and I was worried about that. This program has done so much for us. It got real cold when our furnace went out too. I don’t know what would have happened. For sure, there would have been more falls around the house. You’ve done a whole lot and I’m grateful.” — Dion S.

This story was featured in our 2020 Annual Report, view the full report here.

Here to Serve: Our Community

From camper to counselor, Newaygo native Jackie Charette is excited to take on another role, as a volunteer on Camp Newaygo’s Advisory Board.  Jackie’s connection to Camp started in 2008 when Jackie was awarded a scholarship to attend camp. She loved that first week at camp, met some of her closest friends, and came back for two additional summers. At camp, Jackie could be “authentically myself, loved by the people around me, and was encouraged and celebrated to be Jackie.” Jackie recalls Camp staff coming to Newaygo High School to talk about the benefits of working a summer at camp. Jackie jumped at the opportunity to give other girls the feelings of belonging and female empowerment she experienced. Working at camp was also a great place for her to develop skills to work in residence life at a University–a career goal she already had her sights set on, and has since obtained! Jackie was eager and honored to commit to a board term to give back to a place that has meant so much to her. With her love for Camp Newaygo, Jackie was excited to join a group of influential and legendary Newaygo women and supporters. She is loving the amount of responsibility and opportunities being on the board provides and feels that, “as a young person, I am brought fully into the conversation with a level of mutual respect.” When reflecting on her experiences with Camp, Jackie shared immense gratitude to those unknown supporters who made her first summers possible. She has felt a reciprocal responsibility to give her time, talent, and connections so others can be part of camp. As Jackie begins this new philanthropic role, she’s excited to lean on her Camp experiences and knowledge in order to give back.

This story was featured in our 2020 Annual Report, view the full report here.