Many families in our community dread the start of the school year. Between the rising cost of living and the long list of supplies needed for school, feelings of stress and anxiety overpower feelings of excitement. This is why programs that provide school supplies and community resources for children and their families, like TrueNorth’s Tools for School, are essential for our students’ success.

Continue reading to learn more about the need for school supplies assistance programs, like Tools for School, stories of impact and how you can ensure a bright future for our children.

Need for School Supplies

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost of school supplies increased by 24.5% between 2020 and 2024. This steady increase places a growing burden on families each year as they prepare their children for school. Many low-income families are forced to make impossible decisions each year, such as whether to purchase school supplies for their kids or pay for essential needs like rent, utilities, or food, which have also increased significantly in price.

The charts below outline typical annual living expenses for Newaygo County residents in 2024 and 2025, as this is the county TrueNorth’s Tools for School program serves. A high percentage of basic needs expenses have risen including housing, food and medical costs. The Living Wage Calculator gathered this data and was last updated in February 2025.

2024 Typical Expenses for Newaygo County

2025 Typical Expenses for Newaygo County

With the increase in costs for basic necessities and school supplies, many families struggle to make ends meet. This is why school supplies assistance programs, like Tools for School, are essential for communities. Every child deserves to have the tools they need to excel in school. Learn more about the impact of these programs by reading below.

Impact of School Supplies Assistance Programs on Student Success

Believe in me’s article, “Leveling the Playing Field: The Impact of Back-to-School Drives,” discusses the importance of school supplies assistance programs noting: “Studies have shown that students with the necessary school supplies perform better academically. They are more likely to attend school regularly, complete homework and engage in classroom activities.” When students don’t have the supplies they need, they may feel embarrassed and be unable to fully participate in class. This negatively affects kids academically, socially and mentally as they begin to fall behind their peers.

Every child deserves to start the school year with the supplies necessary to excel. Not only does having the proper supplies help level the playing field for all students, but it also helps create community in the classroom as believe in me notes. The article further explains how “when all students have access to the same resources, it can promote community and solidarity among classmates, further enhancing the overall educational experience.” Read below to see firsthand the impact of school supplies assistance programs, like TrueNorth’s Tools for School.

Tools for School’s Impact

At TrueNorth Community Services, we believe every child deserves to have the resources and opportunities to thrive. This is why we offer our Tools for School event to ensure students in Newaygo County have the supplies they need to succeed in the classroom. To further support our children and families, we also invite community partners to share resources such as housing supports, healthy eating initiatives, kids’ programming opportunities and much more. Free services including eye and dental exams are also available, helping families take care of their children’s health.

Not only does Tools for School provide the tools our children need, but it also is a way to bring our community together. Having families come together with the same purpose of preparing their children for the school year creates a safe, caring environment helping parents know they are not alone. There are also fun activities like face painting and a bounce house to help kids feel welcome and get excited for the upcoming school year.

At last year’s event, over 1,000 kids received supportive resources, illustrating how when our community works together, Good Happens Here. This year’s event will build on this impact as we continue to serve Newaygo County students.

Alyssa’s Story

“The economy that we’re living in right now is not very livable, 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 Tools for School participant Alyssa about the benefit of the program. “So being able to have help available to you, again takes the stress off, makes things feel a little easier and lighter.”

Participating in Tools for School for her second year has set up Alyssa and her family for success. She has two young children so receiving the backpacks and resources was a huge support.

With working part-time and her husband’s work becoming inconsistent, Alyssa did not know how she would afford the supplies her children needed for school. This was a difficult reality for her to face because she wants her children to have what they need to be successful. Alyssa says, “I feel like my financial situation should never impact my children when it comes to things that they need like that…I knew that with insurance and rent that I would not be able to afford backpacks and school supplies, so even having that available is a huge help.”

Knowing her children will have the supplies they need is a huge relief for Alyssa. Being a parent, all she wants is for her kids to flourish inside and outside the classroom. Having the backpacks with school supplies means that her children will start the school year prepared and excited, not worrying about not having what the other kids do.

Ashley’s Story

“It just helps out,” says Ashley, mother of two, 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 few years. 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.

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.

Support Tools for Schools and Brighten Futures

You can make a real difference in the lives of families like Alyssa’s and Ashley’s by donating to Tools for School. Your support will provide the physical tools our children need to excel in the classroom. Not only will you supply those essential items, but you will also connect children and their families with community resources to make an even greater impact.

“I feel like it’s a lot easier just to enjoy life in those moments with your family…I can actually just sit there and enjoy my kids and know that everything’s taken care of and that it’s going to be okay,” remarks Alyssa on the peace Tools for School brought her and her family.

When you give to Tools for School, you are ensuring our children thrive inside the classroom and beyond. Make a caring gift today and be confident you are sparking good in our community. For when kindness meets action, Good Happens Here.

In today’s world, social isolation has become a hidden but growing public health concern, especially among older adults. Here in West Michigan, many seniors face this reality daily. While the region is known for its strong community values, the aging population is increasingly at risk of feeling disconnected and alone. Social isolation doesn’t just affect emotional well-being; it’s linked to serious health risks like heart disease, depression and cognitive decline. Recognizing this, local organizations and neighbors are driving change to build stronger, more connected communities, ensuring that aging in West Michigan doesn’t have to mean aging alone.

Discover how social isolation affects seniors in our community and how you can contribute to building connections and hope.

Understanding Social Isolation: Who’s at Risk and Why It Matters

Social isolation is more than just feeling lonely; it’s a serious public health issue affecting millions across the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), social isolation and loneliness impact mental and physical health significantly. Understanding who is most at risk and why is the first step toward creating stronger, healthier communities. 

Who Is Most Vulnerable?

Social isolation doesn’t affect everyone equally. Certain individuals and groups face higher risks due to a mix of personal circumstances and social factors.

At the individual level, people living with chronic illnesses or disabilities often find it harder to stay connected. Others may experience discrimination or feel marginalized because of their race, socioeconomic status, gender identity or language barriers. Life changes like job loss, divorce or the loss of loved ones can also increase feelings of isolation. On a broader scale, older adults are among the most vulnerable. Many face reduced mobility, smaller social networks and may live alone.

TrueNorth’s Community Connections: Strengthening Belonging, Enhancing Well-being

TrueNorth’s Community Connections programs are rooted in a simple but powerful truth: we thrive when connected. In today’s fast-paced and often isolating world, having strong social ties and a sense of belonging can make all the difference in a person’s health, confidence and overall quality of life. That’s why Community Connections is dedicated to building and expanding social circles in Newaygo County – offering people aged 55 and older the opportunity to come together, discover shared interests and participate in experiences that inspire and uplift.

Through a wide range of activities – from group outings and cultural events to workshops and physically active experiences – Community Connections helps individuals step outside their routines and into the community. These shared moments foster friendships, mutual respect and learning between people of different backgrounds, experiences and generations.

At its heart, Community Connections is about empowerment. Participants aren’t just joining in – they’re also encouraged to lead, share their skills and shape the community around them. Through art, nature walks or volunteering opportunities, people showcase who they are and what they bring to the table.

In every neighborhood, there is untapped potential and quiet isolation. TrueNorth’s Community Connections bridges those gaps, reminding us that we are stronger when we reach out, show up for one another and grow together. These programs don’t just build connections – they build community.

The Health Consequences Are Serious

Chronic social isolation isn’t just emotionally painful – it’s linked to a host of health problems. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that socially isolated people have higher risks of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, depression, cognitive decline and even premature death. Loneliness can trigger stress responses in the body, leading to inflammation and a weakened immune system.

Why Community Matters

Social isolation doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Where people live, work, and play plays a big role. Communities lacking accessible public spaces, safe neighborhoods, or reliable transportation make it harder for people to connect. Economic instability and a lack of inclusive policies can deepen the divide.

Taking Action

Building stronger social connections benefits everyone. When people feel supported and engaged, they make healthier choices, cope better with stress and enjoy longer, more fulfilling lives. Personal outreach and community-wide efforts, like creating welcoming spaces, expanding access to services and fostering inclusive environments, are essential for combating social isolation

Understanding social isolation is crucial as we work toward building communities where everyone feels seen, supported and connected. We can bridge the gaps and help make healthier, happier lives together.

Michigan’s Aging Shift: What It Means for Families, Communities, and Health

Michigan is experiencing a dramatic demographic shift. In 1970, children outnumbered seniors by a ratio of four to one, with 3.25 million youth compared to only 750,000 older adults. Today, those numbers have flipped. Michigan now has just 2.1 million children – a 35% decline – while the total population has grown to 10.1 million. Meanwhile, the senior population has swelled, driven largely by aging Baby Boomers. Now, 45 of Michigan’s 83 counties have more seniors than children, according to 2023 U.S. Census estimates analyzed by MLive.

This shift has wide-reaching implications – from school enrollment to healthcare systems to community infrastructure. It also highlights the growing need for resources supporting aging adults and working families.

In response to rising housing insecurity, Trinity Health has transformed a former assisted living facility near Ann Arbor into a temporary emergency shelter for families. Located just outside Ypsilanti, the shelter offers rooms large enough for four beds, with easy access to bus lines, major employers, and schools. Trinity Health officials say the goal is to reduce barriers to transportation and essential services.

Meanwhile, in Flint, access to early brain health support is expanding. The “Capturing Memories” Community Brain Health Day on June 21 provided free Alzheimer’s screenings to area residents. The event included cognitive testing, blood biomarker analysis, and, if needed, a telehealth consultation with a neurologist at no cost. This proactive, accessible care is essential as Michigan’s population ages.

From shifting demographics to expanded health and housing services, Michigan communities are adapting to meet the needs of their residents.

As we’ve explored how demographic shifts are reshaping Michigan communities – and seen local responses like emergency family shelters and free brain‑health screenings – it’s clear meaningful connection plays a larger role than ever. That’s why TrueNorth’s upcoming Tee Up for TrueNorth golf outing isn’t just a fun day on the green – it’s a vital fundraiser that supports Community Connections programming, the heart of TrueNorth’s mission to combat social isolation and build strong community ties through one-on-one outreach, group events and volunteer engagement.

Tee Up for TrueNorth: Golfing with Purpose

Join us on Saturday, August 23, at Village Green Golf Club for the second-annual Tee Up for TrueNorth outing – an 18-hole, four-person scramble that supports Community Connections initiatives. Whether you’re competing in the men’s or mixed division, the event includes a round of golf, a cart, lunch and fun contests with prizes. More importantly, every dollar raised fuels programs like All Together, Call & Connect, Coffee Connections, Community Friends and Tech Help, which bring volunteers and isolated community members together for meaningful interaction.

These initiatives foster everything from volunteer interest groups and friendly check-in calls to neighborhood coffee meet-ups and one-on-one tech support. As social isolation continues to impact mental and physical health, this event delivers much more than sport – it creates connection and camaraderie where needed most. Register today, and you’ll enjoy a memorable golfing day while actively strengthening community bonds and supporting people who might otherwise feel overlooked. By teeing off, you’re also teeing up brighter, more connected communities across West Michigan.

While many children eagerly await the end of the school year, the summer months bring added stress for a significant number of families facing food insecurity and hunger. Families often struggle to keep their children fed without access to free or reduced-price school meals. For low income households, who already face challenges putting food on the table during the school year, the summer makes an already difficult situation worse.

Keep reading to learn more about summer hunger and how you can give a hand up to help our children in need.

How Schools’ Help Lessen Child Hunger

Before diving into the challenges and effects of summer hunger, it is essential to understand the role schools play in fighting child hunger. 

The Food Research and Action Center’s (FRAC) article, “Benefits of School Lunch“ discusses the impact school’s have on child hunger, noting that  “receiving free or reduced-price school lunches reduces food insecurity, obesity rates and poor health.” When children receive free or reduced breakfasts and lunches at school their households’ spend less on food and can better afford other basic necessities like housing and healthcare. For families experiencing food insecurity, this is a crucial support. Food costs have risen while many families’ incomes have remained the same. Schools providing healthy, nutritious meals help decrease food insecurity in their communities, and ensure kids receive the nutrition they need to excel at school.

As FRAC notes, school meals also help improve students’ health. Fresh produce is more expensive than many other groceries and has a shorter shelf life, making it challenging for low-income families to purchase regularly. Schools are able to provide those essential fruits and vegetables for kids to give them the nutrients they need to lead healthy, active lives. Without proper nutrition, students struggle to focus and learn effectively. School meals are an essential program that feeds hungry kids and helps improve community food security.

Michigan Schools’ Programs

Michigan public schools guarantee two meals every day for all students through the Michigan School Meals Program which began during the 2023-24 school year. “The program provided over 76.3 million breakfasts and 135.6 million lunches,” to participating schools last year according to the Department of Education’s article, “Michigan Children Will Continue to Receive Nutritious Free School Meals in 2024-25.” As the article’s title notes, this program continued in the 2024-25 school year, building upon its impact.
Many nonprofits like TrueNorth work together with schools to feed food insecure children through programs like our onsite Food Center, Mobile Food Pantry, and Weekend Food Assistance program.

Summer Hunger Challenges

As seen above, schools play an integral role in fighting child hunger. This is why summer hunger is a prevalent concern in many communities. 

No Kid Hungry’s article, “Five Things to Know About Summer Hunger in the United States,” discusses how the end of the school year impacts children and families  financially: “Family grocery costs rise more than $300 a month when school is out and school meals disappear.” With the additional food costs, a high percentage of low income families are faced with challenging situations. No one should have to choose between paying utilities or medical bills instead of putting food on the table, but many do.

 Knowledge loss, often referred to as “summer slide”, is another consequence of summer hunger. No Kid Hungry notes in their article how children who face hunger and food insecurity are more likely to experience skill loss during the summer and often start the school year behind their peers. Even a few months of food insecurity can greatly impact kids’ physical and mental health, making the need for summer food supports essential in communities.

Effects of Summer Hunger

Summer hunger negatively impacts those experiencing it. Keep reading to learn more about the effects on kids’ health and school readiness and how you can help sustain our families.

Physical and Mental Effects

Kids need proper nutrition to learn and grow both physically and mentally. 

According to the article, “How Summer Hunger Affects Children,” by Feed the Children: “Even marginal food insecurity can be a significant predictor of poor health in children. Health issues like asthma, childhood obesity and diabetes can all be factors associated with food insecurity and lead to lifelong problems.” Children can receive negative health effects even if they experience hunger and food insecurity for a brief period of time. 

Kids’ development and overall well-being can also be negatively affected by summer hunger as FRAC’s article, “The Role of the Federal Child Nutrition Programs in Improving Health and Well-Being,” notes. They discuss how research links food insecurity with “lower health-related quality of life,” “lower physical functioning,” “developmental risk” and “mental health problems (e.g. depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation).” These health consequences clearly illustrate the need for food support for children and their families.

As noted above, children experiencing hunger also can face negative mental health outcomes. Feed the Children discusses how “not having food puts children at risk for increased behavioral and emotional problems.“ No child should have to worry about whether they will have enough to eat. These worries can put children at risk for anxiety, depression and even impact their relationship with food. Not only do children experience these outcomes, but their parents can also experience poor mental health as they try to make ends meet, as Feed the Children notes. This can also impact children as their parents’ mental health affects their abilities to take care of their kids.

All of these health outcomes demonstrate the great need for summer food support.

School Readiness Effects

Summer hunger impacts school readiness as well. No Kid Hungry’s article, “How Does Hunger Affect Learning?” explains proper nutrition is critical for school readiness: “Children’s learning outcomes suffer when they regularly experience hunger and that nearly every aspect of physical and mental function is hurt as well. Food insecurity affects concentration, memory, mood and motor skills, all of which a child needs to be able to be successful in school.” When a child is hungry, it is nearly impossible for them to focus on anything else. This hurts their ability to learn and retain information and skills, setting children experiencing hunger and food insecurity behind their peers.

The article further discusses how hunger hurts cognitive development and children’s mental health. These factors contribute greatly to the summer slide as kids are unable to maintain what they learned over summer break due to these health effects. For all of our children to succeed, they need accessible, nutritious food that fuels their brains and bodies.

For an in-depth look at child hunger, check out our blog post, “Child Hunger Causes and Impacts.”

Fight Summer Hunger in Your Community

You can make a real difference in the lives of children in your community by supporting efforts like summer meal programs and local food pantries. Whether you choose to donate funds, food or volunteer your time, your support brings nourishment and hope to those who need it most.

Join TrueNorth in Our Fight Against Hunger

At TrueNorth Community Services, we believe every child deserves to have healthy, nutritious food to live and thrive. We offer multiple programs to help our families put food on their tables while furthering themselves on their paths to self-sufficiency.

We work to meet people where they are through comprehensive programs and services. TrueNorth offers programs that reduce poverty and food waste, guide collaborative food security efforts and bring food and nutrition-related resources to those in need, such as:

• Onsite Food Center 
• Mobile Food Pantry
• Food Rescue partnership with Feeding America
• Educational classes for Food Center members
• Weekend PowerPacks to feed kids on the weekends during the school year

We understand the need to feed local children during the summer. To help meet this need, TrueNorth partnered with Holton Public Schools for the second summer in 2024. Together, we distributed over 46,000 meals to area youth as part of the Meet Up and Eat Up initiative. We look forward to continuing this essential partnership for the third year this summer.

Join us in our fight against hunger by donating food, supporting our programs through monetary gifts or volunteering. We have a number of opportunities for you to make a life-long impact on our children and families.

Summer camps like Camp Newaygo provide life-changing opportunities for girls to grow into their best selves. While young women face unique challenges as they grow up, having positive learning experiences at programs like summer camps help them thrive while at camp and beyond.

Keep reading to learn more about the need for summer camps, their impacts and how you can empower the next generation of leaders.

Need for Summer Camps

In Anja Whittingon’s article, “Developing Noncognitive College Readiness Skills at Camp: Long-Term Outcomes,” she discusses the challenges girls more commonly face compared to their male counterparts. These can include “a lack of confidence in their academic abilities, higher levels of anxiety and depression, stress over their financial situation (the average income for female college students is lower than men’s), and lower rates of emotional and physical health.” Challenges like these can appear at young ages as Katty Kay and Claire Shipman discuss in their book, Confidence Code for Girls. Kay and Shipman note findings of a 30% drop in confidence for girls ages eight to 14. This drop in confidence negatively affects girls’ development and overall well-being.

Centerstone’s article, “It’s Time We Close the Confidence Gap Between Boys and Girls,” further discusses the confidence gap and why it exists: “Boys are generally encouraged to take risks and assert themselves, activities that inherently boost confidence. This difference in socialization emphasizes the need for intentional efforts to build girls’ self-assurance to level the playing field.” The way children are communicated to directly impacts their confidence and self-image. As Centerstone notes, this difference in communication needs to be intentionally addressed. This is why girls’ summer camps like Camp Newaygo, a program of TrueNorth Community Services, are essential for closing the confidence gap and showing young women what they are capable of.

How Camp Newaygo Meets this Need

Since 1926, Camp Newaygo has been rooted in tradition and grounded in a simple belief: every child deserves a safe place to grow. That belief continues to guide their work today—offering girls meaningful outdoor experiences, building confidence and creating a community where they can truly belong.

The 102-acre camp rests along Pickerel Lake in the Manistee National Forest, near the town of Newaygo, Michigan. This setting fully immerses participants in nature while they learn independence in a safe environment.

Camp Newaygo offers more than just a week away from home—it’s a place where girls can take healthy risks, try new things, and discover their own strength. With the support of caring, intentional staff, campers ages 7 to 17 build confidence, practice independence, and connect with others in meaningful ways. Each summer, girls from across the country and around the world come together to laugh, collaborate, and create friendships that often last long after the final campfire. The experience is playful and joy-filled but also deeply impactful. It’s not just about what they do at camp. It’s about who they become because of it.

Camp Newaygo’s programming centers around their value outcomes of resilience, independence and growth. With over 30 activities for participants to choose from, there are many opportunities for participants to learn new skills, find new passions, experience teamwork and foster community. From archery, gymnastics and pottery to photography and fishing, there are opportunities for all participants to excel.

By creating an environment focused on empowering and uplifting young women, Camp Newaygo continues to help grow thousands of strong, compassionate leaders.

Impact of Summer Camps like Camp Newaygo

The need for intentional spaces like Camp Newaygo has never been greater. Keep reading to learn more about how attending these programs can make life-long impacts on participants.

Health Benefits

Camp offers a range of health benefits for participants. The active, outdoor lifestyle supports improved cardiovascular health, muscle strength, flexibility and better sleep. But, the most lasting impacts are often mental, emotional and social. For many girls, camp is where they learn to manage anxiety, build resilience and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

According to the American Camp Association’s article, “Summer Camp as a Therapeutic Tool for Reducing Anxiety in Youth,” participating in summer camps can reduce anxiety in youth. This can be due to a number of factors the American Camp Association notes, including:

• Being “a hiatus from technology and screen use”
• Having “constant physical activity in primarily outdoor spaces”
• Promoting “self-sufficiency and independence”
• Living in a “community setting where they must learn to effectively communicate, share and co-exist with other campers of the same age.”
• Encouraging “the formation of further friendships and social connections”

Having new, shared experiences with other participants creates a safe environment for girls’ personal growth. By building new friendships, girls also expand their support system as they learn to lean on each other whether it be for a group camp activity or when dealing with personal struggles.

Esther Kirchhoff, Roger Keller and Barbara Blanc’s further these ideas in their article “Empowering young people—the impact of camp experiences on personal resources, well-being, and community building.” The authors note how after attending summer camp “participants demonstrated increased empathy, emotional self-control, optimism, and assertiveness. Furthermore, the adolescents reported more positive emotions, higher self-esteem and stronger readiness to contribute to the community.” Overall, these outcomes point to the lasting impact camp can have on a girl’s sense of self and well-being.

Life Preparedness

Attending summer camp can also positively impact girls’ life preparedness. As discussed above, there are a number of social skills participants learn through camp activities. From learning how to live with and get along with others from different backgrounds to building self-confidence, summer camps foster crucial life skills young women need to succeed in life.

Whittingon further explains in her article how “experiences that offer opportunities to gain leadership, perseverance, communication skills, develop friendships, develop skills to deal with stress, help girls problem solving, gain confidence, and resilience may offer emotional support.” Not only do these experiences provide that emotional support, but they also are essential skills for excelling in college and beyond as Whittingon notes.

All in all, summer camps empower young women to grow into their best selves so they can thrive while at camp and beyond.

Support Camp Newaygo to Ensure Young Women Flourish

Membership initiatives are integral to the sustainability and growth of nonprofits. Members give on a continual basis, making their commitment to the organization and their cause. Not only are membership programs crucial to nonprofits, but they also add value to those who give and their communities as a whole as people come together to improve their neighbors’ and community’s well-being.

Read below to learn more about membership and how you can get involved to ensure our communities flourish.

What is Membership?

Membership can take a variety of forms depending on the organization. For nonprofits, members tend to be donors who make a greater commitment to the organization. Typically, members receive benefits such as voting on the organization’s board members, receiving news and updates first and getting more of an “insider look” at the organization.

While these benefits are nice for donors to receive, they are rarely the reason donors decide to become members. According to Carter Skeel’s article, “In defense of membership programs,” “the act of giving expresses identification with a particular cause and a desire to join together with others in supporting it.” Donors give through membership because they believe in the cause the organization supports and the nonprofit itself. Members are the ideal donors of nonprofits because they have shown their commitment to their chosen organization helping nonprofits reach their goals of sustainability, donor engagement and community building.

Membership gifts are typically unrestricted, meaning nonprofits can use those funds wherever they need. This makes membership gifts invaluable to nonprofits because these gifts do not have restrictions that come from places such as grant funding. Having funds like this creates stable, sustainable funding for nonprofit organizations. Not only are these funds essential to nonprofits, but membership programs also build donor engagement and community as members interact more with each other and the organization as a whole.

Keep reading to learn more about the value of membership programs.

Why are Membership Programs Valuable?

Membership programs benefit donors, nonprofits and communities as people join together to support causes they are passionate about. Nonprofits rely on donors and their communities to help those in need. Ultimately, the partnership between community members and nonprofits creates positive change in communities, and membership is an effective avenue to accomplish that change.

Value to the Donor

Skeel further discusses why donors give through membership in his article: “Membership programs don’t motivate donors because they promise certain benefits—a book, a pin, a mug, and so on. No, they motivate donors through what those benefits convey about the importance of gifts at that level to the organization.” People give because they want to make a difference. When donors fully support a cause and find a nonprofit that does the same, they are likely to financially support that organization.

Membership giving opportunities align well with individuals’ desire to give back and help others. By supporting the organization as a whole, donors illustrate their trust in the organization and their dedication to the cause. Knowing their financial gifts are helping their neighbors and community inspires purpose and hope in their lives.

Value to the Nonprofit

Nonprofits benefit greatly from membership programs and gifts as well. As discussed above, having the flexible funding that comes from membership gifts promotes sustainability for the organization.

Donor retention (keeping donors from year to year) is also key to success for nonprofits and goes hand-in-hand with membership programs. HIVO’s article, “Maximizing Donor Retention with Charity Loyalty Programs,” explains how “donors who remain engaged over time can become more valuable to the charity. As they develop a deeper understanding of the organization’s mission and impact, they may be more inclined to increase their level of support or contribute in other ways, such as volunteering or advocating for the cause.” Members are ideal donors because they have already given a greater commitment, showing they are invested in the organization and its cause. Because of this, members are more likely to give year after year, further boosting the nonprofit’s sustainability as retaining donors is far more economical than finding new ones.

Not only are members essential to the financial sustainability of nonprofits, but most importantly, membership programs foster strong supporters who are invested in the cause and organization. Having support from community members allows nonprofits to build relationships and help even more people. Sometimes members will even volunteer their time, further impacting their community. However members give back, they continue to make a positive difference in their neighbors’ lives.

Value to the Community

Membership fosters community as people join together to support a cause they’re passionate about. This feeling of togetherness impacts communities overall as those who are involved in nonprofits tend to be more invested in their community as well.

Giving to nonprofits through membership can also add economic value to communities. In Barry Shore’s article, “The Impact of Giving Back: How Philanthropy Shapes Communities,” he states: “Philanthropy also contributes to economic development in local communities by boosting investment capital and creating new jobs. When people donate money or resources, they are indirectly investing in businesses that create job opportunities for residents. This influx of cash flow helps to fuel economic growth and stability in communities across the nation.” By giving through membership programs, donors impact their community overall as they invest in their neighbors and community’s development.

Read Kady’s story below to see the impact you can make in your community through membership.

Kady’s Story

Kady’s family was apart. While her children were staying in a safe place, Kady lived out of her car, searching for safe housing where they could all be together.

Thankfully, Kady came to TrueNorth and received multiple services to improve the well-being of her family. “It’s a blessing,” remarks Kady on the impact of the services and guidance she received from TrueNorth. “If TrueNorth wasn’t here I wouldn’t be here.”

TrueNorth placed Kady and her three children in a local motel where they could be together while Kady worked to find stable housing and a job that could support her family. Having guidance and encouragement from TrueNorth helped make this difficult time more manageable as Kady used her resources to move forward.

“Having her support and just knowing someone understood and can help…she never made me feel like I was asking for a handout, she gave me options and I explored my options,” reflects Kady on how her TrueNorth caseworker empowered her to advocate for herself and her family.

Kady was the one who found the place for her family with the support from TrueNorth. Having a new home for her kids relieved stress and anxiety from her as she was now able to look forward to her family’s future.

“My mental state, my anxiety…it was like way worse where I could function but I couldn’t process anything in my head because I didn’t know what was going on,” says Kady about the challenges she faced while finding housing. “I have peace of mind knowing we can all be a family and be together.”

Help Families like Kady’s through Membership

Today, Kady and her kids are safe in their new home because of caring supporters like you. Kady reflects on the impact of her time with TrueNorth: “I feel more stable, and I can push myself to actually do what I need to do instead of just stress…I’m very thankful for you guys.”

You can make a real impact on people like Kady. Not only will your membership gift help meet our neighbors’ needs, but it will also inspire hope for brighter futures. Learn more about membership opportunities below to make a difference today.

Transform Lives through TrueNorth Membership

TrueNorth offers a number of membership opportunities for you to invest in the well-being of our neighbors and communities:

• Friend: $25 – $99
• Patron: $100 – $499
• Community Partner: $500 – $999
• Community Pillar: $1000 – $4999
• Gene Cotton Circle: $5000 and above

Membership means you are supporting all of TrueNorth’s programs and initiatives. Your gift will not only help those in crisis situations like Kady, but it will also ensure that everyone in our community has opportunities to receive help, connect and give back.

When you become a member at TrueNorth, you will also have the opportunity to vote in the election of TrueNorth’s Board of Directors. We value you and your support and know that the more we work together the more good we can do.

Further our mission of inspiring hope and creating a better world by becoming a member today, for Good Happens Here, but only if we make it happen, together.

Volunteers are essential to vibrant communities. This is why National Volunteer Week is so important as communities come together to celebrate and encourage those who give back.

Read more to learn about the history and importance of National Volunteer Week, read stories of giving back and see how you can get involved this week and beyond.

What is National Volunteer Week?

This year is the 50th anniversary of National Volunteer Week–putting a spotlight on the impact and generosity of volunteers. According to GovInfo’s article, “History of National Service,” National Volunteer Week was established by President Richard Nixon in April of 1974 to celebrate volunteers and their impact. This movement has grown over the years as thousands of nonprofit organizations and communities throughout the nation recognize and inspire those who give back.

The 2025 National Volunteer Week will be celebrated from April 20 – 26 during Global Volunteer Month. Started by Points of Light in 2020, this global movement aims to further recognize and encourage volunteerism around the world. Celebrating throughout the month of April shows just how great an impact volunteers have on their communities as people gather together to thank those who continue to give their time to help others.

Importance of National Volunteer Week

Without caring people giving back, many communities would not have the support necessary to thrive. Volunteers make a difference in real people’s lives as they help fight food insecurity, guide the next generation, improve social health and provide essential resources among so much more. Nationally, “over 28 percent of Americans volunteered through an organization between September 2022 and 2023, an increase of five percentage points from the historic low documented in 2021,” according to AmeriCorps’ Volunteering and Civic Life in America Research Summary. This growth illustrates how more and more people recognize the benefits giving back has on their communities and even their own lives. See AmeriCorps’ chart below for a more detailed look at how people are engaging with their communities:

In Michigan, AmeriCorps notes that “2,141,460 formal volunteers contributed 138,630,397 hours of service through organizations worth an estimated $4.4 billion.” These statistics highlight just how great an impact volunteers have on their communities and the state of Michigan overall. Not only is National Volunteer Week a great time to reflect on volunteers’ contributions and positive effects but it also is an opportunity to further those impacts as we encourage others to give back too.

Read the stories below for an in-depth look at why people volunteer and how their lives and communities have been impacted by their service.

Stories of Giving Back

People can give back through a variety of avenues. One thing remains constant, however; volunteers continue to help those around them, ultimately improving the well-being of their communities.

Encourage Others this National Volunteer Week

You can ensure our neighbors thrive this National Volunteer Week and beyond. Whether you thank a volunteer or give back yourself, you can help inspire hope and resilience in your community. Learn more about how you can get involved at TrueNorth Community Services to make a difference below.

TrueNorth’s Volunteer Opportunities

At TrueNorth, we provide opportunities for everyone in our community to receive help, connect and give back. We offer a number of volunteer opportunities for people to renew purpose and help those in need, including:

• Agency Support
• Camp Newaygo
• Community Connections
• Hunger Prevention
• Youth Mentoring
• Special Programs & Events
• Call & Connect

You can transform lives just like Suzie and Diane. By coming together through volunteerism, we can secure the well-being of our neighbors and communities. Support our volunteers and give back today to be confident you are strengthening Michigan communities.

Art brings people together. Whether through music, theatre or the visual arts, rural communities that prioritize the arts receive numerous benefits.

Unfortunately, there are challenges rural communities face continuing and growing arts opportunities. Keep reading to learn more about the importance of the arts in rural communities and how prioritizing the arts can bring individuals and their communities even closer together.

A Look at Arts in Rural Communities

According to Mallory Shotwell’s article, “How Art Makes Us More Human: Why Being Creative is So Important in Life,” art’s “power lies in its ability to inspire, create joy and provoke thought. Art is an expression of the human experience, and its value lies in its ability to bring people together.” This sentiment illustrates the value the arts bring to individuals and their communities. For rural areas, this is especially important as these communities typically have less opportunities for the arts and connection in general than urban areas, making arts initiatives even more essential to build and sustain vibrant communities.

Rural economies are one of the main contributing factors to there being less arts opportunities available. The report, “Rural Prosperity Through the Arts & Creative Sector,” produced by the National Governors Association (NGA), National Endowment for the Arts and the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies discuss what challenges rural communities face when concerning the arts: “Many rural areas have unique cultures to celebrate, yet they are also contending with problems related to an evolving economy, including the loss of industry, outmigration of young and skilled workers, rising poverty rates, health and health care barriers, educational attainment gaps and physical and digital infrastructure needs.” With rural communities facing economic challenges, especially households living in poverty or with low incomes, the arts tend to not be a community priority.

Rural residents already face challenges such as lack of affordable housing and food insecurity, making the arts seem like a luxury they cannot afford. Unfortunately, this mindset overshadows the benefits individuals and communities can gain through the arts. Read below to learn more about the positive impacts art can have on rural communities and their residents.

Impact of the Arts in Rural Communities

The arts have a number of impacts on both individuals and communities. From individual health benefits to strengthened community connections, art can positively affect rural communities.

Individual Benefits

Individuals involved in the arts receive a variety of benefits ranging from improved physical and mental health to renewed purpose and expression.

Physical health benefits come from more active arts engagement such as dance and music. According to Gwendolyn Rugg, Jennifer Novak-Leonard and Michael Reynolds’ article, “The Outcomes of Arts Engagement for Individuals and Communities”, physical health improvements such as hormone levels, blood pressure, mobility and cognitive function can be improved through the arts. The article also notes that older adults who engage in more active arts participation receive health-boosting effects that help lessen their risk of “developing cognitive or physical health problems as they age.” These benefits show how the arts can influence health outcomes.

Along with physical health benefits, the arts also can impact individuals’ mental health. The Mental Health Foundation explains these benefits in their article, “How arts can help improve your mental health.” The article discusses how “engaging in the arts can help with major challenges, such as aging and loneliness. It can help to boost confidence and make us feel more engaged and resilient. Besides these benefits, art engagement also alleviates anxiety, depression and stress.” These benefits are extremely essential to the well-being of rural communities as residents face mental and social health challenges. Having avenues to express their emotions, share their stories and connect with those around them, creates both positive bonds and improved self-confidence.

All of the benefits discussed above also impact communities overall as healthy and engaged residents are key parts of vibrant communities. Read about Hanna, a TrueNorth Cultural Arts’ participant, below to see how arts programming has made a real difference in her life.

Hanna’s Story

Community Benefits

Rural communities experience a number of benefits from the arts. As seen above, the arts foster connection, helping residents feel invested in their community. Experiences like community art programs and projects bring people together with a common goal of creating art. The more involved community members are in their area, the stronger their relationships with the community, others and themselves will be.

There are also economic benefits to the arts. Many rural Michigan towns are tourist destinations that bring in revenue especially during the summer months. Having local arts opportunities encourages more people to visit and engage with the community, making it more likely for those visiting to come back again. This also promotes further connections in communities as residents engage with new people.

Support the Arts in Rural Areas

You can inspire young artists like Hanna. Whether you get involved in the arts in your community, donate to local programs or advocate for arts initiatives, you can help build vibrant communities. Learn more about TrueNorth’s Cultural Arts initiatives below.

TrueNorth’s Cultural Arts Initiatives

At TrueNorth, we strive to provide opportunities for community members to express themselves through the arts. Our initiatives focus on youth to ensure every kid has the opportunity to learn and grow in the arts. We offer a variety of programming as seen below:

• Middle and High School Student Art Trips to Museums and Exhibitions
• Guest Artist Workshop through the Art-In
• Newaygo County Art Exhibit and Art Scholarship Contest at TrueNorth
• Visiting Artist Workshops in each Newaygo County Middle and High School
• Piano Showcases on TrueNorth’s Steinway Piano

Each of these initiatives provides area kids with new experiences to learn, practice and perform different types of art.

“Anything artistic I also feel like obviously it’s a creative outlet but it allows people to sort of express themselves more than what words would,” reflects Hanna on how TrueNorth’s Cultural Arts programs have helped her express herself. “There are just emotions that you cannot capture properly as you would with like images or a 3D model.”

You can enrich the lives of young artists like Hanna by getting involved at TrueNorth. Make a caring gift or volunteer today to build and sustain vibrant communities.

Rising food costs and the increased cost of living continue to affect Michigan residents. This need for affordable and accessible food is even greater in rural Michigan communities as residents face unique challenges.

Keep reading to learn more about food affordability and accessibility, their impacts and how you can help your neighbors in need.

Food Affordability and Accessibility

While closely tied together, food affordability and food accessibility have different meanings and impacts. According to Jess Carson and Sarah Boege’s article, “The Intersection of Food Availability, Access, & Affordability with Food Security and Health,” food affordability can be defined as “the ability to purchase enough safe and nutritious food given demands on household income outside of food.” As this definition notes, the additional costs of essentials such as housing, heat, energy and healthcare also need to be considered when determining if food is affordable. Keeping the quality of food in mind is also important because everyone deserves to have the ability to purchase nutritious food for healthy living. It’s also important to consider food quality because everyone deserves access to nutritious food for a healthy life.

In contrast, food accessibility means “the ability to obtain food free from barriers posed by travel time, physical features of the area and store, neighborhood safety and transportation costs,” as defined by Carson and Boege. This definition speaks to the challenges rural Michigan communities face. A high percentage of rural individuals and families face barriers to purchase the food they need. From a lack of public transportation to limited store options where they can travel, there are a number of factors that affect if food is obtainable.

Read below to learn more about food affordability and accessibility in rural Michigan communities.

Rural Food Affordability

As discussed in the definition above, food affordability takes into account more than the cost of food itself. This is especially the case for rural residents as they face greater transportation barriers, higher housing costs and limited store options compared to urban residents. Carson and Boege further note the differences in food affordability in rural versus urban areas: “One national study found that households in rural counties spend 19 percent of income on food compared to 17 percent in urban counties. The same study found that compared to urban counties, rural places have lower household incomes, lower access to food retailers, higher shares of poverty and lower average SNAP benefits per participant—all of which were found to contribute to lower food affordability.”

Even in rural communities with lower living costs than urban areas, the gap between household income and the cost of food and essentials still creates a financial burden. This underscores the urgent need for food support to ensure residents have access to proper nutrition.

Below are four charts that show the living wage calculations and costs of typical expenses for Newaygo County households in 2024 and 2025. This data was gathered by The Living Wage Calculator and was last updated in February 2025. We selected Newaygo County because it is one of TrueNorth’s primary service areas, serving as a snapshot of rural communities in West Michigan.

2024 Living Wage Calculation for Newaygo County

2025 Living Wage Calculation for Newaygo County

2024 Typical Expenses for Newaygo County

2025 Typical Expenses for Newaygo County

Comparing 2024 to 2025 data shows an increase in required incomes and costs across multiple areas. Both food and housing costs have risen which means individuals and families will have less to spend on other necessities. While this is a broad estimate of the living wage and expenses for Newaygo County residents, these charts illustrate the financial burden rural residents face.

Rural Food Accessibility

Accessible food is critical to the health and well-being of rural residents. There are a number of factors that impact food accessibility as Isabella Pinerua discusses in her article, “How can we define food access?.” Pinerua further defines food accessibility as she breaks it down into three categories: economic access, physical access and social access.

Having economic access to food means individuals and families have the financial means to purchase food and the necessary materials to cook and eat it, as Pinerua defines in her article. This goes hand in hand with food affordability because if food is unaffordable then it will not be easily obtainable. Economic access should also not be limited to the cost of food itself, but it should also take into account the financial burdens that come with transportation to grocery stores such as gas and car payments. As noted earlier, rural areas tend to lack public transportation and are also spread out, making it challenging for people to buy food if they do not have access to transportation.

Transportation is also a factor when evaluating physical access to food. With limited grocery store access in small towns, people must decide between closer stores with higher food costs or larger stores with lower prices that are further away. Carson and Boege further emphasize the importance of transportation on food accessibility, stating: “Research consistently identifies transportation as a meaningful element of food accessibility, linking both lack and cost of transportation to food insecurity.”

Lastly, we should also consider social access when defining food accessibility. This takes into account the social, cultural and political factors associated with buying food as Pinerua notes. Social access will vary based on the communities’ and households’ cultures and social norms.

Impacts of Rising Food Costs

Rising food costs also impact food affordability and accessibility. According to Taryn Phaneuf’s article, “Food Prices Climbed 31% In 6 Years. Here’s Why,” food prices have risen 31% since 2019, as the title notes, and continue to rise because of “the combined impact of rising operating costs, supply-chain disruptions and corporate profits.”

Operating costs influence food prices. These costs can include: employees’ salaries, equipment purchases and maintenance, raw material purchases and fuel for vehicles, as Phaneuf explains. Combined with unavoidable events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and recent bird flu outbreaks, certain prices for items like eggs have drastically increased. Some corporations have added to this strain by raising prices and selling products in lower quantities for the same price to increase profit.

As food costs continue to rise, keeping food affordable and accessible remains a challenge, especially as incomes stay the same. This is why TrueNorth provides comprehensive Hunger Prevention programs and services to ensure no one in our community goes hungry. Learn more about these services and how you can help below.

Nourish Hope in Our Neighbors

You can help ensure everyone in our community has access to healthy, nutritious food. Whether you volunteer at a local food center, donate food or advocate for those in need, you can nourish hope in our neighbors.

Check out TrueNorth’s opportunities to make a difference below.

TrueNorth’s Hunger Prevention Programs

At TrueNorth, we believe everyone in our community deserves to have access to nutritious food to lead active, productive lives. We meet people where they are to help fulfill their needs while furthering them on their paths to self-sufficiency.

We offer a number of programs and services to provide our neighbors with the resources they need:

• Feeding thousands of individuals and families at our on-site Food Center
• Partnering with Feeding America West Michigan for a monthly Mobile Food Pantry
• Providing food to hundreds of students on the weekend through Weekend PowerPacks
• Gathering seniors together for a meal and socialization at our Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon

TrueNorth even works with local farmers and receive donations from individuals to provide fresh produce in our on-site Food Center. Through our food rescue initiatives, we collect food that would otherwise go to waste from large businesses in the community. Our goal is to build and sustain vibrant communities where everyone can thrive.

Take a look below to see how we helped our community in 2024:

You can continue these impacts when you get involved today. Make a caring donation or volunteer today to ensure our community flourishes. You can personally offer a hand up to our neighbors, ultimately impacting their lives for a lifetime.