Volunteers Make the Difference

Without the dedication and hard work of caring volunteers, our twice-a-month Mobile Food Pantry visits from Feeding America West Michigan simply wouldn’t be possible. It takes about 20 people to administer one Mobile Food Pantry and about 10 – 15 of these, every month, are volunteers.

Even in the coldest months of the year, these dedicated volunteers can be found loading boxes and moving them down the assembly line where they eventually are hand-loaded into participants’ vehicles. There’s usually music playing and there are always smiles…from the volunteers and the people receiving the food. 

Many local businesses and organizations regularly send groups to volunteer including; Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realtors, Fremont Insurance, Gerber Life, Gerber Products, Green Acres, H&S Companies, Horizon Bank, Humana and Wesco, as well as many local churches like Newaygo Congregational United Church of Christ and student groups like Newaygo High School’s Cross Country team and National Honor Society. 

“It is so important that students learn the value of community service. It teaches them the important life skill of giving back to others,” said Lisa Piccard, NHS Counselor and National Honor Society Advisor.

In 2024, this vital food service served nearly 16,000 individuals from 5,572 families. All of this would not be possible without our volunteers, to whom we would like to give a very warm and enthusiastic ‘Thank you!’ 

Camp Newaygo’s Winter Workshops

The last few months of winter often feel like a slower time. The holidays have passed, the days are still short and cold and there isn’t as much to do until spring. After a few weeks into January, however, the itch to “get out and do something” kicks in. Feeling this themselves, the team at Camp Newaygo created a Winter Workshop Series, and it was a hit for the local community.

Tapping into each of their expertise, Camp staff invited guests out to enjoy the beautiful facilities and explore a different topic each week. Lilka, who leads the Overnight Girls’ Camp program in the summer, hosted a variety of art workshops from ceramics to stained glass–inviting guest instructors to help each week. Community Program and Co-Ed Day Camp Director, Katie, had folks bundle up and join her in discovering wonders of nature hidden amongst the snow. Camp’s Adventure Program Director, Lili, has acquired a ton of how-to knowledge in her role and shared that with community members. 

The fan favorite, by far, were the monthly Freezer Meal Workshops led by Whitney and Ridge Catering. Whitney, along with Chef Matt, planned easy-to-cook, delicious recipes guests were able to sample and then assemble, drop in the freezer and heat over the upcoming weeks. Some standout recipes from the series were oven-ready chicken enchiladas, crockpot chicken pot pie and crockpot balsamic shredded beef. Folks not only got to prepare meals ahead for the month and take home the recipes, they also had a chance to meet new people and socialize on dreary winter evenings.

Although the winter workshop series is coming to an end in March, Camp Newaygo is just getting started with programs and events for the year! Whitney, Lilka, Katie, Lili and Matt would love to have you out to camp for any of the great community events coming up this spring, and summer camp programs are just around the corner. Love some of the freezer meal recipes? Ridge Catering is also available to bring catering to you or be part of a special event you hold at Camp Newaygo!

Participating in Bowlapalooza Encourages Kids like Jace

Bowlapalooza 2025 is here! Bringing together caring supporters like you, Bowlapalooza supports the connection of area kids with positive role models. Register for Bowlapalooza today to ensure youth like Jace receive the guidance they need to thrive.

“It’s made me more friends,” says sixth-grader Jace about how being in TrueBlue Academy has impacted him. “I have a lot more confidence when I walk; I’ll have a little more pep in my step. I’m a little more confident. I’ll raise my hand more.” Being a part of TrueMentor’s TrueBlue Academy has given Jace the extra support and encouragement he needs to excel both inside and outside the classroom.

Jace has been participating in TrueBlue Academy for over a year and continues to grow socially, emotionally and academically through the program. He enjoys all the different activities and lessons, especially projects and games that involve teamwork. Spending this extra time with mentors and his peers has helped Jace regulate his emotions and be more mindful of those around him.

TrueBlue Academy is a part of TrueNorth’s youth mentoring program, TrueMentors. Jace is a part of the program that operates in partnership with Newaygo Public School where he attends the program once a week during the school day. The program is run by TrueNorth staff with help from the school’s Resource Officer, Theron Blake.

Officer Blake is in his second year volunteering with TrueBlue Academy. Building relationships with Jace and the other students and seeing them grow throughout the year has been the most rewarding part for him: “I’ve seen a lot of growth with kids as far as, you know, their relationship building and just how they interact with other kids from the beginning to now–a lot more respectful and understanding of each other. It’s really awesome to be able to witness kids improving.”

Jace especially has flourished in the program. Officer Blake remarks on Jace’s growth, “Self-control and awareness of other people and just overall respect for others, I’m seeing big jumps with him.” Knowing he has a support system at TrueBlue Academy has given Jace the encouragement and security he needs to thrive.

You can continue this impact when you register for Bowlapalooza. We will celebrate each person who raises $40 or more with a fun, free night of bowling at Fremont Lanes on a designated night. Sign up today for a fun event that will ultimately transform our children’s lives.

Dam to Dam Returns, Better Than Ever

After two warm years without any safe ice, or any ice at all, Mother Nature finally cooperated and Dam to Dam came back this year bigger and better than ever.

Held over the DNR’s free fishing weekend every year in February, Dam to Dam is an annual ice fishing tournament held between Croton and Hardy Dams. It is also a major fundraiser supporting TrueMentors. 

This year, Alliance Beverage and Coors Light were the primary sponsor for the event, helping to ensure as much of the money raised as possible will go directly to help recruit, train and match adult mentors with local children.

On Saturday, February 15, Dam to Dam attendees took to the ice and a great time was had by everyone. There were shanties scattered all over the ice, a bonfire to help stay warm, music and prizes. And some children were even out having their first ice fishing experience with their parents. 

The individuals with the biggest fish are as follows:
Adult Division
Pike – Noah Dushane; 19 lbs., 44”
Bluegill – (tie) Todd Pratt & Kevin Kuhn; 5/8 lb., 9”
Perch – Colton Lund; 1 ½ lb., 13 7/8”
Crappie – Luke Galloway; 1 3/8 lb., 13 ¾”
Walleye – Sam Southwick; 2 ½ lbs., 19 3/8”

Kid Division
Pike – Bentley Offer, Age 10; 3 ½ lbs., 25 ¾”|
Bluegill – Mathew Guajardo, Age 16; 9/16 lb., 8 ¾”
Perch – Damion Mayle, Age 15; 1 1/8 lb., 12 ½”
Crappie – Braxton Bennitt, Age 4; ½ lb., 8 7/8”

Totals are still being tallied, but initial reports indicate $9,731 was raised for our much needed mentoring programs. 

Program Expansion Offers New Ways to Connect

TrueNorth’s Community Connections Program continues to expand and grow. So far this year, several new initiatives were launched aimed at helping participants feel connected, allowing them to explore new interests and experience a sense of belonging—proving that it’s never too late to build meaningful connections and enrich one’s life.

New initiatives include Monday Movies, Puzzle All Together and Tech Help, as well as sporadic one time Community Friends outings and events. 

Monday Movies: Occurs the last Monday of each month from 4:00-6:00 pm and includes a movie showing with popcorn, drinks and a variety of snacks.

Puzzle All Together: Takes place the first and third Wednesday of each month from 3:00-5:00 pm and allows individuals to work on puzzles together. Participants can bring their own puzzles, or work on ones provided by TrueNorth.

Tech Help: Provides smartphone, tablet or other handheld device assistance for individuals 55+ on Tuesdays from 11:30 am – 2:30 pm and Thursdays from 9:00 am-12:00 pm.

Community Friends: Event activities and dates vary; upcoming events include: Global Mural Project which will allow 30+ art lovers to paint a canvas tile that will be part of a national art collaboration. This event is offered March 6th from 5:30-7:30 pm or March 10th from 3:00-5:00 pm; Gelli Prints an art class held at NCCA-Artsplace where participants will create frameable prints using multiple techniques, which will be held on April 14th from 1:00-3:00 pm.

All of these initiatives, provided for individuals 55+, are in addition to their regularly scheduled programming including Baking All Together, Coffee Connections, Community Friends, Dining All Together, Fitness with Friends, Joker’s Wild and Knitting All Together.

No matter the activity, Community Connections aims to bring people together in a welcoming and supportive environment while encouraging individuals to step out of their comfort zone and embrace a new challenge. Community Connections is possible thanks to funding from the Fremont Area Community Foundation. 

Day of Giving Strengthens Our Community

“Had I stayed in the car much longer, I probably would not be here,” says Janet, a TrueNorth participant, about her poor health while she was experiencing homelessness. “Because I’ve got a home now, I’m more stable. I can get to doctor’s appointments.” Receiving support from TrueNorth helped Janet find the safe housing she needed to improve her health and overall well-being. 

Help people just like Janet when you make a caring gift on our annual TrueNorth Day of Giving held on Tuesday, February 25. Our goal is to raise $10,000 to ensure our neighbors thrive.

You can make all the difference in our communities.

Through your generosity, you will personally offer a hand up to our neighbors in need. Caring supporters like you are essential to furthering our mission of inspiring hope and creating a better world.

In 2024 alone, over 10,000 individuals like Janet received support from our housing, energy and family initiatives, ultimately furthering them on their paths to self-sufficiency. “There’s a light at the end of the tunnel,” Janet says when reflecting on her housing journey and how her life has changed for the better now that she has a safe place to call home.

You will help our neighbors know there is a brighter future ahead when you make a gift this TrueNorth Day of Giving. Give today and make your commitment to strengthening our community.

Renee Renews Purpose at Community Connections

For Renee, connecting with those around her through Knitting All Together has helped improve her overall well-being and happiness. Being widowed at a young age and suffering from depression, having this opportunity to form relationships and give back to the community has had a positive impact on her life.

TrueNorth’s All Together programs, like Knitting All Together, bring community members together around common interests and volunteerism. Having these opportunities to connect and help those in need has reinvigorated Renee’s life.

Coming to Knitting All Together for the first time was scary for Renee because she did not know what to expect. However, Renee quickly felt welcomed and started forming friendships with others in the group.

One of the best parts of Knitting All Together for Renee has been feeling a sense of purpose and belonging. Renee says, “This group gives me something constructive to do, to look forward to and to be accountable for. In the past, I may have had all good intentions of attending some community event, but when the time came, I’d stay home. Nobody was there to care if I came or not. I didn’t have to be accountable.”

The relationships Renee has formed have helped her feel more connected to the community. Hearing about the lives of others while working on projects to donate to local causes has given Renee opportunities to make an impact with the connections she has formed and the work she has done.

When reflecting on the value All Together has added to her life and the community overall, Renee says, “The value I see on our end is the fact that it gives us a place to go–those of us who need that socialization, who need that sense of purpose and belonging. And I think that helps us as much as the person that’s receiving whatever it is that we’ve made.”

Mentoring Takes Many Forms

Mentoring comes in every shape and size! Since January is National Mentor Month, it’s only natural we share about some of our mentoring matches. Learn about a few of our “one-on-one” matches currently mentoring with TrueMentors.

Laura and Riley are currently our longest matched pair, having been together over five years. When they first began, Laura and her husband Justin didn’t have any children, so spending time with 12-year-old Riley was easy. 

“She’s just become part of our family, and has gotten to see how we do things and how we interact as a family,” she said, adding she was “surprised how easy and fun it was!” Even now, as a mother of a 5-year-old and a baby, she still finds it easy.

Cathy is retired, and decided to become a mentor “later in life” after noticing lots of fun and interesting things going on in the community. She has nieces and nephews who are about the same age as her mentee, Cora, but live far away: “I thought; I’m sure there’s somebody around here who would attend those things with me,” she said. She also said she was surprised at how much fun it’s been. 

Cathy continued, “When we go to the beach, we go and jump in the waves and when I go to the beach by myself, I sit there and read a book. When I go with my husband, we walk, but when I go with Cora, we go and play on the dunes.” 

When married couple Rachel and Greg asked if they could mentor together, we told them, while atypical for our “one-on-one” matches, it has been done before. They were set up with a precocious 6-year-old boy named Gannon, and now have a year of mentoring under their collective belts.

“I’ve learned as much as I’ve taught,” said Greg. “Getting a child’s perspective on things in life is really fun to see.”

If we’ve learned anything, since offering mentoring programs over the last 53 years, it is that mentoring is not one-size-fits-all. Due to this, TrueMentors offers site-based, community-based, adventure-based, and both group and one-on-one mentoring opportunities to best meet the needs of the youth involved. These mentoring opportunities are also able to align with the availability, interests and passions of our adult mentors. To learn more or get involved contact us as (231) 924-0641 or mentoring@truenorthservices.org.

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Students Reflect on MLK Jr. Day

The “Dream in Art” initiative invited youth to reflect on Dr. King’s vision of equality, justice and unity by designing impactful posters inspired by his message. Students were encouraged to creatively represent what Dr. King’s dream means to them and how we can work together to create a better, more inclusive world.

“He inspired a lot of people with his speeches,” said Bentley, an 8th grader at Baldwin Jr. High. “I drew a picture of Dr. King, as best I could, and I’m going to put a bunch of his quotes all around it…”

Kairi, a sixth grader, built a miniature podium out of popsicle sticks and a small Dr. King paper doll to stand behind it, as a 3-D component to her poster, while Onia, another sixth grader, painted a portrait of Dr. King, which she planned to add to her poster.

Students in our Out-of-School Time Programs at Baldwin Jr. High, Hart Middle School, Hesperia Elementary and Middle Schools, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academy in Muskegon Heights and at White Cloud Elementary and Jr. High all participated in this activity.  

Blake Dockery, a Program Assistant at Baldwin Jr. High said it is important to teach about Dr. King “So his message is not forgotten.”

“We showed the students Dr. King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech in preparation for this,” said Cecelia Hamilton, Site Coordinator at Baldwin Jr. High. “We asked the students what they had learned about Dr. King and quite a few of them knew quite a bit!”

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