Building Connections

Community Connections has been busy with new and exciting ways to connect this year! Based on input and feedback from program participants, and research from program staff, we are continually trying new programming to help this population feel connected to their community.

Walking All Together takes advantage of a great local resource; the paved, Garfield Township Hall Nature Trail. Every Wednesday, participants join Connections staff for a stroll through nature—utilizing one of the easiest ways to get some exercise and enjoy the great outdoors.

“I started (Walking All Together) to get out of the house… to be healthier. I think it’s great!” – Alice

The Curious Kitchen is a hands-on cooking class which teaches participants interesting and unique culinary creations. Luis recently attended a Curious Kitchen Japanese Fried Rice cooking class, and when asked if he would be able to duplicate the recipe at home, said; “Oh yeah… I got it. It’s all up here now,” pointing to his head.  

One of our newest offerings is a cardio-drumming class called Drumming All Together where participants stand or sit while drumming on exercise balls secured in large buckets – a great workout for both the body and the mind! 

“That (Drumming All Together) is a riot! It’s a good cardio workout and lots of laughs.” – Darlene 

Community Connections continues to innovate and find new ways for the aging population in Newaygo County to connect and thrive. Funding for all Community Connections programs is provided, in part, by Fremont Area Community Foundation. 

 

Equipping Students for Success

Good Happens Here at TrueNorth Community Services — and this week, that good came in the form of 800 backpacks filled with school supplies distributed to local students through the annual Tools for School event.

By the time the school year begins, TrueNorth expects to provide about 1,000 backpacks to students across the area. Each backpack contains age-appropriate supplies to ensure students start school ready to learn, while helping ease the financial burden for families.

“Back-to-school time can be stressful for many families,” said Mark Kraus, Community Liaison and Development Director. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors, partners and community, good truly happens here — and hundreds of kids now have the tools they need to succeed from day one.”

The success of Tools for School is made possible through the generous support of the Fremont Area Community Foundation, The Gerber Foundation and more than 125 individual donors. TrueNorth also recognizes the partnership of Gerber Life Insurance, Nestlé Gerber, ChoiceOne Bank, Edward Jones and Fremont Insurance, whose contributions helped make this year’s event possible.

For many students, these backpacks represent more than just pencils and notebooks — they are a boost of confidence and a reminder that their community believes in them.

 

Summer Blast Success

From visits to the waterpark, nature center and library to going to restaurants, the zoo and museums, the youth who experienced Summer Blast this summer sure had a lot to talk about! And the weekly field trips were at the top of their lists! 

Brothers Brayden and Albert excitedly shared the waterpark as their favorite trip. Their grandma Debi Church expounded on the experience and commented what a blessing the free program was to her family. She mentioned field trips to the zoo and museums and went on to share, “Social security only goes so far, and when you are raising two little ones, deciding what comes first- field trips don’t; TrueNorth made it possible for them to have a good summer, thank you!” Debi praised the program, the safety of the kids and the variety of activities; mentioning opportunities they wouldn’t otherwise have. 

Summer Blast, which took place at Daisy Brook Elementary, Fremont Middle School, Grant Elementary, Grant Middle School and Newaygo Elementary served 208 youth this summer with academic support, social emotional learning, college & career exploration, activities centered around the arts, agriculture, community engagement, leadership and plenty of recreation indoors and outdoors.

Summer Blast is funded by the Michigan Department of Lifelong Education Advancement, and Potential, along with the Fremont Area Community Foundation and private donors. A huge thanks to all our partners for helping make our first season of Summer Blast a huge success!

Verla and Lou

Verla and Lou have lived in their beautiful home overlooking Fremont Lake for 32 years. Lou loves to garden, and for most of their lives, they camped and traveled while living an active, healthy lifestyle. Displayed on the walls are mugs from all 50 states, which they acquired on their travels throughout the years. 

About three years ago, Lou had some kidney surgeries and ended up spending six weeks at Green Acres of Fremont for some post-surgery rehab. It was there they first learned of LifeLink services available through TrueNorth. 

They live in a single story, ranch home, because as Verla put it; “We knew the older age was coming up on us. We didn’t want any steps… well, we have two steps and I thought ‘that’s pretty good, that’s safe’… it wasn’t safe enough though…” she said, referring to a recent fall Lou suffered. 

Verla says having the LifeLink unit provides both of them peace of mind and she recommends it to others. “Every time he goes outside (to garden), he has it on.”

LifeLink units are designed to help people retain their independence and remain at home for as long as they are safely able to, knowing help is only the push of a button away. That is exactly what Verla and Lou are counting on.

 

Help Good Happen Here

“The economy that we’re living in right now is not very liveable, 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 Alyssa, mother of two, about the impact of Tools for School. “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.

Over 1,000 kids like Alyssa’s received the school supplies and resources they needed to excel last year because of caring people like you–illustrating how when kindness meets action, Good Happens Here. 

Today, we need your support to further this impact. You can help families like Alyssa’s have everything they need for a successful school year. When you make a gift to Tools for School, you are brightening our children’s futures. Not only will you help provide the physical tools our students need, but you are also connecting them to community resources to ensure they flourish outside of the classroom.

Make a kindhearted gift today and provide peace of mind to parents like Alyssa. Your donation will make a real, positive difference in the lives of our children and families. For when we work together, Good Happens Here.

Hesperia Art Mural

In early June, a public unveiling of Reclaimed Beauty, the Hesperia Art Mural, occurred at Vida Weaver Park. The project, led by Hesperia High School art teacher, Monica Grimard, and completed by Hesperia art students, consists of items most would consider recyclables or trash. Students found, and/or were provided with bottle caps, old CDs, canister lids, buttons, soda cans, fishing poles, flip flops found in the river, even a pool liner they then modified to work into the 40-foot three dimensional mural.

Throughout the project hundreds of hours were spent, alongside local artist Russ Baker, all thanks to a grant from the Michigan Arts & Culture Council. The process allowed students to try different art techniques, work with various mediums and view art through a new lens. 

“Watching the community, as a whole, view the beauty of this art installment at Vida Weaver Park has really shined a light on how important art can be to a community,” said Riley Knight, TrueNorth’s Cultural Arts Coordinator. “We encourage everyone to take time to visit Reclaimed Beauty to view the students hard work.” 

A New Way to Connect, Belong & Thrive for Adults 55+

As we age, staying socially connected becomes increasingly important to our overall health and happiness. That’s where ENGAGE! comes in—a new social connections program designed specifically for adults aged 55 and older. The goal? To foster meaningful relationships, reduce feelings of isolation and enhance mental and emotional well-being, all while utilizing a holistic healthcare approach.

What makes ENGAGE! unique is its personalized approach. The program begins with a simple but powerful question: “What matters to me?” This conversation helps shape each participant’s journey, ensuring the social activities they’re connected with are tailored to their interests, needs and strengths.

ENGAGE! kicks off with a one-on-one conversation between the participant and a dedicated TrueNorth link worker, who takes time to learn about what brings joy, purpose and curiosity to the individual’s life. Whether someone is interested in staying physically active, learning new skills, or giving back through volunteering, ENGAGE! helps make those connections happen.

From there, participants are matched with local activities that resonate with their interests. These may include: card games and social clubs; art or music classes; knitting and crocheting groups; fitness or exercise classes; and/or volunteering opportunities in the community.

ENGAGE! doesn’t stop at just making the match—it provides ongoing support. This includes help addressing potential barriers that might keep someone from participating, making it easier for everyone to stay involved.

The benefits of ENGAGE! go far beyond just filling up a calendar. Research shows engaging in meaningful social activities can reduce depression and anxiety by combating loneliness; boost cognitive function through stimulating, skill-building activities; promote physical well-being with regular movement and exercise; and improve overall quality of life by fostering a sense of purpose and belonging. Perhaps most importantly, ENGAGE! helps older adults build new friendships and feel more connected to their communities—an essential ingredient for lasting well-being.

If you’re 55 or older and looking for ways to stay connected, be active and fulfilled, ENGAGE! is here to help you find what matters most—and bring it into your life in meaningful ways. Let’s connect. Let’s ENGAGE! For more information call (231) 924-0641 or email TNengage@truenorthservices.org.

ENGAGE! is made possible through funding by Edward N. and Della L. Thome Memorial Foundation, Bank of America trustee.