Join caring volunteers like Diane

“I like talking to people, and I know how lonely sometimes I get,” says Diane, a TrueNorth volunteer, about why she decided to volunteer for Call & Connect. “If they don’t have somebody to talk to then I said, ‘I might as well be trying to make a smile on their face, especially if they don’t get out.’”

Call & Connect is a new volunteer opportunity that pairs volunteers with older adults in Newaygo County who would benefit from extra social interaction. This initiative aims to spread kindness and encouragement through a simple phone call, helping everyone feel a part of our community.

Diane is one of the first volunteers for Call & Connect. She also participates in Community Connections and understands the importance of socialization and relationships. Diane says, “If they know somebody else is out there that cares, maybe it will help them feel better.”

Although Diane is just starting to volunteer for Call & Connect, she is looking forward to continuing conversations and building relationships. These conversations not only impact those who are called but will also impact the caller as they engage with each other.

“I want to try to be an encouragement to other people,” says Diane. “It’s a good thing to do to help brighten somebody else’s day.” Join caring people like Diane when you volunteer for Call & Connect. For more information or to get involved with Call & Connect, please contact Charlie Forbes, TrueNorth’s Volunteer Hub Coordinator, at (231) 924-0641, ext. 112 or cforbes@truenorthservices.org.

 

 

Cora Flourishes through Cathy’s Encouragement

“I think it’s a really important program not just for the kids but also for the adults because I think it helps kids and adults stay in touch,” says mentor Cathy about the importance of TrueMentors she’s seen through her mentorship with her mentee, Cora. “I think it’s just an extra level of fun and it’s maybe nice sometimes to have somebody to talk to who’s like a third party but cares about you.”

For Cora, knowing that she can rely on Cathy has allowed her to open up and trust her. “Crazy fun,” is how Cora describes their relationship. Cora and Cathy are an active match. From going to the beach, seeing sand dunes and being in nature to baking and doing a variety of crafts, they enjoy getting out and being creative.

Cathy especially enjoys these activities with Cora as she sees the world through her eyes. She says, “When we’ve gone to the beach, we go and we jump in the waves and when I go to the beach by myself, I sit there and read a book…It’s just a lot more fun to have Cora to do it with.”

Sharing these experiences with Cora has been extremely rewarding for Cathy. She sees Cora’s imagination at work whenever they are together and encourages her to explore new things. All of Cathy’s support has created a safe space for Cora to learn and grow.

“Sometimes like I don’t have anyone to do things with…she’s nice and likes to do crafts,” says Cora about why she enjoys her mentorship with Cathy. Not only do Cora and Cathy share similar interests, but most importantly, they also have cultivated a strong relationship–ultimately helping Cora flourish.

Register for Bowlapalooza today to continue this impact!

Neveah Builds Friendships at Parks in Focus

Neveah wasn’t originally planning on going on the week-long Parks in Focus summer immersion trip. However, once she was there, she had fun learning new things and made new friends in a safe environment.

“I needed to basically get out more and just spend more time with, I guess myself,” says Neveah about why she wanted to be a part of Parks in Focus. “My favorite part was probably just meeting everyone and kind of making friends.”

While being away from home with kids she hadn’t met before was a little intimidating at first, Neveah quickly made friends and flourished. Being able to be in the moment as she went on hikes, swam and learned how to take pictures allowed Neveah to open up more.

Neveah’s favorite activity from the summer immersion trip was seeing all of the waterfalls. She even learned new photography techniques as she and the other kids had fun taking macro (up close) photos of raindrops after it rained one day. Most importantly, Neveah grew closer with the rest of the group as they learned and had new experiences together.

“I think I got to, I guess, learn how to interact with more people that I haven’t met before and just make friends a lot easier…I had a lot of fun,” reflects Neveah on what she learned from the trip. Building these friendships helped Neveah grow as she became more confident with her new support system.

Register for Bowlapalooza today to continue this impact!

through emPower’s Water Assistance

Jacquelyn, a single mother who is also raising five grandchildren, was concerned when her water bill skyrocketed. She later learned this was due to leaking pipes and a water line that wasn’t installed properly. Thankfully, TrueNorth was able to help Jacquelyn through emPower’s water assistance program.

“I called and got a response right away… it wasn’t even two days, about getting help with my water bill.”  
Unbeknownst to her, the water line that fed to her refrigerator had been leaking for quite some time and she was paying for water she wasn’t using. The leak also ended up damaging the floor behind the refrigerator and stove, as well as in her bathroom, adjacent to the kitchen.  

“Within a couple of weeks, they (the emPower staff) hooked me right up, and had my leak taken care of and my water bill paid… and they’re wonderful! They don’t degrade you at all for needing help. Nowadays there’s more people that can use help than ever before. Lower income families are in a lot of trouble right now.”

emPower’s water assistance program is available to income-eligible households in Lake, Mason and Newaygo Counties who have metered water service. In addition to Jacquelyn, 34 households have been assisted through this program since spring of 2024. 

to Help Families Like Alyssa’s Thrive

“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, a participant of TrueNorth. “So being able to have help available to you, again takes the stress off, makes things feel a little easier and lighter.”

While struggling to make ends meet, Alyssa found the guidance and support she needed at TrueNorth. Her hard work and determination enabled her to take steps toward a self-sufficient future with her family.

Unfortunately, there are others just like Alyssa in need of a hand up. You can offer that hand up by supporting TrueNorth’s Generate Generosity campaign today.

Our goal is to engage 100 donors and 300 volunteers by the end of 2024 to strengthen our community. Not only will your support meet the needs of our neighbors, but it will also inspire hope for brighter futures.

Your generosity will ensure the well-being of our neighbors. Many in our community struggle to secure housing, put food on the table and connect with others. Caring supporters like you are the foundation of our mission, and we need your support as we work together to help our neighbors.

Alyssa says, “Honestly, if it wasn’t for your assistance program and your guys’ help I probably would not be in my home currently…that really was like a lifeline for my family to be able to get back on our feet.”

Give today to help families like Alyssa’s receive the support and encouragement they need to move their lives forward. You can make a real impact when you generate generosity.

at Childrens Christmas Programs

For the past couple of years, Candace has been grateful for our Children’s Christmas Programs (CCP), as it allowed her to provide Christmas joy for her children. As a family with a single income, due to medical issues, CCP has made a significant difference in their household.

“Especially the last couple of years… It makes a huge difference when it’s just my husband working. My kids always absolutely loved everything we got for them, and they love when I get them books. My 14-year-old is really into drawing a lot right now, so I got him one of those creative art kits and Legos… he’s going to love it!”

Last year the program also aided her niece’s three children who unexpectedly had to stay with Candace for a few months over the holidays. 

“It was a week before Christmas, and I’m like; send them to me, I’ll take them. I don’t have a lot, but we’ll take them in…”

She credits how she was raised for her sense of generosity and helping others in need. She also recognizes how much of a blessing a program like CCP is for families like hers. 

Candace is just one of the many families CCP has helped this year. Distributing over 13,307 gifts so far this year to 1,901 children, holiday joy is being spread throughout Newaygo County.

 

Baldwin Students Take Field Trip

All kids love the zoo, and there are several great ones in Michigan. This fall, students from Project FOCUS Out-of-School Time Programs in Baldwin, took a field trip to the Detroit Zoo. They even had the opportunity for special experiences most people never get to enjoy thanks to Mike Reed, a zoologist at the Detroit Zoo.

Mike, who summers in the Baldwin area, was able to provide the students from both the elementary and junior high school unique behind-the-scenes experiences. They were able to learn how the zookeepers prepare food for the animals at the Zoo’s Commissary. “It was nice to go to the back rooms to see how they operate the zoo,” said Tabby, a 6th grader at Baldwin Junior High School. “I liked looking in the freezer to see what the animals ate.”

Some of the highlights for the elementary students included seeing a tiger and brown bears, the reptile house, the gorilla exhibit along with the “Comparing Primates” interactive piece and the walk-through of the “Outback Experience” where kangaroos and wallabies were freely roaming, which delighted the kids! “I liked seeing the flamingos best,” said Zaelyk, a first grader at Baldwin Elementary.

The junior high school students were excited to see the butterfly house and many animals they would never see in Baldwin. 

Site Coordinator, Cecelia Hamilton, said, “By having these experiences, we want students to start thinking about the many interesting career opportunities available to them.”

A generous community donor allowed for Jersey Mike’s sub meals to be provided for all the students for dinner and a local Wesco donated five dozen donuts and bottled water.

Evan, a kindergartener, said, “My favorite part was the kangaroos… and the donuts!” 

 

 

 

Join Caring People Like Leighan

For Leighan Campeau, giving back to her community has always been a priority. She has seen the needs of her neighbors and works to help them through donating and volunteering at TrueNorth.

“We always thought it was important to give and to help people,” says Leighan about why she and her family support TrueNorth. “My husband and I feel like we are very fortunate in circumstances and in life, and so that’s why we want to make sure we always help people.” Leighan and her husband have been long-time donors at TrueNorth and have started giving monthly to make an even greater impact. 

Leighan has also started giving through her time by volunteering at TrueNorth’s Food Center. From being a friendly face helping participants, to stocking shelves and helping wherever is needed, Leighan continues to better her community. She has volunteered over 225 hours since starting in early 2023. Leighan says, “The need is great…being able to help out makes me feel good.”

Not only does Leighan personally help her neighbors, but she also gets her two sons involved to teach the importance of giving back. Leighan and one of her sons most recently helped pack backpacks for Tools for School this past summer–helping provide school supplies to area children in need.

“It just helps us all realize together that there is a need,” reflects Leighan on the importance of volunteering as a family. “There are others that struggle, and if you can help out, you should.”

You can join caring people like Leighan by supporting TrueNorth’s Generate Generosity campaign. Launching on Giving Tuesday, join us for a day of volunteerism at the TrueNorth Service Center. Our goal is to engage 100 donors and 300 volunteers by the end of 2024, and we need your help! Donate or volunteer today to personally offer a hand up to our neighbors in need.

Michelle’s Vibrant Future with Stable Housing Secured

“It’s not a lack of ambition or a lack of effort. Calling and saying I’m homeless…that was a huge step,” says Michelle, a participant in TrueNorth’s Housing Resource Center, about the challenges she faced while experiencing homelessness. “That was one of the hardest things about going to TrueNorth–I didn’t want people looking at me as homeless because of the stereotype.”

Stories of people like Michelle illustrate the importance of Homeless Awareness Month. Many in our community experience similar challenges as Michelle and need a hand-up to live and thrive.

Not only did Michelle experience financial difficulties, her living conditions put both her health and safety at risk. One of the greatest challenges Michelle faced was not having access to water. Michelle’s Home Health Aide had to bring in water and help Michelle heat it so she could perform basic necessities such as bathe and clean.

Before coming to TrueNorth, Michelle lived in a fifth-wheel trailer, that was unsuitable for living, for three years. She faced a number of health-related obstacles and was living on a fixed income, making it challenging to make ends meet. Michelle says, “I knew there was no way I could ever pay rent and bills and car insurance on my income. It’ll never ever happen.”

Winters were especially difficult due to inefficient heating and the trailer’s dangerous, icy steps. There were even times when the trailer’s windows and door had frost on the inside. “But with my health, the steps, the cold in the winter, to try and heat it, honestly you’re not meant to live in it. There’s not a lot of insulation in the walls,” recounts Michelle about the unsafe living conditions in her trailer.

When Michelle came to TrueNorth for help, she was afraid to call because of the negative stereotypes surrounding those who experience homelessness: “People stereotype homelessness without a doubt,” says Michelle. “Just because I was homeless doesn’t mean I’m a bad person, that I was a drug addict, that I didn’t care, that I didn’t try, that I was doing things with money that I shouldn’t.”

Thankfully, Michelle did call TrueNorth and received the encouragement and guidance she needed to move forward on her path to self-sufficiency. Michelle’s hard work and determination led her to find safe housing with support from TrueNorth. Now, being housed for over a year, Michelle can focus on her health and overall well-being.

Michelle cares deeply for her community and has started volunteering since being housed. She currently volunteers at the Oceana County Department of Veterans Affairs office, Hart VFW Auxiliary #1329, and is Senior Vice President of District 12 Auxiliary. Having secure housing has allowed Michelle to follow her passions and give back to the community she now calls home.

“To be able to get into a place where I can maintain my bills, my car insurance, you know be able to go to my appointments, it’s life-changing,” reflects Michelle on the impact having safe housing has had on her.

You can ensure people like Michelle receive the guidance and support necessary to improve their lives. Whether you donate, volunteer, advocate or help in any way you can, you can be confident you are impacting lives for a lifetime.

Brings the Community Together

“The Fremont Harvest Festival Hay Art is one of the Fremont community’s favorite events each year,” says Karen Baird, Executive Director of the Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce. “Since the inception of the Hay Art competition, the Fremont Area Chamber and the community has donated over 70,000 pounds of food to TrueNorth’s Hunger Prevention programs. We are grateful for the giving community that we have supporting this event!”

The Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual Hay Art competition during the Fremont Harvest Festival, where local businesses and organizations transform bales of hay into creative works of art. Community members vote for their favorite works of art by donating shelf-stable food items. The donated food helps support the efforts of TrueNorth Community Services’ Hunger Prevention programs.

Events like this engage our local businesses and organizations, strengthen our community and help bring residents together. This collaboration help build and sustain strong, vibrant communities which are essential for supporting neighbors in times of need.

In total, 5,886.25 pounds of food was donated during the competition. This year, Fremont Middle School won the Hay Art Competition (pictured above far left), by donating 1,934.75 pounds of food.

“These donations make a tremendous difference in the lives of hundreds of food-insecure families and serve as a powerful reminder of our community’s compassion and resilience in the face of challenges,” says Mike Voyt, TrueNorth’s Hunger Prevention and Children’s Services Director.