A Mentor’s Impact

A Mentor’s Impact

“Amazing,” that’s the word fifteen-year-old mentee Kyrin used to describe her relationship with her mentor Kathy. Being matched for over a year now, both have grown as individuals and in their friendship.

Kyrin and Kathy are an active match. They both enjoy spending time outdoors and having new experiences together. One of Kyrin’s most memorable moments with Kathy so far was going kayaking together for the first time. While Kyrin likely would not have done this on her own, she felt safe doing that” with Kathy even though “it’s out of [her] comfort zone.”

Not only has Kathy helped Kyrin feel comfortable trying new things, but Kyrin has also done the same for Kathy. Kyrin enjoys hobby horsing and even makes her horses herself. Sharing her hobby with Kathy has made her more confident in expressing herself and her interests. Kyrin has also introduced Kathy to real horses at her grandparents’ home, something Kathy would have never done without Kyrin.

“What I’ve enjoyed most is seeing life through Kyrin’s eyes,” says Kathy. “Not only have we mentored each other but we have also established a friendship.” Kathy and Kyrin have built a solid foundation of trust in their relationship. Kyrin is very honest and feels comfortable sharing her feelings with Kathy. Having this safe space with Kathy has increased Kyrin’s confidence overall.

Kathy loves having those moments when she and Kyrin can talk freely together. Whether they are hiking, hobby horsing or doing anything else together, the mutual trust they have has allowed both of them to grow. Kyrin knows that she can come to Kathy with anything, and she’ll be happy to listen.

“It’s made me feel a lot better because being like a teenager, you feel like you have no one to talk to,” says Kyrin about spending time with Kathy. “You feel like you’re always on your own, like no one’s ever there for you. It’s nice to actually have someone that’s like ‘yeah let’s go hang out.’”

Having Kathy to talk to and spend time with has positively impacted Kyrin’s life. Both Kathy and Kyrin are looking forward to continuing their relationship and being able to grow older together.

January is National Mentoring Month, highlighting the importance of youth like Kyrin being connected to dependable role models like Kathy. 

You can be a role model for area youth just like Kyrin. Find out more about mentoring by contacting Serena Lafferty at slafferty@truenorthservices.org.

Peace of Mind

Provided to Dolly Through LifeLink

87 year old Dolly lives alone in a second floor walk-up condo. She is very independent, but after having a knee replacement, and a recent development and diagnosis of fibromyalgia, her three children worried about her safety.

Her two daughters live almost 30 minutes, and her son, over 3 hours away. They all want to allow their mother to live as independently as she wants to for as long as she is able and capable of. About ten years ago, her son signed her up for a medical alert system. Feeling she didn’t need it, Dolly never wore the unit, so after one year, they discontinued the service. 

A couple of years ago, after Dolly’s knee replacement, she realized her mobility was compromised. She purchased a chair lift system to safely take her from her ground-level garage to her condo, but her front door was still a separate long flight of stairs up and down. Her son, who lives in Newaygo County, learned of TrueNorth’s LifeLink system which can be worn and used anywhere, even while traveling. Dolly agreed the time had come to be diligent about using the system.

“What I love about it is I can wear the pendant anywhere I go, and I know help is only one push of a button away,” said Dolly. “I can still go to the grocery store or church or the hair stylist… it doesn’t interfere with anything I need to do. Then, when I’m in my home, I switch to the lighter unit – I always have one or the other on.”

Her children feel a much greater peace of mind knowing their mother has help always readily available in case of an emergency. Dolly’s unit even has “fall detection” on, so if she falls and is unable to push the button, the system will still activate.  

Susan’s Family Finds Hope

Through Children’s Christmas Programs

For single-mother Susan, the upcoming Christmas season is not the time of joy she hoped for. She recently lost her job and is struggling to find flexible full-time work where she can still take care of her eleven-year-old daughter Allie and pay all of the bills. Susan is dreading the holidays because she worries about the stress her family’s situation is having on Allie and wants to give her a sense of normalcy.

Due to compassionate supporters like you, Susan will participate in TrueNorth’s Children’s Christmas Programs. Susan is thrilled to have the opportunity to pick out gifts she knows Allie will love. She will select a game, toy, art supplies, a hat and gloves, socks and a book among other gifts for Allie to open on Christmas.

Susan says that she tries to teach gratitude to Allie and encourages her to always look on the bright side, but this year it is challenging for both of them to remain positive. She expresses how overwhelmingly thankful she is to know that despite their financial struggles this year, Allie will carry the joyful memory of this Christmas for years to come thanks to kindhearted supporters like you.

When Allie opens her gifts on Christmas, she will have both the joy of receiving the gifts her mother picked for her while also knowing she lives in a community that cares. Because of your generosity, Allie and Susan will be able to celebrate Christmas without worrying about their situation.

You can help families just like Susan’s by making a gift to TrueNorth’s Children’s Christmas Programs. Through your support, you can lighten the hearts of thousands of local children just like Allie in our community. 

With the rising cost of living, more and more families need your help. Many do not have the means to make ends meet, let alone celebrate the season. But through your gift, you can inspire hope, joy and love in our children.

You can make a real difference in the lives of our children and their families. Make a generous gift today and bring joy and stability to the children in our community. Gifts can be made by clicking right here.

 

Patrick and Anthony

Mentoring Adventure

Patrick and Anthony were matched in July of 2023. Although they have been matched for a short time, they have gone on many different adventures together. One of their excursions included Patrick taking Anthony on a day trip to Camp Newaygo. Patrick has worked in the camping industry for the past 10 years, and he wanted Anthony to experience the wonderful atmosphere camp has to offer. Their day at camp included archery, fire building, s’mores and tie-dying. When making a fire, Anthony and Patrick started from scratch. Anthony was able to learn the patience and skills it takes to build a fire, and how rewarding it can be, especially if it results in s’mores! Anthony was also able to problem solve, when it came time to make tie-dye shirts for his mom, himself, and Patrick. During archery Anthony was reminded not everything has to be a competition. When he stepped back, took his time, and had fun, he impressed Patrick by making a bullseye on one of the targets. Anthony’s day at camp was a huge success.

Over the past few months, Patrick and Anthony have also built a wagon, sat front row at The SpongeBob Musical, and even tried freeze-dried skittles together. We can’t wait to see what other adventures they go on in the future. As a mentor, Patrick has a huge impact on Anthony. He is able to be there to help Anthony process things that are going on at school, as well as in his personal life. However, Anthony has also had a huge impact on Patrick. Patrick says he is really impressed by Anthony’s abilities, and he continues to learn new things from him;

“My goal is for Anthony to do things that he wants to do, but also challenge him to tap into other potential that he has. He is capable of more than he knows”.

We are so thankful for our mentors, like Patrick, who take time to impact our kids’ lives. These mentors create a safe environment and encourage our youth to try new things. If you are interested in becoming a mentor, we would love to add you to our team of volunteers. Contact Serena Lafferty, slafferty@truenorthservices.org or (231) 924-0641, ext. 174, for more information.

TrueNorth & emPower

A Long History of Utility Assistance

emPower kicked off their 2023-2024 program year October 1st thanks to a $11.2 million grant from the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) awarded for the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP) to ensure the most vulnerable in the state stay warm and safe. This program has a long history with TrueNorth, as some form of utility assistance and self-sufficiency services have been offered since our inception in 1972. We began the Northwest Michigan Rural Partnership in 2004 as the lead agency in delivering heat and energy assistance to rural counties in Michigan, and expanded to a 34-county service area with the birth of our emPower Division in 2012. We expanded our service area to 64 counties in 2014, and went state-wide, serving all 83 beginning in 2016.

“Our emPower Division with its myriad services, provides a wide-range of support for Michigan’s low-income populations,” said Marissa Boerman, our new emPower Division Director. “Everything from one-time financial assistance for families who have gotten behind on their utility payments, to working with our utility companies to set people up with Affordable Payment Plans, and a broad spectrum of self-sufficiency services, including our Complex-Care services which we began in 2017.”

This long history, our innovative programming and top-notch staff have made us a recognized leader in our field, and the model for service delivery, particularly in rural counties, which encompasses most of Michigan. With cost-of-living increases continuing to skyrocket, the services and assistance our emPower Division offer are needed now, more than ever. We continue to see record numbers of Michigan residents reaching out for help, and our emPower staff of nearly 100, spread out over the entire state, stand ready to help. Visit our website for more information at helpforheat.com.

Give the Most Meaningful

Gifts of the Season

“We were in the worst situation possible and she was there for us,” says Anne about her caseworker at TrueNorth Community Services. “She gave us that direction and brought us to a step by step path… she brought us peace.”

Anne didn’t have anyone. But when she came to TrueNorth, she received the guidance and resources her family needed to live healthy, sustainable lives. Thousands of individuals like Anne have received a hand up when they needed it most because of kindhearted supporters like you. This holiday season, you can help people just like Anne by choosing caring gifts from TrueNorth’s Inspiring Hope Giving Catalog.

As you page through this giving catalog you will see the stories and needs of real people in our community and how through your support, they have already launched their success stories. Not only will you see the journeys of our neighbors, but you will also be able to select meaningful gifts in honor of your loved ones. Choosing a gift from this catalog will show them you truly care by letting them know they have inspired this heartfelt gift.

You can also commit to making a monthly gift on behalf of yourself or your loved ones to inspire hope in even more people. You can nurture positive relationships, eliminate isolation over coffee, provide safety and security for the most vulnerable, supply heat and energy for a household and so much more. Spread the hope and joy of this season when you make two caring gifts at once–one to your loved one and the other to the people whose lives you’re impacting. These gifts won’t disappear after the card is opened. You and your loved ones can be assured that these gifts will last a lifetime as your generosity launches more success stories.

“This is a place to go if you ever need help and if you don’t have anyone. This place will help you get on your feet,” says Anne about her time with TrueNorth. You can inspire hope in our neighbors just like Anne and bring peace to those who feel alone in their struggles. Your loved ones will also feel appreciated when they receive an honor card from you showing how they inspired you to go above and beyond for our neighbors.

You can select these life-changing gifts at our website, truenorthservices.org, by clicking on the DONATE NOW button.  To get a copy of the catalog mailed to you, please call Mark Kraus at (231) 355-9484. Give the most meaningful gifts of the season and be confident you are bringing peace and joy to your loved ones and our neighbors in need.

Weekend Hunger

Keeping Kids Fed Through PowerPacks

Kim works part-time as a caretaker and companion to Skip, an adult who is developmentally challenged. They both regularly volunteer at TrueNorth for a variety of programs, one of which, TrueNorth’s Weekend PowerPacks, is personal for her.

Like many others, Kim has an adult child and grandchild living in her home. Her husband is off work and recently applied for disability, and with extra mouths to feed in the household, and the skyrocketing increases in the costs of living, particularly for groceries, food insecurity has been a common occurrence. Luckily, her grandson was recommended for TrueNorth’s Weekend PowerPacks program by his school staff.

Each week, he receives a big bag full of kid-friendly, shelf stable pre-packaged foods such as protein, nuts, cereal, pudding, soup, fruit, granola bars, microwaveable meals, snacks and/or other items. These are designed to fill the gap left behind over the weekend when students are not receiving meals at school.  

“He loves it… He waits every week for Thursday to come and bring that bag home, and it really makes a difference.” states Kim.

Weekly about 420 PowerPacks are distributed during the school year to students in four school districts in Newaygo County and NCRESA. The PowerPacks program has undergone a 740% increase over the past four years. 

According to Hunger Prevention & Children’s Services Director, Mike Voyt, “Hunger and Food insecurity is on the rise in our area. During the past four years, we have experienced a 200% increase in requests for food assistance through our in-house food pantry and a 275% increase in Mobile Pantry use. Thankfully our community has been with us every step of the way as we work to meet this urgent need”  

NEW Giving Catalog

A Unique Way to Give Back During the Holidays

As we approach the holiday season, picking the perfect gifts for loved ones is at the top of many people’s minds. TrueNorth is launching its Inspiring Hope Giving Catalog to provide caring gifts to everyone in our community. 

The Inspiring Hope Giving Catalog features representative items from TrueNorth’s program areas to purchase in honor of someone. Individuals can choose gifts in honor of friends and family and will receive a card to personalize and give to loved ones. You can also make a monthly gift through the catalog. These gifts will support all TrueNorth and its programs.

When you choose a gift from this catalog, you are making two caring gifts at once – one to your loved one and the other to those whose lives you’re impacting. You can nurture positive relationships, eliminate isolation over coffee, provide safety and security for the most vulnerable, distribute meals to the hungry and so much more.

To create an even greater impact, make a gift on Giving Tuesday, November 28, through the Inspiring Hope Giving Catalog. Our goal is to raise $10,000 by Giving Tuesday to help our neighbors in need.

Access the Giving Catalog here.

Karen Builds Community

One Connection at a Time

“We get lonely,” says Community Connections participant Karen Cross. “When you’re by yourself, even though you have big families, they’re very very busy with other things in their lives. You can feel very lonely if you don’t have anybody around.”

After Karen’s husband passed away, Karen struggled with loneliness and social isolation, but because of newfound relationships and purpose through her time at TrueNorth Community Services, Karen’s overall well-being has improved.

Karen first became involved at TrueNorth by donating to its Hunger Prevention Programs. It wasn’t until later she started coming to Joker’s Wild, TrueNorth’s card playing group.

Karen continues to come to Joker’s Wild, and has also participated in the Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon and Coffee Connections. She has even invited others from her apartment complex to come to TrueNorth programs. Karen has a heart for service and connecting with others, wanting to reach out to those in the same way others have previously done for her.

Because her apartment complex does not have a gathering place, Karen and a few of her friends there have been working to get more residents involved with TrueNorth programs, particularly Coffee Connections. Karen has opened up her home to bring people together, letting TrueNorth staff use her lawn and garage for Coffee Connections to create their own gathering place.

Karen says, “I’m grateful TrueNorth has made it possible for us to include new people in our little community who we haven’t been able to reach.” Karen continues to be a light in her community as she reaches out to those who feel alone-creating lasting connections that have strengthened both her and her neighbors.

 

Homeless Awareness Month

Joe’s Path to a Secure and Healthy Future

“If it hadn’t been for [my caseworker] I wouldn’t be here. I’d still be on the street, point blank, I’d still be homeless,” says TrueNorth Community Services’ housing participant Joe.

November is Homeless Awareness Month – putting a spotlight on what it means for people who are homeless and how the community can help. Homelessness takes a number of different forms. From sleeping on city benches to living in tents in national forests, many of our neighbors like Joe need a hand up.

For Joe, having the support and guidance of TrueNorth made all the difference in his journey. Joe had lost his home and spent time in and out of the hospital and rehabilitation facilities for health reasons. He became connected to TrueNorth after he was found living in his storage unit with nowhere else to go.

Having step-by-step guidance from TrueNorth was critical to Joe getting housed, especially with his health conditions. Joe is legally blind and has mobility issues, needing a walker to get around safely. His caseworker helped with all of his housing applications and anything else needed. Fourteen applications later, Joe had applied for housing in as many places as he could to find his new home.

With TrueNorth’s help, Joe was able to stay in a motel for an extended period due to his vulnerable situation while he waited to hear about an apartment. Joe’s caseworker provided him with resources for long-term shelter, but Joe chose not to use them. Joe was able to pay for another three weeks in the motel on his own when he hadn’t heard back from any apartment complex. 

Unfortunately, after weeks in the motel, Joe still did not have a place to go. The motel manager helped Joe bring his belongings to his storage unit. From there, Joe went back to the hospital due to poor health. Homelessness continued to take its toll on Joe.

He was discharged that night and walked to his estranged sister’s apartment but could only stay there one night. The next night, Joe was found in the park by a kid from a local church. Thankfully, the church paid for Joe to live in a campground nearby for a month.

Joe’s caseworker continued to check in with him at the campground, making sure they were doing everything possible to get Joe safely housed. “No matter where I landed, even when I was in the streets, she found a way,” says Joe about working with his caseworker. “She came out to the campground, letting me know what was going on.”

Joe did not have anyone else in his life to help him or offer any kind of support and encouragement. But, TrueNorth made sure he didn’t feel alone. Besides working to get him housed, Joe’s caseworker spent hours in conversation with him, encouraging him not to give up. 

After months of waiting, Joe finally found housing in a local apartment that was accessible and in a safe area, giving him an added sense of security.

Besides guiding Joe through his entire housing process, TrueNorth connected him to other resources so he could live self-sufficiently. Joe now is set up to have people help clean his apartment, with his medications and read his mail to him. He also was connected with a place to get furniture for his apartment. With these resources, Joe is on his way to a healthier, more sustainable life.

Joe says, “I’m just looking forward to being able to live like a human being once more.” 

Many members of our community face similar challenges as Joe. To meet our neighbors’ needs, TrueNorth works personally with each individual–meeting them where they are and guiding them to a safer, brighter future.

TrueNorth’s top priority is to first find housing, reducing the physical and emotional effects of homelessness, and then develop a long-term plan to end homelessness for each person experiencing it.

You can get involved at TrueNorth Community Services to help our neighbors. With the weather turning colder, many people who are homeless will be living in unsafe conditions. Whether you donate, volunteer, advocate or help in any way you can, you can be confident you are offering a hand up to our neighbors in need. 

Click here to get involved and keep everyone in our community healthy and secure this month and beyond.