Blog

January is National Mentoring Month–putting a spotlight on the importance of mentoring relationships. Youth need positive influences in their lives to succeed, and mentoring is a major part of their development.

Check out the rest of the article to learn more about National Mentoring Month, the importance and benefits of mentoring, youth mentoring stories and how you can get involved to ensure youth thrive.

What is National Mentoring Month?

National Mentoring Month aims to raise awareness of the importance of mentoring, recruit mentors and promote mentoring as a whole through celebrating meaningful mentor relationships. According to MENTOR, National Mentoring Month began in 2002 when “MENTOR and the Harvard T.H. School of Public Health created National Mentoring Month to amplify, encourage and strengthen mentorship for young people.” This movement puts a spotlight on mentoring, ultimately showing individuals and communities how one relationship can change a child’s life.

From holding awareness events to recruiting mentors and raising funds for mentoring programs, there are a number of ways to get involved and make a difference. Keep reading to learn more about the importance and benefits of mentoring and how you can support youth this January and beyond.

Importance of Youth Mentorships

Positive influences and role models are crucial for youth development and well-being. Unfortunately, there are many children and teens in need of mentorship. According to MENTOR’s study, “Who Mentored You?,” by Micheal Garringer and Chelsea Benning, about 1.8 mil­lion young adults ages 18 to 24 nationwide ​“not only didn’t have a men­tor but couldn’t nom­i­nate any­one that they felt was a mean­ing­ful per­son” in their lives. The study also found that youth living in poverty or rural areas were less likely to have mentors than those in higher income households and urban communities. This disparity of mentorship access shows the great need for mentors in low-income and rural communities.

Whether youth engage in mentoring through community programs or connect with a mentor informally, the most important part is having someone there providing support and guidance. Having a positive relationship with mentors helps provide youth with a sense of belonging and security. There are a number of benefits mentoring brings as seen below.

Benefits of Youth Mentorships

Youth with mentors experience life-long benefits from the relationship. Many mentors and mentees even stay connected as children grow into adulthood, continuing to influence and guide them as they navigate life changes.

According to youth.gov, youth who experience a mentoring relationship have:

• “Increased high school graduation rates
• Lower high school dropout rates
• Healthier relationships and lifestyle choices
• Better attitudes about school
• Higher college enrollment rates and higher educational aspirations
• Enhanced self-esteem and self-confidence
• Improved behavior, both at home and at school
• Stronger relationships with parents, teachers and peers
• Improved interpersonal skills”

All of these benefits set youth up for better quality of life through education, mental health well-being and social well-being. Mentors also can help provide new experiences youth otherwise may not have access to. This not only helps mentors and mentees bond, but it also helps youth grow outside their comfort zone and find new interests.

Mentors also experience benefits from their mentorships. Being able to see the world from a child’s perspective helps mentors gain a new perspective for the little things in life. Mentors also experience increased self-esteem and a sense of accomplishment as youth.gov explains. Knowing they are impacting someone else’s life provides a new sense of purpose, motivating mentors to continue to give their time to support their mentees.

Support Mentoring and Make a Difference

You can positively impact a child’s life. Whether you become a mentor, advocate for youth in need or donate to mentoring programs, you can help ensure all youth have access to vital mentoring programs.

January is National Mentoring Month, which is the perfect time to get involved. Learn more about the opportunities at TrueNorth Community Services to make a difference in your community this month and beyond.

TrueNorth’s Opportunities

At TrueNorth Community Services, we offer three mentoring initiatives in our TrueMentors program. Each program offers unique experiences for children who can participate in any or all of the programming opportunities listed below.

TrueBlue Academy

TrueBlue Academy is a partnership between TrueNorth Community Services, local school districts and police departments. This small group mentoring program provides learning and growth opportunities for students in Newaygo and White Cloud Public Schools.

TrueMentors’ Community Mentoring

For TrueMentors’ Community Mentoring, Newaygo County youth are matched with volunteer mentors in a one-on-one mentoring relationship. Matches are based on similar interests, geographic location and similar goals.

TrueMentors’ Parks in Focus

Parks in Focus is an outdoor-based group mentoring program run through TrueMentors with support from the Udall Foundation. Youth go on a variety of outdoor outings while they connect with nature through photography.

Seeing the impact mentoring programs like TrueMentors has on youth illustrates the importance of mentoring. You can impact lives for a lifetime when you become a mentor. From community mentoring to TrueBlue Academy and Parks in Focus, there are a number of opportunities for you to help area youth flourish. Get involved today to make a difference in the lives of youth just like Aiden, Kyrin and Danny.

With the New Year approaching, many people start thinking about their New Year’s resolutions. These can range from forming healthier habits to bucket list items. Volunteering is another great New Year’s resolution that will not only benefit you but will also impact your community.

Read below to learn more about the importance and benefits of volunteerism and what opportunities there are to get involved.

Importance of Volunteerism

Volunteering is one of the best hands on ways to make a difference in your community. Unfortunately, there are many individuals who struggle to put food on the table, find safe housing, keep warm and make ends meet. Giving your time through volunteerism can give the hand up our neighbors need to improve their lives for brighter futures.

Benefits of Volunteerism

Volunteering provides numerous benefits to the volunteer and their community. From finding purpose and improving personal health to helping community members in need, there are lots of reasons to add volunteering to your New Year’s resolutions list.

Benefits to the Volunteer

Volunteering provides physical, mental and social health benefits. These benefits are not contingent on the type of volunteering, so you can receive these benefits in whichever area you are passionate about.

Physical Health Benefits

Many volunteer activities encourage physical activity. Even just walking more throughout the day when you volunteer can have positive effects on your health. One of the greatest health impacts, however, comes from the social connections made by volunteering. Carnegie Mellon University discusses how quality social interactions can promote healthy aging, improve cardiovascular health and help reduce risks for negative health outcomes in their article, “Volunteering Reduces Risk of Hypertension In Older Adults, Carnegie Mellon Research Shows.” The act of volunteering with the addition of social connections helps those who volunteer improve their health and overall well-being.

Mental and Social Health Benefits

Volunteering also helps improve individuals’ mental and social health. Community Memorial Healthcare’s article, “Volunteering Is Good for Your Health,” explains how volunteering can help reduce chronic stress by being a positive outlet for daily stressors and worries while also reinforcing a sense of purpose. Plus, the added social interactions with other volunteers and workers aids in reducing loneliness and depression while increasing positive thinking, as Community Memorial Healthcare explains. Having a sense of purpose and community is crucial to individuals’ well-being, especially for older adults. Volunteering provides that sense of purpose many need and crave–ultimately improving individuals’ physical, mental and social well-being.

Benefits to the Community

Volunteering provides a number of benefits to the community as well. Of course, all of the positive health benefits discussed above will benefit individuals’ communities as their own well-being improves. Volunteering also impacts community members in need as they give individuals a hand up through their service. Volunteers are foundational to charities and nonprofits–helping more people receive resources and guidance through their generosity.

According to AmeriCorps’ survey, Volunteering and Civic Life in America Research Summary, “An estimated 23.2 percent of Americans or 60.7 million people formally volunteered with organizations between September 2020 and 2021. In total, these volunteers served an estimated 4.1 billion hours with an economic value of $122.9 billion.” This data only shows a glimpse of the impact volunteers have on their community as the greatest effects are seen in each life impacted by their service.

TrueNorth Community Services is greatly supported by volunteers. Check out the impact sheet below to see how volunteers are making a difference in their community.

Volunteer and Make an Impact this New Year

“I just highly encourage it [volunteering]. It’s just, to me, it’s a life-changing experience to be able to give back and help other people,” says Randy. You can make an impact on your community just like Randy when you choose to volunteer. Not only will you transform the lives of your neighbors in need, but you will also improve your own well-being in the process.

Take a look at TrueNorth’s volunteer opportunities below to see how you can help your neighbors and community.

TrueNorth’s Volunteer Opportunities

At TrueNorth, we have opportunities for all skill-sets and interests so you can find the best fit for you. Helping others can be as simple as being a smiling face in the Food Center, being a mentor to local youth, painting bowls, sorting toys or connecting with those who are isolated.

We have opportunities for Agency Support, Camp Newaygo, Community Connections, Hunger Prevention, Mentoring, Special Programs & Events among many others. See below to learn more about our Call & Connect program where you can make a difference in the lives of those experiencing social isolation.

Volunteer Opportunity Spotlight: Call & Connect

Are you looking to make a positive impact in your community? The Call & Connect program is seeking compassionate volunteers to pair with older adults in Newaygo County who could benefit from extra social interaction. By offering a friendly phone call, you can help reduce feelings of isolation and provide valuable companionship to seniors in need. Use TrueNorth issued mobile phones to connect with participants on a weekly basis.

Your time and kindness will brighten someone’s day. If you’re ready to make a meaningful connection, sign up to volunteer today!

For more information or to get involved with Call & Connect or any of TrueNorth’s other volunteer opportunities, please contact Charlie Forbes, TrueNorth’s Volunteer Hub Coordinator, at (231) 924-0641, ext. 112 or cforbes@truenorthservices.org.

While this year is coming to a close, there is still time to make an impact! The end of the year is one of the greatest seasons of generosity. Individuals feeling the holiday spirit give generously, helping nonprofits meet their year end goals. Making donations before the new year can also be helpful to those donating as they may receive tax benefits and of course, know that they are helping their neighbors in need.

Read further to learn more about the significance of year end giving, the different avenues you can give through and how you can help your community thrive through donating.

What is the Significance of Year End Giving?

For many nonprofit organizations, the end of the year will raise the most funds out of any other part of the year. According to Nonprofits Source, around 30% of annual giving happens in December with approximately 10% of annual giving taking place on the last three days of the year. Looking at these statistics illustrates why there is such an emphasis on fundraising and giving as the new year approaches.

But, why does this happen? This trend is not nonprofit-led, but is actually driven by donors. While there isn’t any one reason why donors give, there are a few common reasons you can see during the holidays.

One of the greatest motivators is the holiday season itself. Generosity drives many individuals because they are already purchasing gifts for friends and family and also want to make an impact on those in need.

Another reason more donors tend to give around this time of year is because they have a better understanding of their finances. There are a number of variables that can happen throughout the year, so people may have more flexible funds than earlier on if they were anticipating larger expenses. Plus, as tax season approaches, charitable giving can provide donors with benefits as well.

Avenues to Give

There are a number of avenues to donate to nonprofits and charities. Below are a few examples for year end donations.

Traditional Giving Avenues

Cash and in-kind donations can be seen as traditional giving avenues. When people think about donating, they think about writing a check, making a gift online or donating needed items to a nonprofit. These are straightforward and effective ways to give and make a difference in your community.

Appreciated Stock

Appreciated stock donations are a little more complex than the traditional giving avenues listed above, but these donations can have a great impact on the recipient and the donor. These benefits include: a larger donation to the organization, potential tax savings and potentially avoiding capital gains tax.

According to Brian Beers’ article, “Can I Donate Stock to Charity?,” at Investopedia, if an individual’s stock has gained value since purchasing, they can donate the security to a qualified charity and avoid paying capital gains tax. These tax savings could then be used to make a greater gift to the organization.

You should also consider the differences between publicly traded shares and private company stock. Beers explains that for “publicly traded shares, the fair market value is the average of the high and low price on the transfer date. For private company stock, which is not traded publicly, donations with an estimated value below $5,000 do not require an appraisal.” If a donor wants to give publicly traded shares to a nonprofit, they will need to fill out the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Form 8283.

If you are considering donating appreciated stock to a nonprofit, your first step should be to connect with the organization to see if they can accept it. Many nonprofits have the capabilities to accept a donation of appreciated stock, but it is best to ensure they have the ability first.

The nonprofit may have their own form for you to submit your information with to receive the donation. If you are transferring the stock between your personal account and the organization’s, you will need to work with your brokerage firm and the recipient, as Beers states in his article.

Donate through Traditional IRA

Another way to donate and receive tax benefits is by giving through your traditional IRA. This only is possible for those who are over 70 ½ and are needing to start thinking about their required minimum distributions (RMDs). Scott Tucker discusses how making a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) can benefit your selected charity and provide tax benefits in his article, “When RMDs Loom Large, QCDs Offer a Gratifying Tax Break,” at Kiplinger. He goes on to explain how “once you turn 70 1⁄2, the QCD rule allows you to instruct your IRA administrator to direct transfer up to $100,000 annually to one or more eligible 501(c)(3) charities.” Since the money is going directly to a qualifying charity, that income will not be taxed.

Check out Kiplinger’s article, “Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs): Key Points for Retirement and Tax Planning,” to learn more about RMDs and how they affect your taxes and impact the ways you donate.

Help Your Community Thrive through Year End Giving

You can make an impact before the new year to help your community thrive. There are a number of avenues in which you can give. For more information on different ways to give, take a look at TrueNorth’s gift planning site.

If you have specific questions regarding your particular situation, it’s always best to reach out to a financial professional.

Generate Generosity to Change Lives

Join caring supporters like yourself when you make a gift this year. TrueNorth’s Generate Generosity campaign provides opportunities for community members to give back and transform lives. Our goal is to engage 100 donors by the end of 2024, and we need your support!

“As this year comes to a close, we celebrate all of the good work we were able to accomplish with the support of donors and volunteers. But we also recognize that there is more work to be done, says Mark Kraus, TrueNorth’s Community Liaison and Development Director. “Our kids need role models and hope, our older adults need connection and purpose and our families need guidance and encouragement. We hope you join us in our Generate Generosity campaign and help us reach our goal.”

When you choose to generate generosity, you are committing to guiding our neighbors on their paths to resilience. Your support will build and sustain vibrant communities where all our neighbors have the support necessary to live and thrive. Generate generosity today and ensure the well-being of our community.

Giving Tuesday is a global movement of gratitude. Communities across the globe participate in this movement through a variety of ways, but one thing remains constant–the need to help and inspire others through empathy and generosity.

While Giving Tuesday is commonly known as being one day of generosity, the movement’s goal is to ignite positive change through daily acts of service. Continue reading to learn more about the history and impact of Giving Tuesday, read stories of generosity and see how you can get involved.

History of Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 at the 92nd Street Y and its Belfer Center for Innovation & Social Impact in New York City, as stated on Giving Tuesday’s website. Stemming from the simple concept of setting apart a day of doing good, the movement and organization has experienced tremendous growth over the years. Today, Giving Tuesday is an “independent nonprofit and a global movement that inspires hundreds of millions of people to give, collaborate and celebrate generosity,” according to their website.

This global day of generosity spans worldwide with people and organizations participating in every country. From starting as a simple idea to give back to engaging people across the globe, Giving Tuesday continues to multiply its impact.

Impact of Giving Tuesday

Seeing the significant growth of the Giving Tuesday movement illustrates the collective impact it has had on people in need and those offering a hand up. Having a well-known movement to take part in allows causes of any kind to gain new supporters and make an even greater impact in their communities.

The holidays are especially seen as a time to be thankful and give back. Generosity goes hand in hand with the season as we gather together to help our neighbors and communities thrive. By putting a spotlight on the impact even small acts of service can have in our communities furthers the message that any person can make a positive difference in another’s life. Read below to see a few examples of how offering a hand up can change someone’s life for the better.

Stories of Generosity

Generosity impacts real people’s lives. One of the greatest parts of this global movement of generosity is showing that even simple acts of kindness can transform lives. See the stories below and learn how you can make a similar impact on our neighbors.

Jackie’s Story

Jaxon’s Story

Cindy’s Story

These stories are a snapshot of the impact supporters have on their community. Help people like Jackie, Jaxon and Cindy by engaging with TrueNorth this Giving Tuesday and beyond.

Generate Generosity this Giving Tuesday and Beyond

TrueNorth’s Generate Generosity campaign works in tandem with Giving Tuesday’s movement as it provides opportunities for community members to give back through money or time. This campaign launches on Giving Tuesday to inspire hope and resilience in our community through the act of giving back. Our goal is to engage 100 donors and 300 volunteers by the end of 2024, and we need your help!

“This campaign aims to bring people together on a global day of giving in support of our local community. We are excited to launch Generate Generosity on this Giving Tuesday and continue our efforts throughout the rest of the year,” says TrueNorth’s Community Liaison and Development Director, Mark Kraus.

Helping others can be as simple as being a smiling face, offering kind words, restocking the Food Center, painting bowls or sorting toys. We have opportunities for all skill-sets and interests so you can find the best fit for you. When you choose to generate generosity, you are committing to guiding our neighbors on their paths to self-sufficiency. Your kindness has a ripple effect as many who receive help give back to others in similar situations, ensuring they too can thrive.

Financial hardship and poverty affect every aspect of a person’s life and is often most deeply felt during the holiday season, particularly by children and their families. Social pressures of what the holidays should look like, along with comparisons to others who do not have the same struggles, leads to stress and uncertainty for families.

Thankfully, there are programs that work to inspire hope in children and families during the holiday season. Programs such as TrueNorth’s Children’s Christmas Programs in partnership with Toys for Tots, ensure children will be able to celebrate the holidays with their families without added financial stress.

Continue reading to learn more about the difficulties of financial hardship during the holidays, what programs are available to help and how you can help spark joy in the hearts of children.

Realities of People Experiencing Financial Hardship and Poverty During the Holidays

Households experiencing financial hardship face more stress during the holidays. Many families struggle as they try to get by while doing what they can to celebrate the holidays with their children.

State of Financial Hardship and Poverty in Michigan

Families experiencing poverty and financial hardship often have to make impossible choices, such as deciding between putting food on the table or repairing their car to get to work. These constant trade-offs create ongoing stress and uncertainty, placing an enormous burden on their households.

There is also a high percentage of Michigan households that struggle to make ends meet but often are not eligible to receive assistance. This population, often referred to as ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), is defined by United for ALICE and the Michigan Association of United Ways in their report, ALICE in the Crosscurrents: 2024 Update, as households that “earn above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) but cannot afford the basic cost of living in their county.” The report highlights that while the percentage of households experiencing poverty between 2021 and 2022 remained consistent with previous years, “the number of ALICE households increased by 88,904 (to 28% of all households). In 2022, of the 4,056,442 households in Michigan, 1,671,196 — 41% — were below the ALICE Threshold,” according to the findings.

This means that a significant percentage of Michigan households struggle to afford the cost of living and require support to improve their circumstances. The chart below, sourced from Kids Count and funded by the Annie E. Casey Foundation, highlights the number of households living in poverty or classified as ALICE in Michigan.

Households in Poverty or Who Are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) in Michigan

In Michigan, a significant percentage of households face financial hardship. TrueNorth’s Children’s Christmas Program serves children either residing or going to school in Newaygo County. The chart below presents similar data, narrowed to focus solely on Newaygo County rather than the entire state. This information comes from Kids Count and the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

Households in Poverty or Who Are Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed (ALICE) in Newaygo

Both Newaygo County and the state of Michigan have experienced an increase in households living in poverty or classified as ALICE. However, Newaygo County has a higher percentage than the state average.

Seeing the state of financial hardship in Michigan and Newaygo County shows the need for programs like TrueNorth’s Children’s Christmas Programs and Toys for Tots. These initiatives ensure that families struggling financially can celebrate the holidays with their children without added stress and worry.

Impact on Children and Families

Many see the Christmas season as a time of joy. But for families experiencing financial hardship, the holidays are often overshadowed by stress and uncertainty.

The holiday season brings numerous social pressures. Whether it be through what is advertised as the “perfect” Christmas or children at school hearing about their peers’ holiday plans, there is an unofficial standard many hold themselves too. These expectations create an unofficial standard many feel pressured to meet. For parents, this idealized image can heighten anxiety as they strive to make the season enjoyable for their children. Meanwhile, children, who may not fully understand their families’ financial challenges, often feel the weight of the stress affecting their household.

These pressures are why programs that help families celebrate the holidays are so important. Children not only experience joy in receiving gifts but, more importantly, feel the peace and stability that comes from being together as a family. For parents, alleviating the financial stress of holiday celebrations allows them to focus on being present.

Available Christmas Programs

Many Michigan communities have programs available to help children and their families celebrate the holiday season. One of the most well-known programs is the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation. By giving children in need new toys, Toys for Tots works to inspire hope and resilience in children and their families.

TrueNorth’s Children’s Christmas Programs partner with the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation. Read below to learn more about TrueNorth’s programs and how they serve the Newaygo County community.

TrueNorth’s Children’s Christmas Programs

How You Can Brighten Lives this Christmas and Beyond

You can lighten the hearts of children who often do not have enough to eat, warm clothes to wear or a safe place to call home. Being able to enjoy Christmas with their family without stress and worry is one of the greatest gifts you can give.

“Our Children’s Christmas programs bring hope and joy to thousands of area kids and is a great way for people to make sure that every child in our community feels valued and supported,” says Mike Voyt, TrueNorth’s Hunger Prevention and Children’s Services Director.

Let our children know they live in a community that cares by donating or volunteering today. You can make a real difference in the lives of area youth this season and beyond.