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Sue’s Story

Getting Connected Through ENGAGE!

Sue Kommer moved back to Newaygo County after an extended time away. As she put it; she had always been involved in whatever community she lived in, often volunteering with various Veterans organizations. As a former combat medic with the Army, it is a cause close to her heart. “I always tried to stay engaged,” she stated.  

She moved back to Michigan to care for an aging parent, and after their passing, found herself in an empty house, alone. The idea of social isolation became very real to her.  “Especially moving (back) here to Fremont, where I was not part of a community. When I worked, I was always engaged with other people, but just sitting at home is a perfect way to social isolation…” Sue said.

She read about ENGAGE! and did a self-referral to the program. Sue shared with the ENGAGE! link worker about her past experiences volunteering and how she wanted to get involved giving back.

Due to some physical restrictions, Sue can only spend limited time on her feet. Recognizing this, she volunteers with the Call & Connect program, where she calls and checks on home-bound older adults. She also started attending various Community Connections activities, including Friday volunteering and occasionally helping out at TrueNorth’s front desk.  

Sue sums up her experience nicely, “I don’t need people to take me under their wing and make my life better… I just need to be able to give back and meet individuals who are in the same situation. The opportunities here, through ENGAGE! are awesome.”

If you are interested in learning more about ENGAGE! click the button below or call (231) 924-0641.






Support Local Youth

Bowlapalooza 2026

Strikes, spares and strong community connections are at the heart of Bowlapalooza, the annual bowling fundraiser benefiting TrueMentors, TrueNorth’s youth mentoring program. Each year, Bowlapalooza invites community members to come together for a fun night out while supporting meaningful connections for local kids.

This year’s Bowlapalooza takes place at Fremont Lanes on April 16th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm, and April 17th from 5:30 – 7:30 pm or 8:00 – 10:00 pm. The event serves as a celebration of supporters’ annual fundraising efforts, bringing together families, friends and change-makers who believe in the power of mentorship.

Funds raised through Bowlapalooza support TrueMentors’ youth mentoring initiatives, including community-based mentoring, school-based mentoring and outdoor-based mentoring. These programs connect children in Newaygo County with caring adult role models who provide guidance, encouragement and positive experiences that help youth grow into confident, caring individuals.

“Many kids in our communities need supportive role models,” said Chadwick Walenga, TrueMentors Coordinator. “When our community comes together for Bowlapalooza, it not only helps ensure more youth receive the guidance they need, but it also shows them they are surrounded by people who care.”

Community members are encouraged to form teams and raise pledges to support the program. Individuals who raise $40 or more will receive two games of bowling with shoe rental, a Bowlapalooza t-shirt and a door prize entry on their designated bowling night. The top adult fundraiser (age 18 and older) will receive the event’s grand prize.

To learn more, register or start fundraising, visit truenorthservices.org/event/bowl.






Social Prescribing

Social Isolation is the objective lack of social contacts and relationships. If that’s the problem, Social Prescribing is definitely one of the solutions. Pioneered in the UK, Social Prescribing addresses the root causes of poor health, such as loneliness, debt, or isolation. It does so by focusing on social and emotional needs, rather than just medical symptoms. 

Continue reading more about the health risks associated with social isolation, the history of Social Prescribing and how TrueNorth’s ENGAGE! program is using it to help older adults in Newaygo County build new social networks.  

The UK Model

According to (National Health Services) NHS England, Social Prescribing is a key component of the UK’s Universal Personalised Care. It is an approach that connects people to activities, groups and services in their community to meet the practical, social and emotional needs that affect their health and wellbeing.  

Early concepts of Social Prescribing in the UK date back to the 1920’s with the Peckham Experiment. It became more widely recognized in the mid-2000s. Social Prescribing was adopted as a national NHS strategy through their Long Term Plan, beginning in 2019. 

It gained a foothold in the US shortly thereafter with pilot programs like CultureRx in Massachusetts (starting 2019) and the establishment of Social Prescribing USA (SPUSA) in 2022. 

Social Isolation in the U.S.

An overview from the CDC shows us about 1 in 3 adults report feeling lonely, and 1 in 4 report not having social and emotional support.

According to the CDC, individuals most at risk for experiencing social isolation are those with limited or no access to resources. Reasons include living in rural areas, having limited transportation or language barriers. Additional high-risk factors include facing the loss of a loved one, a divorce, unemployment, or having a mental or physical challenge like a chronic disease or condition, or long-term disability.   

Some people groups are more at-risk than others, including older adults, low-income adults, and adults living alone.

The related health risks are substantial, and include increased risks of heart disease and stroke, type 2 diabetes, depression and anxiety, dementia, suicidality and self-harm, and earlier death. 

In one particularly alarming statement from 2023’s “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation” released by the CDC, US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy noted;

“The mortality impact of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day.”    

Social Isolation in Michigan

Key Findings on Social Isolation in Michigan (from MichiganMedicine.org):

  • Prevalence: In 2024, 29% of older Michigan adults (50-80) reported feeling isolated, and 33% reported feeling lonely some or all of the time.
  • Friendship Gaps: While 88% of Michiganders 50+ have at least one close friend, 24% reported not having enough close friends.
  • Mental/Physical Health Link: Nearly 50% of older adults with fair or poor mental health reported lacking enough close friends, and more than 7 in 10 reported feelings of loneliness.

Vulnerable Populations: Individuals living below 150% of the poverty line, those with physical disabilities, and those in rural areas face higher risks.

Local Issues and Solutions

Newaygo County is 100% rural, with the entire northern half covered by the Manistee National Forest. It spans over 860 square miles and includes five small towns along with several smaller townships. 

While a beautiful place to live, it also brings real challenges. Extreme weather which drives up heat and energy costs, long distances along dirt roads and a shortage of housing. Additionally, the recent closure of the Hi-Lites Shoppers Guide, which was the primary source of local information for many. 

All of these things and more, combine to make Social Isolation a real threat to our aging population. Many of our older adults are in high-risk categories. These include being low-income, living alone, and having unreliable internet availability and cell phone reception. These, combined with limited or no access to resources and having limited transportation are a perfect recipe for isolation. 

Also, by comparison; neighboring Kent County offers over 200 resources for aging adults, with Newaygo County, only having a few.

The Missing Piece

TrueNorth started their Community Connections program a few years ago. The goal is to offer activities and opportunities for older Newaygo County adults facing social isolation to get connected. It was quickly realized a key component was missing. A connector between those experiencing social isolation and the programs and services available to them, was needed. 

A grant from the Enterprise Foundation offered TrueNorth the finances to be able to start the ENGAGE! Program. This funding, part of their Thome Aging Well Program allowed TrueNorth to hire Link Workers. Their job is to seek out and connect older isolated adults in Newaygo County to programming and social opportunities. These may happen at TrueNorth, or a variety of other local organizations as well.  

How Social Prescribing Actually Works

While the UK model is top-down, with a government-funded healthcare system doing the “prescribing”, it looks and operates a little differently here in the U.S.. 

TrueNorth’s Link Workers work not only with local healthcare providers, but also with frontline workers. These include hairdressers, social workers, pharmacists and anyone else who works with or encounters isolated older adults. 

There are no doctors writing prescriptions for “social interaction” for their patients. Rather, there is a network of concerned citizens referring people to ENGAGE! Link Workers.

Since Social Prescribing is still relatively new to the U.S., healthcare professionals are just now starting to understand the benefits of a holistic approach to their patients’ well-being. Accordingly, they are slowly embracing and utilizing programs like ENGAGE! 

Speaking of ENGAGE!…

The first thing TrueNorth staff ask individuals when they come in is; 

“What matters to you?”, as opposed to“What’s wrong with you?” 

It all starts with a friendly conversation, often over a cup of coffee. Basically, we find out what they want to do, how they can expand their social circle and how Link Workers can come alongside them on that path.

ENGAGE! is that connector piece between isolated older adults and the myriad of opportunities to get involved, meet people and expand their social circles in Newaygo County. This can happen at programming offered through TrueNorth’s Community Connections, in addition to any number of other local organizations, like the Commission on Aging, One Township at a Time, or Wellspring Adult Day Services, just to name a few.    

A Real-Life Story

One woman in particular, who was referred to ENGAGE! by her daughter, had recently lost her husband. As a result, she was withdrawn and isolated without a lot of real-world skills needed to navigate the world. 

A TrueNorth’s Link Worker started working with her to find out what she was interested in. After learning of her lack of knowledge of simple things, like how to put gas in her own car, staff came alongside her and offered education. Initially, she was only comfortable going to one gas station… the one she knew, which really limited how far she was comfortably willing to travel for any reason, much less for social events.  

Today, she attends programming at TrueNorth three or four days a week and has a whole new set of friends and social connections.

How to Get Involved

There are any number of ways to connect, depending on how you want to get involved. For example, If you know an older adult in Newaygo County who is suffering from social isolation, you can contact TrueNorth. An ENGAGE! Link Worker will make the initial contact with that adult and start the process. Additionally, you may refer a relative, a neighbor, a client or a patient. Not only that, but you may even do a self-referral.   

There are also a number of ways to get involved as a volunteer, helping isolated older adults in Newaygo County find new purpose and build new social connections. A socially connected population is a healthy one – physically, emotionally and mentally.  

Visit www.truenorthservices.org/engage or call (231) 924-0641 and ask to speak with an ENGAGE! staff member. 

Building Belonging

Belonging Through Volunteerism

Belonging is built through shared experiences, hospitality and showing up for one another. At TrueNorth, placemaking means more than physical spaces. It’s about creating environments where people feel seen, valued and connected.

Doug Bonner knows firsthand the power of service to create belonging. For him, volunteering isn’t just about giving time, it’s about shaping spaces where people feel at home. “It takes time to get to know the people,” Doug shares. “We’re getting feedback on their stories. We’re building relationships that make this place feel like ours.”

Doug also emphasizes the importance of seeing and understanding the needs in our community. “We are not aware of the needs because we are not exposed to them,” he says. “We go about our daily life, go back to our little half-acre or whatever it is, and have blinders on. You don’t see the people in need because they’re not on the street. It’s not until you come here, to TrueNorth, that you start to see and get exposed to the need… and then you start to understand how many people in our community are affected. Part of belonging is being exposed to the need, and then you can’t put the genie back in the bottle.”

Food, Doug explains, is a common language that grounds us, reinforces our humanity and opens the door to connection. “The sharing of food is a basic act we need to do with our neighbors,” he says. Whether greeting families at our Mobile Food Pantry or helping in the Food Center, Doug shows how every smile, conversation and helping hand turns shared spaces into communities where everyone belongs.

This spring, we’re strengthening that sense of belonging by inviting families and youth to serve together during our extended Thursday evening hours. Being open from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm makes it easier for busy community members to connect, serve and build relationships across generations.

But the impact doesn’t stop there! There are countless ways to make a difference in our community. From helping during a Mobile Food Pantry, to supporting special events and programs, every act of service turns our shared spaces into communities where everyone belongs.

We appreciate all of our volunteers, and National Volunteer Week, April 19 – 25, is a special time to specifically thank our volunteers for all the hard work they do for TrueNorth. We encourage you to try volunteering too! Reach out to our Volunteer Coordinator at (231) 924-0641, ext. 112 or volunteer@truenorthservices.org.






Establishing Camp Newaygo

Local Support Key

Before it was a gathering place for thousands each year, Camp Newaygo began as something much simpler; a promise. A promise rooted in Newaygo County, shaped by local relationships and realized through community support, starting in 1926.

That year, William J. Branstrom, a respected Newaygo County philanthropist, sold property on Pickerel Lake to the Grand Rapids YWCA for one dollar. The transaction reflected a shared understanding. The land would be thoughtfully stewarded and used to serve young people for generations as Camp Newaygo.

Branstrom was well known throughout Fremont and the surrounding area for his commitment to community spaces and civic life. His generosity supported Branstrom Park, the Fremont Arboretum and the Hesperia Library, honoring his mother, Amelia S. Branstrom. The gift of property to become Camp Newaygo fit naturally within that legacy as it was an investment in people, place and long-term community well-being.

The YWCA selected the Pickerel Lake site with intention. Access to clean water, wooded land and a setting that encouraged focus and connection made it well suited for a resident camp experience. At a time when
opportunities for girls outside the home were limited, Camp Newaygo was designed to provide structure, leadership development and independence through outdoor living. The natural environment was central to that purpose, shaping programs that emphasized cooperation, responsibility and growth.

From the beginning, Camp Newaygo was woven into local life in Newaygo County. Nancy Reber Johnson recalled how her father and William Branstrom would walk home together from their law offices on Main Street in Fremont, their lengthy conversations often delaying lunch. Nancy and her sister, Marge Salata, were among the first campers to attend Camp Newaygo, reflecting the close ties between the Camp and local families.

Camp Newaygo opened under the operation of the Grand Rapids YWCA, welcoming girls from Newaygo County and beyond. The original cabin structures were built to support shared living and time outdoors. All nine of those original cabins remain standing today and are fully in use by current campers and programs, providing a direct, living connection between Camp’s earliest seasons and its modern operation.

The acquisition of Camp Newaygo’s land in 1926 established a clear purpose that has guided the Camp for a century. One hundred years later, now a program of TrueNorth Community Services, that foundation
continues to support a thriving, community centered organization



Giving Today, Change Tomorrow

Every community has moments reminding us who we are at our best. Moments when neighbors step forward for neighbors, when generosity becomes more than a gesture and when hope is strengthened through a collective action. For West Michigan, TrueNorth Community Services’ Day of Giving is one of those moments. 

The TrueNorth Day of Giving is a 24-hour opportunity for individuals, families and supporters to come together around a shared purpose: ensuring that everyone in our region has access to stability, dignity and support. It is not only a fundraiser, it is also a reminder that showing up for one another creates a lasting change. 

TrueNorth’s work reaches deep into the heart of Michigan communities, providing essential services that help people weather difficult seasons and build stronger futures. The Day of Giving is a celebration of that mission, and an invitation for all of us to be part of something bigger than ourselves.

Continue reading to learn more about why TrueNorth’s Day of Giving matters, how it supports neighbors in need and the lasting impact one day of generosity can have on our entire community.

The Mission Behind the Moment

TrueNorth Community Services has long served as a pillar of support for individuals and families facing some of life’s most challenging circumstances. Their mission is rooted in the belief that communities thrive when people have what they need to live safely and fully.

Through programs that address hunger, housing insecurity, youth development and community connection, TrueNorth helps meet immediate needs while also building pathways toward long-term stability. Their work recognizes that hardship is rarely isolated. When someone is struggling with food access, they may also be facing unstable housing, unemployment, or a lack of supportive relationships.

The Day of Giving supports this mission directly. During this focused day of generosity, community members rally around a shared goal, helping TrueNorth continue offering services that change lives every day of the year.

Why Giving Days Matter

Giving days have become powerful tools for nonprofit organizations across the country. Unlike traditional fundraising, which may happen quietly throughout the year, a giving day creates a shared experience. It draws attention, builds momentum and encourages people to act together.

A single donation may feel small, but when hundreds of people give at once, the collective impact becomes extraordinary. These moments remind us that community support is not abstract. It is tangible. It becomes groceries on a table, a safe home, a warm coat, or a resource connection that prevents crisis.

TrueNorth’s Day of Giving reflects this truth: concentrated generosity can strengthen an entire region, ensuring that support systems remain available when neighbors need them most.

Addressing Hunger With Compassion and Action

One of TrueNorth’s most essential areas of work is hunger prevention. Food insecurity remains a serious issue not only nationally, but also in Michigan communities where many families struggle to afford consistent, nutritious meals.

According to data by the USDA Economic Research Service, millions of Americans live in food-insecure households each year, including families with children. Food insecurity affects health, learning and overall well-being, creating ripple effects that can last for years.

TrueNorth responds to this need through food pantries, meal support and hunger-prevention services that ensure families do not have to face impossible choices between groceries and other basic expenses.

For many households, support from organizations like TrueNorth is not simply helpful. It is essential. The Day of Giving helps keep these services available, allowing families to access nutritious food while they work toward stability.

Housing Stability as a Foundation for Hope

Housing is more than a roof overhead. It is the foundation from which people can pursue employment, education, health and stability. Without safe housing, nearly every other part of life becomes harder to sustain.

Research continues to show that housing instability and food insecurity are deeply connected. The Food Research & Action Center explains how families struggling with housing costs are far more likely to experience hunger as well.

Academic research also supports these findings. Studies published through the National Institutes of Health show that housing insecurity compounds other challenges, increasing barriers to health care, employment and long-term well-being.

TrueNorth’s housing support programs help individuals and families find stability, avoid homelessness and move toward self-sufficiency. The Day of Giving helps sustain this life-changing work, ensuring that neighbors have access to safe housing and the resources needed to rebuild. 

Stories That Put Meaning Behind the Mission

Statistics help us understand the scope of community need, but stories help us understand the heart of it.

TrueNorth has shared the experiences of individuals whose lives have been changed through these programs. Participants describe how housing support allowed them to regain independence, attend appointments and feel grounded again. Others share how food assistance became a lifeline during moments when resources were stretched impossibly thin.

These stories remind us that giving is never just about dollars. It is about people. It is about dignity. It is about knowing that in hard moments, someone will care enough to help.

The Day of Giving brings these stories together into a collective effort of compassion, turning community generosity into real outcomes for real neighbors.

The Community Impact of Generosity

TrueNorth’s impact extends beyond meeting basic needs. Their work strengthens the social fabric of communities by creating spaces where people feel supported, connected and valued.

Programs focused on youth mentorship, volunteer engagement and community-building opportunities help ensure that people are not only surviving, but belonging. This kind of connection matters deeply. Social support is one of the strongest predictors of long-term well-being.

When communities invest in one another, they create healthier, safer and more resilient environments. TrueNorth’s approach recognizes that stability is not only material. It is also relational. It grows when neighbors stand together, leaving no one to face hardship alone.

Giving Helps the Giver, Too

The Day of Giving is also a reminder that generosity changes everyone involved.

Research has shown that giving and volunteering can improve mental and emotional well-being. The National Institutes of Health has published findings connecting prosocial behavior with greater happiness, reduced stress and increased life satisfaction.

An article by the Grand Rapids Community Foundation also discusses the surprising ways generosity benefits personal well-being, reinforcing that giving is not only an act of support but also an act of shared humanity.

When people participate in TrueNorth’s Day of Giving, they are part of a cycle of care that uplifts both individuals and communities. Giving creates meaning, strengthens connection and reminds us that we all have something valuable to contribute.

One Day Can Spark Lasting Change

The beauty of the Day of Giving is that it reminds us what is possible when people come together.

One day of generosity helps fund programs that operate all year long. One donation helps a family stay fed. One act of support helps someone remain housed. One community effort helps build a region where fewer people fall through the cracks.

TrueNorth’s Day of Giving is not only about meeting a fundraising goal. It is about meeting human needs with compassion and care. It is about choosing hope, even in difficult seasons.

It is proof that collective generosity can spark lasting change far beyond a single day.

Join the Movement

TrueNorth’s work continues because people continue to show up. The Day of Giving is a powerful reminder that every person has a role in building stronger communities.

Whether you give financially, volunteer your time, or share the mission with others, your participation matters. Each act of generosity helps create a community where more families are stable, more children are supported and more neighbors feel seen and valued.

To learn more, get involved or support future efforts, visit www.truenorthservices.org/dayofgiving

Because when neighbors come together, we do more than give.

We build a community where everyone can thrive.

Homeless to Home

Troy’s Story

When the wind chill hit 18 below zero, Troy wasn’t sure how he had made it through another winter in the woods.

After losing both of his parents to brain cancer, the family farm was sold and the life he knew disappeared with it. With nowhere else to go, Troy moved onto a few acres he owned, parking a camper there and settling in with his dog and the few belongings he had left. For years, he lived without electricity or running water. Just him and his dog.

“I was living in the woods for quite a while,” Troy said. “Last winter the wind-chill was 18 below zero. I came in and told them, ‘I don’t know how I made it through this year but I did… and I was wondering if I could get some food.’”

Troy receives Social Security Income, but navigating the systems required to move forward felt overwhelming. With TrueNorth support, he began untangling the paperwork and learning how to manage his benefits independently so he could move ahead with confidence.

TrueNorth staff visited him at his camper, helping him complete housing applications and gather the documentation property managers required. He also hadn’t seen a doctor in years, so he got connected to local care, a step that proved critical. His senior dog, his only steady companion through years of isolation, posed a barrier to many housing options. With documentation from his new provider, his dog was approved as an emotional support animal, clearing one more hurdle.

By early December, Troy was approved for housing. And by mid-December 2025, he was inside his own apartment — just in time to avoid the worst of the cold.

Today, he talks about the simple things: turning on a light switch, opening a refrigerator and taking a hot shower.

After years of surviving, Troy is finally home.



Not Just a Utility Bill

emPower Heat & Energy

We recognize when a neighbor reaches out for help with a heat or electric bill, it’s often a sign of a much larger struggle. Whether a sudden job loss, medical crisis or change in family dynamics, these financial hurdles can quickly threaten a household’s entire foundation. TrueNorth’s emPower program team provides more than just a payment; they offer coaching and resource navigation necessary to help families regain their footing.

The emPower team recently supported neighbors whose challenges went far beyond what financial assistance alone could fix. One mother was navigating a difficult separation while raising three children, including a daughter with a disability. Without stable housing or a reliable vehicle, even the most basic daily needs felt overwhelming. 

Another neighbor, a grandmother living on a fixed income, was in the process of legally adopting her grandchildren. As she covered mounting legal fees, she was also trying to keep her vehicle running so the children could get to school and participate in extracurricular activities.

These stories illustrate why emPower focuses on “Complex Care.” By addressing immediate utility needs while providing one-on-one coaching, TrueNorth helps neighbors move from a state of constant survival towards long-term security.

By removing the immediate pressure of a utility shut-off or a fuel shortage, emPower creates the space for families to tackle other barriers to self-sufficiency. Whether it’s helping a father maintain his household after a seasonal layoff or ensuring a guardian has the transportation needed to care for her family, the emPower program is about dignity and security.

One participant recently shared before working with emPower staff, they felt a constant sense of tension and instability. Today, they are housed, their vehicle is insured and they have a clear path forward. Another participant noted, the support they received during their most vulnerable moments didn’t just pay a bill, it provided a path forward when they weren’t sure where to turn. When we support our neighbors through their most vulnerable moments, the entire community grows stronger. 



Day of Giving is Here

Day of Giving

TrueNorth Community Services is proud to invite our community to take part in this year’s Day of Giving, a special opportunity to come together and support neighbors across Newaygo County and beyond. This day is about more than fundraising. It is about showing up for families, older adults and individuals who rely on TrueNorth during some of life’s most challenging moments.

Every day, TrueNorth provides access to healthy food, helps households stay warm and safe, supports youth and older adults and builds connections that strengthen our entire community. These services are only possible because of generous supporters who believe everyone deserves stability, dignity and hope. The Day of Giving helps ensure these vital programs can continue and grow to meet increasing needs.

On February 24, our goal is to raise $10,000 to support food assistance, housing stability programs, utility support and other essential services. Every contribution, no matter the amount, directly impacts someone in our community who needs help today.

We invite you to be part of this meaningful day by making a gift and sharing this opportunity with others who care about building a stronger community. Together, we can make a lasting difference.

Learn more right here!



Hooked on Mentoring

In every community, young people are shaped by both education and the relationships they form. Whether it’s a coach, volunteer or caring adult, mentorship can fundamentally alter life paths. In Newaygo County, the TrueMentors program demonstrates the powerful impact that meaningful, sustained mentorship can have on youth and on entire communities.

Continue reading to learn how TrueMentors builds connections, why mentoring matters and how Dam to Dam supports local youth.

Building Strong Relationships for Youth

Mentors and communities often describe mentorship as one of the simplest yet most powerful forms of support a young person can receive. A mentor does not need to be a teacher, counselor or expert. A mentor is someone willing to show up, listen, encourage and offer guidance through consistent presence.

For many young people, a trusted adult outside their family can be truly life-changing. Mentorship builds stability, confidence and belonging that can shape a child’s future.

TrueMentors, a program of TrueNorth Community Services, is dedicated to creating these supportive relationships for youth in Newaygo County. TrueMentors matches adult volunteers with children ages five through 14 in one-to-one relationships lasting at least a year.

These steady, consistent matches allow trust to develop over time. The goal is connection, encouragement and reliable support during key years of a child’s life.

Meeting kids where they are

The TrueMentors program offers multiple approaches to mentoring that meet children where they are. In addition to traditional one-to-one matches, TrueMentors supports school-based mentoring opportunities and group mentoring experiences.

Programs such as Lions Together, focus on mentoring young boys in kindergarten and first grade, and TrueBlue Academy, provides mentoring during the school day. This shows how mentorship can be woven into environments where children already spend much of their time.

TrueMentors also offers Parks in Focus®, an outdoor-based mentoring experience that encourages youth to connect with nature while building relationships and confidence through exploration and shared learning.

These programs reflect the understanding that mentorship is not one-size-fits-all. It can happen in schools, outdoors or in everyday community spaces, as long as the foundation of trust and consistency remains strong.

The Long-Term Impact of Mentorship

Personal stories, community experiences and decades of research all show the importance of mentoring. Research shows mentoring relationships improve academic, social, emotional and long-term life outcomes.

A recent article from the Afterschool Alliance highlights 30 years of data demonstrating the lasting impact of mentoring relationships, particularly through programs like Big Brothers Big Sisters of America.

Youth with mentors experience higher earnings, greater mobility and increased college attendance. These outcomes show mentorship is a long-term investment benefiting individuals and society.

Mentorship and Youth Wellbeing

Mentors provide encouragement during difficult moments, help youth set goals and offer a model of healthy adult support. Over time, these relationships can influence the way young people view themselves and their potential.

Research from MENTOR: The National Mentoring Partnership emphasizes mentoring supports positive identity development, academic engagement and social connection. Their findings underscore mentorship is most effective when it is consistent, supportive and built on mutual trust.

Mentoring can reduce feelings of isolation, improve emotional wellbeing and foster resilience, especially for youth facing adversity.

Why Programs Like TrueMentors Matter

Despite the proven benefits of mentoring, a major challenge remains because too many young people lack access to these relationships.

National data shows millions of youth grow up without a mentor outside of their immediate family. MENTOR reports approximately 40% of young people reach adulthood without ever having a meaningful mentoring relationship.

This gap is especially significant in rural communities, where resources can be limited and opportunities for structured youth support programs may be fewer. In areas like Newaygo County, programs such as TrueMentors play a crucial role in ensuring young people are not left without guidance, connection and encouragement.

Dam to Dam: A Community Tradition That Supports Mentorship

The broader community strengthens TrueMentors through partnerships, volunteers and fundraising efforts. One of the most well-known and celebrated events supporting TrueMentors is the Dam to Dam Ice Fishing Tournament held at Croton Township Campground.

Dam to Dam is more than a fun winter tradition. It is a community fundraiser with a purpose. Hosted during Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend, when fishing licenses are not required, the event welcomes participants of all ages to come together on the ice for a day of connection, friendly competition and community spirit.

Funds raised through Dam to Dam support youth mentoring across Newaygo County year-round.

Mentoring as a Community Investment

Events like Dam to Dam highlight an important truth about mentorship: it is not only about individual relationships but about collective responsibility.

When communities invest in mentoring, they invest in their future. The benefits extend beyond the mentee and mentor. Strong mentoring programs contribute to healthier schools, safer communities and more resilient future generations.

Mentoring can reduce risky behaviors, improve school attendance and support youth in making positive choices. Over time, these effects ripple outward, strengthening families, workplaces and civic life.

Mentorship is not only about addressing problems but about building potential. It helps children recognize their strengths, explore new interests and envision a future filled with opportunity.

Supporting the Next Generation Through Connection

Mentorship reminds us no young person should have to navigate life alone. Every child deserves to know there is someone in their corner, someone who will listen, encourage and show up.

TrueMentors and Dam to Dam embody this mission by building connections that last far beyond a single season or school year. They represent the belief that when adults invest time and care into the lives of youth, the entire community grows stronger.

Through TrueMentors and Dam to Dam, Newaygo County shows how meaningful connection supports youth.

To learn more about mentoring, visit www.truenorthservices.org/true-mentors.