Program Updates
Financial Wellness
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Last month, we shared Alex’s story - facing foreclosure, Alex (name changed for privacy) was in crisis and would soon lose his home. Alex and Ana, one of our Financial Wellness Counselors, worked together to understand his options, contact his bank, and apply for mortgage assistance through MIHAF.
Alex has been anxiously waiting to hear back on his application. When he received an email from MIHAF last week, Alex did a happy dance - his application was approved, and he will be able to stay in his home!
Our team is celebrating alongside him, and will continue to provide support, encouragement, and connection. Over the next year, Ana will reach out to Alex to make sure he's ok, to see if there are other resources he needs, and to let him know that he has a community of support that is here and ready to help, for the long haul.
Food Club
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Our team recently visited a local organization to speak about Food Club. One attendee, Alice (name changed for privacy) shared that she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes that morning. Hearing about the fresh food available, and the different cooking classes offered, Alice felt hopeful that a Food Club membership could help her manage her new diagnosis.
Alice signed up for a membership then shopped with Jenn, our Healthy Eating Coordinator, to find foods that fit her new diet. During her first visit, she shouted across the room, “Jenn, I’m so excited!” She told Jenn that at Food Club, she could find fresh, healthy items she wouldn’t be able to afford at the grocery store.
Since joining three months ago, Alice has attended every cooking class she could, learning different recipes and techniques. Earlier this month, Alice visited her doctor, and her blood work showed that she was no longer diabetic! Alice said this was only possible because of the skills she learned from cooking classes, and the healthy foods she was able to find at Food Club.
Outreach
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“It's been said it takes a village to raise a child. It can also be said that it takes an entire crew of people to help build a person. But not just any crew. Let me tell you about the crew of people who have helped guide me, mentor me, and have built me up to the person I am today.” - Jeff, Outreach Guest
Jeff met our team when he was released from prison. With no birth certificate, no social security card, and no ID, Jeff faced a difficult journey. Working together, Jeff and the Team procured the documents he needed, and as of last month, helped Jeff move into housing!
Jeff is an enthusiastic advocate for our Outreach program, writing: “To my crew, I cannot put into words how much you all mean to me. I couldn’t have made it as far as I have without you and your help...From the bottom of my very soul, thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Our Outreach Team is on track to house 60+ neighbors this year, compared to 44 neighbors in 2021. The need is great, and many in our community are struggling. Our team is working to provide the expertise and support our neighbors need to move from crisis to stability, and from despair to hope.
Community Kitchen
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Anne (name changed for privacy) recently began visiting the Community Kitchen. New to the area, Anne had lost an unhealthy amount of weight, and was told by her doctor that she needed to eat more (healthy) food. Anne told our Team that she loves coming to the Community Kitchen - the good, hot meals help her get the calories she needs.
Last week, the Community Kitchen served Grilled Basil Chicken Pasta with Broccoli, Mediterranean-Style Smoked Beef and Sweet Potato Bowls, and Chickpea Salad with Zucchini and Squash - just a few of the options prepared for guests. Our team is proud to provide hot, healthy meals that taste really, really good, and that open the door for connection to other resources.
Save the Date!
Family Volunteer Days!
Families with children 10+ years old are invited to serve with us on August 8! Volunteers will help sort food donations to be stocked in Food Club! Learn more and see available dates here.
Triple your Impact with Meijer Simply Give
Triple your impact through the Meijer Simply Give Campaign! Donate by August 13 for your donation to be double matched by our partners at Meijer, providing up to $15,000 of direct food support. Learn more and donate here.
Stop by during the National Night Out!
Get to know our police officers and other local organizations on August 2, from 5:30-8:30pm at Kollen Park! Learn more about the event here.
In Case You Missed It
CAH News and Updates
From the Team: An Update from Program Director Olivia Campbell
"Our neighbors are struggling, but they don't have to face challenges alone." Read more.
CAH connects Neighbors to Affordable Internet through ACP
Community Action House team connects Food Club members to internet access.
Hear our team on WHTC!
Learn more about our Food Rescue efforts and partnerships with local farmers from our team on Talk of the Town!
