Program Updates

Food Club
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For our guests, it’s more meaningful than ever that Food Club is stocked with fresh, healthy food - items that would be otherwise out-of-reach as the cost of essentials continues to rise. A community member recently shared just how impactful Food Club was for his friend, a Cuban refugee who arrived in Holland a few months ago with his wife. He wrote that:

“He was simply amazed at what you have going on at Food Club. In Cuba he had become accustomed to going to grocery stores [where] there are so many empty shelves and the food that is there is totally unaffordable. So the idea that Food Club makes good food so affordable, and then that the shelves are full of good things was almost overwhelming to him---in a happy way overwhelming. It was a really powerful experience for me to take him shopping at Food Club.”

Since opening in October 2021, over 1,800 families have registered for Food Club memberships. As inflation continues, we know that more of our neighbors will turn to us for help.

Financial Wellness
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Alex (name changed for privacy) came to us in crisis - his home was being foreclosed on in a week, and he didn’t know what to do. Working together, Ana helped Alex understand resources available, then as a team, they contacted his bank, reached out to a lawyer, and applied for mortgage assistance.

The sale of Alex’s home has been postponed twice, and he’s anxiously waiting to hear back on his application for mortgage assistance through MIHAF.

Through this, and every other step of the journey, Ana walks alongside Alex to provide support, reassurance, and hope, while acting as a critical expert and partner to Alex as he navigates a difficult and complicated process.

“It feels good to be in this stage of the process - you can see that the end is in sight, and that he’s nearing resolution. Alex told me, ‘although I could have made the calls on my own, I value your expertise and being there with me. You have truly been a Godsend.’” - Ana, Financial Wellness Counselor

Outreach
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Recently, our team ran into Roger (name changed for privacy) a guest we had lost contact with. He was excited to see them, knowing that they could help him find essential items like blankets, food, and water. It was the end of the day, and our team was out of supplies, but promised to come back. 

Roger said that it meant the world that they just took time to talk with him, and ask how he was doing - when most people won’t look him in the eyes.

The next day, our team was able to give him the items he needed. Roger reached out to share how grateful he was for our team’s support, and more than anything, for their commitment to helping people as they go through impossible circumstances.

Community Kitchen
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One of our Community Kitchen guests, George (name changed for privacy) is a regular customer at a local store, and knows the staff and managers there well. George talked about the work happening at the Community Kitchen, and shared about some specific supplies our team needed. Soon, the store employees began collecting snacks, utensils, cleaning supplies, and other odds and ends.

A few weeks ago, George and a friend arrived at the Kitchen with two 30 gallon totes full of donated supplies - items that our team needs for service every day, and fun treats to share with guests to take home. 

Our team was so grateful for the way this small group stepped up, and was proud to see that the Community Kitchen is a place that guests are excited to visit and support.

Save the Date!

• NEW: Family Volunteer Days!
  Families with children 10+ years old are invited to serve with us on July 11! Volunteers will help sort food donations to be stocked in Food Club! Learn more and see available dates here.

• Join us at the Holland Farmers Market!
  We'll be leading a children's activity on July 27 from 10am-11:30! You can also stop by on Wednesdays to participate in the Ottawa Food Produce Donation Program.

In Case You Missed It

CAH News and Updates

"Donations of adaptive equipment increase accessibility."
We're proud to be part of a growing movement to increase access for our neighbors with disabilities.

Children's Activities are back at the Holland Farmers Market!
The Holland Farmers Market will begin hosting children's activities after a two year break. Join us on July 27, or view the full schedule here.

CAH connects Neighbors to Affordable Internet through ACP
Community Action House team connects Food Club members to internet access through the Affordable Connectivity Program.

Action House raises $1,139!
This month, we recognized Juneteenth by dedicating 50% of sales on June 18, to I Am Academy, a nonprofit focused on dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline.