Program Updates

Financial Wellness

Our team often gets to celebrate alongside guests - when neighbors stay in their homes, experience financial growth and stability, and unlock new possibilities for their families. Other times, our team wades with guests through moments of crisis, sadness, and loss, providing support and partnership on a new way forward.

One guest, Lisa (name and photo changed for privacy) recently came to us facing foreclosure. With few options left, our team is preparing to work with her through a possible transition of homes. In the middle of this challenge, she shared with our team “I just want you to know that you are really good at what you do.”

Every day, our team is encouraged by the determination, courage, and resilience of neighbors like Lisa. We celebrate wins, work together in crisis, and continually seek to fill gaps - finding solutions and providing support to ensure that none of our neighbors face challenges alone.

Food Club

This winter, we partnered with Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital to host a "Fit & Healthy Families in the kitchen" series. This program gets kids and parents in the kitchen together, preparing and trying healthy foods. Each class featured a nutrition topic, explored in fun and interactive ways!

Heidi Lynema, Corewell Health’s dietitian, said her favorite part of the class was seeing the kids take pride in the meals they prepared and trying new things! “At the beginning of class, several kids said they weren’t going to try the food we were preparing and by the end they were eating a second helping saying 'yum!'"

Community Kitchen

In honor of National Volunteer Week this month, we reached out to our volunteers to learn why they choose to serve with Community Action House. Longtime Community Kitchen volunteer, Gretchen, has been with us for eight years!

Gretchen shared that she’s “loved getting to know the patrons and the other volunteers, as well as the host of cooks and CAH staff that have come and gone during my time at the Kitchen.” From scheduling other volunteers, to serving meals, to prepping in the kitchen, Gretchen has helped in a variety of roles. She told us that the Community Kitchen has provided an outlet to serve with the gifts and abilities she has to share, and after she suffered a stroke 38 years ago, staying active and involved has helped her regain strength and stamina.

We’re so grateful for Gretchen, and for the multitude of volunteers who choose to build a stronger, healthier community with their time and talents!

Outreach

During our hours at the Herrick District Library, an Outreach guest, Josh (name and photo changed for privacy) stopped by to say hello to our team. He had been unhoused, utilizing our Refresh program and working with our team to find housing.

Josh was overjoyed to tell our team that he was working two jobs, found a roommate, and was no longer living outdoors! He was proud and excited, and asked for the rest of our team to call him so that he could personally share his success and celebrate with them.

In Case You Missed It

CAH News and Updates

An Affordable Housing Proposal Mar. 22

Scott Rumpsa of Community Action House and Chris Bennett of Dwelling Place talked about a proposed affordable housing development during a Mar. 22, 2023 appearance. Listen in to learn more about the project's goals, progress, and other hurdles they'll face as they work to bring affordable housing to Holland.

Holland approves plan to sell land for affordable housing project

Holland City Council approved a plan to sell surplus property to two local nonprofit organizations. The proposal allows Dwelling Place and Community Action House to purchase the city-owned property at 345 Kollen Park Drive.

CEO Update - 3 Big Announcements! - Community Action House

Scott Rumpsa, CEO, shares three exciting updates and initiatives at Community Action House - Growing Food Club's Capacity, Taking Lakeshore Food Rescue County Wide, and Partnering with Dwelling Place on Affordable Housing.

Celebrating National Volunteer Week, April 17-22! - Community Action House

April 17-22nd is National Volunteer Week! Our work would not be possible without the thousands of donated hours from our amazing volunteer team. We're so grateful for the hundreds of volunteers who donate their time and talents.

Interested in learning more about our Affordable Housing Project with Dwelling Place?

Attend a community engagement session at Herrick District Library on April 14, 12pm-1:30pm or 4pm-5:30pm

Dwelling Place of Grand Rapids, a nonprofit community development corporation, has been working with Action House on a potential new affordable housing development. In the coming months, Dwelling Place will engage with community members, seeking input and feedback. We invite you to join! Learn more.

Dutch Village Opening Day Community Day Food Drive

Saturday, April 22 from 10am-3pm

Visit Dutch Village on their Opening Day, and bring a non-perishable item for a food drive benefitting Community Action House! All food drive participants will receive a free admission pass! Learn more.