Program Updates
Financial Wellness
Hank* (name changed for privacy) was connected with our team through another local agency. In transitional housing, Hank was hopeful that our team could help him improve his credit score - one of the first steps towards home ownership. Over the past five months, Hank worked with Financial Wellness counselor, Tabitha, to pay off his bills and save over $3,000! After all of Hank’s hard work and dedication, he was able to raise his credit score from 483 to 659, giving him the financial foundation he needed to purchase a home!
Last year, our Financial Wellness team saw a 63% increase in their number of one-on-one counseling guests like Hank. We’re proud to provide the individualized, highly relational financial empowerment that our neighbors deserve, and we’re lucky to celebrate alongside them as they work towards a brighter future.
Food Club
Recently Vicki, our Resource Specialist, spoke with Jane* (name and photo changed for privacy). Over the last few years, Jane had developed serious health issues and food allergies, requiring her to change her diet. For a long time, Jane struggled to find foods that didn’t make her sick, that she could actually afford. At a regular grocery store, fresh, healthy food is often the most costly.
Jane told Vicki that she was thrilled to find Food Club - through her membership, she gained access to foods that she can eat, that don’t make her sick, and don’t stretch her budget past its breaking point. Jane’s experience is what we’re all about: creating food access that provides more than a meal - improving health, increasing connection, and sparking joy.
Outreach
Last month, our Outreach team hosted our first Mobile Secretary of State Office (Mobile SOS) with our partners at First United Methodist Church! Provided by the Secretary of State of Michigan, the Mobile SOS provides almost all of the services of a brick-and-mortar secretary of state, but with the flexibility to operate out of locations that are more accessible for neighbors experiencing homelessness.
As a host organization, our team helped guests understand services available, sign up for appointments, and complete paperwork required to waive the service fee! Our team was glad to help cover the cost of IDs and licenses for our guests - items that are critical in finding employment, housing, and accessing other essential services. In total, 15+ guests were able to access a range of services, and saved $134 in fees!
Community Kitchen
Last month we received beautiful, fresh brussels sprouts through Lakeshore Food Rescue - a vegetable that’s rare for our team to come by! We served olive burgers with roasted brussels sprouts, and Chef Heidi was unsure how guests would feel about this unconventional meal. To her surprise, over 95% of the guests loved the burger and the brussels sprouts! Many guests stated that this was their favorite vegetable and came back for seconds.
Each day, the Kitchen serves an average of 151 meals. Fresh fruits and vegetables make a huge difference for our guests - from providing new experiences, to increasing healthy eating, to providing a point for joy and connection. Direct donations from community members, and through Lakeshore Food Rescue, make this work possible!
In Case You Missed It
FOX17:Holland nonprofit to use an app for food rescue services
Last month, CEO Scott Rumpsa met with Lauren Edwards of Fox 17: West Michigan, to talk about the expansion of Lakeshore Food Rescue!
WoodTV8: Food rescue program in Holland expands
COO Tracy Bolo met with Susan from WoodTV8 to share about our Lakeshore Food Rescue Initiative! Watch to learn more.
WHTC - Holland's Hunger Awareness Weekend
Tune into WHTC's Talk of the Town where Assistant Director of Food Access, Chara, and Annual Fund Manager, Shanna, share about last month's Hunger Awareness Weekend, and talk about our food access efforts!
Volunteer with Lakeshore Food Rescue!
Are you passionate about addressing food insecurity and minimizing food waste along the Lakeshore? Join our team as a Lakeshore Food Rescue Volunteer! Learn more and sign up for an orientation in June!
Save the Date!
Join us at the After Party - a new, summer fundraiser for Community Action House!
June 15th, 6-10PM, The Ravines Golf Club. Purchase your tickets HERE!
Get ready for the most fun, interactive party of the season (and wear your dancing shoes)! The After Party directly follows our Golf Classic, but is a separate event full of delicious food & drinks, fundraising games, live music, and more! Join us for an evening of celebration, learning about our programs, and supporting our work to build a stronger, healthier community.
A special thanks to Bradford Company, our presenting sponsor!
Interested in learning more about our Affordable Housing Project with Dwelling Place?
Attend a Community Engagement Session!
Tuesday, June 13th from 12pm-1:30pm at Midtown Center, 5:30pm-7pm in the event space
Thursday, June 29th from 12pm-1:30pm in Prince Park at Midtown Center and 5:30pm-7pm at 345 West 14th Street
Dwelling Place of Grand Rapid has been working with Action House on a potential new affordable housing development. Join us on June 13 & 29 to learn more!
Shop with us in honor of Juneteenth!
Join us on Saturday, June 17 from 10am-6pm
On Saturday, June 17, shop at the Community Action House Resale Store to support two local groups working to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community. 50% of proceeds will support I Am Academy, and 50% of proceeds with support Women of Color Give!
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