Program Updates

Financial Wellness

Over the past few months our Financial Wellness Specialist, Rachel, has been working with *Andrew (name and photo changed for privacy), who is very determined to build his savings so he can save for a new car and afford a new apartment. Together, Andrew and Rachel outlined a budget, and learned that he had much more room to save than he thought! They established a goal of saving $2,000, and in December alone he was able to save $600!

Financial goals look different for everyone. It’s our Financial Wellness team’s job to meet people where they’re at, form a plan, then equip and empower our guests with the skills and tools they need to meet their unique goals.

Community Kitchen

Our Community Kitchen is a space where connections are made and doors to more resources and support are opened. Cassidy, one of our Kitchen team members, reflected on where she sees the most impact: 

“[I see] Volunteers building trust together, laughing and sharing their warmth with others. I see communities that would not normally occupy the same environment breaking bread together at the same table…see people really listening to each other, enjoying [one another] and building friendships and understanding. Heidi makes all of her meals with vegetarian and [Gluten Free] options, so we can accommodate a range of needs. I think that this sends an impactful message to guests: "You are welcome here". Often guests come back for a second or third serving because "That was the best ____ I've ever had!"....When a group of near strangers sing Happy Birthday, when we take the time to really listen, when we share jokes and notice and remember things about each other, that is where I see/feel the most impact.” 

Outreach

Last month, Avery* (name and photo changed for privacy) contacted our team through social media. She explained that she was eager to get a new job, but kept hitting barriers - Avery was unhoused, and didn’t have an up-to-date ID (a critical item needed to secure employment). Because she didn’t have a home, she didn’t have a mailing address to use when renewing her ID card.  

Our Outreach Team was hosting a Mobile Secretary of State the next day at our Refresh program. The Mobile SOS brings critical services, typically offered at the brick and mortar Secretary of State, to locations that make it possible for neighbors with transportation barriers to access the support they need. After connecting with the Outreach team, Avery secured a mailing address through the church (a service offered by our partners at First United Methodist Church!), visited the Mobile SOS, and renewed her ID! Now, Avery can begin the process of finding a job and moving towards greater stability.

Food Club

Recently a Food Club volunteer, Deb, ran into a friend - a regular guest here at Food Club who always takes time to chat. He was excited to share with her that he would be volunteering at Action House as part of a group through his job! The next day, Deb ran into another member who’s been connected to us since we operated our food pantry on 14th street. He enthusiastically told Deb that he was planning to sign up to volunteer at Food Club!

Deb told our team, “I love it when guests become volunteers and vice versa. Food Club is a community of caring neighbors and people!” At Food Club, members find nourishment in the form of healthy food and a friendly smile - we’re proud to provide space where our neighbors can find the fresh food AND community of support that they need to thrive, where they know they belong!

Save-The-Date

Honoring Black History Month with Women of Color Give

February is Black History Month - a time to recognize the stories and achievements of our Black neighbors. As we’ve done the last several years, we’re honoring the month by highlighting a key partner on the forefront of addressing inequality in our community. This year, we’re proud to partner with Women of Color Give!

For the month of February, 10% of our net Resale Store profit will support their work. Learn more about their efforts at wocgive.org, and shop with us Monday-Saturday, 10am-6pm!

Program Spotlight

Lakeshore Food Rescue

Last year, we dramatically expanded our Lakeshore Food Rescue (LFR) program! Through an expanded team, a growing fleet of vehicles, and enhanced technology to mobilize volunteers, LFR rescued over 2 million pounds of food this year - a 67% increase from 2022! In 2023, we:

• Partnered with 41 brand new food donors; 

• Added 15 new nonprofit food recipient partners in Ottawa County who now have more healthy food to share with guests in need in their own communities of service; and

• Shared over 335,000 pounds of rescued food with these partners across Ottawa county (this weight excludes the Community Action House Food Club). 

• Utilized the phone application Food Rescue Hero to mobilize 41 volunteer drivers to rescue local food using their own vehicles.

We’re so grateful for the network of support that makes it possible for our community to end food waste and fight hunger. To read our full One Year report, click here, or visit our website to learn more about the program at lakeshorefoodrescue.org

In Case You Missed It!

Action House on WHTC's Talk of the Town

Scott Rumpsa, Executive Director of Community Action House, discussed addressing needs during wintry weather conditions, a look back at 2023, and a look ahead to 2024.

Empowered: Holland BPW launches new program

The EmPOWER program supports neighbors in need of utilities assistance, in partnership with Community Action House.

Vote in the 2024 Holland Community's Choice Awards!

We are honored to have been nominated for Best Non-profit/Charity for the Holland Community Choice Awards! Visit the link below to vote!

Churches, nonprofits work together to create warming centers during winter storms

The first snowstorm of 2024 showed the essential role nonprofits and churches play in mobilizing to address the heightened needs of their community, particularly among the homeless population.

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