Program Updates
Financial Wellness
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This past March, Carrie* reached out to our team for support after losing her home through foreclosure in 2023. Financial Wellness Specialist, Bill, began working with Carrie - and discovered that Carrie was entitled to a significant amount of money from the sale of her home, which she had never received. Bill and Carrie worked together to navigate the complex legal process required to recapture these funds - and after months of work, Carrie was able to reclaim thousands of dollars that she was rightfully owed!
This unexpected recovery provided Carrie with a crucial financial lifeline, offering her much-needed stability and a chance to rebuild. Bill and Carrie will continue to work together as she plans her next steps, ensuring she feels equipped and confident about the futureo have a hearing, and prove she was the rightful owner to the proceeds. After the hearing the guest received a check for $61,973! We are glad that Carrie was able to receive her money, and Bill will continue to work with Carrie until she feels well equipped.
*Name and photo changed for privacy
Outreach
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Shoutout to our friends at Electric Forest! Last month, our Outreach Team received over 75 items after their annual festival. Their team organized a Camp Gear Donation program - minimizing waste left over after their event, and providing items like tents, sleeping bags, and coolers to our Outreach Program! Other household items collected will support our programs through the Resale Store. If you're interested in supporting our team by providing similar items, visit our Amazon wishlist!
Their creativity and generosity means that our team can provide critical resources to neighbors experiencing homelessness while we work with them to achieve long term stability. Working in partnership with our Resource Navigators, our Outreach team finds those experiencing homelessness, assesses their unique needs, and begins executing a strategy to find them a home. As that process gets underway, individuals are invited to participate in resource navigation as well as access the Food Club & Opportunity Hub, Community Kitchen, and the Resale Store.
Community Kitchen
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At the Community Kitchen, many of our guests struggle with unsafe or unstable housing, food insecurity, and financial instability. When neighbors visit the Community Kitchen, they find healthy meals, a place to rest, and a space to build community. In addition to the meals served onsite, we’re glad to offer to-go meals. After guests gather and eat together, many take to-go food with them - easing their worries about where their next meal might come from. It’s a small comfort that makes a big difference, and a reminder that they’re not alone.
The generosity of Hope College’s Creative Dining team is a big reason we're able to offer to-go meals! By redirecting food to the Community Kitchen, their team avoids food waste and gets hot, healthy meals to neighbors who need them. We love this win-win for our community and the environment!
Food Club
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Our Healthy@Home program equips participants with the knowledge, tools, and confidence they need to build a healthy, balanced diet! Alongside other community members, Healthy@Home participants build skills, friendship, and connection. Anyone from the community is welcome to join!
In partnership with MSU Extension, one recent class taught members about the benefits of whole grains and ways to make your favorite comfort meal (Mac & cheese!) healthier. We’re grateful for partners and community members who work together to build healthier lifestyles!
Program Highlight!
It’s not every day that we see a donor under the age of 10! Last month, 6 year old Andrew visited our Resale Store. He had recently celebrated his birthday, and instead of presents, he asked for donations of food and personal care items to stock-the-shelves at Food Club! Andrew's visit was such a bright spot in our team's day.
Andrew reminded us that no matter what age, we can all take steps (big and small!) to show up for our neighbors. We're a community that leads with compassion, and we're grateful for families who are building a stronger, healthier future.
Feeling inspired by Andrew? Learn more about how you can host a drive or collect items to support families in our community!
In Case You Missed It!
MiSustainable Article: Holland Farmers Market Collaboration! - Community Action House
Our friends from the Holland Sentinel recently wrote an article about the Holland Farmers Market, and how the market offers fresh, local food and so much more. Read more below!
Community Action House Update July 10
Director of Food Access Programs, Chara Bouma-Prediger, joined WHTC last month, and talked about our different Food Access programs at Action House!
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