September eNews
Dear friends,
September is Hunger Action Month.
At Action House, we believe that nourishing our neighbors takes more than a meal, and we’re on a mission to ensure that all of our neighbors have the nourishing food and resources they need to build a stronger, healthier future. We know, and research shows, that health is built by more than biology - it's shaped by our access to healthy food, the safety of our homes, the stability of our jobs, the quality of our education, and the support of our community. Each of these factors impact our well-being and the opportunities we have to live a full and healthy life.
Hunger doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Families who struggle to access the food they need often face other challenges, and a setback in one area creates a ripple effect across systems: education, childcare, employment, housing, healthcare, food, finances, and transportation. Complex problems require holistic solutions - that’s why we combine healthy food access, resource navigation, financial empowerment, and street outreach to build a community where all of our neighbors have what they need to thrive, and no one faces challenges alone.
When someone comes to us—whether for groceries, housing support, or a hot meal at the Community Kitchen—we see it as an opportunity to offer more than just immediate help. We meet guests in the pivotal moment between a challenge and a crisis to find solutions that lead to lasting change.
In Ottawa County, over 32,000 neighbors struggle to access the nourishment they need. Our impact is only possible because thousands of our neighbors say “yes” to powering our services. As more and more families turn to us for support, we need neighbors like you to Act with Action House!
Join us in action this month by:
So many of you are already so pivotal in this work - thank you, for volunteering, donating, supporting, and showing up for our neighbors in so many ways.
Gratefully,
Scott Rumpsa | Chief Executive Officer
Program Updates
Financial Wellness
Recently, Food Club member, Amy*, reached out to our Financial Wellness team for support. With thousands of dollars in debt, Amy was unsure of how to move forward to pay it off.
Amy began working closely with one of our Financial Wellness Specialists, Bill, and together they were able to negotiate with the banks and settle Amy’s debt, saving her 48%!
Reflecting on her experience, Amy expressed “I’m so thankful for your team’s help. It has made such a difference in my life!” 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.
*Name and photo changed for privacy
Food Club
Last month our Healthy@Home program partnered with our friends from Corewell Health to host a Make & Take Popsicle Workshop! In this workshop, families came together to make their own flavors of homemade popsicles using fresh, healthy ingredients.
Kids also had the opportunity to become “Sugar Detectives” for the afternoon– learning how to spot and avoid added sugars and fun ways to eat more of the good stuff.
One guest shared “it’s so important to go to Healthy@Home classes with my kids because I get to see the joy on their faces when they learn that healthy eating can be tasty too!” We love to see families equipping the next generation with the tools and knowledge needed to enjoy healthy (but tasty!) treats!
Interested in attending a Healthy@Home class? Visit communityactionhouse.org/events
Outreach
New to the area, Henry* reached out to our team when he found himself without a safe place to call home. With no birth certificate, no social security card, no ID, and physical disabilities that limited his work opportunities, Henry faced a difficult journey.
Working together, step-by-step, Henry and our team navigated the complex web of resources that could help him find safe, stable housing. After acquiring his birth certificate from out of state, Henry was able to obtain a Michigan driver’s license and find a stable source of income. With these key pieces in place, and with the help of our partners at a local transitional housing agency, Henry was able to move into safe, stable housing! Henry shared that he was so grateful to be able to connect with our team and that these resources helped him feel empowered to continue pursuing stability.
*Name and photo changed for privacy
Community Kitchen
Over the past few months, our team at the Community Kitchen has felt so encouraged - several guests have reached out to Chef Heidi, asking how they can become more involved at the Kitchen. Guests offer to help prepare meals, wash dishes, clean up after service, and more. One neighbor noted “It feels good to contribute and really be part of something.” We love seeing guests jump in to continue building a stronger community for all of our neighbors!
At the Community Kitchen, many of our guests struggle with unsafe or unstable housing, food insecurity, and financial instability. When our neighbors visit the Community Kitchen, they find healthy meals, a place to rest, and so much more. Shared meals are one of the oldest and truest forms of love and connection, and as guests gather and eat together, they get to know each other and build a community of support.
Save the Date!
September 10 is Hunger Action Day!
Nourishing our neighbors takes more than a meal, and we're challenging the community to think about hunger differently. Learn how you can take action with Action House at communityactionhouse.org/actwithactionhouse!
September is Hispanic Heritage Month!
Throughout each year, our Resale Store partners with nonprofit organizations at the forefront of DEI work in our community. This month, we’re glad to partner our friends at Latin Americans United for Progress in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month!
Join us from September 15th-October 15th, and 10% of store profits will support LAUP’s efforts to empower Latinos to participate in creating a better community for all. Learn more about their efforts at laup.org.
At Action House, we're proud to serve and celebrate all of our neighbors. We strive to build a culture, within our organization and our broader community, where all of our neighbors experience a profound sense of belonging. Our vision of a stronger, healthier community is one that supports, celebrates, and equally values all of its members.
In Case You Missed It
Hunger Action Month: Nourishing our neighbors takes more than a meal
Health is built by more than biology. Learn more about the factors that help us build a full, healthy life!
How 'Fresh Fridges' are expanding access to nutritious foods
Our Lakeshore Food Rescue team recently added two more locations to our Fresh Fridges initiative! Fresh Fridges bring fresh food options to our neighbors who need it most.
WHTC's Talk of the Town
Senior Manager of Lakeshore Food Rescue, Krista Burgett, shared on WHTC about the opportunities community members have to host food and winter gear drives to help build a stronger, healthier community.
MiSustainableHolland: Hope College Students Collaborate with Lakeshore Food Rescue
Learn about Hope College students who are helping turn excess food into food access with Action House's Lakeshore Food Rescue initiative.
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