The new Health & Leadership Lodge at Camp Newaygo was unveiled to the community at its Grand Opening Celebration in late October.

The LEED-certified, two-story, 6,300-square-foot Health & Leadership Lodge, with community, health, and leadership as its focal points, replaces the now-repurposed 85-year-old nurses’ cabin.

“This lodge helps move us to the next level we are striving toward as an agency with health and well-being,” Bev Cassidy, TrueNorth Community Services President and CEO, said.

The lodge’s opening means keeping pace with the ever-changing needs of resident girls and co-ed day campers and the community, said Jane Vitek, Camp Newaygo Executive Director. “This building will allow children with all types of needs to fully participate in the camp experience.”

The Health & Leadership Lodge is the third and final phase of Camp Newaygo’s Building a Healthy Future Capital Campaign for Health, Leadership & the Arts. The campaign also includes the Peggie Stone Center’s expansion and renovation, and the addition of Cassidy Point; property for the camp’s co-ed Day Camp.

The lodge’s addition means the ability to meet more community needs. With its three lodges – including Lang Lodge, and the Peggie Stone Center, Camp Newaygo can more fully accommodate conferences and retreats along with organizational planning sessions, leadership meetings, team-building activities and corporate functions, as well as weddings, family gatherings, and community events and activities.

There have been more than 600 donors to the campaign to date, said Mark Kraus, TrueNorth Community Liaison and Development Director. The donors include Peggie Stone, the Frey Foundation, Wege Foundation, Fremont Area Community Foundation, The Gerber Foundation, Grand Rapids Community Foundation, Kalamazoo Community Foundation and the Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs

Camp Newaygo unveils Health & Leadership Lodge

Cómo contactar TrueNorthSu bienestar es principal interés de TrueNorth, y por eso nos esforzamos por ofrecer programas y servicios que afectan su calidad de vida en general. Los empleados y los voluntarios de TrueNorth a ofrecer soluciones en las áreas del abrigo, hambre, autosuficiencia de la familia, y el desarrollo de la juventud.

Llama (231) 924-0641 para obtener más información con respecto a un programa o un servicio.

Office hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Many programs and services occur after hours, on weekends and off site.

How to Contact TrueNorth The Shout Out Corner!6308 S. Warner Avenue

PO Box 149Fremont, MI 49412

phone: 231.924.0641 fax: 231.924.5594

www.truenorthservices.org

Discover Positive Change Winter 2018

Giving Tuesday was celebrated for the seventh year on Tuesday, November 27.

The global philanthropy effort is simple: Help others through the gift of your time, donations, goods or voice.

Helping others is the foundation of TrueNorth Community Services. Simply put, it is what we have been doing since our 1972 founding and with roots dating to the 1952 start of our Children’s Christmas Programs (CCP).

This shout-out goes to everyone who generously gives their time, talent and/or treasure in supporting us as we help people striving to discover positive change.

Get involved with us as a volunteer, with details on Page 6 in this issue of The Navigator; or online at www.truenorthservices.org/Get-Involved/TrueNorth-Volunteer-Opportunities (http://bit.ly/2GyZpjR)

Your financial donations underwrite everything we do. Get more information on donating monetarily on Page 8 or with the envelope insert in this issue of The Navigator; and on our website at http://www.truenorthservices.org/Donate-Now/Donate/Give-Where-the-Need-is-Greatest (http://bit.ly/2iXgJV1)

Connect with us! facebook.com/TrueNorthCommunityServices twitter.com/truenorth_CS info@truenorthservices.org

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Allie Aller’s hand-crafted, specially-commissioned quilt titled “Memories That Linger: Constant and True” was

unveiled in a special dedication August 24 in Lang Lodge at Camp

Newaygo. The reveal was during Camp Newaygo’s Alumni Paddle or Play

Weekend for Girl’s Resident Camp alums.

More than 60 healthcare and social services professionals focused on

Michigan’s opioid crisis at Michigan Public Health Practice-Based Network’s

2018 Symposium on October 19 in Grand Rapids. TrueNorth Community

Services and Western Michigan University are network co-founders.

More than 400 people attended Camp Newaygo’s Halloweekend

festival October 26 to 28, they enjoyed activities that included

pumpkin painting, scarecrow making, trolley rides, spooky cabin

tours and more.

Fall Review

Camp Newaygo hosted its inaugural Trick or Trot 5K Run/Walk on October 27, with

its Safe Routes to Health AmeriCorps members supporting the benefit.

“A Lot of Broadway, a Little Rag!” was the theme for the Celebration

Concert at TrueNorth on October 28. Cultural Enrichment Programs and

the Newaygo County Piano Teachers Association coordinated the event.

Krop for Kids raised just shy of $1,750 for our TrueMentors mentoring

program and Camp Newaygo, with four dozen attendees at Camp

Newaygo on November 3.

TrueNorth Community Services believes every individual in Newaygo County should have food, heat, safe and affordable housing and other basic necessities.

TrueNorth offers programs and services tailored to fit the needs of area senior adults:

• LifeLink • MedReady • Senior Harvest Baskets• Senior Thanksgiving Luncheon

For more information, visit truenorthservices.org or call 231.924.0641

LifeLink

The LifeLink personal emergency response system is a service for people subject to sudden, life-threatening changes in their medical condition. The program provides an easy-to-use system that allows its subscribers to summon professional, medical help in the event of an emergency.

The LifeLink program also offers the MedReady medication dispensing system, which helps individuals with medication management. For details, contact Charlie Johnson at 231.924.0641, ext. 136, or cjohnson@truenorthservices.org.

TrueNorth’s Housing Crisis and Homeless Prevention Services mean shelter and rental assistance and support for households experiencing or at risk of homelessness:

• Emergency shelter for individuals and families • Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) application assistance• Landlord/tenant advocacy• Pathways to Achieving Self-Sufficiency (PASS) rent assistance and support

for young adults• Permanent housing through project-based vouchers at eight family housing

units• Rental assistance and supportive services for households experiencing

homelessness• Eviction prevention and short-term rental assistance to help low-income

households obtain or maintain rental housingFor more information, visit truenorthservices.org or call 231.924.0641.

TrueNorth Community Services’ food programs include:

• Food pantry• Mobile food truck• Staples food program

For more information, visit www.truenorthservices.org or call 231.924.0641.

Feeding America Mobile Food Pantry, sponsored by Fremont Area Community FoundationWhat: Food distribution for anyone in need of foodWhere: TrueNorth Service Center parking lot, 6308 S. Warner Avenue, Fremont, MI 49412When: Last Wednesday of the month, January 30 and February 27, 10 a.m.Other info: Registration begins at 9 a.m. Please bring a container that will hold up to 50 pounds of food. Wagons or wheeled carts are ideal and recommended. For more information, contact Jennifer Zimmerman 231.924.0641, ext. 151, or jzimmerman@truenorthservices.org.

TrueNorth Community Services’ services for children include: • Children’s car seats• Children’s Christmas Program• Coats for Kids (& Adults)• Tools for School

For more information, visit truenorthservices.org or call 231.924.0641, ext. 119.

Children’s Christmas Programs & Toys for Tots

What: The 67th annual holiday program that makes Christmas dreams come true for children in need by providing warm hats, mittens or gloves, books, art supplies, toys, and games for qualifying low-income Newaygo County householdsWhere: TrueNorth Community Services, 6308 S. Warner Avenue, Fremont, MI 49412When: Distribution is December 10-12, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; and December 13, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.Other info: Applications were distributed to Newaygo County Schools with a December 3 extended application deadline; and donations are being accepted through December 3. For more details, contact Mike Voyt at 231.924.0641, ext. 119, or mvoyt@truenorthservices.org; or visit www.truenorthservices.org/Assistance/Childrens-Services/Childrens-Christmas-Programs

TrueNorth Community Services’ family services include: • Circles Newaygo County • Client advocacy, counseling and referral• Family emergency needs • Life skills and self-sufficiency • Parenting education

For more information, visit truenorthservices.org or call 231.924.0641.

The Center for Nonprofit Housing’s reach expands beyond housing, also providing free one-on-one guidance for anyone wanting to improve their financial wellness.

Programs and services• Emergency home repairs• Foreclosure prevention• Home buyer education and counseling • Senior housing

Counselors from the Center for Nonprofit Housing (CNH) can help with mortgage readiness and provide ongoing coaching and support. CNH works to help homeowners facing a crisis stay in their homes by offering resources to prevent foreclosure and make critical repairs necessary to ensure health and safety.

For more on CNH, visit http://cnhousing.org/; call 231.924.0641, ext. 129; or e-mail cnh@cnhousing.org.

TrueNorth Community Services’ emPower heat and energy assistance program received grants for the 2017-2018 heating season, and continues accepting applications.

The emPower program offers one-time assistance, and also work works with Consumers Energy’s Consumers Affordable Resource for Energy (CARE) and DTE Energy’s Low Income Self-Sufficiency Plan (LSP) affordable payment plans.

Applications are available on emPower’s website: http://tnempower.org/.For more information, visit http://tnempower.org/ or call 231.355.5880

Ridge Specialties is “catering for a cause.” Support our work for children and families while we help you reach the goals for your special event.

For businesses, parties, anniversaries, weddings, graduations and more, Ridge Specialties offers full-service catering prepared by our executive chef, Whitney Saylor, at Camp Newaygo in Newaygo and off-site.

Get options for your special event. For pricing and menus, visit https://campnewaygo.org/ridge-catering/; call 231.652.1184; or email csmalligan@campnewaygo.org.

Community Connection

Center for Nonprofit Housing

emPower Heat and Energy Assistance

Services for Children

Food Programs

Ridge Specialties

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With Seniors in Mind

Housing Crisis and Homeless Prevention Services

Family Services

TrueNorth Youth Development programs ensure that youth thrive. Through youth leadership development, family engagement, enhanced social/educational outcomes, and support of positive developmental assets, we enable our youth to reach their full potential.

In other words, that means empowering youth to:• Grow up (life-shaping character assets)• Reach out (healthy relationships)• Give back (socially-responsible civic involvement)

TrueMentors believes providing kids with a supportive adult role model that provides a safe place, emotional support, and new experiences will empower them to grow into their best selves.

Programs and services• Community-based one-on-one mentoring• TrueBlue Academy: After-school small group mentoring in Newaygo Public Schools• Parks in Focus: A group-based, outdoors education mentoring program

TrueBlue AcademyTrueBlue Academy is a new mentoring program for middle school and high school students at Newaygo Public Schools. TrueBlue Academy will help young people discover who they are, cultivate abilities to shape their own lives, and learn how to engage with and contribute to the world around them. Matches will start in September and meet each week afterschool with other matches for an hour and go through a guided mentoring program. Fill out a mentor application today to start the process of making a difference in a young person’s life. This program is in partnership with the Newaygo Police Department and Newaygo Public Schools.

Volunteer as a TrueMentorWho: Share everyday activities and new adventures with a childWhat: Individuals or couples who enjoy working with childrenWhen: As your schedule allows; meet about eight hours a monthWhy: To provide a child with a role model and emotional support so their self-confidence can flourishHow: Contact Chelsea Clark at 231.924.0641, ext. 109, or cclarktruenorthservices.org; or visit http://www.truenorthservices.org/Youth-Programs/TrueMentors

Krop for KidsWhat: An all-weekend scrapbooking event February 1-3, 2019, to benefit TrueMentors. Registration is $125 for the weekend and $38 for Saturday only. Meals and overnight accommodations are provided. Professional massages, vendors and raffle prizes are available for an additional cost.When: Friday, February 1, 10 a.m. to Sunday, February 3, 5 p.m.Where: Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI 49337How: Register at truenorthservices.org/kropforkids; for more information, contact Chelsea Clark at 231.924.0641, ext. 109, or cclark@truenorthservices.org

Bowlapalooza 2019What: A team bowling event that benefits TrueMentors When: Thursday-Saturday, April 25-27, 2019 Where: The Commons of Fremont, 5885 S .Warner Ave, Fremont, MI 49412Other info: Register at www.truenorthservices.org/News-Forms-Events/Bowlapalooza; for more details, contact Chelsea Clark at 231.924.0641, ext. 109, or cclark@truenorthservices.com

Camp Newaygo is a year-round lodges, conference and retreat center — a genuine destination that is someplace special. Our 93-year-old, 104-acre camp rests on Pickerel Lake, which is snuggled in the Manistee National Forest near Newaygo.

Programs and services

• Girl’s Resident Camp• Co-ed Day Camp • Adventure-based programs• Community events• Family camp programs• G3 — Get outside! Get environmental! Go green!• Private parties• School camp programs• Speak Up! (Eighth grade philanthropy)• Team-building and challenge initiatives• Weddings, conferences, meetings, parties and retreats • Wetlands education• Women’s challenge and adventure programs• Youth leadership development

For more details, visit https://campnewaygo.org/; call 231.652.1184; or email campbiz@campnewaygo.orgWinter and spring programs: Beat the winter blahs and defeat cabin fever with these fun and varied events at Camp Newaygo

Community Events Summer Camp registrations opens December 1!What: Girl’s Resident and Co-ed Day camps’ registration opens for summer 2019 for girls, ages 7 to 17; and boys and girls, first through seventh gradesWhen: December 1Cost: Dates and rates available online; financial assistance available Other info: Register by clicking Register Now at https://campnewaygo.org/programs/

Private holiday partiesWhat: Let Camp Newaygo and Ridge Specialties host your organization, business or family holiday event, with plated and buffet menus as well as a variety of beautifully decorated spaces availableWhere: Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI 49337When: This holiday seasonCost: VariesOther info:: Call 231.652.1184 or email csmalligan@campnewaygo.org for more information and availability

Santa and S’moresWhat: Get your picture taken with Santa, meet his reindeer and create holiday craftsWhere: Lang Lodge, Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI, 49337When: Saturday, December 1, 4 p.m.-8 p.m.Cost: $7 per person; $25 for a family of fourOther info: No advance registration required; get more details at http://campnewaygo.org/events/santa

Gingerbread House Make and TakeWhat: Create memories and a one-of-a-kind gingerbread houseWhere: Lang Lodge, Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI, 49337When: Saturday, December 1, 3 p.m.-5 p.m.Cost: $40 per house with two participants per house; includes admission to Santa and S’moresOther info: Advance registration is required, space is limited and registration closes November 29; register at https://campnewaygo.org/events/gingerbread/

Christmas & CocktailsWhat: A women-only night out of food, fun and musicWhere: Lang Lodge, Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI, 49337When: Friday, December 7, 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m.Cost: $28 per person through December 7Other info: Advance registration required at https://campnewaygo.org/events/cocktails/

Holiday Happy HourWhat: Let Ridge Specialties host your office, organization or family get-together, with dinner, hors d’ouevres, a dessert buffet and a cash bar at this festive holiday celebrationWhere: Lang Lodge, Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI, 49337When: Friday, December 14, 4 p.m.-9 p.m.Cost: $24.95 per person; private spaces available for 20 or moreOther info: Advance registration required at https://campnewaygo.org/events/holiday-happy-hour; or contact Christa at 231.652.1184 or csmalligan@campnewaygo.org

Get Your Sparkle On! — New Year’s Eve at Lang LodgeWhat: Ring in the New Year with phenomenal food, music and a midnight balloon drop; private overnight accommodations available; for adults ages 21 and older Where: Lang Lodge, Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI, 49337When: Monday, December 31, 6:30 p.m.-Tuesday, January 1, 2019, 1 a.m.Cost: $50 per person through December 1; $55 per person after December 1; $275 for a table of sixOther info: Advance registration required at https://campnewaygo.org/events/nye/

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Youth Connection

TrueMentors

Camp Newaygo

Featured Child

Adrianna is a fun-loving 11-year-old who enjoys being outdoors and playing various sports. She is very outgoing and active. Her mother would like Adrianna to have a mentor because in a big, busy household, Adrianna needs more one-on-one time. She needs a mentor who will believe in her and encourage her to succeed.

If you think you might be a good fit for Adrianna or if you are interested in learning more about TrueMentors, contact Chelsea Clark at 231.924.0641, ext. 109 or cclark@truenorthservices.com.

Valentine’s WeekendWhat: A Valentine’s weekend and cooking class for adults ages 21 and olderWhere: Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI, 49337When: Saturday-Sunday, February 9-10, 2019Cost: To be announcedOther info: Additional details and registration will be available at https://campnewaygo.org/events/

Daddy Daughter DanceWhat: A special night with the little girl in your lifeWho: Girls and their dads, uncles or grandpasWhere: Lang Lodge, Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI, 49337When: Sunday, February 10, 2019, 6 p.m.-7:30 p.m.Cost: $7 per personOther info: Additional details and registration will be available at https://campnewaygo.org/events/daddy-daughter/

Dinner Before the Dance What: Enjoy a build-your-own pasta dinner before the Daddy Daughter DanceWhere: Lang Lodge, Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI, 49337When: Sunday, February 10, 2019, 5:15 p.m.-6:45 p.m.Cost: $14.95 per adult, $9.95 per childOther info: Additional details and registration will be available at https://campnewaygo.org/events/daddy-daughter/Resident CampFeatures sessions ranging from four to 14 days designed for girls ages 7 to 17. 2019 Resident Camp ScheduleSession 1 4 days June 19 - 22 $323(Mini Camp) Session 2 7 days June 23 - June 29 $575Holdover 1 1 day June 29-June 30 $99Session 3 7 days June 30-July 6 $575Holdover 2 1 day June 30-July 6 $110(Includes Laundry)Session 4 All 14 days July 7-July 20 $1,050Session 4A 7 days July 7-July 13 $575Session 4B 7 days July 14-July 20 $575Holdover 3 1 day July 20-July 21 $110 (Includes Laundry)Session 5 All 14 days July 21-August 3 $1,050Session 5A 7 days July 21-July 27 $575Session 5B 4 days July 28-August 3 $575(Mini Camp, 7 years - 8th grade onlySpecialty Programs & add-onsHorseback riding during all sessions; one-time only — $40Science Camp (girls entering fifth grade only) during Session 2 — $50Wilderness tripping fees vary for campers in eighth to 11th grade 2019 LIT ProgramACORN June 30–August $400( Training, & 4 week Counseling, includes 1st Aid & CPR Certification)PiRo June 23–June 29 $410Co-Ed Day Camp Cool, fun, and themed day camps for boys and girls entering 1st - 7th grade.When: Every week, Monday - Friday, beginning June 17 and ending August 16.Cost: $175 per week (non-Newaygo County residents are $196); except for Week 3, which is shortened because of Fourth of July holiday, at $140 per week (non-Newaygo County residents are $196). An optional overnight is offered each session from Thursday to Friday for an additional $45. Optional transportation to and from TrueNorth or Nestlé Gerber in Fremont is $35 per week. Other Info: Past themes have include Circus Camp, Survivor Camp, Math Camp, Adventures in Space and Superhero Training, among others. Day Camp themes, descriptions and dates will be posted on the Camp Newaygo website in mid January. Visit https://.campnewaygo.org for more information.

Family programs Mom & Me – Session IWho: Moms and their kids (grandmas and aunts are welcome, too); children, ages 3-6What: A weekend camp experienceWhere: Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI, 49337When: A weekend camp experience Cost: June 4 (11 a.m. check in) to June 5 (3 p.m. check out)

Mom & Me – Session IIWho: Moms and their kids (grandmas and aunts are welcome, too); children, ages 5-10What: A weekend camp experienceWhere: Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI, 49337When: June 11 (11 a.m. check in) to June 12 (3 p.m. check out)Cost: $190 for one adult and one child; $75 per additional child; and $100 per additional adult

Mom & Me – Session III on Mother’s Day!Who: Moms and their kids (grandmas and aunts are welcome, too); children, ages 5-10What: A weekend camp experienceWhere: Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI, 49337When: May 10 (6 p.m. check in)-May 11 (6 p.m. check out)Cost: $175 for one adult and one child ; $65 per additional child; and $90 per additional adult

Programs and services A.R.T.S. (Artists Reaching & Teaching Students) coordinates the Art-In Workshop with a guest artist for select middle and high school students at Camp Newaygo in February, art field and study trips and an annual art scholarship contest and exhibition. Our Music Enhancement programs include piano initiatives such as the Friday Piano Showcase, a music scholarship contest and music specialists on loan.

Friday Piano ShowcaseWhat: Local piano students perform on TrueNorth’s 1912 Steinway piano in a recital setting. When and Where: Friday, December 14, 4 p.m., Church of the Living Christ, 605 Hemlock Street, Fremont, MI 49412; Friday, January 18, 2019, and February 15, 2019, 4 p.m., TrueNorth Service Center, 6308 S. Warner Avenue, Fremont, MI 49412Cost: FreeOther info: Contact Brenda at 231.652.1184 or bbonter@campnewaygo.org for more details

TrueNorth Community Services offers out-of-school time programs for kindergartners through 12th graders. Engage! is the out-of-school time program serving Hesperia Community Schools. REACH (Respect, Excellence, Academics, Community, Health) is the out-of-school time program serving White Cloud Public Schools. The cost is $20 for the school year, with reduced rates and scholarships available. The programs are made possible, in part, by Fremont Area Community Foundation grants. For more information, call 231.924.0641, ext. 114, or visit www.truenorthservices.org.

Hesperia Community Schools

Patricia St. Clair Elementary SchoolWho: Kindergarten through fourth-grade studentsWhere: Patricia St. Clair Elementary School, 96 S. Division Street, Hesperia, MI 49421When: 3:10 p.m.-5:15 p.m. Monday-ThursdayOther info: Contact Site Supervisor at 231.854.6615, ext. 8623

Hesperia Middle SchoolWho: Fifth- through 12th-grade studentsWhere: Hesperia Middle School cafeteria, 96 S. Division Street, Hesperia, MI 49421When: 3:10 p.m.-5:15 p.m. Monday-Thursday; and morning programming 7 a.m.-9:15 a.m. on late-start MondaysOther info: Contact Site Manager at 231.854.6720

White Cloud Public SchoolsWhite Cloud Elementary SchoolWho: Kindergarten through fifth-grade studentsWhere: White Cloud Elementary School, 585 Pine Hill Street, White Cloud, MI 49349When: 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Monday-ThursdayOther info: Contact Site Supervisor at 231.689.2306

White Cloud Junior/Senior High SchoolWho: Sixth- through 12th-grade studentsWhere: White Cloud Junior/Senior High School, Room 123, 555 E. Wilcox Avenue, White Cloud, MI 49349When: 3 p.m.-5 p.m. Monday-ThursdayOther info: Contact Site Manager at 231.689.2181, ext. 3328

TrueNorth Community Services would like to thank the following churches for their support from May through July:

BrohmanAmazing Grace Acres Church

FremontAll Saints Catholic ChurchChurch of the Living Christ Dayton Wesleyan ChurchFirst Congregational ChurchFirst Reformed Church Fremont Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Fremont Church of the NazareneFremont United Methodist Church Fremont Wesleyan Church Redeemer Lutheran Church Second Christian Reformed Church

HesperiaChrist the King Catholic ChurchCountryside Church

NewaygoNewaygo Congregational United Church of Christ Resonate Church

“Give to him that asks you, and from him that would borrow of you turn not you away.”

— Matthew 5:42

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Cultural Enrichment

Thank You to the Faith Community

Out-of-School Time

The Volunteer Resource Center of Newaygo County enhances the quality of life in Newaygo County by promoting and supporting volunteerism. We are conveners for the community, catalysts for social action, and key local resources for volunteer involvement. We have a varied list of volunteer opportunities available, and matching your interests and skills is a service that we are pleased to provide. Local volunteer opportunities are posted online at www.newaygovolunteer.org.

The Volunteer Resource Center of Newaygo County works to help local organizations with their volunteer needs. Local volunteer opportunities are posted online at www.newaygovolunteer.org. If your agency needs volunteers or if you would like to join the Newaygo County Volunteer Coordinators’ Committee, contact Lisa Daniell at 231.924.0641, ext. 110, or ldaniell@truenorthservices.org.

To volunteer for any opportunities at TrueNorth, contact Mike Voyt at 231.924.0641, ext. 119, or mvoyt@truenorthservices.org; unless noted.

Meet & GreetWhat: Volunteers greet families as they access the food pantry and enter confidential information about households, income, etc. into a computer database; training is provided and bilingual, Spanish-speaking applicants are soughtWhen: A four-hour morning or afternoon shift weekly (or bi-weekly)Where: TrueNorth Food Pantry, 6308 S. Warner Avenue, Fremont MI 49412

Food Pantry Client CareWhat: Distribute food by stocking Food Pantry shelves, bagging groceries and providing a welcoming environment to all clients. When: A four-hour morning or afternoon shift weekly or bi-weekly; current needs include Wednesday morning and Friday afternoon shifts.Where: TrueNorth Food Pantry, 6308 S. Warner Avenue, Fremont MI 49412

Mobile Food TruckWhat: The Feeding America West Michigan Mobile Food Pantry is a mobile food truck that visits TrueNorth on a monthly basis for individuals and families in need; volunteers are needed to help distribute food and carry food to clients’ vehicles.When: Last Wednesday of every month (except December) from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.mWhere: TrueNorth Service Center parking lot, 6308 S. Warner Avenue, Fremont MI 49412

Between our community events and summer programs along with ongoing roles, there are a ton of ways to volunteer at Camp Newaygo. If you are interested in any of the opportunities listed below, have a new skill to offer or would like to arrange a volunteer outing for your organization, contact Scott at 231-652-1184 or slakin@campnewaygo.org; or visit https://campnewaygo.org/volunteer/.

Gingerbread House Make and Take:What: Greet guests, help with house supplies and encourage creativityWhere: Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI, 49337When: Saturday, December 1, 2 p.m.-5 p.m

Santa and S’moresWhat: Greet guests, help with crafts and, monitor s’mores making and moreWhere: Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI, 49337When: Saturday, December 1, 3 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Daddy Daughter DanceWhat: Help with concessions, greet guests, paint nails and assist with craftsWhere: Camp Newaygo, 5333 S. Centerline Road, Newaygo, MI, 49337When: Sunday, February 10, 2019, 5 p.m.-8 p.m

Ongoing rolesRopes Course volunteers: Trained to assist in running our zipline and high ropes course

Gardening volunteers: Help maintain Camp Newaygo’s beautiful landscape and rain gardens

Summer Camp volunteers: We are always looking for trip drivers, activity instructors, and daily volunteers, with summer-long and live-in opportunities available

Circles transforms communities by mobilizing volunteers, community leaders and organizations to partner with families in need. For more on Circles Newaygo County, contact Michelle Marciniak at 231.924.0641, ext. 220, circles@truenorthservices.org.

Circles AllyWhat: Make a difference in the lives of a fellow community member. All it takes to make an impact is six hours a month as an Ally, attending two meetings a month and making weekly contact via text, phone, email or personal visitWhere: Starting in February, Circles meetings will be held at the Church of the Living Christ, 605 Hemlock Street, Fremont, MI 49412.

Meal DonorWhat: Donate a meal to our weekly meeting for about 45 to 60 people; meals can be brought in potluck style or purchased from restaurantsWhere: Starting in February, Circles meetings will be held at the Church of the Living Christ, 605 Hemlock Street, Fremont, MI 49412.

Childcare AssistanceWhat: Circles has fun activities for kids while their parents attend weekly meetings. Volunteers are needed 6 p.m.-8:10 p.m.; dinner is provided.Where: Starting in February, Circles meetings will be held at the Church of the Living Christ, 605 Hemlock Street, Fremont, MI 49412.

TrueBlue AcademyWhat: Serve as mentors for TrueMentors’ new TrueBlue Academy program, a partnership with Newaygo Public Schools and Newaygo Police DepartmentWhen: Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.Where: Matches meet at Newaygo Middle School, 850 E. 76th St., Newaygo, MI 49337How: Contact Hailey Maycroft at 231.924.0641, ext. 131, or at mentoring@truenorthservices.org

Children’s Christmas Programs & Toys for TotsWhat: Since 1952, our Children’s Christmas Programs have been providing families from low-income households in Newaygo County with assistance during the holiday season. Volunteer duties may include picking up, sorting, and organizing gifts beforehand; helping parents carry gifts; passing out gifts on the days of the event; and assisting with storage and inventory after the event.When: Toy collection runs through December 3; the toy distribution is December 10 to 12 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and December 13 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; volunteers are needed for three- to four-hour shift (with lunch provided) for toy distribution Where: Various drop-off and pick-up locations for toys (call for details); toy distribution takes place at the TrueNorth Service Center, 6308. S Warner Ave, Fremont MI 49412

LifeLinkWhat: Volunteers needed to install and clean LifeLink and MedReady units; and serve on program’s Advisory Board.How: Contact Charlie Johnson by phone at 231.924.0641, ext. 136, or email atcjohnson@truenorthservices.org

Make a Difference

TrueNorth Food Programs

Camp Newaygo

Circles Newaygo County

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Other Opportunities

7

Feeding the hungry and finding shelter for those without are central parts of the mission of TrueNorth Community Services.

Coats for Kids (& Adults)

Our Coats for Kids (& Adults) Distribution on November 10 at TrueNorth saw 574 children, men and women from Newaygo County self-select warm winter apparel, with help from more than five dozen volunteers. More than 200 more people have gotten coats since.

Senior Thanksgiving Luncheons

Our Senior Thanksgiving Luncheons on November 13 at TrueNorth served up a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal to 254 seniors and developmentally-challenged adults. Gerber Life Insurance, ChoiceOne Bank, Transitional Health Services, Fremont Christian Middle School and other volunteers assisted, with the Fremont Christian Middle School Choir also performing.

Senior Harvest Baskets

There were 132 Senior Harvest Baskets delivered November 16 across Newaygo County, with help packing by Rising Up Homeschool Co-Op volunteers, and distribution by volunteers from Nestlé Gerber Products, AmeriCorps, and the community

The 19th annual TrueNorth Empty Bowls Soup Luncheons October 4 at TrueNorth in Fremont and October 5 at theNewaygo County Commission on Aging in White Cloud raised more than $12,000 for the TrueNorth Food Pantry and its Food Programs. At the events, 60 gallons of soups were donated by 25 restaurants and caterers, and a record 19 grocery carts of food were donated via our “Stuff the Cart” initiative.

Thank you to our sponsors

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Fremont, MI

Permit. No. 118

Postal Patron

6308 S. Warner Avenue, PO Box 149, Fremont, MI 49412

Connect with us! facebook.com/TrueNorthCommunityServices twitter.com/truenorth_CS info@truenorthservices.org

The time to give is he re.

Discover Positive Change Winter 2018

TrueNorth Community Services is so much more than helping those in need.

Yes, we shelter the homeless and feed the hungry. We keep families warm and seniors safe. We make sure kids have a backpack for school and toys for Christmas.

But what we really do is:

Restore dignity Level the playing field Give hope

Educate Nurture possibilities Enrich

Empower

And we can’t do it without you. Please make a gift to TrueNorth so together we can continue create permanent positive change in our community

Donation envelope inside this issue of The Navigator