North Kent Connect

This Giving Tuesday, we ask you to help us lighten the load for families who need it most. Quality laundry detergent is essential, especially for those with sensitive skin – but it’s often an extra expense that families on tight budgets simply can’t afford. By donating to Loads of Love, you’ll provide families access to gentle, effective detergent that makes a world of difference. Holly, a mother who visits our pantry, has a child with sensitive skin, so she has to be extra careful with the products she uses. Off-brand detergents can irritate skin, making laundry a stressful task for her. Holly thanks the pantry volunteers every time she visits. “I used to feel so guilty buying whatever soap I could afford,” says Holly. “It makes such a difference using good soap. My daughter’s skin is much better since I started coming here.” Holly’s story reminds us that clean clothes are about more than fresh laundry – they’re a way for families to feel safe, secure, and cared for. Your donation can help us keep providing this essential support. Every dollar allows us to buy quality laundry detergent in bulk, ensuring families like Holly’s have one less thing to worry about. Together, let’s turn everyday essentials into acts of kindness. Our goal of $2,500 will provide North Kent Connect families with 11,905 loads of laundry! Go to https://lnkd.in/gDNhsRjY and give loads of love today!

Saturday, December 14, is Double Match Day!

Congratulations to Lisa Cooper, PHR, SHRM-CP Cooper, NKC Board Vice President and Founder of Cooper People Group, for being chosen as one of Crain’s Notable Nonprofit Board Leaders for 2024. Lisa is an enormous help to our organization! We are grateful for her talent and service.

Click for our year-end newsletter - Rooted in Hope... https://lnkd.in/gTMb3cKA

One of our case managers, Dinora Quintanilla, participated in this helpful program to better understand and connect people to resources. https://lnkd.in/gbDuz2vu

Have you found the utility assistance resources and stories of recipients from the Kent County Essential Needs Task Force useful this month? We'd love to know. Following is all of the information in one place: Guide for Reducing Stigma for Utility Assistance Recipients: https://lnkd.in/gKMu4KgD Thanks for following along over the last few weeks as we discussed utility assistance and the steps to receiving it.

We love this time of year when the community shows up to help make the holidays brighter for local families! Consider putting up a Christmas tree with Tree of Hope tags at your church, school, or business. Tags will have suggested items for each age group. The most needed items are toys for children and teen gifts. If you prefer to shop online, visit our Amazon Wish List at https://amzn.to/3BJw0l1. Please bring new, unwrapped items to the main entrance (north side) of NKC by Friday, Dec. 13th. NKC families may choose one gift per child at the Client Christmas Shop on Dec. 17. Any excess items after the distribution will be sold at very affordable prices in the NKC Thrift Store. If you prefer to host a drive to help keep our pantry stocked with shelf-stable food and personal care items throughout the winter months, here are the most needed items: • Canned chicken, salmon & tuna • Canned/dried fruit (low sugar) • Canned pasta sauce (no glass) • Canned soup (low sodium) • Cereal (low sugar) • Pasta (all kinds) • Personal care items: - Feminine hygiene - Laundry soap - Shampoo/conditioner If you have questions, please contact Scott Christie. Thank you for helping make the holidays brighter for families in need!

The first step in receiving utility assistance is to apply for State Emergency Relief (SER) through MIBridges. Qualifying through this will allow someone to access the Michigan Energy Assistance Program (MEAP), which leads to lower energy costs. People who would like to fill out a paper copy can print one out at the link below or go to the MDHHS office at 121 Martin Luther King Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507 to fill one out. If you need additional assistance, call 2-1-1. They provide confidential guidance in the application process and can direct people to the appropriate resources. MI Bridges: https://lnkd.in/eiqdUr5 State Emergency Relief Paper Application: https://lnkd.in/dWyr68Rd This post is part of an Essential Needs Task Force (ENTF) series about the ease and value of receiving utility assistance.

We're continuing our series from Kent County Essential Needs Task Force helping to reduce stigma around asking for help in times of need. “Owing Consumers Energy much more than I could pay, I was going to bed at night not knowing if we would have electricity. Our household members included a child with autism and my spouse who is a stroke victim. It was a very scary time in our lives. We reached out to TrueNorth Community Services who assisted our family right away. They were able to get us on a program with Consumers Energy that made our payments reasonable and they are helping us pay off our past due amount. I am forever grateful for their help and kindness.” -Utility assistance recipient This post is part of an Essential Needs Task Force (ENTF) series about the ease and value of receiving utility assistance. If you need utility assistance, go to gethelpkent.org. The information there will help you get started.

Outgoing Executive Director Claire Guisfredi and Incoming Executive Director Adrienne Goodstal accept two generous checks from the Lions Club of Rockford, Michigan. One gift was the proceeds from the Make It-Take It Scarecrow event at Harvest Festival. Thank you, Lions!