Aug
6
Written by:
blog-bev
8/6/2009 10:13 AM
It has been a busy few months and I am eager to bring you up to speed on the happenings at NCCS from the Director’s perspective!
It has been a busy few months and I am eager to bring you up to speed on the happenings at NCCS from the Director’s perspective!
Food Pantry – Food pantry service numbers broke all NCCS records. In July 2009 we served 655 families, which translates into 1,835 men, women and children.Summer may seem like the time of year when requests for food should be lower but our school kids are home without access to the school breakfast and lunch programs. This places an extra strain on already tight household budgets.
A special thanks to Wagenmaker Farms who donated flats of beautiful tomatoes, green peppers and other veggies to our low income families to help provide healthy home grown produce!
We are looking for adult volunteers to work in the Food Pantry. Please give Lisa a call and join our team of volunteers committed to alleviating hunger in our communities.
NCCS Camp Newaygo - The winterization and renovation of Lang Lodge is complete! Camp Newaygo is now open for year round business, a great move forward for a facility that up until now has closed down 6 months of the year. Our Saturday Patio Dinners on the Ridge proved to be an incredible success, all at capacity and with waiting lists. I have enclosed the fall/winter flyer for your information, come enjoy this great new Newaygo County asset.
Tools for Schools – It is our goal to help ensure that every child in Newaygo County begins the school year on a level playing field by providing adequate school supplies. For the first time we were forced to close registrations at 950 children due to lower than expected financial and school supply donations.
The average family spends $473 per elementary, $536 per middle and $999 per high school student. This cost includes back to school supplies, shoes and clothing and participation fees for sports, classes, etc. This year costs for elementary students have jumped 23% over last year. In these financially challenging times, any support you can provide will be greatly appreciated. Tools for Schools will be held August 13th at NCCS.
NCCS Boys and Girls Club – “The Alley” is the spot where kids come together during the school year for homework club, sports and exercise, crafts and general program designed to keep kids safe while parents are at work. With the downturn in the economy, a growing number of kids are unable to afford the BGC club fee. Supporting a child for a trimester costs $120 and we have a large number of kids on the waiting list. Call Paula if interested in providing a scholarship.
Steak and Burger Golf Scramble will be held on Saturday, August 22nd. Do join us at our annual fundraiser to support Boys and Girls Club programs. More information and registration forms are available on line at www.nccscares.org
Homeless Duplexes – NCCS has received a MSHDA grant to build four duplexes which will house 8 homeless families. Since sheltering the homeless has been challenging in our county without facilities to accommodate those in need of housing, the duplexes bring a new opportunity to provide not only housing but long term case management and supports to our families. Construction is progressing nicely and we expect to house our first families in October.
Gardeners – As we work to reduce our staff costs in these very challenging economic times, we are looking for those interested in spending time tending the gardens that surround the NCCS. Our gardens need 3 seasons of care and nurturing and we would welcome your assistance. Please contact Chris Kuebler if interested in joining our team.
Northern Midsummer Shindig - Join us on Thursday, August 20 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. for the 1st Annual Northern Midsummer Shindig. You may be asking yourself, “What is a Northern Midsummer Shindig?” Well, it is a Big City Black Tie Affair, altered to accommodate our Hometown Country Flair!
Caring about the basic needs of families is at the heart of the NCCS mission. We believe that every person should have food, heat, safe and affordable housing and other basic necessities for their households. Current economic conditions have caused some families who were previously at the “margin,” to now being in dire need of heat, energy, food and other assistance. This event will raise funds to continue in our mission of caring and helping those in need.
The Northern Midsummer Shindig will be held outside under a large tent on the grounds of NCCS in Fremont and will have a country theme. We will be serving steak and BBQ chicken with all the trimmings from Shake It Up BBQ. The River Valley Ramblers will entertain, along with a wine tasting tent and live auction. Beer and wine will also be served throughout the evening.
Tickets are $100 per person or $175 per couple. You may sponsor a table for $600 and receive eight tickets. Our website nccscares.org lists the incredible auction items. Contact Paula Scott at 924-0641, ext.110 or email at
pstewart@nccscares.org for more information.
Enjoy our Michigan Summer!