NCCS (Newaygo County Community Services), formerly known as The Fremont Foundation, has a long history of serving the residents of Newaygo County, Michigan. Organized in 1949 under the leadership of William J. Branstrom, attorney, Herman Schuiteman, banker, and Bessie Slautterback, educator, the original intent was to provide the youth of our county with various educational opportunities. A fund was established to provide low-interest loans for needy and deserving young people to further their education, the re-payment of which was designated for future loans.
In 1952, the Children’s Christmas Fund was established to provide young people with clothing and toys. The program received support from individuals and organizations throughout the county. In that same year, the program was expanded to include scholarships for deserving young talent in the field of music.
During 1971, with legal counsel of Mr. Stephan R. Clink, attorney, a committee was formed to the purpose of guiding the transition of the Fremont Foundation toward the establishment of two, separate and autonomous, organizations: (a) a community foundation entitled The Fremont Area Foundation for the purpose of the receipt and investing of all funds to provide grants for the benefit of the community and (b) an operational non-profit public charity, entitled Newaygo County Community Services (NCCS), for the purpose of administering and implementing various programs and services for the benefit of Newaygo County residents. The two organizations were officially recognized in February of 1972. Gene Cotton became the agency's first Executive Director and led the agency from 1972 - 1989. From 1989 to present, Bev Cassidy has been the agency's Executive Director.
Since 1972, NCCS, a private, independent nonprofit organization has focused its efforts in four areas of programming; Family and Household Services, Youth Development, Cultural Enrichment, and Community Enhancement, including a Volunteer Resource Center.
Over recent years, human service funders have been moving toward funding regionalization of services. This trend has impacted NCCS as we work to provide programs and services to Newaygo County. Today, such cross-collaborations, partnerships and alliances are more important than ever in addressing the increasing number of complex public issues that spill over traditional boundaries. Due to this trend, NCCS provides and/or is the fiduciary of programs and services in the following Michigan counties - Newaygo, Benzie, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Missaukee, Muskegon, Oceana, Osceola and Wexford.
Capitalizing on the combined energies of local people and strong collaborations with other community organizations, NCCS implements its mission through six areas of focus: meeting basic needs; nurturing children and youth; strengthening families; increasing self-sufficiency; encouraging citizen involvement; and enriching lives with the arts.
NCCS truly serves its’ mission as “the communities’ crossroads where caring people come together to restore, reshape and enrich lives.”