WRCNM News

IT TAKES A COMMUNITY

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A kind, caring and generous community makes it possible for Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan to carry on the important work and essential services supporting women, children and families in Northwest Lower Michigan.

Emmet County Democratic Party (ECDP) donated 25 Meijer gift cards valued at $100 each that were shared with  survivors and their families for Thanksgiving. Carolyn Bourland, ECDP Holiday Gift Card Coordinator, said she was pleased so many members of the Emmet County Democratic Party participated. “We have long believed in respecting and protecting the human and legal rights of women and their families,” Bourland said. Emmet County Democrats also hosted a National Day of Service activity in January, encouraging people to share their kindness by donating a check or grocery gift card to the Safe Home, to help nourish the body, comfort the soul and provide a much needed feeling of ‘home’ for survivors who are working hard to regain control of their lives.

Towsley Foundation of Midland awarded Children’s Advocacy Center (CAC) a $15,000 grant.  WRCNM Development Director, Kari VandenBrink said, “The Towsley Foundation primarily supports Michigan-based organizations of various fields and interests, including other agencies for women, children and families across the state. Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan is honored to develop a relationship with the Towsley Foundation and continue providing critical services through the CAC for child and youth survivors.”

DTE Foundation awarded WRCNM a $16,000 grant; an extension of their 2019 initiative to provide funding to Michigan domestic abuse shelters during October’s Domestic Abuse Awareness Month. The additional funding is to cover the greater demand for services and added financial pressures for agencies during the pandemic. General operating grants offer flexible funding support and empower agencies to use the dollars where the need is greatest.  We thank the DTE Foundation for recognizing the importance of supporting Michigan survivors who are facing unprecedented circumstances.

Petoskey Public Library donated a variety of local restaurant gift cards and certificates to assist WRCNM families and individuals during the holidays. Contributions from library staff and patrons made the donation possible. Pictured are WRCNM Executive Director, Gail Kloss and library representative Mary Beauchamp.

Tap 30 and Pour Kitchen and Bar donated $1,041.45 raised on a GoFundMe page intended to help cover lost restaurant staff wages during the pandemic.  After the federal government instituted unemployment insurance relief, restaurant staff decided to donate the collected funds to support WRCNM programs and services.

McLean and Eakin Booksellers hosted a virtual ‘Giving Tree’ this year, offering deeply discounted book bundles organized by age group on their website. The store donated 75 book bundles to share with children utilizing Safe Home and WRCNM services.

The Oleson’s Food Store Dollar Drive held at the Petoskey and Charlevoix stores in November raised more than $2,000 in donations at the cash register.  The funds will help WRCNM purchase needed food and supplies for the women and children utilizing Safe Home services.  Oleson Foundation matched the first $1000 raised with a donation to WRCNM.

Petoskey-Harbor Springs Area Community Foundation awarded WRCNM operational support funding in the amount of $7,500 as part of their twice-a-year grant cycle which is typically a project-based grant. Yet, after listening to the challenges facing local nonprofits, Foundation staff recognized that providing unrestricted, general operating dollars, would provide organizations greater flexibility to address the unique challenges they face.