Kaye Frang, mission team representative from the First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs, is pictured donating $1,500 to the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM). Also pictured are (from left), Jan Mancinelli, WRCNM executive director; Frang; and Gail Kloss, WRCNM chief operating officer.

Seeking to inspire a contagious, caring community of faith and striving to reach, include, grow, serve and change lives is the vision of the First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs. One way they achieve that vision is through their Mission and Outreach program which provides financial assistance to organizations addressing the needs of local women, children and seniors.

This year the church provided funds in the amount of $1,500 to the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan (WRCNM). The funds will benefit the counseling program for children at the Safe Home which is the domestic abuse shelter serving those in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties.

“Throughout the year, our staff provides outreach to help end abuse and transform the culture of violence,” said Jan Mancinelli, WRCNM executive director. “Yet, when families experience domestic abuse, the Safe Home is a place where they will find a caring and supportive residence and access to a myriad of services and resources to start rebuilding their lives.” Mancinelli said that also means providing a support system and counseling to children who have been exposed to domestic abuse.

Last year the Safe Home provided 2,926 nights of refuge to 140 women and children, as well as their meals, daily needs, counseling and advocacy. An additional 438 survivors not staying at the Safe Home were also provided support. All support services for survivors is provided by the WRCNM at no cost.

For information on WRCNM programs and services, call the main office at (231) 347-0067 or visit wrcnm.org. The First Presbyterian Church of Harbor Springs is located at 7940 Cemetery Road, and may be reached at (231) 526-7332 or visit fpchs.org.