More Than Statistics: A Look At What We
Transcription
More Than Statistics: A Look At What We
SIMPLE GESTURES . . . POWERFUL RESULTS A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER More Than Statistics: S afety and Security During Times of Crisis • 177 women utilized our overnight Drop-In Center, the Open Door, for the first time. Women came fleeing domestic violence, experiencing trauma, sleeping outside or struggling with mental illness. • 6,112 overnight stays occurred in the Open Door N ame and Identity • 585 individuals obtained a Michigan ID Card through our State ID Program. This is the first step needed to become legally employed, obtain housing, cash a check or do many other tasks necessary to become selfsufficient. S elf-Worth and Esteem • Daily, 30 jobs were performed around our facility. In addition to instilling dignity, patrons earned vouchers that were good for our meals or services. • 361 haircuts were given. • 9,829 showers were taken. • 5,870 loads of laundry were completed. M a r c h 2 010 E ncouragement and Sense of Community • An average of 25-35 women per month attended support groups in the Open Door which addressed issues such as codependency, substance abuse recovery and life skills. • Weekly Bible Studies, AA Meetings, and Dual Recovery Support Groups were held. • 1,965 long-distance phone calls were made by patrons to family and friends. • 551 birthday gift bags were distributed and monthly birthday parties were held. S upport Through Difficult Circumstances • 1,085 individuals visited our referral desk for the first time and 5,957 repeat visits were made. Staff and volunteers provided support in areas such as housing searches, securing funding for medical needs, referrals for clothing, and completing paperwork. • 302 visits to volunteer lawyers providing pro-bono legal advice. • Funding for 431 eye exams or glasses was provided and 136 individuals received financial assistance for dental needs. M arc h 2 0 1 0 A Look At What We Provided in 2009 P lace to Call Their Own • Over 100 lockers were provided for individuals to safely store their belongings—often their only belongings. • A mailing address and message center for over 500 individuals. • 451 inquiries about housing were addressed. F ood and Fellowship • 48,489 low-cost and free meals were purchased in our Dining Room • Approximately 104,000 cups of coffee were made. “By your help getting me an ID, I was able to get the medical help I needed, apply for food stamps, and get health insurance. I also am glad I have a locker to store my belongings. I work at Dégagé every day to earn vouchers.” Jaime 1 D é gag é M inistries A Note from Marge Palmerlee Washing Each Other ’s Feet He began to wash His disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around Him. John 13:5 Sore feet ... we’ve probably all experienced it at some time or another. But can you imagine if your main means of transportation was walking or if you needed to stand in line day after day for every meal. Can you imagine shoes that don’t fit properly or socks that are wet with no place to dry them? Now imagine Tuesday night in the Open Door Women’s Drop-In Center at Dégagé. Kim is coming and there is excitement in the air. Kim is a faithful volunteer who comes every week to massage the women’s feet and give them a pedicure and make them feel special. It is an incredible act of kindness but it is also a means to minister. As Kim rubs lotion on their worn, tired feet, she asks the women about their day and shares the Word of God with them. She reflects His love by modeling true servanthood. “Can you imagine shoes that don’t fit properly or socks that are wet with no place to dry them? ” As the evening goes on, there is a change in the atmosphere. The women walk carefully, making sure not to smudge the nail polish on their toes. There is a spring in their step and a smile on their face. Some of the stress and tension of the day has been washed away. They view themselves a little differently than when they walked in the door. (See Kim’s story on page 6). Watching Kim was truly a humbling experience. At Dégagé Ministries we believe God has called His people to serve one another. What does that mean? I’m not sure but I do know God is working in my heart and will reveal to me what my role is to be in ministering to those He has placed in my path. I thank God for Kim and the hundreds of other volunteers who partner with us in ministry. Is He calling you to join us? A patron of the Open Door, Kimberly, appreciates the weekly foot massage and pedicure. M a r c h 2 010 This newsletter is published by Dégagé Ministries to keep friends and supporters informed about the ministry’s work in the community. Your questions and comments are always welcome. Dégagé Ministries 144 South Division Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Phone: (616) 454-1661 Fax: (616) 459-7200 www.degageministries.org Mission of Dégagé Ministries To reflect the love of Christ to all who come through our doors by building relationships and offering programs that foster dignity and respect. Dégagé Ministries Staff Marge Palmerlee Executive Director marge@degageministries.org Bridgette Bassford Assistant Executive Director bridgette@degageministries.org Sharon White Development Director sharon@degageministries.org Dave Feder Director of Operations dave@degageministries.org Bradi Fitzpatrick Volunteer Coordinator bradi@degageministries.org Board of Directors Rev. Eric Britcher (President) Arlene Edwards-Holt Tom Hoekstra Mike Hoogeboom Tom Kramer Fred Lake Kathleen Maddrey Bernie Mulder Susan Rechner Rick Riva Bud Roegge John Stivers Lorraine Swainston Kent Tebben Executive Director 2 D é gag é M inistries Go The Extra Mile You are probably familiar with the Fifth Third River Bank Run, but did you ever consider it as an opportunity to raise support for your favorite nonprofit organization? Dégagé is thrilled to announce that we have been selected again as an Official Charity Partner! Join us on May 8th! Four ways to help us raise support! 1. Walk or Run as an Individual There is an event for everyone! Enter the 5K walk, 5K run, 10K run or 25K run. Collect donations in support of Dégagé Ministries. Consider using our online Active Giving website to collect donations. 2. Form a Team This is a great opportunity to gather your employees, co-workers, church, club, family and friends! Form a team and participate together in the Fifth Third River Bank Run. Compete for donations. Consider using our online Active Giving website to collect donations and track your team’s progress. 3. Volunteer Online Support at www.degageministries.org Visit Dégagé’s website for a link to: • A sample letter that can be used when collecting pledges. • Posters to hang up at your church or place of business. • A pledge form to track your pledges. 4. Support Our Team • A link to our online blog about the If you are not able to walk or run, you can still support our River Bank Run. Updates will be efforts! Make a special donation to Team Dégagé by visiting our made weekly. Active Giving website at www.active.com/donate/Dégagé2010. • A link to our Active Giving site—a We will also accept donations through the mail by cash, check great place for individuals and teams or credit card. to collect online donations. Dégagé is responsible for supplying 50 volunteers during the race weekend. Sign up to help by contacting Bradi at Bradi@ DegageMinistries.org or (616) 454-1661 ext. 12. M a r c h 2 010 3 D é gag é M inistries Ribbons of Hope Honoring Lives and Legacies In Memory of Ann Deleeuw Elizabeth and Brad Anderson John Bouma Dale and Janice Curtiss Jack and Kellie Deleeuw Mark and Norma Heagle Danny and Jackie Hart Brian and Jean Knapp Marge Palmerlee Susan and Stephen Rechner Anita and Douglas Sinke Jeff and Joanne Schultz William and Emily Smith Kathy Vanderlaan Richard Wilson In Memory of Melissa Lewis Judith Anderson Nelson Miller In Memory of Mary C. Lee Marge Palmerlee Robert and Judye Ripley In Memory of Stanley Pedrin Jim and Stella Brown In Memory of Dean Tebben Marge Palmerlee In Memory of William Pastoor Robert and Carolyn DeVries In Memory of Jerry Nelson Marge Palmerlee In Memory of David Heilman Stephen and Paula Heilman In Memory of Henry Jansma Thomas and Susan Hoane Rica Houseman Charles Law Roger and Faith Miedema Todd Osbeck In Honor of Patricia Sienstra Robert and Janette Aardema In Honor of Her Grandchildren Joan Lieffers In Honor of Sheila Mahan Hal Nelson and Marlene Vitasinski In Honor of Vicki and Jay Sombronski Jay and Lisa Abott In Honor of Nancy Hickey Hank Meijer In Honor of John Mahan Hal Nelson and Marlene Vitasinski In Honor of Donna and Aubrey Hanson Jay and Lisa Abott In Honor of Minnie Mulder Jonathan Mulder In Honor of Jeannine and Tom Rizzo Hal Nelson and Marlene Vitasinski In Honor of Brook Kaule’s Family Jay and Lisa Abott In Honor of Don and Metta Popoff Chris Popoff In Honor of Deb and Clark Ballard Hal Nelson and Marlene Vitasinski In Honor of Juliann Bidwell Scott and Deborah Ainslie In Honor of Gaetan Gerville-Reache Roxann Shier In Honor of Pamela Troyer Hal Nelson and Marlene Vitasinski In Honor of Mark and Kourtnee Lauria Nick and Emily Andersen In Honor of Terry McAllister and Family Dale and Kay Siebelink In Lieu of Christmas Gifts Maelen Yoda In Honor of Stacy and Larry Wibbeler Charles and Donna Bosscher In Honor of Steve Morrow and Family Dale and Kay Siebelink In Honor of Charles Archie Jr. Maureen Fleming In Honor of the Daining Family Jane Daining In Honor of Robert and Janette Aardema Patricia Sienstra In Honor of Missy Maureen Fleming In Honor of the Fongers Family Jane Daining In Honor of Don and Diane VanderBoegh Todd VanderBoegh Family In Honor of Julie and Brian Laughton Mike and Julie Mauer In Honor of Lori King Joel and Sharon Palmer In Honor of Marcia and Steve Peterson Hal Nelson and Marlene Vitasinski In Honor of Mike and Whitney Mauer Mike and Julie Mauer In Honor of Mike Poggi From his employees In Honor of Denise Blair and Mark Smith Hal Nelson and Marlene Vitasinski In Honor of John and Pat McColl Carl Forslund In Honor of Brad Poggi From his employees In Honor of Jo Ann Stevenson and Marshall Grate Hal Nelson and Marlene Vitasinski In Honor of Jon and Mary Forsland Carl Forslund In Honor of Betty Forrest Todd Irving In Honor of Dr. and Mrs. Steve Rechner Tom and Shirley Klein M a r c h 2 010 In Memory of Carl Christenson Les and Viv Hoogland Lorraine Labigne Patricia O’Brien In Lieu of Gifts Received at Their Wedding’s Dollar Dance Mark and Kourtnee Lauria In Honor of Blake and Joan Forsland Carl Forslund In Lieu of Gifts to Each Other Charles and Audrey Jansen 4 D é gag é M inistries Bounty of Blessings Thank you to the following individuals, churches, and businesses that have supported us through in-kind gifts. Organizations & Businesses 1st AYD Corp. Ada Bible Church Aetna Insurance All Souls Arnie’s Bakery Arnie’s Restaurant Bauerwood Elementary Berger Chevrolet Berrington Electric Blythefield Hills Baptist Church Bridgeway Community Church Calvary Christian Reformed Church Calvin College & Seminary Cascade Car Wash Cascade Christian (Disciples of Christ) Catholic Central Christ Church Church of the Servant CRC Church Comstock Park Student Volunteers Coopersville Reformed Church Corinth Reformed Church Cornerstone Church Cornerstone University Covenant Christian Reformed Church Creo Productions Creston Industrial Sales, Inc. Cutlerville East CRC Delta Imports East Grand Rapids High Key Club East Hills Athletic Club Echelon Property Management Explore and Grow Preschool Family Fare Jenison Feed My Lambs Feeding America West Michigan Ferris Coffee and Nut Company Inc. Fifth Reformed Church First Cong. Church of Rockford First Evangelical Covenant Church Forest Hills Foods Gold and Silver Exchange Grand Haven High Interact Club Grand Hospitality Grand Rapids Civic Theatre Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids Veterans’ Home Grand Valley State University GRCC Food Service GRCC Student Activities GRCC Transcultural Nursing Guiding Light Mission Heart of West Michigan United Way Helping Hands of Jesus Holy Redeemer Parish Hope Reformed Church Hormel Foods HT Hackney Hudsonville Reformed Church Ida’s Pastry Shoppe Innovative Benefit Services Interphase Office Interiors, Inc. Ivanrest Christian Reformed Church M a r c h 2 010 J.C. Penny JustFaith Kentwood Community Church Kuyper College LaGrave Christian Reformed Church Lakeshore Glass Love, Inc. Mamrelund Lutheran Church Marge’s Donut Den Mars Hill Mayflower Congregational Church Meijer Midwest Direct New Branches School NHBP Health Department Northern Lights Phoenix Rising Bakery Plymouth Heights CRC Rapid Fire Protection Remembrance Reformed Church Ride Motorcycle Ridgepark Charter Academy Rinzema Greenhouse, Inc. Riverside Integrated Systems Inc. Rodel Shalom Rosewood Reformed Church Royal Technologies Royce Rolls Ringer Co. Salvation Army Fulton Heights Citadel Sandy’s Donuts Schuler Books Inc. Smith Owen Sewing and Quilting Center Sparta High School Spartan Stores St. Isidore St. John Vianney Church St. John’s UCC St. Luke’s Lutheran Church St. Margaret Catholic Church St. Sebastian’s Parish State of Michigan Employees Sutton Club Apartments The Fish & Hunt Shop The Herman Miller Foundation Thornapple CRC Thornapple Valley Church Trinity Lutheran Church United Bank Of Michigan Van Andel Arena Walsma & Lyons Wealthy Elementary Wedgewood West Michigan Caterer Westminster Presbyterian Church Woodhaven Reformed Church Individuals Arthur and Laverne Adams Sandy Alderink Ryan Anderson Joanne Bailey-Boorsma Ila Flo and John Barfuss Anita and Kurt Berends Valerie Bernecker Brenda Beug Vicki and Steve Blubaugh Morris Boogaart Jeremy and Lisa Bowyer Susan Brasic Jeremy Britt Jim and Stella Brown Cortney Burrais Jeanne Christenson James and Karen Clausing David and Anne Cobb Rita Cole Rhonda Coleman Don and Cindy Cooper Kelly Corlew Clarence and Georgia Ann Corwin Chuck and Mary Crowley Cloe Ann Danford Susan Decker Tab and Renee DeJonge Jack and Kellie DeLeeuw Larry and Anne Dieleman Gretchen Driesenga Tom and Linda Duba Lisa Ellison Diet Eman Cindy Emanouil Rose Emelander JP Enright Grace Frappier Eleanor Fredricks Nick Friberg Jim and Bev Frueh Richard and Eva Fuller Glory Geldersma Diane Gilfillan Kay Griffith Barbara Groth Bruce Grzegorczyk Lee Guiton Christy Ham Linda Hamilton Patricia Haring Jerry and Karen DeBlaay Beth and Dean Havens Carly Hayden Robert Hazen Sister Ann Hehl David and Susan Hodson John Holbrook Ray and Judy Holland Mike and JoAnne Holten Frank and Betty Hoogterp Matt and Linda Igleski Amy Ivie Al and Kris Jones Carol and Richard Jones Trudy Kamminga Calvin and Hope Kappes Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Katte Barb Kiliszewski Beverly Klooster Fred and Alisa Knoll Harold & Annetta Koetje Dan Koppenol Thomas and Robin Kramer Thomas and Tammy Kretowicz Tobby Kunnen Linda Langholz Carol Leitch Jonny Logo Kathy Longcore Stephen Lyons Ashley Malott Christine Malvitz Philip and Melinda Mc Cabe Daniel and Sheila McCarthy Allan and Patricia McCurdy Matt and Susan McGowan Candy McKenney Matt and Mary Meyer David and Kathy Miller Mike and Martha Munch Kindsey Nelson Carolyn O’Grady Sharon Osborn David and Jane Owen Karla Pankow Patrick and Vicki Patton Howard and Donna Peterson Terry Peterson Sandra Pohler Bridget Postema Carl and Marilyn Pratt Patrick Przybylski Joan Quakkelaar Ryan Rempalski Laura Robinson Michael Rogers Bill Sarber Nicole Sargent Christian and Susan Saylor Don Sinke Rachel Steele Larry and Barb Steketee Wallace Stob Tammy Stuyfzand Ben and Angie Tant Joan Terpstra Mary Jo Thompson Peggy and Soloman Toppel Dave Trzybinski Steve and Mariann Umlor Christian VandenBerg Robert and Marie VandenBerg Fred and Gladys VanSwol Johnathon VerLee Ruth Vis John and Betty Walker Nancy Wallish Steven and Jeanne Wendt Arlene Whalen John and Barbara Wiegers Stu Wilkes Ron and Joyce Williams Gene Wolters Karen Zook 5 S P O T L I G H T D é gag é M inistries Daughters of the King Thoughts from a Volunteer: Kim Vander Ley Upon seeking our Heavenly Father’s direction for what new thing I might accomplish for His glory, I kept hearing “wash their feet”. As a result, my friend Monica and I made arrangements to meet each Tuesday evening and offer pedicures to the ladies of Dégagé’s Open Door. Volunteer Kim Vander Ley washing Denise’s feet in the Open Door Women’s Drop-In Center. Pedicures are a beginning for a more significant ministry, a starting point in building trusting relationships. We laugh and cry together, share stories and dreams, speak life and truth, offer prayers and plant hope for a brighter future. This opportunity has grown our faith in God. We have experienced that “With God all things are possible” as proclaimed in Matthew 19:26 in the Holy Scriptures. It is our desire to share the unconditional love of Jesus Christ with each lady who gives us permission. We hope that she will take the risk to step out and move closer to her dreams, and she may learn what it means to be a daughter of the King of Kings. Corporate Spotlight Meijer Human Resources and Legal Dept. Thank you to Meijer’s Human Resource and Legal Departments for collecting items from our Wish List. Michele DeBok from Meijer and Dégagé’s Executive Director Marge Palmerlee gather items collected by Meijer employees. Community Spotlight LaTerra Scott-Comer and Friends Thank you to LaTerra Scott-Comer for organizing the third annual backpack giveaway at Dégagé. With the help of other community members, LaTerra and her crew filled over 400 backpacks with winter items such as thermal underwear, hats and gloves! Mark and CoCo display their new backpacks. M a r c h 2 010 6 D é gag é M inistries With Appreciation: Care Baskets Given in Love Mars Hill Running Group, under the leadership of Sue Hodson, has been creating Care Baskets to distribute to individuals moving into an apartment. For many of these individuals, it is the first apartment they have had in years and many items are needed to make it home. Members of the Mars Hill Running Group that donated items include: Gary and Cindy Mallekoote gave in honor of William Clark. Diana Tiggelman gave in memory of Dale Aker and Bonnie Coats. Dale and Glorian Norton gave in memory of Darlene Kubicek. Kristin and Levi Haight gave in appreciation of Mark and Kathy Anderson. Tom and Judi Lammers gave in memory of their parents. Dave and Sue Hodson gave in appreciation of Lauren Hodson, Jessica and Corey Fick, Glorian and Dale Norton, Victor Zura, Amy Hodson and the patrons, staff and volunteers of Dégagé. Pat and Mary Carey gave in honor of Jesus. Tim and Cindy Postma John Achterhof Clint and Cindy Hough Travis and Annie Mabry Bob and Shauna Karel John and Kate Jesse Mitch and Tammy Brouwer Rick and Megan Vander Ploeg Myrna and Tim Duflo Jack Voss Rod and Mary LeCouteur in honor of Dégagé Ministries Celebrate Dégagé Sponsors Thank you to the sponsors of Celebrate Dégagé. The event raised over $70,000 to support the vital programs at Dégagé! Riverside Integrated Systems Grand Rapids Foam Technologies Amway Cornerstone Church Harvest Health Diversified Financial Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge Fifth Third Bank Precision Property Management Rapid Shred Royce Rolls Ringer TDS Macatawa Bank Bank of Holland Echelon Property Management Huntington Bank Innovative Benefit Services United Bank of Michigan Professional Metal Finishers We wish to also thank Hark Up Music for their beautiful performance! Phil receives a basket. In addition to the special acknowledgements listed, the baskets were filled in honor of the person receiving it—a gift to let them know that they are important and loved; a small acknowledgement of the blessing and accomplishment of having a home again. We have a need for more Care Baskets! This is a great project for groups, families or individuals. Contact Bradi at Bradi@DegageMinistries.org or (616) 454-1661 for more details! M a r c h 2 010 7 W I S H L I S T D é gag é M inistries Dreaming Big Warehouse Space Gift certificates to: Office Depot, Home Depot & Gordon Food Service Lockers Projector Portable DVD Player Ice Machine* Laminator* IT Services* Life Enrichment Center Thermal Underwear Tops and Bottoms Umbrellas and Rain Ponchos New Reading Glasses* Iron Belts* New Men’s & Women’s Underwear Towels Adult backpacks Plain White T-shirts Wash Clothes White Socks 144 S. Division Ave. Grand Rapids, MI 49503 www.degageministries.org (616) 454-1661 Change Service Requested MARCH Single Ride or 10 Ride Bus Tickets Large Bottles of Shampoo and Conditioner Spray and Roll-On Deodorant Laundry Detergent Travel Sewing Kits Shaving Cream Razors Continuing Kitchen Needs Coffee 8 oz. Styrofoam Cups Hot Chocolate Packets Napkins Sugar Packets BBQ Sauce Butter Latex Gloves Shredded Cheese Maintenance Spot Remover Carpet Cleaning Services Vice (with or without anvil) Industrial Plumbing Snake 2010 Food Pantry Jelly Canned Vegetables Kleenex Hamburger Helper Spaghetti O’s Soup Canned Fruit Tuna Fish Toilet Paper Canned Meat The Open Door New Women’s Underwear and Bras Ear Plugs* Socks (sizes 6-10) T-shirts Dryer Sheets* Thank you for helping us provide low-cost services to our patrons. Without your generous donations from our wish list, this would not be possible. Visit our website at www.degageministries.org for updates. * Most urgent needs Non-profit Org. U. S. Postage PAID Grand Rapids, MI Permit # 1027