MyNorth Give 2022

NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Whether it’s that lakeside cottage or lifetime vacation, we help you make financial choices that allow you to live life fully — now and into the future. Start living today.

Life looks good on you. hemmingwm.com / 231.922.2900

NORTHERN MICHIGAN

Michael Wnek

Cara McDonald

Elizabeth Edwards

Carly Simpson

Allison Jarrell

Rachel Soulliere

Elizabeth Aseritis

Caroline Dahlquist

Tim Hussey

Theresa Burau-Baehr

Rachel Watson

Caitlin Conway

Julie Parker

Erin VanFossen

Mike Alfaro Ann Gatrell Julie James Meg Lau Kirk Small

Erin Lutke

Ashlyn Korienek

Nichole Earle

Libby Stallman

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3

| EDITOR’S NOTE

5 | FOSTERING FAMILY LOVE

For Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan, finding safe, loving foster homes for teens is a pressing need.

5 | MEMORIES WITH A CHERRY ON TOP

The Festival Foundation is working hard to ensure that beloved events like the National Cherry Festival and Iceman Cometh remain accessible to the public.

7 | PRESERVE A SLICE OF HISTORY

Mason County Historical Society is looking for new members and volunteers interested in protecting relics of the region’s past.

7 | THE ARTIST

MAKERS

Interlochen Center for the Arts has an ambitious goal: meet the full financial need of any accepted student—a total of $22 million annually.

11 |

SHELTER FROM THE STORM

A May tornado devastated Goodwill Northern Michigan’s new Gaylord store, but as crews work to rebuild, the team hasn’t lost focus of its mission.

11 | BOOKS ON WHEELS

The Traverse Area District Library is eager to hit the road with its new Bookmobile, bringing books and resources to area senior centers, preschools and community events.

13 | MOVEMENT AS MEDICINE

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA is improving access to healthy activities (for the spirit, mind and body) through its after-school youth sports program.

13 | MORE THAN A HOME

415 Cass St., Traverse City, MI 49684

Phone: 231.941.8174 | Fax: 231.941.8391 SUBSCRIBER

Visit MyNorth.com/Account to renew your subscription, change your address, or review your account. Please email

BrickWays is working to expand its independent and community living model by offering more one-bedroom and efficiency housing for adults with special needs.

17

| NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

As the costs of food, gas and basic needs continue to rise, Leelanau Christian Neighbors supports families across the county.

17

| GRACE AND GRIEF

Michael’s Place helps children, teens and adults navigate grief through innovative and compassionate support programs. Post-pandemic, that need is only growing.

21

| LIGHTING THE WAY

The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse need your help to replace an eroding 75-year-old concrete apron that separates the iconic light from Lake Michigan.

21 |

NURTURING LOVE OF NATURE

Grand Traverse Conservation District has two major projects on its docket: launching an incubator farm to educate new farmers and constructing a pedestrian bridge that will span the Boardman-Ottaway River.

25 | SAVING SANCTUARIES

Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy is focused on saving two ecologically vital areas, but the organization needs your help.

25

| SHOP WITH SOUL

This holiday season, the Downtown Traverse City Association wants you to shop small and support your local busi nesses, nonprofits and community.

29 |

FEEDING A COMMUNITY

Help Manna Food Project meet the growing demand at food pantries in Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties.

29 | PEDAL POWER

As Norte grows its cycling programs across six counties, the organization is looking for donors as well as volunteers to bike with and coach kids.

33

| MERCY FOR THE MANY

Beyond its thrift store in Traverse City, the Grand Traverse Area Society of St. Vincent de Paul needs volunteers to lend a helping hand in whatever way they can.

33 | SUPPORTING CAREGIVES

As ShareCare of Leelanau continues to help seniors live and age well in their own homes, they’re looking to expand services with additional volunteers this winter.

35 | NAVIGATING MENTAL ILLNESS

NAMI Grand Traverse wants to help anyone concerned about mental illness access the treatment and care they need.

Heather J Boivin, AAMSTM

3285 South Airport Road West 231-933-5263

Yancy Boivin, AAMSTM

3285 South Airport Road West 231-933-5263

John W Elwell, AAMSTM

3588 Veterans Dr 231-947-0079

Teressa Hupfer

4110 Copper Ridge Dr, Building D Suite 202 231-252-3561

Jamie Keillor

4110 Copper Ridge Dr, Building D, Suite 202 231-252-3561

Jim Mellinger 12935 SW Bay Shore Dr, Ste 310 231-947-1123

John Tredway

806 S Garfield Ave, Suite B 231-932-1290

Andrew Weaver 125 Park Street, Suite 250 231-947-3032

Greg Williams 513 S Union St 231-933-0881

Financial

Bill Collin

9672 US Highway 31, Ste 400 231-276-1355

Call or visit any of our financial advisors in the area.

PURE HEART

This issue of give northern michigan is the first one I’ve been fortunate to oversee as executive editor, but to be honest it’s been something I’ve looked forward to for the last several years—because I was writing much of it.

My longtime relationship with Deb Fellows and the team meant that even though I had left my first job with the magazine years ago, I never stopped writing stories for MyNorth Media. Each year, I looked forward to the end of summer, when we’d start creating the GIVE publication in particular, because I loved seeing Northern Michigan through the lens of the nonprofit community.

I fell in love with these organizations from nearly 2,000 miles away through the power of their stories. I thought about what it would be like to bake cook ies with kids going through family instability. I sent invisible high-fives to the volunteers gleaning veggies from farm fields to fill food-pantry shelves. I looked up far-away shelter dogs and wondered, could I adopt Chip, the sweet but rowdy Lab mix? (Short answer: No. But I still think about him.) And each year, I looked forward to my annual chat with Jennifer Jay at the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy. We’d never met, but would say that on my next trip home we’d have to get together for cocktails and a paddle around Boardman Lake. These stories kept my heart so close to Northern Michigan that when it was time to make my way back home, the choice was an easy one. I mentioned to Jennifer I was coming back, for reals. She said she’d keep an eye out for a house on her street—the best neighbors, the best spot, she said. And ten months later, true to her word, she sent me a text about a sweet little house for sale down the street. It’s now our new home.

Do we EVER really understand the power of a single gesture of kindness? To say this region is connected, that our people are what make us, that we look out for each other and that every one of us can have an impact is to tilt toward clichés and platitudes, but I can tell you as someone who has had a view of it from both near and far—this place runs on pure heart. The organizations here, the vision, passion, leadership and undaunted spirit are special. Telling their stories is one of the aspects of this job that floats my cork like nothing else, because I know how the right story in the right hands can create a connection that sparks magic. One year, a donor read this guide and donated an entire home to fight homelessness and housing instability. As a result, a single mom and her two children moved into a safe neighborhood where the kids could walk to school. Imagine the power of that single flip of the page, and the ripple effect that will change lives for years to come. It blows my mind.

I invite you to choose just one thing from this guide—whether you’re clicking “donate” or dropping off a wish-list item or sharing your time and talent. I have no doubt that on the pages that follow there’s something here for you that will close a loop, satisfy a longing, let you in, lift you up, and show you where you belong and how you matter. Thank you for deciding to be a part of the story.

Cara McDonald Executive Editor cara@mynorth.com

HappyHealthyStrong.org

Norte Youth Cycling

1213 W. Civic Center Drive

Traverse City, MI 49686 231- 883-2404

MISSION STATEMENT

Norte builds stronger, better connected, and more walk/bike-friendly communities by empowering the young and young at heart.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Anthony Rupard, President Evan Gray, Vice President Eric Mannix, Treasurer Sue Paul, Secretary Marshall Collins, Director Ryan Schrock, Director Shawn Stowe, Director Jim Witte, Director Jill Sill, Executive Director

Norte Inspires Active and Connected Communities

We deliver bike programs and community engagement for people of all ages and abilities.

Norte is impacting the lives of thousands of children and families across six counties. We began in 2014 to counter the inactivity and isolation of youth in northern Michigan. The pandemic made clear the importance of our outdoor, socially-based education programs. In 2023, Norte intends to elevate our programming and broaden our impact.

We focus our work across four areas:

• Active-For-Life Kids — Empowered children develop lifelong habits to move more and sit less. Norte accomplishes this through youth bike programs. In 2022, we rolled with 1,300 registrations in our Summer Bike Camp, Adventure Bike Club, Balance Bike Club, and Norte Mountain Bike Team.

• Grassroots Advocacy — Norte promotes policies and investments that keep people active. We encourage citizens to take the lead and provide tools, training, and expertise to help them succeed. For example, through Safe Routes to School initiatives, Norte has helped create safer crosswalks, protected bike lanes, and over ten miles of new sidewalks around schools.

• Happy, Healthy, Strong Communities — Norte’s programs and initiatives create a community of action and giving. Every year, over 150 adults sign up to coach bike programs, and many more volunteers represent Norte in the community. Our programs bring young and old together, learning from each other.

• Youth Leadership — Norte encourages young people to be leaders in their community. Past Norte participants sit on the Downtown Development Authority and Planning Commission in Traverse City. High school students who started with Norte eight years ago now coach young riders in our programs.

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

Donate today! HappyHealthyStrong.org

Volunteer — We’ll find the right fit for you.

A gift to Norte ensures that our programs remain accessible for everyone. Your financial support provides youth scholarships, and makes possible initiatives like the Bikes for All program. Your support also sustains the Kids’ Bike Library in the greater Grand Traverse area, which provides over 600 bikes a year to children who otherwise might not have one. Stop by and take a tour!

FOSTERING FAMILY LOVE

THEIR MISSION: To connect children with safe, loving foster homes while creating healthier and safer Northern Michigan communities.

RECENT SUCCESS: Kelly Gravelle has always taken a special interest in mentoring teens. When she moved to Suttons Bay, Kelly purchased a large home and decided to offer the extra space to anyone in need of housing. She began work ing with the Child and Family Services team and, in 2020, became a licensed foster mom to a 14-year-old whom she adopted last fall.

CURRENT CHALLENGE: Unfortunately, Kelly’s story isn’t commonplace. Finding suitable homes for foster teens is a pressing need; there are 13,000 children in State of Michigan foster care, and 3,600 are between ages 16 and 21.

“There are a lot of misconceptions about teens in foster care,” says Development Specialist Emma Smith, MA, LLPC. “It’s not as scary as people think. These kids really need connections with safe, stable adults—someone who is willing to love a kid who needs to be loved.”

SOLUTION: Consider fostering. The Department of Health & Human Services is calling from several counties away trying to place 3- and 4-year-olds, and teens are even harder to place, Smith says, pointing to Michigan’s serious lack of foster homes.

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: If you can’t foster, donate. If you can’t donate, volunteer. If you can’t volunteer, sign up for the Child and Family Services newsletter and share it with your community. cfsnwmi.org

MEMORIES WITH A CHERRY ON TOP

to see it trending back to people coming together as fam ily and friends, getting outside together and building those lasting traditions,” says Cherry Festival Foundation Creative Director Bailey Judson.

THEIR MISSION: Founded by growers in 1926, the Festival Foundation preserves Michigan traditions and the local cherry economy through beloved annual events that include the National Cherry Festival and the Iceman Cometh mountain bike challenge.

RECENT SUCCESS: Covid-19 hit the foundation pretty hard, knocking events out of whack until 2022 when summer concerts and air shows returned in full force to the 96-year-old National Cherry Festival. The successful comeback allowed the foundation to give back more than $50,000 to area scholarships and nonprofits. “It’s been nice

CURRENT CHALLENGE: Like many things post-Covid, sup plies are harder to come by and carry a higher-than-usual price tag. The foundation’s slim staff of seven works hard to put on a gamut of events, the majority of which remain free and attainable. “We want to ensure that a single parent can continue to get that ice cream cone for $2,” Judson says.

SOLUTION: Sustainable donors are key to upholding these traditions. In 2020, the nonprofit created its Festival Foun dation Growers’ Program, inviting donors to contribute anywhere from $5 to $500 monthly.

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Join the Festival Founda tion Growers’ Program or volunteer to pour beer, scoop ice cream or register folks for races at one of the foundation’s annual events. thefestivalfoundation.org —L.B.

THE HEROES: Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan

THE HEROES: The Festival Foundation

photo by Dave Weidner

3700 Silver Lake Road

Traverse City, MI 49684

231-933-9622

gtbayymca.org

MISSION STATEMENT

To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mark Wilson, Chair

Mary Beth Morrison, Vice Chair

Steve Merten, Treasurer

Dave Rowe, Secretary

Peter Marinof, Immediate Past Chair

Mike Brown Marshall Collins

Christie Dompierre

Kevin Klein

Ernie Maas

Christina Nowak

Jeff Rademacher

Bob Spence

Theresa Will

Andrew Page, CEO

A mission of community wellness

At the Grand Traverse Bay YMCA you’ll find a community built around wellness, not just of the body, but of the mind and spirit as well. Offering programming for people of all ages and interests, we strive to create a welcoming atmosphere for all, from all walks of life and at all stages of the journey to wellness. The Y never turns anyone away regardless of ability to pay or capacity to participate.

With the Y’s help, kids across our community have a safe space to learn and grow. Safe and supervised after-school activities are provided at West Y for students from Traverse City West Middle School throughout the school year. In the YMCA funded Safety Around Water program, children from local schools are taught the five crucial skills needed to stay safe around water, reducing drowning in Northern Michigan. With enriching programs like youth sports, Taekwondo and Breakers Swim Team youth build new skills and learn the meaning of good sportsmanship. Most importantly, they learn how to be themselves. That makes for confident and connected kids today who become contributing and engaged adults tomorrow.

The Y aims to make wellness accessible to all with the availability of financial assistance for all facets of the organization, free member childcare with Child Watch, and affordable daycare at our Child Development Center.

Older members of our community remain active and find social nourishment with Enhanced Fitness and low impact aqua fitness classes, Community Breakfast, and continued learning in Wellness Workshops.

Thanks to the generosity of volunteers and public and private donors who give to the Y, our community is stronger. Every day, we work side-by-side with our neighbors to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to learn, grow and thrive, regardless of age, income or background. Wellness is a commit ment that we share together, as partners for positive change in ourselves and our commu nity. By giving to the Y you help us continue to provide our neighbors the support, guidance and resources needed to achieve greater health and well-being for their spirit, mind and body.

THEIR MISSION: The educational nonprofit has been pre serving, presenting and protecting Mason County history since 1937. Today, the historical society operates two fullscale museums, a research center, an emporium and a sports hall of fame.

RECENT SUCCESS: On September 1, 2022, the historical society celebrated the grand opening of its 10,000-squarefoot Mason County Research Center in the former down town National Bank of Ludington. The impressive archival collection tells local stories through photographs, letters, books, maps, newspapers, family histories and more.

CURRENT CHALLENGE: Entirely donor, member, and admis sion funded, the historical society seeks to increase donor and member support to cover increased annual operating costs.

PRESERVE A SLICE OF HISTORY

SOLUTION: The historic 30-building White Pine Village provides a living history experience to over 4,000 west Michigan school students each year. To continue this type of impactful programming experience, the historical society needs to grow its membership and donor support.

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Become a Mason Memories donor. Donations help preserve history through programming opportunities like the winter speaker series, museum exhibitions and Living History Days. Each year more than 20,000 people come to Historic White Pine Village and the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum to experience the history of West Michigan.

Get involved with the Historical Society and boost community spirit as a member or volunteer. Enjoy discounts on historical programming and enjoy unlimited admissions to both Muse ums. Volunteer docents and research library data entry help is always appreciated. masoncountymihistory.org —L.B.

THE ARTIST MAKERS

THEIR MISSION: Interlochen is the premier destination for young artists to transform passion and potential into pur pose. The program welcomes 3,000 students ages 8 to 18 each summer and more than 500 high school arts students throughout the academic year.

RECENT SUCCESS: Interlochen distributed more than $17 million in scholarships last year. Among the recipients was a talented female singer on a camp scholarship who, with support from a donor, was able to continue on and attend the academy this school year.

“She is such an incredible talent with great energy and ded ication,” says Interlochen Provost Camille Colatosti. “This is a student who really has that passion and potential. I see her in Madison Square Garden someday commanding the entire audience.”

CURRENT CHALLENGE: Interlochen turns 100 in 2028 and has set a goal of meeting the full financial need of any accepted student, an estimated $22 million annually.

SOLUTION: So far, extremely generous supporters and alumni are backing the large philanthropic effort. But, Colatosti says, Interlochen is always looking to make new friends. “No donation is too small,” she says. “Any level of generosity is appreciated.”

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Donate online; funds go directly to supporting students. Volunteer as an usher during student performances, plant flowers on the academy grounds or offer to host an international student who is unable to travel home during the winter break (Dec. 21–Jan. 7). To connect, reach out to education@interlochen.org. —L.B.

THE HEROES: Mason County Historical Society

THE HEROES: Interlochen Center for the Arts

photo by Taylor Brown

photo courtesy of Mason County Historical Society

3860 N. Long Lake Road, Suite D

Traverse City, MI 49684 231.929.7911 www.gtrlc.org

MISSION STATEMENT

Protecting significant natural, scenic and farm lands - and advancing stewardship - now and for future generations.

EXECUTIVE

The Proposed Birch Point Nature Preserve: Connecting Critical Landscapes

The Grand Traverse region’s myriad pristine waters, healthy forests, wetlands, and coastal dunes support rare and diverse species. For generations, these natural landscapes have framed cherished memories and enriched the lives of the area’s residents and visitors.

While land protection is essential to saving these extraordinary places - and maintaining the region’s identity as an outdoor destination - preserving corridors that link these habitats is necessary for them to thrive.

DIRECTOR Glen Chown

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Kevin Russell, Chair Cortney Danbrook, Vice Chair Linda Cline, Treasurer

John Bercini, Secretary

Perry Adams

Betsy Calcutt Don Coe

John Collins

JoAnne Cook Kathleen Guy Jim Huckle

Koffi Kpachavi Chip May

Barbara Nelson-Jameson Annie Olds Susan Palmer Greg Seman

Evan Smith Maureen Smyth Terrie Taylor

The proposed Birch Point Nature Preserve connects a critical corridor between several protected lands. The 114-acre property borders Sleeping Bear Dunes to the north and abuts state land to the south, which borders a privately held conservation easement on Rush Lake. Collectively, these properties total nearly a mile of frontage on Rush Lake. This unfragmented corridor benefits reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife sensitive to disturbance, and species like bobcats, black bears, and Red-shouldered hawks, which require large areas for diversity and dispersal.

Notably, the proposed preserve contains 47 acres of a globally rare wooded dune and swale complex near Lake Michigan’s Platte Bay. Affected by glaciation long ago, this natural community only occurs along the Great Lakes shorelines, where a series of sandy ridges and narrow wetlands provide biodiversity, water quality, and ecological benefits for wildlife and people.

The property’s mosaic of aspen, cedar, oak, red maple, and birch trees intersperse with a rich tapestry of wetlands. The unique landscape offers critical foraging and nesting habitat for warblers and other migratory songbirds, who flock to Lake Michigan’s shoreline in the spring and forage for insects and arthropods in the swale’s wooded conifer swamps. The proposed preserve is also home to flora like beautiful Pink lady’s slippers and Cucumber root, a native plant that can be indicative of an older-growth forest.

With plans for a relatively short, sensitively designed trail, the proposed preserve would also build on recreation opportunities in one of the state’s most beautiful wilderness areas.

About $500,000 is needed to protect this property, which could open in 2025. For more information or to support this project, visit www. gtrlc.org.

Upper

Photo by Noah Jurik

Crystal Lake

Lake Michigan

PlatteBay

407 S. Main Street PO Box 937

Leland, MI 49654 231-256-0221 info@sharecareleelanau.org sharecareleelanau.org

SHARECARE STAFF

Julie Tarr, Ed.D, Executive Director

Jennie Arguello, Volunteer Manager

Danielle Gray, Care Coordinator

Sally Bancroft, Office Manager

BOARD MEMBERS

Pamela Agee Pamela Bradshaw

Diana Burton

Susan Cobb, Treasurer

Donald Frerichs President

Juliet Hafford

Cliff Hale

Russ Knopp

Dale Lersch

Karen Mulvahill

Lisa Peacock, Secretary

Tim Wade, Vice President

Aging at home is the preferred choice of most older adults, and it can be a more affordable option than a retirement community. The Grand Traverse area attracts many people who retire up here, and grow older without family nearby. When their health diminishes and a spouse passes away, they often find themselves socially isolated, which is detrimental to physical and mental health.

ShareCare helps older adults remain in their homes by connecting them to services and resources that lessen some of the challenges of aging, and provides social and educational opportunities to increase socialization among seniors. ShareCare’s services are tied to volunteers, who provide transportation, friendly visits and numerous other supports and services that promote a healthy, independent and fulfilled lifestyle while aging.

One of the most popular services is transportation. Losing the ability to drive can be a life changing experience in a rural community. ShareCare’s volunteer drivers take seniors to needed medical appoint ments, deliver groceries and run errands. Because of ShareCare’s

Several outreach programs help seniors remain connected to their community. These include a phone reassurance program (PRP) for seniors, where the senior receives weekly phone calls from a volunteer. A support group for family caregivers of people with dementia is offered monthly, and a family caregiver coaching program matches trained volunteer coaches with a family caregiver as a resource person. In addition, up to 4 hours of respite provided by trained volunteers is available to caregivers.

Wellness is a key component of ShareCare’s model, and over the winter there will be several enrichment activities offered, such as balance and chair exercise, yoga for seniors, and nutrition classes. Participation in the enrichment workshops are open to anyone and are free of charge. If you or someone you know needs services, you must be 60 and over, and live in Leelanau County.

ShareCare is always recruiting new volunteers. To volunteer or make a donation call 231-256-0221 ext. 304, or visit www.sharecare leelanau.org

volunteers and staff, seniors get to their doctor visits, increasing the likelihood that they will stay out of the emergency room.

THEIR MISSION: Making homelessness rare, brief and onetime while providing employment and nutritious food.

RECENT SUCCESS: Although the May 2022 tornado devas tated Goodwill’s new Gaylord store, shutting down a funnel of funding that brings 2 million pounds of food a year to Greater Grand Traverse Area food pantries, there was a silver lining.

“It was a terrible situation, but it was really nice to see how businesses and neighbors came together to rebuild and support each other. We had a great outpouring of people dropping off food and clothing,” says Goodwill Northern Michigan Director of Communications Deb Lake. The

SHELTER FROM THE STORM

Goodwill team—some wielding tattoos memorializing their in-store tornado survival—started over with inven tory and had a pop-up location open within two months.

CURRENT CHALLENGE: Reopening a smaller store has re vived revenue channels to food and homeless programs. As crews work to rebuild the Main Street store, leadership is focused on big-picture issues like distributing food equitably, reaching more underserved regions and expanding available units to help those exiting homelessness.

SOLUTION: When you donate old clothes, electronics and jewelry to Goodwill, you’re putting dollars into the stream that feeds Patriot Place supportive housing for veterans, and helps Food Rescue pick up $70,000 worth of weekly leftovers from local grocery stores, farms and restaurants and deliver it to Goodwill’s Northwest Food Coalition partner pantries and community meal sites.

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Community support is Goodwill’s heartbeat. Write a philanthropic check, shop at and donate to Goodwill or thrift online, anytime. goodwillnmi.org

BOOKS ON WHEELS

THEIR MISSION: The library encourages creativity and lit eracy, promotes dynamic resources, offers innovative services and nurtures personal enrichment. And the new Bookmobile checks every box.

“The pandemic really brought home how much people rely on the library,” says Library Director Michele Howard. “People missed us more than [they missed] their hairdresser. That really put the fire under the Bookmobile project.”

RECENT SUCCESS: Thanks to a generous Rotary Charities grant, the library was able to order an extended Dodge Ram cargo van, a.k.a. the Bookmobile. Stirring cheery delivery vibes from the 1960s, the library on wheels allows Howard and staff to once again bring books and services (WiFi, printers, movies, puzzles) to senior centers, preschools and community events.

“So many people have memories of the Bookmobile coming to them way back when,” Howard says. “It’s a magical portal of imagination.”

CURRENT CHALLENGE: The Bookmobile is new and doesn’t have a collection yet. Library staff compiled a wish list that includes more rolling book carts, tech cabinets, a projection screen,and money to purchase additional books, movies and albums.

SOLUTION: To get the van stocked and out on the road this fall and winter, the library needs monetary donations. The online wish list and donations page is a great place to start.

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Host a holiday party fundraiser with your book club and round up a group dona tion. Visit the online wish list and buy a tank of gas for the Bookmobile or donate money to help the library reach its goal of 500 new books. tadl.org/ontheroad —L.B.

THE HEROES: Goodwill Northern Michigan

THE HEROES: Traverse Area District Library

photo courtesy of Goodwill Northern Michigan

photo courtesy of TADL

MOVEMENT AS MEDICINE

THEIR MISSION: Access to building a healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

RECENT SUCCESS: A single mother and her 12-year-old son joined the YMCA and found simple joy in exercising for the first time. Health and connection flowed from find ing that thing they could do together. “He’d shoot baskets, she’d walk on the track, then they’d go to the pool together. It was life changing for them,” says YMCA President and CEO Andrew Page.

The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA extends beyond your typical gym and swim. The nonprofit shares its message that move ment is medicinal and gives back to the community through team sports, group fitness classes, after-school programs and much more.

CURRENT CHALLENGE: Like many organizations postCovid, staffing is tough. The YMCA is focused on retaining solid staff in all departments and growing its after-school youth sports programs—they offer everything from kids taekwondo to teen tennis.

SOLUTION: These volunteer-based programs give kids—no matter their ability or capacity to pay (the YMCA never turns anyone away)—a sense of community and sportsmanship, and the Y is always in need of coaches. Don’t worry, Page says, you don’t need a ton of experience; they’ll train you.

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: It’s threefold: volunteer as a coach, become a YMCA member and donate. The YMCA has big pockets to fill and bodies to inspire. You can help them do this by making a dent in their goal to raise $250,000 a year. gtbayymca.org

MORE THAN A HOME

CURRENT CHALLENGE: BrickWays has grown to five unique housing situations, home to 46 adults as well as 50 people enrolled in TRAIL community-living support pro grams, but mental health funding is shaky and there’s no guaranteed backing.

THEIR MISSION: Mary Jean Brick had a son and sister with developmental disabilities and worked with government agencies to start up a licensed adult foster care home in 1975, laying the foundation for BrickWays’ highly success ful independent living and group housing.

“Our purpose is to help folks be a part of the community and not apart from the community,” says BrickWays Director Susan Onan.

RECENT SUCCESS: Abe had aged out of the foster care sys tem and his support services were expiring. He was highly emotional, flashing from rage to suicidal. BrickWays took Abe in to get him stabilized, and now he’s in the most inde pendent of housing options, has a driver’s license, a job in the community and inspires everyone he meets.

“People are calling me frantically; they don’t know what they’re going to do,” Onan says. “I have four tenants that I keep working with, because if they lose their housing they have nowhere to go, no one to go to.”

SOLUTION: BrickWays wants to develop more one-bedroom and efficiency housing. “These people are able to pay only $400 for rent, when current market rates are up to $1,000,” Onan says. “We need more big donors who are able to pro vide yearly support.”

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Outside of becoming an annual donor, BrickWays needs community members to share their skills. Do you sew? Cook? Teach yoga? Get involved and inspire others. brickways.org —L.B.

THE HEROES: Grand Traverse Bay YMCA

THE HEROES: BrickWays

GIVE

Making a financial gift makes a difference like no other. Your gift changes lives!

Donating items at our donation centers around Northern Michigan supports our community programs, too.

Donate online at goodwillnmi.org/donate

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer solo and with groups of up to 25 people to pack boxes of food for delivery to food pantries, serve dinner at the homeless shelter, and harvest food from local farms. We �� our volunteers.

Volunteer online at goodwillnmi.org/volunteer

Kate Redman, Chair

Lauren Harris, Vice Chair

Kelly Miller, Treasurer

Jody Trietch, Secretary

Mike Brown Lezlie Garvin

Paul Heidbreder Andrew Kohlmann

Terri LaCroix-Kelty

Christie Minervini

Nick Nissley

Dawn Shields

UPGRADING TO A CADILLAC

When you thrift and donate in our BIGGER Cadillac store and 7 other locations, you help us deliver 2 million pounds of food to food pantries and help over 1,000 people find home each year, too. Thank you!

FOOD RESCUE

HEALTHY HARVESTING

Our great volunteers, new partnerships with local farmers, and this year’s bumper crop help ensure that 42% of the food we deliver to food pantries and meal sites is delicious, nutritious fruits and vegetables.

EVERY DAY IS VETERANS DAY

We received a special grant to improve our town houses in Gaylord for Veterans transitioning from homelessness to housing. We’re grateful to serve Veterans in a community designed for their needs.

THE KIDS ARE ALL RIGHT

Amazing what a group of people can do in a few hours! Grateful to our volunteers who repack big bins of broccoli, butternut squash, and other produce into family-sized bags for delivery to food pantries.

THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOME

We’re part of a strong Homeless Coalition working to make homelessness rare and brief. Here’s Ryan and Ashley, going out for a listening session with people we serve about ways we can improve our services.

REBUILDING IN GAYLORD

After an EF-3 tornado destroyed our Gaylord store in May, our intrepid team got tornado tattoos and opened a popup store just two months later. Grateful for our #GaylordStrong community.

EXPANDING OUR OUTREACH

Home looks different for different people, and so do the obstacles that stand in the way. Grateful to welcome new Outreach workers to meet people where they are and offer resources on the path to housing.

HELPING PEOPLE MOVE HOME

Our favorite job is helping people move into housing. Moving is easier when Outreach helps carry, a Case Manager helps problem solve, and you can lock your own door behind you when the helping is done.

RESCUE

DELIVERING NUTRITION

Little volunteers at the PrayerFyre food pantry are all smiles when our Food Rescue drivers arrive with trucks full of good food. Nutritious food is critical for growing bodies and minds.

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

FOOD RESCUE

HOUSING & HOMELESS SERVICES

FOOD

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

STREET OUTREACH

PATRIOT PLACE

HOUSING & HOMELESS SERVICES

The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse, Inc., 3701 Point Betsie Road Frankfort, MI 49635 231.352.7644 www.pointbetsie.org

MISSION STATEMENT

At Point Betsie Lighthouse, our mission is to support Benzie County in the restoration and maintenance of Point Betsie Lighthouse through advocacy, fundraising and volunteers. Our goal is to promote related educational opportunities for the benefit of all, while maintaining the historical and environmental integrity of the site.

BOARD MEMBERS

Grant Porteous, President Gayle Brown, Vice President Mica Jones, Secretary Andy Miller Michael Musgrave Kelly Winter Executive Director Casey Ottinger

The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to maintaining and operating the Point Betsie Lighthouse Station in support of Benzie County. Over the past 15 years the organiza tion has raised funds for matching grants for the restoration of the historic buildings that are now completed. The complex consists of our historic lighthouse and museum, gift shop, Fog Signal Building, rental apartment, and public beach. We are open for tours

from mid-May to mid-October of each year and visitors are able to see the last manned lighthouse on Lake Michigan and the most photographed lighthouse in the state!

The fundraising focus is now on the other needed capital improvements, primarily the Shoreline Protection System. The current Shoreline Protection System has kept Point Betsie Lighthouse in place for over 75 years. The structure is now showing signs of failure and must be replaced at the earliest opportu nity; a need exacerbated by the rising water levels. This is a multi-million dollar project and the Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse are working with local and state government, The State Historic Preservation Office, The Army Corps of Engineers, and marine engineers to create a lasting replacement.

The Friends are currently in an Engineering Study phase and hope to be able to break ground as soon as possible to protect the light house. The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse have some funds secured by donors and public funding in place but will need additional resources to begin construction and complete the project. Strong donor support has been a key factor from the beginning, enabling the Friends group to secure matching grants to restore and maintain this iconic site and its historic building for future generations to enjoy.

NEIGHBORS HELPING NEIGHBORS

THE HEROES: Leelanau Christian Neighbors

THEIR MISSION: To help Leelanau County residents in need of food, infant supplies, clothing or financial assistance for rent, utility bills, car repairs and medical services.

RECENT SUCCESS: The group’s Buy the Runway! Gala sum mer fundraiser at the Old Art Building in Leland benefited LCN’s Samaritans’ Closet, a resale shop for clothing and household items. Revenue from the shop helps fund the orga nization’s programs. The gala also showcased models wearing clothes from Samaritans’ Closet. “It was just a wonderful event, and people came out and really supported Leelanau Christian Neighbors,” says Mary Stanton, executive director. “We’re really appreciative of the support from the community.”

CURRENT CHALLENGE: Because of increased demand at its food pantry in Lake Leelanau, LCN is projecting a budget

GRACE AND

GRIEF

THE HEROES: Michael’s Place

THEIR MISSION: Launched in 2001, Michael’s Place helps grieving children, teens, adults and families through support, advocacy and education.

RECENT SUCCESS: Imagine losing a parent to cancer and having to navigate second grade filled with heavy and un familiar emotions. Michael’s Place lightens the grief load with innovative and compassionate support programs, like expressive art workshops for kids. At the beginning of the 2021-2022 school year, Michael’s Place offered seven in-school support groups. By the end of the school year, there were 20 programs reaching 14 Northern Michigan elementary, middle and high schools.

CURRENT CHALLENGE: With growth comes need. Prior to the pandemic, an estimated one in 20 children experienced the death of a parent or sibling by the time they reached 18. Today, the number is closer to one in 13, says Executive Director Mindy Buell.

deficit this year and next. During the pandemic, the pan try was serving 40-45 families a week—that number has increased to about 115 families a week. Many families are struggling financially because of the rising costs of food, gas and other basic needs.

SOLUTION: Thanks to community support, LCN has been able to purchase a steer and three hogs every other month and have them processed locally, and community support will allow them to continue to provide that meat to LCN’s growing number of clients. Donations of both money and food help keep the pantry shelves full.

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Donate. LCN accepts food donations at its pantry, and clothing and house hold items at Samaritans’ Closet. Or donate online at leelanauchristianneighbors.org. —G.T.

The good news is more schools are emphasizing socialemotional wellbeing. The struggle lies in financial support to meet rising demand.

SOLUTION: “You can’t fix it or take away the sadness of loss, but you can show that you care by simply being present and listening,” Buell says.

TIPS FOR SUPPORTING A GRIEVING CHILD:

• Answer questions with age-appropriate honesty

• Let them know it’s okay to be sad or angry

• Offer comfort and quality time

• Encourage creative outlets to express feelings

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Take a Tour of Hope and learn about Michael’s Place programs. While you’re there, sign up to volunteer and make a financial contribution to help fund programs and services. mymichaelsplace.net —L.B.

Leelanau Christian Neighbors

7322 E Duck Lake Rd

PO Box 196

Lake Leelanau, Mi 49653 231-994-2271

LeelanauChristianNeighbors.org

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Mary Stanton, Executive Director

LCN Board of Directors

Charlie Bumb, President

Mark Forbes, Vice President

Carol Bawden, Secretary Bob Hetler, Treasurer

Board Members at Large: Kathy Laba Jim Richardson

Judy Walter Joe Hubbel

John Elchert

Bob Laba

Maureen Hensel

Jenny Groseclose

Steve Stanton

Don Gregory

Jeff Hamilton

This year, Leelanau Christian Neighbors is celebrating 35 years of assisting our neighbors in Leelanau County. Starting with two very caring people who gave a bag of groceries to their neighbors, LCN has grown to a sizable nonprofit serving neighbors with a food pantry, baby pantry, Blessings in a Backpack pro gram, a financial assistance program and a resale store!

3 full time and 2 part time staff along with hundreds of volunteers deliver these services to our community each week.

After check-in, neighbors shopping for food, grab a grocery cart and shop in the food pantry, just like you would in your local grocery store. Rows of fresh produce line the shelves! Healthy protein is always available; beef, pork, chicken along with cheese, butter and eggs.

Moms visit with our baby pan try volunteers who help them pick out just the right clothes, toys and diapers. We also have a Parenting Community member available to speak with parents needing a little encouragement and support along with a DHHS worker on site.

Those seeking financial assistance will meet with our financial assistance team. Gas cards, checks to third parties and connections to other resourc es are a lifeline for our neighbors.

Our Blessings in a Backpack team supplies not only bags of food for elementary kids during the school year but also place snack and hygiene boxes in area high schools.

Samaritans’ Closet, our cute, boutique resale store, accepts donations of new and gently used clothing, household goods, sporting equipment and more! These donated items are sold at very reasonable prices and those dollars are used to support our other 4 programs.

Our food pantry and baby pantry are open on Mondays from 2pm – 6pm and our finan cial assistant program is open on Mondays from 2pm – 4pm.

Samaritans’ Closet is open Tuesday – Friday from 10:00am – 5pm and on Saturdays from

10:00am to 2:00pm. Donations accepted during open hours. Call Sydney at 231-256-2026 for large furniture donations, please.

How you can help:

Monetary donations (checks, cash and stocks) along with food, clothing, household goods are always welcomed. Listing us in your estate planning is another great way to help us and our neighbors.

Check our website, LeelanauChristian Neighbors. org for more information including access to our volunteer application.

We appreciate all the different ways the community supports us! Time, talent and trea sures, we are so very grateful.

Support your favorite nonprofits by simply shopping downtown!

For every purchase you make at over 60 participating merchants, 15% of the sale will be donated to the organization of your choice! It’s easy to support your favorite nonprofit, plus get a jump on holiday shopping for friends and family!

For a list of participating merchants and nonprofits, visit downtowntc.com

1212 Veterans Drive, Suite 100

Traverse City, MI 49684 231-947-6453

GoodGrief@MyMichaelsPlace.net www.MyMichaelsPlace.net

MISSION STATEMENT

Michael’s Place serves the bereavement needs of the greater community through support, advocacy, and education for those grieving a death.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chris Dennos Founder Karen Browne President Dan Brady Vice President Doug Morgenstern Treasurer Gretchen Overbeek Secretary Mindy Buell Trustee/CEO Judy Harrison Trustee

Dr. Leslie Heimburger, MD Trustee

Together, We Build a Compassionate Community

One in 11 children in Michigan experiences the death of a parent or sibling by the time they reach 18. These numbers exceed the national average. Grief impacts the social, emotional, physical and spiritual wellbeing for people of all ages.

Michael’s Place, a nonprofit organization locat ed in Traverse City, has been providing grief support programs and services in northern Michigan for more than 20 years.

Michael’s Place offers a welcoming and com passionate environment, promotes healthy healing, and fosters a peer-community that reduces the isolation and loneliness of grief.

Trained volunteer facilitators work with children and adult support groups and supplement the small staff in their care of the bereaved. For children, vital programs support their unique needs with dedicated spaces for age-appropriate interactions and activities. For adults, support groups and other programs provide a safe atmosphere for sharing with their peers.

Michael’s Place works in the greater region to meet the bereavement needs of schools and workplaces faced with a loss event. We are dedicated to building a compassionate, griefinformed community, where no one has to grieve alone.

From its founding, Michael’s Place has been entirely community-supported. We know that most families suffering the loss of a loved one are already burdened with financial hardship. More than 80% of the services delivered through Michael’s Place are provided at nocost. Generous individuals, corporate dona tions, and foundations make this possible.

TOGETHER, WE THRIVE

Michael’s Place thrives because of the invest ment of community members like you. We are thankful for the generosity of financial contributions, goods and services, and dedi cated volunteerism. If you would like to be a part of this growing, compassionate community serving grieving children, teens, and adults, we invite you to reach out.

Please contact Michael’s Place at 231-9476453 or visit www.mymichaelsplace.net/ giving-opportunities/ for more information to volunteer or make a gift. We welcome conversations regarding other charitable giving including planned gifts.

LIGHTING THE WAY

THEIR MISSION: This nonprofit leads restoration efforts, handles daily operations and raises awareness for one of the state’s most iconic lighthouses.

RECENT SUCCESS: Executive Director Casey Ottinger, a staff of 10 and a host of volunteers deliver programming that includes story times, ghost tours, an adult lecture se ries, scavenger hunts and daily tours. During peak season June through August, the lighthouse welcomes 300 visitors a day. Point Betsie Lighthouse celebrated a record revenue summer in 2022.

CURRENT CHALLENGE: The 75-year-old concrete apron that separates the lighthouse from Lake Michigan is eroding and cracking due to water and wind exposure. Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse received a State of Michigan grant for

$5.1 million to replace the apron, but the project is estimated to cost between $9 and $12 million.

SOLUTION: Aiming to break ground in 2024, lighthouse advocates are working with marine engineers, the State Historic Preservation Office, Army Corp of Engineers and the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy to develop a plan while fundraising to meet monetary goals.

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Donate supplies via the Point Betsie Lighthouse Amazon wish list, become a light house member, or volunteer and help lighten the staffing load. Be a tour guide, sit at the top of the tower and answer questions or work in the gift shop. Pick one day a week or one day a year—every effort helps. pointbetsie.org

THEIR MISSION: To lead, facilitate and inspire exploration, appreciation, conservation and restoration of the natural world.

RECENT SUCCESS: The organization recently opened a Nature Playscape behind its Boardman River Nature Center in Traverse City, featuring natural elements that give children the opportunity to “free play.” Children can play in a rock river and a beaver dam, or enjoy a climbable spider web. The playscape is ADA accessible and is the culmination of yearlong planning and design, funded through a combination of donations and the organization’s budget.

CURRENT CHALLENGE: The District is seeking funding support for two major projects: The Great Lakes Incubator

NURTURING LOVE OF NATURE

Farm program and the Ottaway Crossing. The Great Lakes Incubator Farm seeks to lower barriers to access for new and beginning farmers. The historic Meyer Farm property on Keystone Road will be used as an educational and demonstra tion farm. The Ottaway Crossing, named for the indigenous name of the river, is a 180-foot pedestrian bridge that will span the Boardman-Ottaway River on the former site of the Sabin Dam, which was removed in 2018. With ongoing ecological restoration and an increase in trail use since the pandemic, the need for a pedestrian crossing is greater than ever.

SOLUTIONS: Donations for both projects. A $2.8 million fundraising campaign—Connecting to the Future—has been launched and will continue for two years. The hope is the bridge will be constructed in 2025. The first farm recruits begin in the spring.

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: To donate, visit natureiscalling.org/campaign and click. —G.T.

THE HEROES: The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse, Inc.

THE HEROES: Grand Traverse Conservation District

photo by Dave Weidner

photo by Dave Weidner

Grand Traverse

1010 South Garfield

Traverse City, MI 49686

P.O. Box 6932 Traverse City, MI 49686 231-944-8448 info@namigt.org namigt.org

MISSION STATEMENT

We provide hope, support, education, and advocacy to individuals living with mental health conditions and their families and friends to increase understanding, reduce stigma and promote a community in which the opportunity for recovery is maximized.

VISION

We are a community where people suffering with mental health conditions and their families are not isolated, know about NAMI, have access to available services and receive support.

TEAM

Rick Coates, Executive Director Jessie Perez, Navigator

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Paula McLain, President

Cheryl Solowiej, Vice President

Michelle Cronin, Treasurer

Lauren Tucker, Secretary

Nicole Bell • Linda Blair

Dawn Centilli • Kate Dahlstrom

Diana Kendros

• Pat Nuffer

Dr. Diana Ro • Kristin Zompa

Millions of people are a ected by mental illness each year. Across the country, many people just like you work, perform, create, compete,

The families and members of NAMI Grand Traverse are here to help! We offer understanding to anyone concerned about mental illnesses and the treatment of mental illness. Our services and programs are available to everyone regardless of where you live and at no cost.

At NAMI Grand Traverse we offer a variety of educational programs, support groups and navigation assistance with mental health services.

Support Groups:

• Family Support Group is led by trained facilitators who are also family members of people with mental illness. Sharing experiences and learning that others have resolved some of the problems associated with mental illness can inspire new hope.

• NAMI Connection Recovery Support Group is for adults living with any diagnosis or symptoms of mental illness.

Signature Programs:

• NAMI Navigator provides personalized assistance to individuals and families seeking guidance and direction in getting help. Our Navigator will direct those struggling to get answers and steer them through the challenging maze of our mental health system.

• Family to Family is an evidence-based 8-week course for the families and friends of individuals with mental health issues. This course is taught by trained facilitators who have lived experience. Family to Family is often referred to as a life-changing experience.

• Nami Provider shares the reality of living with daily mental health conditions. This class is presented by a person living with a condition, family members and a mental health professional.

• Peer-to-Peer is an eight-session educational program for adults with mental health conditions taught by leaders with lived experience. The course provides an opportunity for mutual support and growth. This is a place to learn more about recovery in an accepting environment.

• Ending the Silence teaches warning signs, facts, and statistics about mental health to teens. Research has shown that NAMI Ending the Silence presentations are effective in changing middle and high school students’ knowledge and attitudes toward mental health. This program empowers seeking help and fighting stigma.

• Homefront is a 6-session educational program for families, caregivers and friends of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions.

For additional information, to volunteer or to donate contact Rick Coates, Executive Director at rcoates@ namigt.org or 231-944-8448

Supporting the safety and well-being of those we serve in times of crisis, challenge, and life transition.

Child & Family Services of Northwestern Michigan

Traverse City Harbor Springs 231-946-8975 cfs@cfs3L.org www.cfsnwmi.org

SERVICE AREA

20+ Counties in Northern Michigan

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Krista Goldman, President

Chris Mohrhardt, Vice President

Robert Needham, Co-Treasurer

Kaylee Simerson, Co-Treasurer

Nicola Philpott, Secretary

Diane Emling

Amy Endresen

Joanie Hazelton

Debra Hershey

Michael Lahti

Amber McKenney

Rachel Wasserman

BOARD OF TRUSTEES

Terry Paquet, President

Ken Petterson, Vice President

Warren “Bud” Cline III, Treasurer

EmmLee Cameron

Bob Cornwell

Jeremy Hawke

Galen Krupka Rob Tubbs

For over 85 years, Child and Family Services (CFS) has responded to the community’s changing needs through a wide range of programs. A private nonprofit organization serving more than 20 counties in northwestern Michigan, CFS is dedicated to promoting the wellbeing of children, adolescents, adults and families in times of crisis, challenge, and life transition.

CHILD WELFARE

CFS’ Foster Care and Adoption programs connect foster and adoptive parents with children who are in need of safe, loving families. CFS’ foster care provides emergency, respite, short-term, and long-term placements for children who have experienced neglect or abuse. Ongoing support and training is provided for all foster and adoptive parents.

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH AND OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICES

CFS’ licensed mental health therapists provide individual and family counseling either in-person or virtually and are trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques to span the needs of all clients. CFS behavioral health therapists work with most insurance plans, including Medicaid. When needed, services are provided on a sliding scale. In addition to counseling services, the Behavioral Health Program offers:

Safe Haven, a supervised visitation and safe exchange program for families affected by high conflict, custody issues, and/or domestic violence. Safe Haven is the only program of its kind in northern Michigan.

Wraparound, an intensive home-based program aimed at supporting children with severe mental health diagnoses and their family members.The aim of Wraparound is to keep children in their homes and connect them with supportive people and resources within their local community.

Suicide Prevention and Community Education, including ongoing free QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), Trauma-Informed Parenting, Parenting Classes, and other trainings that can be customized depending on the target audience.

Third Level Youth Services, a prevention program for at-risk youth ages 12-20 who may be experiencing conflict at home or at school, struggling with substance use either personally or by proxy, are at risk of homelessness or are considering running away from home.

Pete’s Place Youth Shelter, a safe place to stay in Traverse City for youth ages 12-17. Pete’s place provides a place to go for youth who are couch-surfing, homeless, running away, or for when it’s just too hard to be home.

YOUTHWORK

YouthWork partners young adults ages 17-26 with service organizations and public agencies to complete environmental and conservation projects for communities across Michigan. Members receive stipends, educational awards, and on-the-job training while communities get critical work completed. It’s a win-win!

To

Visit: www.cfsnwmi.org

Call: 231-946-8975

Connect on Facebook/Instagram: @cfsnwmi

Sponsored By

SAVING SANCTUARIES

THEIR MISSION: Advancing stewardship and protecting sig nificant natural, scenic and farm lands in the Grand Traverse region, now and for future generations.

RECENT SUCCESS: Finch Creek Nature Sanctuary, a 56-acre tract in Antrim County, is now safe from impending devel opment. The sanctuary is home to mesic northern forest and conifer swamp habitats and contains riparian wetlands and groundwater springs that serve as the headwaters of Crow Creek. “It’s really a special property,” says Jennifer Jay, com munications director for the Conservancy. “Sanctuaries are different from preserves, and specifically are properties not conducive to intensive public use, but they are extremely im portant to protecting the quality of life that we love here.”

CURRENT CHALLENGE: Two are pressing: Preserving the 114-acre Birch Point site would safeguard water qual ity, further protect a rare coastal ecosystem and connect

fragmented wildlife habitat in the Platte River Watershed, an area facing development pressure. And protecting the 120-acre Turtle Cove property (pictured above) in Grand Traverse County would safeguard water quality and create a nature preserve on popular Arbutus Lake.

SOLUTION: “In this community, people really value what Up North is … the land, fresh water, local farms for local produce, trails and universally accessible areas to visit … all of that starts with protecting the land base,” Jay says. To date, the conservancy has protected 46,000 acres in five counties and “we still have more to do,” Jay adds.

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Donors can choose a spe cific project, such as the Turtle Cove Nature Preserve or the Birch Point Nature Preserve, to help bring those properties into protection. gtrlc.org —G.T.

THEIR MISSION: This voluntary merchant association’s goal is to promote and perpetuate commercial, professional and financial businesses downtown and support local nonprofit groups.

RECENT SUCCESS: The group’s events—Street Sale and Last Slice of Summer—include nonprofit participation to increase exposure and shed light on important causes in the community.

SHOP WITH SOUL

CURRENT CHALLENGE: To keep the momentum of summer and fall business going throughout the year, and to continue to give back to the community.

SOLUTION: Every November, Downtown TC organizes Shop Your Community Day to raise money for a host of local nonprofit groups. Fifteen percent of any sale at partic ipating merchants is donated to the customer’s organization of choice. It’s a win/win, encouraging people to shop local knowing they’re not only supporting small businesses, but also giving back in a meaningful way. Last year, more than 60 downtown merchants participated, and 30 nonprofits have signed up so far this year.

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Make your list and shop downtown! Shop Your Community Day will be held Nov. 12. Check online for a list of local nonprofit groups your dollars will help. downtowntc.com/shop-your-community-day —G.T.

THE HEROES: Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy

photo by Noah Jurik

THE HEROES: Downtown Traverse City Association

photo by Dave Weidner

8791 McBride Park Court Harbor Springs, MI 49470 231-347-8852 www.mannafoodproject.org manna@mannafoodproject.org

MISSION STATEMENT

Gather, organize and distribute food (the most nutritious food possible) to those in need throughout Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet Counties

CORE VALUES

Follow non-profit fundraising guidelines, maximize food value, minimize all costs, leverage volunteer resources, solicit feedback, measure performance and continuously improve processes.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Larry DeWitt, President Susan Conklin, Vice President Tom Squires, Secretary Kevin Christman, Treasurer David Donovan Jim Jensen

Meagan Krzywosinski

Bill McMaster Lauren Meisel

Sarah Shuman

Pantry Lines are Growing

Every bit helps us feed those in need.

Here at the Manna Food Project, we are seeing an increase in the number of people utilizing our pantry. We believe this can be attributed to the state of the economy, inflation, and personal situations. Manna Food Project and our partner agencies are here to help! Collectively, the pantries agree that they are seeing more people each month. For example, in January of this year, Manna served 460 individuals, and in July we served 769 individuals.

The circumstances that drive people to the food pantry can vary. We see people from all walks of life. Some of our neighbors are on a fixed income, some are employed but income constrained, and some have fallen on hard times with unexpected expenses.

Many of the households we serve are multigenerational. Due to the high cost of living, a lot of families are moving into one household to save on expenses. Some grandparents are raising their grandchildren. If the grandparents are on a fixed income, this can be difficult with more mouths to feed. Whatever the case, we are here to feed people in need.

Recently, a marine veteran wrote us and explained how instrumental Manna is for him on a regular basis. He found himself in hard times and didn’t know what he was going to eat. He searched food pantries and Manna came up. He reluctantly arrived at the Manna Food Pantry, embarrassed and ashamed. Once he was here, the Manna staff and volunteers welcomed him with open arms. They made him feel comfortable. He has returned each month since, where he is greeted by name and a handshake. He is thankful for the good food, nice staff, and generous volunteers.

Please consider helping your neighbors in need by donating to the Manna Food Project today. Each gift we receive changes lives. Take action by volunteering, donating food, engaging your place of employment, and fundraising. Every bit helps us feed those in need. Let’s fight hunger together!

521 S. Union St. Traverse City, MI 49684 231-947-4230 thefestivalfoundation.org

FESTIVAL FOUNDATION

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Stacey Isles, President

Mike Meindertsma, President-Elect

Kelli Mengebier, Secretary Max Anderson, Treasurer

Jeff Needham, Immediate Past President

BOARD MEMBERS

Brian Beauchamp

Kandace Chapple

Doug Dowdy

Kevin Severt

Ian Hollands

Nikki Schweitzer

Kim White

Jessica Alpers

The Festival Foundation is a 501(c)3 non profit organization that with the time and talent of six full time staff members, a board of directors and over 2,000 amazing volunteers organize four high impact events in the Grand Traverse Region. Of the four events, National Cherry Festival, Bell’s Iceman Cometh Challenge, CherryT Ball Drop, and Fifth Third Leapin’ Leprechaun 5K, multiple bring tourism and economic interest to the region but the root of the organization is so much more.

At the Festival Foundation, we celebrate and promote cherries to those who don’t get to experience them from their backyard. We do it by giving people experiences that they will not forget. So when they think back to their first taste of cherries, they remember Michigan cherries first. Because everyone has

that one moment they remember for the rest of their lives…a memory that they build from to create a lasting tradition. We pledge to help you create those memories and preserve your tradition, starting and ending with cherries. In short, our story is making special chapters in yours.

How you can help Join the Grower’s Program!

The Festival Foundation Growers Program is a monthly donation program to help support the needs of the Festival Foundation. Whether you choose to contribute to our scholarship programs, general fund or the bricks and mortar, your accumulated donations will go towards preserving traditions for years to come and a level in the Founders’ Circle. Thank you for your support!

THE HEROES: Manna Food Project

THEIR MISSION: To help feed the hungry in Antrim, Charlevoix and Emmet counties.

RECENT SUCCESS: Providing a disabled Marine veteran with food on a regular basis. Bryan, who lives in Pellston most of the year, came to Manna Food Project’s pantry last fall, embarrassed and ashamed because he was broke and had little food. He didn’t know what to expect but found the staff “kind and welcoming,” he wrote in a note of gratitude to the organization. He has returned twice a month since April. “All the workers and volunteers know him by name. People ask how he’s doing and show him respect and kindness,” says Carrie Klingelsmith, Manna’s executive director. “He looks forward to coming here.”

CURRENT CHALLENGE: Manna Food Project is experiencing longer lines at its food pantry and an increase in demand for

PEDAL POWER

THEIR MISSION: Nurturing healthy lifelong habits and community connection through cycling since 2014.

RECENT SUCCESS: The nonprofit’s community-powered, youth-focused programming—including an extremely popular after-school Mountain Bike and Adventure Bike Club, an adaptive Bikes for All program, and summer bike camps—now touches six counties. Summer 2022 programs reached more than 600 kids, ages preschool to high school, and 2021 saw upward of 5,000 volunteer hours.

CURRENT CHALLENGE: The pandemic spurred growth, and now Norte is wrestling with that success. The big-picture goal still revolves around starting a little star on a balance bike, helping them progress through youth bike programs, and helping foster community leadership in them as young adults. We’re here for the long haul,” says Advocacy and Communications Director Gary Howe. “We’re looking at how we can move forward with intention and maintain quality in programming.”

FEEDING A COMMUNITY

its services overall. Manna works with 40 partner agencies, who order from Manna’s food bank to supply their meal pro grams and pantries. In January, Manna’s food pantry served 460 clients; in July, that number jumped to 769 people. The growing demand is a result of both government assistance tapering off after the pandemic, and inflation. Families are struggling with higher costs of food and basic needs. Dona tions have also been down.

SOLUTION: “We are seeking as many grants as possible and trying to work with as many donors as possible,” Klingelsmith says. “We are coming up with all kinds of creative ways to find funding for food. We can stretch a dollar a lot further than the general public can by purchasing food from Feeding America, a hunger relief organization that supports food pantries.”

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Donations are the life blood of Manna Food Project—the organization accepts food donations at its Harbor Springs location, 8791 McBride Park Court, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Donations by cash or credit cards also help keep the pantry full. To do nate online, go to: mannafoodproject.org. Donors can also text: MANNA to 56651.

“Seeing a single parent who has three kids and may be strug gling, we get ’em rolling and set up with bikes,” Howe says.

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: It’s threefold: Donate to help fund programming, volunteer to bike with and coach kids, or learn about Norte on a walking meeting around the Grand Tra verse County Civic Center track trail. HappyHealthyStrong.org —L.B.

THE HEROES: Norte

SOLUTION: Norte never wants program registration fees to be a barrier for a child. Generous donors help secure funding for youth scholarships and the Grand Traverse Regional Kids Bike Library is stocked with nearly 800 bikes (80 percent are checked out at any given time).

photo courtesy of Norte

935 Barlow St, Traverse City, MI 49686 231-932-9030 www.brickways.org

MISSION STATEMENT

To improve the lives of adults with Developmental or intellectual disabilities by providing housing options, by adapting to their individual needs, and by maximizing their potential in way that integrate their lives with the community around them.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

John Sonnemann, President BJ Brick, Vice President Jessica Ashmore, Treasurer Diana Longton, Secretary Kathy Britten, Director Jim Rossi, Director Marie Charbonneau, Director Bob Brick, Director Peter Currie, Director Tommy Corbett, Director

Founder Mary Jean Brick’s words still resonate today.

BrickWays manages a group of 501 (c) 3 non-profits dedicated to assisting adults with developmental disabilities.

While BrickWays primary focus is provid ing housing options that are in proximity to transportation, employment and community resources, we also recognize that our clients require services to adapt to and maintain a lifestyle of independence. Our affiliated TRAIL program provides these services under contract with Northern Lakes Community Mental Health. Staff work with CMH clients, to instruct and model the skills necessary to live, maintain a residence, and interact with successfully with others.

In recent years, the percentage of BrickWays clients who qualify for services from Community Mental Health has declined from nearly 100% to 57%. Some clients receive support from family members but as parents age, we are seeing more and more individuals without any support. These vulnerable adults experience increased isolation, greater difficulty in maintaining a safe and sanitary home, and poor personal care.

To meet this need, BrickWays is seeking increased community support to fund a full time position for supportive housing where staff can create opportunities for all tenants. Support staff will provide experiential learning options, community inclusion, transportation and access to events in and around the area, and be available to respond to an individual’s specific time limited need or assist with life transitions to address issues that otherwise, could threaten continued tenancy.

In 2019, BrickWays demonstrated how successful experiential learning can be with the Disney Dream Trip. Community partners, family members and donors came together to send 16 individuals on a trip of a lifetime. Participants met for months prior to the trip to discuss social behavior, experience noise stress and develop coping skills. Together, they faced fears, anxiety and discrimination. Together they experienced, grew and returned confident, empowered and connected.

BrickWays seeks to bring this type of learning to life experiences in our area. Please give to provide independence and life experiences for the benefit of adults with special needs.

“We seek to be part of this community, not apart from it.”

Inspire Creative Changemakers

Interlochen is where young artists transform their passion and potential into purpose. Their outlook and lives are shaped by an immersion in the arts. Inspire and support the creative changemakers of tomorrow with your gift to the Annual Fund.

PO Box 569 130 E Ludington Ave

Ludington MI 49431 231-843-4808 masoncountymihistory.org rebecca@mchshistory.org

MISSION STATEMENT

To collect, preserve, and present for viewing historically important artifacts, archives, and buildings of the inhabitants of Mason County.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

James Jensen, President

Kim Cole, Vice-President Connie Schwass, Treasurer

Joan Killion, Secretary

John Holcomb

Debbie Nellis

Rob Alway Mike Hankwitz

John Morava

The Mason County Historical Society is a 501(c )3 non-profit organization founded in 1937 with the mission of preserving and presenting the history of Mason County, Michigan. Over the decades’ thousands of artifacts and archival documents detailing the history of Mason County and the greater West Michigan area have been entrusted to the care of the Historical Society.

In 1976, the Society opened its first museum at Historic White Pine Village. The Village boasts 30 historic exhibit buildings, including the original 1849 Mason County Courthouse (on the State Register of Historic Places), Marchido One Room Schoolhouse, and the first trapper’s cabin. The buildings contain thousands of authentic artifacts and archives depicting the rich lumbering and agricultural history of its area. In 2017, the Society opened its second museum, the Port of Ludington Maritime Museum in the former U.S. Coast Guard Station, bringing history to life with digital storytelling, authentic images and artifacts, and engaging interactive exhibits that inspire a deeper appreciation for the region’s maritime history.

Today, we continue to preserve history for future generations to enjoy.

With the grand opening of the Mason County Research Center in downtown Ludington, we provide a document-rich Research Center for people to dig into the

past as they search through our vast collection of historical documents, photos, maps, and genealogical resources with the help of trained staff and volunteers.

As our nation continues to deal with the impacts of the global pandemic, we continue our mission of preserving the history of our times. Now more than ever, we are contacted for advice on how to record one’s personal history. While we live in the information age, much of the history of our times is being lost due to the lack of written documentation and preservation. A major focus going forward is historical programming that teaches people how to preserve their legacy.

How can you help

Become a Mason Memories donor. Your donations will support historical programming, museum operations, and the continued preservation of Michigan’s history for future generations to enjoy.

MERCY FOR THE MANY

THEIR MISSION: To offer the community the opportunity to practice the corporal works of mercy: shelter the home less, feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, visit the sick, visit the prisoner, bury the dead, give alms to the poor.

RECENT SUCCESS: An attempt to purchase a second home as part of SVdP’s Reduced Income Housing Project (RIHP) has been put on hold due to the recent bidding wars. “But it taught us a lot about the shortage of affordable housing and the need to continue the RIH Project,” says Julie Ellalasingham, board president. The project is a partnership with state agencies that find housing for those holding a state voucher.

CURRENT CHALLENGE: Besides its most recognized work— its thrift store and Catholic shop on Woodmere in Traverse City—the organization has other forms of service that need

volunteer hands as well. “More hands mean greater service to our neighbors,” Ellalasingham says. The financial assistance department has been able to help by working with other agen cies such as MDHHS, NMCAA, The Father Fred Founda tion, Salvation Army, Love Thy Neighbor, local churches and others to ensure a collaborative and comprehensive service. SVdP is also a part of the Basic Needs Coalition, which serves the homeless population.

SOLUTION: Ellalasingham says volunteers are needed to ex pand the housing voucher program, interview callers in need of financial assistance, pick up donations, take a seat on the board or help out administratively. She adds, “Whatever you want to do, we will carve out some space for you.”

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Prospective volunteers can stop by the thrift store, call 231.947.8466 or send a message via facebook.com/svdpgta. —G.T.

SUPPORTING CAREGIVERS

“With a shortage of independent caregivers, it often falls on families to take care of loved ones who have a chronic illness or memory loss,” says ShareCare Executive Director Julie Tarr. “We provide trained volunteer coaches to be a resource for that person.”

THE HEROES: ShareCare of Leelanau

THEIR MISSION: Helping seniors live and age well in their own home by providing support services like checkin phone calls and friendly visits, along with encouraging family caregiver success.

RECENT SUCCESS: Retired architect Neil Schoof delivers groceries and drives seniors to medical appointments. For mer award-winning journalist Susan Ager trained to be a hospice volunteer and calls seniors to check in. ShareCare has 70 active volunteers providing services in rural Leelanau County. And now, they’re launching a respite program for volunteers to coach and provide breaks for family caregivers.

CURRENT CHALLENGE: ShareCare receives lots of requests for immediate services and is working toward expanding to surrounding counties. With a chunk of volunteers leaving for the winter, Tarr says they’d like to grow the volunteer pool by 25 percent and offer winter workshops such as memoir writing, fitness and balance and a book club.

SOLUTION: In order to grow, ShareCare needs more fund ing and volunteers.

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY: Volunteer this winter to run errands, pick up groceries, take care of a senior’s pet while they’re away or help out with a workshop. A few hours a month or a monetary donation makes a huge impact. sharecareleelanau.org —L.B.

THE HEROES: Grand Traverse Area Society of St. Vincent de Paul

THEIR MISSION: To educate and support people with mental health conditions and their friends and family who live in support of them.

RECENT SUCCESS: NAMI began in the 1970s as a group of moms gathered in a kitchen sharing experiences about loving someone who’s mentally ill and grew into the largest grassroots mental health association in the country. NAMI Grand Traverse leads a host of free family, school and veteran mental health programs and support groups. A new execu tive director has made huge strides in outreach and grant funding while a dedicated navigator has assisted families in crisis, helping them navigate the justice system and finding resources like therapists, doctors and available hospital beds.

CURRENT CHALLENGE: NAMI’s grant that funds these two crucial positions has run out.

“Our navigator has been with us almost a year now, part time, and has made such a difference in so many lives,” says Affiliate Secretary Paula McLain, pointing to severe statewide mental healthcare shortcomings. “When a mother was told her son needed to wait a year to get in with a psychiatrist, she found him an appointment that month.”

SOLUTION: NAMI will continue to apply for grants and welcome monetary donations. Though volunteers do need to have first-hand experience caring for someone with mental illness, NAMI is looking for presenters to speak in schools and families to help lead Homefront classes.

HOW YOU CAN SAVE THE DAY:  Become a member, donate, join the NAMI fundraising event committee and donate re turnable cans and bottles to NAMI the second Saturday of each month at Family Fare in Traverse City. namigt.org

THE HEROES: National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Grand Traverse

Jeff

Susan Carlyon

We would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Our daughter attended a playgroup, and she had a picture taken by a very special camera. The Lions Club ’s free eye screening was a blessing to our family. Victoria had a juvenile cataract in her left eye. The doctors believe she was born with a defect in the back of her eye, and it was never identified during her well child check ups. If it was not for the Lions Club, Victoria could have lost her eye. Amy F. Gobles, Michigan

It is so nice to be able to see again and to actually write a handwritten letter. Thank you so very much, and may god bless you for all that you ’ve done helping me get eye surgery. I was living in misery not being able to see. You can’t imagine what that is like until you lose your vision. I can ’t begin to explain just how good it feels to be able to work again and to actually be able to look out the window and see even the tiniest sprinkle of snow. Scott M. Big Rapids, Michigan

I would like to express my deepest gratitude for your help in getting my hearing aids. I cannot put into words what it sound s like to hear the little things. For instance, I have to tell my daughters to not talk so loud. I also heard my cat “meow” for the first time, and for the first time, in a long time, I heard my car blinker wow! I knew I was having issues with my hearing, but I did not understand the gravity of it. Once I received my hearing aids, my world was reopened My life will never be the same, and I will never look back. Thank yo u! Holli G. New Lothrop, Michigan

Mikey's Fund is named after a very special person, Michaela Hagemann whom my parents nicknamed “Mikey”. Mikey, born with Down’s Syndrome, was in her early forties, far surpassing her anticipated life expectancy. Although she had developed cataracts, doctors were reluctant to perform surgery due to anticipated limited benefits. However, when my parents took Mikey to Lansing Ophtha lmology, Dr. Moore told them that having Mikey enjoy a high quality of life far outweighed any reason not to undergo surgery. Dr. Moo re performed cataract surgery on Mikey, and the results helped her enjoy her time through her last days.

When Mikey passed away in January of 2003, my parents, James and Pauline, called Lansing Ophthalmology and expressed their gr atitude for the difference that the medical treatment had made in Mikey ’s life. They desired to “give something back” by making a financial gift to provide eye care for those who could not otherwise afford it. With the help of Lansing Ophthalmology and the Lions of Michig an Foundation, we created Mikey’s Fund, and today, the fund provides eye care for children in the Lansing, East Lansing and Albion School Districts. Jackie M. Albion, Michigan 5730 Executive Drive - Lansing, Michigan - www.lmsf.net - info@lmsf.net - 517 - 887 - 6640

GIVING DIRECTORY

American Red Cross Northern Michigan Chapter

735 South Garfield Ave., Ste. B100, Traverse City, MI 49686 231.947.7286 • redcross.org/michigan

Find out more on page 38

BrickWays

935 Barlow St., Traverse City, MI 49686 231-883-7929 • brickways.org

Find out more on page 30

Cadillac Area Land Conservancy

124 1/2 North Mitchell Street, Suite 115, Cadillac, MI 49601 231.775.3631 • calc@calc-landtrust.org

Find out more on page 39

Child and Family Services of Northwestern Michigan

Traverse City and Harbor Springs 231.946.8975 • cfsnwmi.org

Find out more on page 24

Downtown TC Association

303 E State St, Traverse City, MI 49686 231.922.2050 • downtowntc.com

Find out more on page 19

Eagle Village

5044 175th Ave., Hersey, MI 49639 231.305.6500 • eaglevillage.org

Find out more on Back Cover

Elizabeth Lane Oliver Art Center

132 Coast Guard Rd., Frankfort, MI 49635 231.352.4151 • oliverart.org

Goodwill Northern Michigan

2279 South Airport Rd W, Traverse City, MI 49684 231.922.4805 • goodwillnmi.org

Find out more on page 14

Grand Traverse Bay YMCA

3700 Silver Lake Road, Traverse City, MI 49684 231.933.9622 • gtbayymca.org Find out more on page 6

Grand Traverse Conservation District

1450 Cass Rd., Traverse City, MI 49685 231.941.0960 • natureiscalling.org/donate

Find out more on page 27

Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy

3860 N Long Lake Rd #D, Traverse City, MI 49684 231.929.7911 • gtrlc.org

Find out more on page 8

Hospice of Michigan

10850 E Traverse Hwy, Suite 3325, Traverse City, MI 49684 888.247.5701 • hom.org Find out more on page 35

Interlochen Center for the Arts 4000 J Maddy PKWY, Interlochen, MI 49643 231.276.7623 • interlochen.org Find out more on page 31

Interlochen Public Radio 9350 Lyon St, Interlochen, MI 49643 231.276.4400 • interlochenpublicradio.org Find out more on page 38

Leelanau Christian Neighbors 7322 E Duck Lake Rd., Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 PO Box 196, Lake Leelanau, MI 49653 231.994.2271 • LeelanauChristianNeighbors.org Find out more on page 18

Lions of Michigan Foundation 5730 Executive Dr., Lansing, MI 48911 517.887.6640 • lmsf.net Find out more on page 41

Historic White Pine Village Mason County Historical Society 1687 S Lakeshore Dr, Ludington, MI 49431 231.843.4808 • masoncountymihistory.org Find out more on page 32

Michael’s Place 1212 Veterans Dr. Suite 100, Traverse City, MI, 49686 231.947.6453 • MyMichaelsPlace.net Find out more on page 20

Munson Healthcare Foundations 1150 Medical Campus Dr, Traverse City, MI 49684 231.213.1150 • foundation@mhc.net • munsonhealthcare.org/give Find out more on page 41

Music House Museum 7377 US-31, Williamsburg, MI 49690 231.938.9300 • musichouse.org Find out more on page 37

NAMI Grand Traverse 1010 South Garfield, Traverse City, MI, 49686 231.944.8448 • namigt.org Find out more on page 22

GIVING DIRECTORY

Norte

PO Box 781, Traverse City, MI, 49685 231.883.2404 • HappyHealthyStrong.org

Find out more on page 4

Port of Ludington Maritime Museum

Mason County Historical Society

217 S. Lakeshore Drive, Ludington, MI 49431 231.843.4808 • masoncountymihistory.org Find out more on page 32

ShareCare of Leelanau Inc.

407 S. Main Street, Leland, MI, 49685 PO Box 937, Leland, MI 49654 231.256.0221 • sharecareleelanau.org

Find out more on page 10

Society of St. Vincent de Paul 1207 Woodmere Ave. Traverse City, MI 49686 231.947.8466 • assist@svdptc.org

Find out more on Inside Back Cover

The Father Fred Foundation 826 Hastings St., Traverse City, MI 49686 231.947.2055 • fatherfred.org

Find out more on page 39

The Festival Foundation 521 S. Union St., Traverse City, MI 49684 231.947.4230 • thefestivalfoundation.org

Find out more on page 28

The Friends of Point Betsie Lighthouse

PO Box 601, Frankfort, MI 49635 231.352.7644 • pointbetsie.org Find out more on page 16

The Manna Food Project 8791 McBride Park Ct., Harbor Springs, MI 49740 231.347.8852 • MannaFoodProject.org

Find out more on page 26

Traverse Area District Library

610 Woodmere Ave, Traverse City, MI 49686 231.932.8500 • tadl.org

Find out more on page 12

Traverse Symphony Orchestra

300 E. Front St, Ste 230, Traverse City, MI 49684 231.947.7120 • TraverseSymphony.org

Find out more on page 42

Give Hope

To a homeless animal

Little Traverse Bay Humane Society is a no-kill shelter that provides nutritious food, a warm bed, and medical care to 500-plus animals each year and helps them to find new homes.

Little Traverse Bay Humane Society

1300 W. Conway Rd. Harbor Springs, MI 49740 PH: 231-347-2396 www.ltbhs.com

Hope Starts Here.

The Patient Assistance Fund puts quality mental health in reach for our neighbors experiencing financial hardship.

Please make a gift today. pinerest.org/donate

Choose designation: Patient Assistance Fund - Traverse City pinerest.org/traverse-city

SVDP works closely with area agencies in a comprehensive support system for our unsheltered neighbors. Weather proof gear and supplies are distributed year around.

The best prices in town according to repeat customers. While the Store offers items to our neighbors in need at no cost, it also raises funds to cover operating costs (minimal with no paid staff) and support the Financial Assistance Department.

The Financial Assistance department offers over $70,000/yr in third-party-bill payments for our working neighbors that are struggling with the cost of living. The call-center recieves 25- 40 calls per week and works closely with all other funding agencies for a community based approach.

The retail Catholic Gift Shop within the Thrift Store offers something for every sacramental occasion, books, religious jewelry, statues, medals, gowns, school uniforms, and more.