Gift Certificates To

W
I
S
H
L
I
S
T
DéGAGé MINISTRIES
Dreaming Big
Large Screen TV and Rolling Cart
Warehouse Space
Electric Folding Machine
Gift certificates to: Office Depot,
Home Depot & Gordon Food
Service
Lockers
Projector
Fireproof Safe
Gifting of Professional Services
Ice Machine
Maintenance
Spot Remover
Carpet Cleaning Services
Vice (with or without anvil)
Bleach
Industrial Plumbing Snake
Continuing Kitchen Needs
Coffee
8 oz. Styrofoam Cups
Hot Chocolate Packets
Napkins
Sugar Packets
BBQ Sauce
Tarter Sauce
144 S. Division Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
www.degageministries.org
(616) 454-1661
WINTER 2009
Butter
Latex Gloves
Shredded Cheese
The Open Door
XL and XXXL T-shirts
New Bras
Razors
Ear Plugs
Socks (sizes 6-10)
Bookcase
Food Pantry
Cereal
Jelly
Canned Vegetables
Kleenex
Hamburger Helper
Spaghetti O’s
Soup
Salad Dressings
Canned Fruit
Tuna Fish
Toilet Paper
Canned Meat
Peanut Butter
Life Enrichment Center
Thermal Underwear Tops and
Bottoms
Umbrellas and Rain Ponchos
Reading Glasses
Iron
Belts
Men’s & Women’s Underwear
(New--all sizes)
Towels
Adult backpacks
Plain White T-shirts
Wash Clothes
White Socks
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
SIMPLE GESTURES . . . POWERFUL RESULTS
A QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER
WINTER 2009
We Are Thankful...
We have many reasons to be thankful this year! Please enjoy the stories in this edition of our newsletter which highlight our patrons and the amazing individuals that God has created them to be. Let
us celebrate together the gifts that God has bestowed upon Dégagé Ministries and the individuals
that walk through our doors each day.
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.
Non-profit Org.
U. S. Postage
PAID
Grand Rapids, MI
Permit # 1027
that my needs
“I am thankful
ay.” Josh
are met every d
“To have an apartment that is
my own.” Henry
“My son Conn
er and
Dégagé.” Eliza
beth
Change Service Requested
at support me.”
“For friends th
Angie
Winter 2009
“I am thankful every morning
that I wake up.” Nate
“For my daugh
ter, Mariah.”
April
1
DéGAGé MINISTRIES
A Note from Marge Palmerlee
Spirit of Thanksgiving
I had the joy of interviewing Scott for the article on
Page 3 and was struck by his spirit of thanksgiving. He lives out the words of Philippians 4:11, “For
I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances.” A few of the things I learned from Scott are:
• The simple things in life are important. A cup of
coffee makes him happy.
• A smile goes a long way. Scott has seen a lot of
different volunteers and staff members in the 25
years he has been coming to Dégagé and he said
he likes them all.
• Friends are important. He likes coming to Dégagé to stay connected with
his friends.
• Always do your best. Scott had a bicycle accident at age 11 and incurred a
head injury but he does as much as he can to the best of his ability.
• Enjoy the journey. Scott recently moved to a new Adult Foster Care facility
and now has an hour bus ride to get to Dégagé but he said he doesn’t mind
because he enjoys the scenery.
• It doesn’t do any good to complain. There are many barriers in Scott’s life
but he chooses to always have a positive attitude of gratitude.
• Faith in Jesus is the most important thing! Scott is in Stage 5 of kidney
disease and said his faith is what keeps him going.
After talking with Scott and his mother, Pastor
Jean, I had a renewed sense of thanksgiving for
the many blessings I experience every day. As
Executive Director, I am incredibly thankful for
the dedicated staff who works tirelessly reflecting the love of Christ to each one who comes
through our doors. It is also a joy to interact with
our numerous volunteers who are committed to partnering with us in ministry and the highlight of my day is the morning prayer time with the patrons.
“There are many barriers in Scott’s life but
he chooses to always
have a positive
attitude of gratitude.”
At this time of year my thoughts turn to the hundreds of individuals who financially support this ministry and allow us to be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need. Often times there is a note in with a check saying they
“wish it could be more.” Each gift, large or small, is greatly appreciated.
As we enter this holiday season, please join
me in thanking God for the many blessings we
experience every day. Please prayerfully consider sharing those blessings with those we
serve here at Dégagé Ministries. Thank you!
DéGAGé MINISTRIES
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
[email protected]
Bridgette Bassford
Assistant Executive Director
[email protected]
Dave Feder
Director of Operations
[email protected]
Shellie Cole-Mickens
Director of the Open Door
[email protected]
Bradi Fitzpatrick
Volunteer Coordinator
[email protected]
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
Thank you to everyone that
made Take It To The Streets 2009
a huge success! Together, 150
walkers raised over $16,000.
We wish to especially thank
our event sponsors:
Baker Books
Bank of Holland
Behrends Hendricks & Stuit
Cornerstone Church
Creo Productions
Essential Beal LLC
Harvest Health Foods
J&H Family Stores
Joe and Irene Walker
Joe and Kathleen Maddrey
Kent Record Management
Kuyper College
Lakeshore Glass
Leroy and Jennifer Kloeppner
Lizzie Photo--Lynell Shooks
MSU College of Medicine
Precision Property Management
PROforma
Rapid Shred
Riverside Integrated Systems
Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge
Spartan Stores
Thomas M. Cooley Law School
United Bank of Michigan
Zandee Auto
Needs
The winter season is always a special time at our ministry. We look
forward to the opportunity to celebrate the holidays with our neighborhood friends and rejoice in the many blessings God has given us.
The colder weather and holiday season also brings the opportunity for
you to partner with us for some special projects. Please consider the
following ways to become involved:
Christmas in a Gift Bag
Every Christmas we have the privilege of distributing gift bags to
hundreds of our Heartside residents. Consider partnering with us for
this project by filling a gift bag with special gifts for our patrons. Visit
our website at www.degageministries.org for suggested items to include in the bags.
Blankets
As the last agency open in the evening, we receive hundreds of requests from our patrons for blankets. Every evening, we distribute
them to the many individuals sleeping outside or living in homes with
inadequate heating. Consider donating blankets or organizing a blanket drive in your church, school or organization. We are looking for
new or slightly used blankets.
Hats, Scarves and Gloves
Hats, scarves and gloves are a necessity for our neighborhood residents. Please support those we serve by gathering these items and
dropping them off at Dégagé.
Executive Director, Marge
Palmerlee shown here with Scott.
Winter 2009
Winter
2
Winter 2009
7
DéGAGé MINISTRIES
DéGAGé MINISTRIES
Bounty of Blessings
Daily Reminders of Thanksgiving
Thank you to the many individuals, families, churches, businesses and
groups that help keep our programs open!
Ada Bible Church
Adam and Sherri Grabill
AJ and Anna Gretz
Al and Kris Jones
Aldersgate UMC
Angela Nelson
Aquinas College
Atek Medical
Barb Kiliszewski
Ben Thompson
Blythefield Hills Baptist Church
Brandy Ellis
Bridgeway Community Church
Brightside Community Church
Calvary Christian Reformed Church
Carl and Marilyn Pratt
Center for Physical Rehab
Charles Schoenknecht
Cheryl Carrier
Christ Church
Christ Lutheran Church
Christian VandenBerg
Common Ground Community Church
Corinth Reformed Church
Cornerstone United Methodist Church
Dan and Diane Henderson
Dan and Trish Holwerda
Dan and Ruth Helms
Daniel and Sheila McCarthy
David Fedewa
David Sawyer
Diet Eman
East Grand Rapids Municipal Offices
Eddie Johnson
English Hills Country Club & Terrace
Eric and Dorothy Britcher
Esther Waayenberg
Faith Reformed Church
Ferris Coffee and Nut Company Inc
First Allendale CRC
First Congregational Church of
Rockford
Frank and Betty Hoogterp
Fuller Avenue CRC
Gary and Joyce Tamminga
Gary and Laurie Pokorny
Gene Fisher
Grace Frappier
Grand Rapids Veterans Home
Grand Valley Campus Ministry
Grand Valley State University
Greg Drye
Harold and Annetta Koetje
Heather Ibrahim
Holy Redeemer Parish
Hope Reformed Church
HT Hackney
Ivanrest Christian Reformed Church
J Jill At Rivertown Mall
Jack and Joan Alberts
Jean Curtiss
Jennifer Deboer
Jerry and Karen DeBlaay
Joan Terpstra
John and Paula Gaylord
Jordan Skinner
Julie and Michael Mauer
Karla Pankow
Karon and Darl Van Klompenberg
Kate O’Keete
Katie Sytsema
Ken and Julie Zinderman
Ken and Irene Kwantes
Kim Stapert
Krista Heemstra
Lakeshore Glass
Larry and Barb Steketee
Larry Wibbeler
Laura Mosely
Lee Guiton
Lisa Ellison
Lisa Hazen
Lorraine Swainston
Lorri and Jim Hall
Mamrelund Lutheran Church
Marcia Dykhouse
Marlene Fabbro
Mars Hill
Mary Gooding
Matt and Susan McGowan
Mayflower Congregational Church
Messiah Christian Reformed Church
Michael Yates
Mike and Martha Munch
Mr. and Mrs. Dan Helms
Mr. Roy Gaunt
MSU College of Medicine
Naomi Lankhorst
Pat Kolenda
Paul Rainville
Peter Mol
Pinckney Meats
Plymouth Heights CRC
Rachel Steele
Ray and Judy Holland
Really Really Free Market
Rich and Barb Kiliszewski
Richard Fuller
Riverside Integrated Systems Inc.
Robert VandenBerg
Roy Guant
Sami Marasigan
Sheila and Greg Shotwell
Shelly Binder
Sister Ann Hehl
Sparta United Methodist Church
Spartan Stores
St. John’s UCC
St. Sebastian Parish
Steelcase
Stephen and Debbie Albert
Steve Kuiper
Tammy Friesen
The Home Depot
Thomas Kunst
Todd Roberts
Tom Misze
Tri-Faith Band
Trinity Lutheran Church
Trinity United Methodist Church
True Vine Tree Service
Vera Hendricks
Voices of Grace
Westminster Presbyterian Church
Winston Simpson
Sherri enjoys stocking the food pantry.
Scott enjoying his morning trip to our Dining Room.
Scott: Daily Empowerment
Honoring Lives and Legacies
In Memory of Ann Deleeuw
Arelyne DeBoer
Charles Deleeuw
Clifford and Helengene Doornbos
Connie Rodenhouse
Consumers Energy, Sub-Metro Dept.
David and Karen Kass
David and Sally Koeze
Jack and Kellie Deleeuw
Jamestown CRC friends
Jamestown Elementary
Joan Hurt
Judy and Larry Klunder
Kenowa Hills Transportation Assoc.
Lawrence and Donna Vanderklipp
Marge Palmerlee
Mark and Norma Heagle
Marvin and Merrie DeBoer
Nathan and Janet Hoezee
Peter Dykstra
Ralph and Fran Bouma
Ralph Koll
Richard Wilson
Robert and Judy Otte
Ted Deleeuw
Steve and Lou Anne Davis
Winter 2009
In Memory of Carl Christenson
Barbara Rasmussen
Betty A. and John Blodgett
David and Karen Swords
David and Sandra Fraboni
Elaine Losey
Fred and Yvonne Storck
Jeannette Cross
Jerome and Betty Szczesny
John and Rita Kirkwood
Julie and Michael Mauer
Julie Wohlers
Les and Viv Hoogland
Lillian and Martin Coffield
Marge Palmerlee
Marian Schaible
Mary Lou Klemm
Meredith DeJonge
Ralph and Rita Horan
Richard Swords
Robert and Shirley Sterritt
Rosemary and Frederick Braun
Velma Perry
In Memory of Hannah DeHaan
Jeanne Christenson
Roger and Jean DeHann
In Memory of Marcie Ottergein
Marlene Fabbro
In Memory of Kitty McCormick
Marlene Fabbro
Sherri: Opportunity to Serve
In Memory of Bill Hardiman’s
Sister
From His Breakfast Group
In Memory of Stanley Pedrin
Jim and Stella Brown
In Memory of Dean Tebben
Marge Palmerlee
In Memory of Jerry Nelson
Marge Palmerlee
In Memory of Mary Lee
Marge Palmerlee
Scott has been coming to Dégagé Ministries for over 25
years and cannot imagine life without it. He says he loves
the coffee and friendly staff and volunteers who greet
him every day. Scott’s mother, Pastor Jean, often reminisces about the many life challenges her son has experienced. She said that Dégagé’s ministry of compassion
and friendship to Scott has truly been a deep influence
toward his many accomplishments. Early each morning,
she continues, Scott has been warmly greeted at Dégagé
by caring friends and a welcome cup of coffee. Over the
years, Scott’s morning ritual at Dégagé has blessed and
strengthened him. As a result, Scott has been empowered
personally and also in his programs at Touchstone Innovare and his adult foster care home settings. Thanks be to
God!
The Food Pantry at Dégagé’s is proud to offer a consumer choice pantry that is operated by individuals that
live in the community.
In Honor of Susan and Stephen
Rechner
Charlotte Parr
people who come 2 times a month to the food
pantry. Sherri said, “It’s nice that we can pick out the
food we want. There’s no waste that way.” Sherri loves
working with the staff and volunteers and knowing
that she is part of a program that helps so many people.
Greg: Sense of Community
Thirty times a day, Dégagé Ministries offers opportunities
for the community to complete routine jobs in our facility in exchange for vouchers for our food and services
through our Dégagé Dollars program. The goal of the
program is not simply to complete the job, it is to instill a
sense of responsibility and self-esteem.
Greg participates in the program several times a week.
He appreciates the opportunity to work and stay busy. He
explains, “It is about self-worth. It gives a person dignity
[to work] plus there is a
nice benefit. There is also
a sense of community. “
Greg enjoys all the jobs
at Dégagé and has completed all of them at least
once.
We are grateful for all of
the individuals that parSherri has been part of Dégagé’s food pantry for two
ticipate in Dégagé Dolyears and is grateful for the opportunity to give back by
lars. Their efforts not only
volunteering in the pantry. She was homeless for a short
help us keep our facility
time but is very appreciative of her apartment in the
clean, they help facilitate
Heartside Neighborhood. She comes at least once a week
dignity and respect.
to help stock the shelves in preparation for the 70-80
In Honor of Barb Terpstra for
Bosses Day and Her Birthday
Her Department
In Honor of the 1,000 Women
Served in the Open Door
Jeannie Hosey
6
Winter 2009
Greg performing a job at Dégagé.
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DéGAGé MINISTRIES
“My friends.”
Angel
“My daughter, my health and
that my surgery went well.” Mark
DéGAGé MINISTRIES
“Getting out of
prison, my rela
tionship
with God and m
y musical talent
s.” Pete
the
of Dégagé and
“The ministry
are
sh
to
opportunity
staff. Also the
r
ge
Ro
what I have.”
Ribbons of Hope
Helping a Stranger
Ron was recently released from prison, and had nothing—
well, at least that is what he thought at first. There are so
many barriers that men and women recently released from
prison meet as they re-enter society that Ron felt completely overwhelmed. He continued to persevere and apply for
jobs, even though many jobs were denied because they asked
about his criminal history. Finally, Ron realized one asset he
did have: automotive skills. Not everyone has knowledge of
how to work on cars mechanically. Equipped with this skill
(as well as a lot of determination) Ron finally received a job
offer from Lentz USA. Here, he encountered another barrier: mechanics are required to have their own tools when
they start the job—expensive tools. Ron came to our referRon shown here with his new tool box.
ral desk with a list of tools, hundreds of dollars worth, that he
needed in order to start the job. Doubtful, we posted Ron’s
need on thecommon.org, a webiste the connects people and needs, to see if anyone had any used tools
that they could donate so Ron could start his job. Within two days, a man named Larry and his workplace purchased brand new tools for Ron to start his new job. Neither Larry nor Ron ever met each other,
but both expressed how blessed they felt to have impacted each other’s lives.
For information about joining thecommon.org, please contact Bradi at [email protected]
Please Take Our Survey: Dégagé Ministries would like to hear from you! In an effort to evaluate how to best
serve our community, we would like to ask you a few questions about how we are doing and how we can best
serve our patrons. Every voice matters—whether you are a current volunteer or donor, member of a supporting church, neighboring business or are new to Dégagé. The survey can be found on our home page at
www.DegageMinistries.org
Winter 2009
“I am thankful for Dégagé Ministries
and especially for the staff in the Life
Enrichment Center.” Cauvette
4
“The Lord for
sending His so
n to die for
my sins. I was
lost and now I
am found.”
Kenny
Inside of the card will read: “A special gift has been made
to Dégagé Ministries this holiday in honor of
_______________________________________________.
This gift was given by _____________________________”
Send card to: ____My Address
____ Gift Recipient
Recipient information:
Name: _________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________
_________________________________________
Ribbons of Hope is an ideal gift for relatives,
friends, and business associates who you might
not see over the holidays.
Through this campaign, you can send a financial
contribution to our ministry and we will send a
card to that special someone letting them know
that you gave a gift in their honor. Please take a
moment to fill out the attached form. Just think,
you can take care of two Christmas gifts at once:
one for your friend and one for Dégagé!
Please complete the form on
the right and mail to:
Dégagé Ministries
144 S. Division Ave.
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Winter 2009
Send tax receipt to:
Name: _________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________
_________________________________________
Gift Amount (not disclosed to recipient):
___ $25 ___ $50 ___ $100 ___ Other $__________
Payment Method: ___ Cash ___ Check ___ Credit Card
#: ____________________ Exp. Date _________________
Signature: _______________________________________
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