Winter 2015 - Community Sharing

The Flame
www.community-sharing.org
2029 N. Milford Rd,
P.O. Box 405
Highland, MI 48357
248-889-0347
Board of
Directors
President:
Bob Willard
Vice President:
Claudia Schimetz
Treasurer:
Mary Krebs
Secretary:
Chris Burke
Directors at Large:
Tom Connelly
David Dickey
Cliff Kedzierski
Marge Laruffa
Barb Maher
Josh Mulder
Kathy Pardikes
John Schimetz
Cheryl Soden
Bob Swanson
Coming Events
Trivia Night
February 6th - 7:30 pm
Bakers of Milford
Garage Sale
April 13th
3 to 6 pm
April 14th & 15th
10 am to 5 pm
April 16th
10 am to 2 pm
Empty Bowl Project
Main Event
May 15th
Noon - 3 pm
Bakers of Milford
Annual Golf Outing
July21st - Dinner
July 22nd - Golf
Beacon Hill
Golf Club
Winter 2015
Spirit of Giving
Families Thankful for Generous Gifts
The spirit of giving doesn’t come just once a year at Community Sharing (CS), according to CS client Milissa of Highland,
MI. The student and part-time working mom says she feels as
if it’s the holidays every time she visits the center and receives
gifts of food and clothing for her family.
Together Milissa and her husband, Kyle, work 70+ hours per
week, but still need assistance to cover basic costs of living.
They began receiving aid when Milissa was pregnant with
twins and left work due to medical reasons.
Twins, Kaylynn and Caleb, are all
smiles this holiday season.
“We were doing good financially before I was pregnant, but
soon needed help when I had to leave my job. I am back to work now, but it’s hard to support
four people on minimum wage,” Milissa explains. She visits the pantry with her 3-year-old
twins where they enjoy putting fruit and cans into the grocery cart. “While I do the pantry
walk-through, a volunteer named Ray often takes Kaylynn and Caleb to get a stuffed animal.
It’s become routine for them and they really look forward to it.”
The family appreciates the services they receive. “Not having enough money for food is a
struggle,” she says. “I am very grateful for the kind-hearted people willing to give in our
community.”
While generosity in our community is strong year-round, in December our Adopt-A-Family
program showers children with even more than the basics. Through the program, contributors
adopt a family and purchase holiday gifts based on a wish list developed for each family
member.
"We had an overwhelming response from people eager to share the holiday spirit," says lead
volunteer Cheryl Soden. Last year she registered 74 client families and matched them with
donors. “I’ve had people donate and say this is the best thing they’ve ever done for Christmas. For the volunteers who work distributing gifts the experience is a touching, emotional
and joyous occasion.”
Community Sharing owes its success to our volunteers, staff and benefactors like those who
made the Adopt-A-Family and other programs flourish each year, according to CS Board
Member Cliff Kedzierski. “Generous community members share their resources and demonstrate care and kindness in order to provide security to those in need. Donations of time,
energy and financial support during
2015 has been incredible. Because “Our neighbors in need continue and so Community
of our caring community our list of Sharing continues. Together we will care for those
accomplishments (see page 5) is less fortunate in our community. 2016 will bring new
unmatched from any other year, challenges to fight hunger. We are asking that you
giving us great hope for 2016,” share a bit extra, through our year-end appeal, this
says Kedzierski. For every dollar holiday season.”
donated 90 cents will fund
Cliff Kedzierski, CS Board Member
programs to assist clients in need –
helping adorable children just like (A printable remittance form is on page 6 for your convenience.)
Kaylynn and Caleb.
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Making “Cents” of Budgets
Class helps clients understand credit ratings, improve score
Many people experiencing financial challenges become
“unbanked” and don’t even realize it happened, nor truly understand what it means for their financial future.
Jenkins’s relationship with CS sparked a 12-month program
called Hand Up, which provides money management resources
in four progressive stages. The goal is to allow the “unbanked”
a path to build a bank account.
“Unbanked” happens when an individual’s credit rating is so
low he/she can’t open an account or obtain loans with tradiThrough Hand Up, individuals with proper documents may
tional financial institutions –
open a savings account with a
making him/her subject to “The Budget Cents class and Hand Up are good examples limited-access ATM card at the
“cash and go” type lenders, of how Community Sharing’s core services combined with credit union. Every 90 days they
explains Matt Jenkins vice partnership programs gives clients the opportunity to rehave an opportunity to advance
president, communications
to something new, such as a
build themselves as a whole instead of just putting a cast
and business development,
checking debit card and small
on a problem,”
Kensington Valley, part of
line of credit, if they complete
Matt Jenkins, Affinity Group Credit Union educational resources and mainAffinity Group Credit Union.
tain good financial behavior.
That’s why it is a key topic discussed in Community Sharing’s
They also have direct access to a financial counselor at GreenBudget “Cents” class. Jenkins partners with Amy Parten,
Path.
community relations and education specialist, GreenPath Debt
Solutions, and Korey Tague, business development manager,
“The Budget Cents class and Hand Up are good examples of
Affinity Group Credit Union, to conduct the two-session
how Community Sharing’s core services combined with partcourse. Session one focuses on the ABC’s of budgeting, emphanership programs gives clients the opportunity to rebuild themsizing the awareness of needs over wants. Session two examselves as a whole instead of just putting a cast on a problem,”
ines financial resources and how credit scores impact interest
Jenkins says. Since November 2010, more then 100 clients have
rates, insurance rates and even employment opportunities.
completed the class, which is offered quarterly at the Apollo
Clients learn how to obtain, review and dispute information on
Center Computer Lab.
a credit report.
Car Donation Puts Husband,
Wife in Driver’s Seat
We hop in the car and run to the store for a missing ingredient for a recipe, not realizing that many people are not only
unable to take this impulsive jaunt, but are also unable to
transport themselves to work.
This spring, Community Sharing partnered with St. Vincent de Paul to assist a married couple in the acquisition of
a dependable second car. Fortunately, both husband and
wife are employed but sharing transportation was incredibly difficult. Further, the husband had the opportunity to
work longer hours but transportation conflicts prevented
him from taking on additional hours. Now he can take
those hours and help improve their financial situation.
The organizations coordinated a match between someone in
need and someone able to help. While monetary donations
are of the most help, a random act of such kindness can
often amplify the voice of empathy and caring.
Their appreciation of this donation was immeasurable.
Stop in to purchase your reusable
Community Sharing grocery tote.
Your $2 purchase helps Community Sharing
and the environment.
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The Flame
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February 6, 2016 @ 7:30 PM
Bakers of Milford
How did you do with these two questions from 2015's winter Trivia Night? Might you be up for a challenge in
2016? One of the Trivia Night organizers, Marcia Black, says “It was great to have so many who attended last
winter’s event ask if we were going to do it again?” YES!
Join us for our 2nd Community Sharing Trivia Night on Saturday, February 6, 2016, at 7:30 pm, just for the
fun of it! We have the same special "Trivia Masters" as last year, Kirk and Henry, who will once again challenge our thinking.
We’ll play in teams of 10. You can create your own team with family, friends, neighbors, and co-workers. Be
sure to choose one person as your team leader and we'll be sure your table is reserved. You can also just simply join a table needing a new team member and making a new friend to help form a team.
It’s amazing how well 10 people – and 10 brains – can do!
The event will be at Bakers of Milford, 2025 South Milford Road, Milford, in the Banquet Center. Food and
beverages will be available for purchase in the banquet center beginning at 6:30 p.m., if you wish to come
early and share a bite to eat before the game begins... or even while we play.
Each member of the first place team will win a prize, and there will be auction and raffle items to make the
night even more fun. (If you or your business would like to donate a gift – minimum $50 value - please call
Community Sharing at 248-889-0347.)
Tickets: $25/person
available until sold-out or February 1, 2016
Purchase tickets at:
•
Community Sharing
Acorn Farm - Milford
www.community-sharing.org
•
(Answers to questions above: Unicorn, Elvis Presley)
•
•
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Set-up your team of 10 – family, friends, neighbors, &
co-workers and purchase your tickets now.
Donate an item or gift basket for raffle.
Donate a special trip that can be used as an auction
opportunity.
Purchase Trivia Night tickets as Christmas gifts.
Support Community Sharing while having a fun evening out with friends and family.
Even if it’s cold and snowy outside, we will have a blast inside!
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SAVE THESE DATES
April 13, 2016 - 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Pre-Sale Event. $5 gets you first look... first to buy!
April 14 & 15, 2016 - NEW HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Free to All!
April 16, 2016 - 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Special deals on last day.
Because of last year’s amazing success,
Community Sharing’s Empty Bowl committee has agreed to repeat the project!
Once again artists, students and residents
will be painting glass bowls, now through
April. These bowls will be available at
the Main Event on May 15, 2016, from Noon to 3 p.m., at Baker’s of Milford. A large variety of delicious soups and bread will be served in a festive atmosphere of giving. This project brings together families, artists, restaurants, businesses and community members in the common cause of not only eliminating
“empty bowls,” but in raising awareness around the issues of hunger and food insecurity in our area.
We invite you to become a part of this exhilarating Empty Bowl Project by:
•
Making a donation
•
Being a volunteer
•
Hosting or attending a glass bowl painting party
•
Attending the Main Event on May 15, 2016
www.emptybowlproject.org
Golf: Tee Off for People in Need
July 21 & 22, 2016
Golfers will tee off for people in need during the Community Sharing Charity Golf
Outing July 21-22, 2016 at Beacon Hill Golf Club. The new event chairperson,
Kevin Keller, is a retired school teacher, avid senior center volunteer, golf league coordinator and hole
captain for tournaments countrywide. He is eager to add some twists to the event that are sure to increase
the fun factor.
A key new feature includes expanding the event to two-days beginning with a celebrity selection dinner.
During the evening celebration, foursomes will randomly select a “celebrity” to golf with the following
day. Celebrities will include local golf pros, actors, business owners and Father Budde of St. Mary’s.
“Our goal is to host a non-competitive event focused on bringing people together to have fun while supporting a worthy cause,” Keller explains. Look for details on sponsorship opportunities and registration
details soon on the Community Sharing website.
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... A Year of
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Thanks to your generosity, Community Sharing provided
223,000 meals for our neighbors in need during this past year!
And, because of you there has been a ton accomplished!
records. But it is DONE!! The food pantry needed an upgrade
too. We were able to purchase a commercial refrigerator and
received a new freezer from a generous donor.
Christmas was joyful for 74 families “adopted” by you, our
generous donors. More than 200 children received food for
more than 13,000 meals through the Summer Lunch Program.
And, clothing was furnished for over 1,000 people.
And, remember the July 2014 storm? It really took a toll on
many of our neighbors, so much so that we are still administering the Highland Storm Relief Fund, and work continues to
repair the storm’s awful damage.
Trivia Night and the Empty Bowl Project brought us together to
share our brains, friends & family, along with spending time
together and enjoying some delicious soups. (Of course, we're
doing both again in 2016 so watch for info on Facebook and the
website.) And, as always, our Garage Sales were very popular...
with their own kind of fun... whether donating "stuff" or shopping for "treasures." The bottom line on these fundraisers
means food for the pantry to assist those in greatest need.
While doing all these jobs, volunteers have been distributing
food for Focus Hope, the Gleaners' School Food Voucher Program, and The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP).
As an official site for The Heat and Warmth Fund (THAW), we
provide a convenient site to assist those in danger of losing their
gas or electricity - we want to be certain no one in need experiences a shut-off.
We can't forget that our operational growth is ever so necessary
too. Modernizing is a must in today's technological age. Therefore, a computerized system for managing eligibility and benefits was created and went "live" in October. This operational
project required immeasurable hours in training for our volunteers, and what felt like endless hours of data entry of client
Because of YOU, all of this was accomplished in the last 12
months. With your support, even more was done, such as operating the clothing closet, providing school tutoring services,
GED preparation assistance, budgeting classes and special financial assistance… all for your neighbors in need. Not to mention help in feeding pets through the separately sponsored and
funded Community Sharing "pet pantry."
Special Workers Gain Life Skills
There’s something magical in
the smile of satisfaction on
Jimmy Bommarito’s face as he
fills bags with hot dogs,
chicken and pork/beef for
clients of Community Sharing.
As a volunteer, he says
“packing meat” is his favorite job in the pantry where he works
alongside para educator Karyn Putrus of Huron Valley Schools.
“Working with Jimmy and the other students in the pantry is an
amazing feeling to me. They can accomplish anything if they
put their minds to it,” says Putrus.
Bommarito and his fellow adults with special needs, Erika
Donaldson and Randi Burke, are playing a vital role for CS as
they also gain life-skills in HVS’s Post Secondary Education
Program. The program is designed to provide the adults ages
18-26 years old with on-the-job training to prepare them for
future life experiences.
CS volunteer Kelly Kamba also finds working with the special
needs adults mutually rewarding. She has developed a close
relationship with the group as their lead volunteer in the pantry.
“I love working with the group. It’s an opportunity to use my background in education
while serving the community,” she says.
Kamba assigns their daily jobs and works with the young adults
– helping complete the tasks. The group performs a variety of
jobs, including stocking shelves, sorting goods, organizing fruit
on trays, bagging bagels and light vacuuming and sweeping.
Randi Burke’s favorite jobs include preparing the double bags
for groceries and organizing the children’s book shelf. They
volunteer for one hour per day Monday through Thursday. A
new group will rotate in every eight weeks.
“These young adults need opportunities to gain work skills, so
we are thrilled to invite them to
volunteer with us. The training,
outside influences and interaction with new people will help
them prepare for the future,”
explains Claudia Schimetz, CS
board member. “As a nonprofit,
we recognize the needs in our
community and strive to assist
when able.” This is just one
example of how CS develops
partnerships to help improve the
community we all share.
Our work is possible only through your support. Your contribution plays a vital role in helping your neighbors
who are either unemployed or are working but unable to meet the challenges of their monthly financial responsibilities. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation. Your financial gift is not only appreciated
but necessary as we continue in the fight against hunger and intergenerational poverty in our community.
Year End Remittance Form
Note: A PayPal donation button is available at: www.community-sharing.org
(upper right corner) for your convenience.
We are available to accept your donations on:
Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month 6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
2nd Saturday of each month 10 a.m. - Noon
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