More Than Statistics: A Look At What We

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