At the risk of gushing, sometimes we burst with pride in what our community can accomplish.
This is true in Gratiot County and Clare County, but on Thursday, it was Isabella County’s time in the spotlight.
At an open house for a new nonprofit center, we all learned that $540,000 already has been raised toward a goal of $1 million to buy a building on High Street in Mt. Pleasant to house four agencies that help the homeless and other struggling families.
The lead donation comes from the Bill Strickler family, who made a $200,000 donation in memory of Bill, who died in February.
What a wonderful thing it is to live in a community where people give generously.
The William Strickler Nonprofit Center houses Community Compassion Network, Clothing INC, Isabella County Restoration House and The Care Store. By having the agencies under one roof, it makes it easier for people to get the help and the items they need.
The goal, however, is not to provide simple assistance. Amanda Schafer, executive director of the Mt. Pleasant Community Foundation, explained Thursday that the new goal is to help families move out of poverty and have the kind of life where they don’t need assistance in the long-term.
According to the 2017 United Way ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) Report, 23 percent of Isabella County households with children are living in poverty (income below $24,000). Another 23 percent are ALICE families, which means they earn less than the Household Survival Budget of approximately $54,000 per year for a family of four in Isabella County.
According to a press release from the Community Foundation, “Millions of dollars are spent annually to support those in need by dozens of social service agencies in Isabella County. In addition, more than 1,000 citizens volunteer each year to supply food, shelter, clothing, medical care and many other services. Yet poverty levels remain intractable.”
In 2014, several nonprofit organizations started to meet to discuss working more collaboratively. In 2017, an expanded group proposed the formation of a nonprofit center in Isabella County.
Today, that nonprofit center is a reality. The building at 1114 W. High St. is owned by Victory Church. United Way is leasing the building, and the goal is to buy it.
The $540,000 was raised quietly over the past two months, with the Strickler donation leading the way.
It is a fitting tribute to name the building after Bill, who gave generously to the community while he was alive.
More money needs to be raised, and we are confident it can be done.
The goal is worthy: To give a hand when it is needed now, but to help people get back on their feet with jobs that can support them and their family.
It’s a problem that won’t be solved overnight. But one thing is for sure. It won’t ever be solved if we ignore it.
Clothing INC. accepts donations of clean clothing for babies, other children and adults. Donations may be made during regular office hours during the week or any time in a donation bin on the west side of the building.
The Care Store allows those in need to get free personal hygiene items and household cleaners. These include things like paper towels, bleach, Kleenex, disinfectant spray cleaner and wipes, laundry detergent and dryer sheets. Hygiene products include body lotion and body wash, shampoo and conditioner, hair brushes, feminine pads and tampons, incontinence pads, BandAids, etc.
Donations may be brought to the Care Store during office hours or to Mt. Pleasant Community Church on Sundays.
The Community Compassion Network operates a food pantry in the nonprofit center. For more information on that, visit ccnfeeds.org.
Restoration House coordinates the homeless shelter program at area churches.
Donations to the Center may be made to the Nonprofit Service Center Fund at the Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation.
A lot of attention is put on charity donations at Thanksgiving and Christmas. The need is there all year, and these agencies are worthy recipients if you are looking for a way to help, or a community project.
Besides donations, they also accept new volunteers.
Again, we thank all of those who have given their money and their time so far. Together, we can make a real difference in Isabella County.