Article Section: Public Service in The Positive Voices
Recent Articles in Public Service
Finally I have some good news to pass on, the 11th annual charity golf outing supporting the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans was a success this year, a total of 56 four person teams participated and were very generous at the outing which was held at Saskatoon Golf Course in Caledonia. Bill Howard, who is the owner and also is a world war two veteran, not only provided a very helpful staff but also wrote a check in the amount of $ 1,000.00 to the Friends foundation to support our next project at the home. Not to be out done Terry Hayden Manager of 28th St. Outback Steakhouse donated the dinner for 250 people, this amounted to a $ 4,000.00 savings. Amazing support from people in our community supporting our veterans is truly hard to describe when Michigan’s economy is at an all time low.
We can’t thank all those…
Nobody wants to go through a crisis alone.
Dégagé Ministries provides responsive programs to meet needs of individuals enduring a crisis such as homeless. Whether that be overnight shelter for women, low-cost and free meals, referrals, or simply offering a shoulder to cry on and carry the burden, Dégagé Ministries is open seven days a week to provide help and hope.
Opened in 1967, Dégagé Ministries serves 400- 500 individuals daily. This is an article about a woman that recently utilized the services at Dégagé Ministries.
The last four months have been a long and emotional journey for Ms. Jones. When she became homeless in January, she found herself up against many barriers between her and permanent housing. She did not have any identification, and was so preoccupied with meeting her daily needs that she did not even know where to start her affordable housing search.
The first time I…
I want to thank everybody who took time out of their Saturday morning to attend the Memorial Day Parade in Grand Rapids this year.
Remembering our fallen soldiers from all wars I believe becomes the duty of every one of us who are able to live in this country enjoying the freedoms these men and women fought and died for. Every veteran when they entered the service wrote a blank check to our government up to and including his Life. As we stand there in Veterans Memorial Park which I consider hallowed ground , Look around at the many names engraved into granite and marble, a very large number of those checks have been cashed by our government.
Sadly I have to report we will be adding another name to our most recent monument honoring our fallen heroes. Sgt Lucas Beachnaw of Lowell made the ultimate sacrifice fighting for another…
The Michigan Medicare Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP) is looking for volunteers and has opportunities available for a variety of skill levels and time commitments. Counselors, Counselor Assistants and Outreach Specialists will be trained and then help persons with Medicare/Medicaid concerns. More information on each opportunity listed below. If interested in any of the positions listed, contact (616) 222-7069.
Counselor Assistant
Enjoy using the internet for research? Do you like problem solving? If so, the Counselor Assistant volunteer position may be for you. We are looking for people to conduct internet research on Medicare and Medicaid plans. This information will be used to counsel people on what health benefit options are available to them. Each client’s situation is unique, so candidates need to have problem solving skills and the patience to help. Volunteers must complete an orientation and an additional 36 hours of training; flexible hours are available.
Outreach Specialist
Are…
May is finally here and that means nice weather is going to allow people to get out and enjoy the sunshine and warmth of spring. This truly is a blessing for members of Grand Rapids Home for Veterans. Many members are forced to stay indoors due to our cold winters with nothing to do but stare out at the snow and ice. Perhaps if a new attached green house was possible (and it is if funds could be raised). Many could benefit from programs that Betsy Brown, a registered Horticultural Therapist, could provide. Horticultural Therapy is a great program that I have personally seen in action and highly recommend.
The Friends of Michigan Veterans Homes Inc. is just about ready to start a new project at the home. This project will remodel the existing employee lounge area into a first class beauty-barber shop complete with handicap accessible chairs to greatly…
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