WARM COATS/CLOTHING FOR FAMILIES IN NEED

November 27, 2020

The Knights of Columbus donated a variety of winter coats and warm clothing in various sizes to the Boys & Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore to distribution to area families in need. For more information, please contact the Boys & Girls Club at 231-375-5576.

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STAYING CONNECTED DURING SHELTER-IN-PLACE

 

April 6, 2020

 

Dear CCD Friends and Neighbors,

 

Much has changed in the world around us these last several weeks, and everyone is doing their best to adjust. We hope this email finds you and your loved ones healthy and secure during these challenging times.

 

We know that in the days and weeks since the schools closed, and where sheltering-in-place has become necessary, friends and neighbors still want to find ways to connect and look out for each other, to maintain our sense of community through it all. 

 

As we seek to diminish the effects of COVID-19 through social distancing, fulfilling the CCD mission must continue: Seeking to build relationships with neighbors to support a thriving community in Muskegon Heights.

 

The residents of Muskegon Heights are resilient, strong, and compassionate. Many volunteers and organizations have stepped up to assist with critical services such as food access, healthcare, housing assistance, and financial relief. We want to pass along links at the bottom of this email to websites that have compiled lists of resources available.

 

We also know that social isolation, the longer this continues, takes a toll. We need to know we are not alone, even if we are not physically together. We need to continue to maintain and build those relationships with our neighbors.

 

Our board and committee members are planning ways to stay engaged while still maintaining social safety measures. You will hear more about these efforts and program adjustments going forward. We know this community will find ways to stick together and get through this.

 

 

Kindest regards,

 

Kathy Rohlman, Board President

Kerri VanderHoff, Executive Director

 

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Link to list of compiled resources (food access, housing assistance, etc): Click here

MHPSAS School/student learning plans and meal delivery: Click here

MADL - Public library information: Click here

 

 

Read the 2019 Year in Review newsletter here:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The South Heights Photovoice Initiative full booklet with Photographs and Narratives is located here:

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CCD Trustee Mildred Johnson recognized by the Community Foundation for Muskegon County

Read more about it, click here:

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Celebrating Positive and Thoughtful Growth 

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Collaboration, partnerships, and increased opportunities are the themes for this past year at the Coalition for Community Development. We think our beloved founder Dr. Doris Rucks would be proud of the positive and thoughtful growth occurring within this grass-roots, mission-driven organization.

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Although accomplishments over the past fourteen years have been many, CCD's all-volunteer structure had reached capacity. CCD simply could not provide the dedicated oversight needed to expand further programming and positive impact in the Muskegon Heights community.

We are pleased to say, with careful planning and the help of a wonderful capacity-building grant by Women Who Care, this past August the CCD attained that next level. The organization's first, part-time executive director was hired. Since then, many exciting developments are moving forward.

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Our Literacy Committee partnered with a well-known children's book author who visits the classroom regularly for writing activities. A collaboration with MSU and Mercy Health is facilitating dialogue among residents, empowering neighbors to help identify ways to build healthier communities. A Winter Garden Club is in the works, science curriculum is being developed, field trips and experiential learning are increasing, and community beautification efforts are expanding.

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We now have the structure in place to continue this momentum, but it will also take the continued support of our dedicated volunteers and generous donors. If you want to learn more about volunteering with this great group of people, please contact us, we would love to hear from you! Donations are always welcome too, your financial gift would ensure we make the most of these opportunities. 

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                        Cooking Matters Series

We've had great fun and shared delicious healthy recipes with families through this partnership with the YMCA. Let us know if you are interested in participating in the next series by sending us a message through the form at the bottom of the home page.
 

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