by Audra Ellis,  Tri-County Community Partner Liaison, MiCAFE Our organization encourages our staff to volunteer their time whenever possible. We understand how important volunteering really is because without volunteers, ELM simply wouldn’t exist. Some great things about volunteering and being involved with your community are that you often get to experience new and exciting activities while also meeting new people and of course the great feeling of giving back. … Continue reading 31 Days of Giving – Habitat for Humanity

by Pat Ocheltree, Economic Security Team Member What a meaningful and fun time I had at Community of Christ Church on Miller Road, Lansing, helping with their Wednesday community hot dog night. What I found was not just a hot dog dinner! Yes, individuals did come and were blessed by physical food. But it was so much more! The first thing I noticed (and felt) … Continue reading 31 Days of Giving – Community of Christ Church

by Lyndsy Gamet, Economic Security Team Member When I arrived at Loaves and Fishes, I was greeted by a warm living space, and employees Erma and Beth, two warm and wonderful individuals! I was impressed by a Mural painted on the walls of one of the rooms. The organization is made of three buildings, part homeless shelter and part transitional living space. The organization began … Continue reading 31 Days of Giving – Loaves and Fishes

by Char Brooks, J.D. Project Healthy Living Coach and Attorney As part of ELM’s 31 Days of Giving, I had the opportunity to volunteer at Loaves and Fishes Ministries. Their mission is to provide emergency, as well as long term, transitional housing for men, women, and children in need. Part of their mission includes loving, serving, and empowering the poor. I offered my time without being … Continue reading 31 Days of Giving – Loaves and Fishes

by Jennifer Blanck, Call Center Staff Member In November of 1996, I was involved in a house fire where we lost everything. It was a devastating experience. What made it even harder was knowing that the holidays were coming up and we were now homeless with nothing but the clothes on our backs. I was barely 19 and on my own for the first time. … Continue reading 31 Days of Giving – Adopt-A-Family

by Harriet Harris, MiCAFE Regional Manager As part of our 31 Days of Giving, I volunteered at Focus: HOPE, one of our MiCAFE community partners, during it’s annual Special Senior Holiday Delivery Program. Over 300 metro-Detroit volunteers picked up food boxes that included turkeys, vegetables, fruits, canned goods, and a variety of packaged items to deliver to approximately 1200 senior citizens. I worked with Khristi Miller, … Continue reading 31 Days of Giving – Focus: HOPE

by Sheila Robison, MiCAFE/Economic Security Services Team Member On December 12, 2014, four of us from Elder Law of Michigan in Lansing cheerfully volunteered our time to the Senior Wrapping Project at the Meridian Township building in Okemos. Approximately 50+ people were at the Township building wrapping 400 gifts that were chosen by seniors in the surrounding community. Ironing boards, irons, towels, coats, electrical devices, sweaters, robes, … Continue reading 31 Days of Giving – Meridian Senior Center

by Sheila Robison, MiCAFE/Economic Security Services Team Member Habitat for Humanity has always been dear to our hearts since it has been such an outreach opportunity to the community around us. We have enjoyed volunteering in the past and were excited to offer our time once again to a good cause. There were 5 of us that attended this project; 3 students from Michigan State University’s interior design … Continue reading 31 Days of Giving – Habitat for Humanity

by Audra Ellis,  Tri-County Community Partner Liaison, MiCAFE As part of our 31 Days of Giving, I volunteered my time at one of Volunteers of America’s Thrift Stores in Lansing. My tasks involved organizing donated merchandise on shelves and straightening the clothes racks. As I worked on these tasks, I couldn’t believe how busy the store was. Items were just flying out the door and donations … Continue reading 31 Days of Giving – Volunteers of America