Program Updates
Food Club
Last month, Sophia* visited Food Club to renew her family’s membership when she quietly shared that she had lost her job, and was struggling to make ends meet. It was a vulnerable moment, but a big sign of trust in our team.
Thanks to that trust, Guest Services Associate, Anita, stepped in to offer support. She shared a resource sheet created by our Resource Navigation team, filled with information on local employment agencies and job leads. Sophia didn’t have to scramble alone to figure out what to do next. Anita was right there with her, sharing encouragement and expertise that helped Sophia in solving this challenge. Just a few weeks later, Sophia returned to Food Club with great news: she had already landed a new job!
When we lead with relationships, our guests feel comfortable sharing about their struggles early—before a challenge becomes a crisis. When neighbors feel known, they feel safe. When they feel safe, they open up. And when they open up, we’re ready—with the resources, expertise, and care they need to keep moving forward.
*Name changed for privacy
Outreach & Housing Access
When Jodie first connected with our team in 2021, he was determined to find a safe, stable place to call home. After nine months of persistence and partnership working with our team, Jodie moved into his apartment!
Since then, Jodie has continued to visit our Refresh program. What started as a step toward stability has grown into a circle of friends, familiar faces, and shared stories. Jodie now plays a vital role at Refresh, welcoming others with compassion and connecting neighbors with our Outreach team. He’s become someone others look to for encouragement, a reminder that they’re not alone.
In a space built to meet urgent needs, build stability, and spark connection, people like Jodie help build a community where neighbors look out for each other, lift each other up, and remind one another that change is possible.
*Photo changed for privacy
Financial Wellness
When Charles* and Alyssa* first met with our Financial Wellness team, they were overwhelmed. Their credit card debt had climbed above $20,000, and their budget was stretched so thin they were regularly skipping meals. But they hadn’t given up—they came to us with hope, trusting that our team would be able to help.
As we walked through their finances together, we discovered that Alyssa had significant equity in her home. A home equity loan could ease the burden of their high-interest debt, but Alyssa was hesitant, nervous about risking her home. Our team offered support, clarity, and partnership, sitting alongside Charles and Alyssa as they met with their credit union to explore their options. After weighing the pros and cons of a home equity loan versus a personal loan, Alyssa made a confident decision to move forward with the home equity loan. This lowered Alyssa and Charles’ monthly payments by over $300—enough to ease their budget and put food back on the table.
Today, Charles and Alyssa continue to partner with our team, sharpening skills and setting goals for the road ahead, and have become Food Club members, giving them access to the fresh, healthy groceries they need to thrive.
*Names changed for privacy
Community Kitchen
Last month was a big birthday month at the Community Kitchen! We had the joy of celebrating not one, but two of our incredible volunteers on their special day. Every day, these dedicated volunteers show up with warmth, generosity, and a commitment to making all our neighbors feel welcome at the Community Kitchen.
These birthday celebrations are a reminder that while our neighbors, community members, and volunteers may come to the Community Kitchen for the food—they stay for the connection. Through warm conversations and simple moments of celebration, real relationships take root and are nourished into a community where everyone is seen, valued, and supported. We’re so grateful to celebrate our amazing volunteers and the care they bring to every shift at the Community Kitchen!
Lakeshore Food Rescue
In April, Nelis’ Dutch Village kicked off their season with compassion by hosting their Opening Day Food Drive in support of Community Action House. Community members were invited to bring nonperishable food and personal care items in exchange for a day of free admission, and our community responded with incredible generosity!
In just one day, 7,612 pounds of donations were collected—30% more than last year! We’re deeply grateful to Nelis’ Dutch Village for supporting us each year through their Opening Day Food Drive and to every person who contributed. Your support helps ensure that all of our neighbors have access to the essentials they need to thrive. Thank you for helping us build a stronger, healthier community!
We use an average of 765 cereal boxes each month—an essential item for families—but also a costly item for us to purchase. Host a drive with your church, school, or business!
Program Highlight
Food Club Mobile Market Hits the Road!
Our Food Club Mobile Market is officially on the move! Designed as an extension of our Food Club & Opportunity Hub, this membership-based grocery store on wheels brings fresh, healthy, and affordable food directly to neighborhoods with limited transportation.
Last month, the Mobile Market made its first two stops, and more are coming soon! To learn more about the Food Club Mobile Market, see where it’s heading next, or explore ways to get involved, click here!
May is National Immigrant Heritage Month!
Each year, our Resale Store partners with nonprofit organizations who are working to create a welcoming community where all of our neighbors can thrive. This month, we’re glad to partner with our friends at Lighthouse Immigrant Advocates in celebration of National Immigrant Heritage Month!
Shop with us at the Resale Store from June 1st through June 30th, and 10% of store profits will support LIA’s efforts that bring stability to local families through legal services, education, and advocacy. Learn more about their efforts at lia-michigan.org/.
At Action House, we're proud to serve and celebrate all of our neighbors. We strive to build a culture where all of our neighbors experience a profound sense of belonging. Our vision of a stronger, healthier community is one that supports, celebrates, and equally values all of its members, no matter their background, identity, or circumstances.
Save the Date
Join us at the After Party!
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Thursday, June 12, 2025 from 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
The Ravines Golf Club - 3520 Palmer Dr, Saugatuck, MI 49453
The 2025 After Party, presented by Bradford Company, is right around the corner! Don’t miss your chance to secure a spot for you and your friends at this fun, colorful fundraising event that brings our community together for a night of fun, connection, and celebration—all to raise critical funds for Community Action House programs that nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors.
Meijer Simply Give is Back!
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Right now, thanks to our friends at Meijer, your donation can be tripled! Up to $5,000 of double-matching funds are available for any gift you make before June 14th, TRIPLING your impact for our community.
$25 becomes $75, $100 becomes $300, and $500 becomes $1,500 of support to nourish, equip, and empower our neighbors.
In Case You Missed It
The Holland Sentinel: Worried About Cuts to Vital Programs
Last month, CEO Scott Rumpsa shared an opinion piece with The Holland Sentinel reflecting on proposed federal funding cuts and how this would impact our community.
Talk of The Town
Last month, Krista Burgett, Senior Manager of Food Partnerships joined WHTC to talk about Hunger Awareness Weekend!
Our 2024 Annual Report
We’re grateful to share our 2024 Annual Report - a celebration of stories that your support makes possible.
The Lakeshore: Gentex partners with Action House
Each month Gentex employees volunteer at Action House to power our programs. On top of that, Gentex generously contributed $35,000 last year. We’re so grateful for their ongoing support!
Join The Movement
Donate Monthly
Provide a stable foundation for our service each month.
Sponsor
Sponsor Farm to Food Club to build a stronger community.
Donate to Resale
Donate gently used items to the Resale Store and get $5 off your next purchase.
