FEATURED AGENCY OF THE WEEK: Shelterhouse

Do you know someone who needs help? Do you know someone who has been raped, attacked or assaulted? Or were you the victim of all of the pain? No matter the experience or the person, Shelterhouse of Midland and Gladwin Counties is here to help. Shelterhouse provides non-residential services and emergency shelter to families and individuals who are homeless due to domestic violence and sexual assault.

Turning to someone for help is often the hardest step for victims of violence. It can happen to anyone; a man, a woman, a mother, a child. Quite often you will see a mother who has been assaulted fleeing with her child, not only for her own protection, but to protect the innocent life of her baby. Shelterhouse provides assistance, comfort and support to those who have been battered and helps them begin to live a life free of violence.

The Diaper Alliance and Shelterhouse have come together to  help mothers diaper their young children after such instances. Janine Ouderkirk, Executive Director at Shelterhouse, mentioned, “The Diaper Alliance is a true blessing to our organization. They help us serve our clients by providing diapers and wipes. It saves our agency money and resources.” This partnership has allowed mothers to rest assured that their children will be provided for. Ouderkirk continued, “One mom is grateful for this free service as she has so much to worry about already by leaving a domestically abusive relationship while pregnant with twins and parenting a 20 month old. Her husband is not supporting her financially and without The Diaper Alliance she would not be able to provide for her babies.”

Thanks to YOU, The Diaper Alliance is able to partner with Shelterhouse and provide diapers for newborns, toddlers, children and adults who are financially struggling. If you would like to learn more about Shelterhouse, call (989) 835-6771 or visit their website, ShelterhouseMidland.org. 

FEATURED AGENCY OF THE WEEK: Hope House, Midland Nazarene

Support..Love...Compassion...Hope. The Hope House of Midland Nazarene is not only a big white house in the front of the church property, but a home that has been transformed into a place of peace, joy and understanding for unwed mothers.

Partnering with the Midland Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC), the Hope House provides free housing for a full year to a pregnant woman. Kathie Evans, Director of the Hope House, mentioned, "Our goal is to help a young mother improve her ability to provide emotional, spiritual and financial support for herself and her child". The Hope House and PRC partnership encourages life skills so that when the woman leaves the house she can function well in her home and in our society.

The Midland Nazarene Church fully supports and embraces the lives that pass through the Hope House. The church body has held a fundraiser for the house and also accepts funds to restore and maintain the home, so that the women feel welcomed and loved.

TAKE A TOUR

This is the first year that the Hope House has partnered with The Diaper Alliance and we are proud to say that we can help more mothers in need, thanks to YOU! If you would like to learn more about the Midland Nazarene Hope House, please contact Kathie Evans at kaevans@hotmail.com.

FEATURED AGENCY OF THE WEEK: Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund

Headquartered in Midland Michigan, MidMichigan Medical Center offers a variety of care services, including assistance and advice for individuals and families who are financially struggling.

The Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund, serving Midland and Gladwin Counties as well as Williams Township, is one of the many services that the hospital offers. The Pardee Cancer Center specifically assists patients who are struggling financially to afford their cancer related medical expenses and they work with adults and the elderly.

So, why does this organization work with The Diaper Alliance? Deb McGill, Executive Director of The Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund states, "We have been working with The Diaper Alliance for many years. We donate when families bring in diapers and we ask for diapers for our clients when needed." McGill also mentioned, "Debi Keyes (Executive Director and Founder at The Diaper Alliance) has been wonderful at getting us diapers, pads and wipes for our bed ridden and incontinent patients."

Without the support from YOU and our community, The Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund would not be able to provide as many diapers to patients in need. In the words of Deb McGill, "A big THANK YOU for helping us help others."

The Pardee Cancer Treatment Fund is just one of The Diaper Alliance's 18 Partner Agencies. If you would like to learn more about The Pardee Fund, please call (989) 839-3929 or The Diaper Alliance at (989) 832-9867.