Featured Agency of the Week: Midland County Department of Human Services

Department of Human Services, DHS, is a welfare agency for Midland County’s children and families. There are over 100 county offices throughout the state of Michigan, however Midland’s office stands out because of the partnership they have had with The Diaper Alliance since June 2011. Not only does DHS help individuals and families with food, cash, medical and emergency assistance, they also distribute to new babies, toddlers, children and adults with a need for diapers. This distribution takes place out of The Diaper Alliance building at 4606 James Savage Road in Midland on the third Friday of every month from 10:00 AM- 12:00PM. Only DHS clients are allowed to receive these diapers and they must bring their Bridge card and a Midland County form of identification.

DHS client Chrissy Smith receives diapers and greatly appreciates the partnership that DHS has created with The Diaper Alliance! Chrissy exclaimed, “Diapers are so expensive! Two kids and gas is ridiculous. If I had to pay for diapers I would not be able to get to school. If it wasn’t for The Diaper Alliance my kids would be in soggy diapers. I definitely make sure I am at every DHS distribution.” When it comes down to choosing your children over getting yourself and education, a job, etc. many people choose the safety and health of their child. Because DHS is a Partner Agency of The Diaper Alliance, now they don’t have to. Chrissy continued, “I want to get an education so I can provide for my kids. Receiving diapers is a blessing because it allows me to get closer to doing just that.”

Andi Pellegrini, Midland County DHS Community Resource Coordinator, concluded “I have worked with Debi Keyes, Diaper Alliance Executive Director, since the beginning of her amazing project. She is a truly inspiring woman who has done so much with her non-profit agency. Partnering with The Diaper Alliance has been a blessing to our families who struggle to pay everyday expenses, not to mention diapers! We serve around 60 families (100+ children) on a monthly basis and every time we are told they couldn’t make it without this service. Keep up the great work Debi Keyes, Chelsie Schroeder, and The Diaper Alliance! Cheers to many more years!”

If you would like to learn more about the Midland County Department of Human Services visit their website or call (989) 835-7040.

FEATURED AGENCY OF THE WEEK: The Railway Family Center

Railway Family Center is not another place to go play basketball on a Thursday night. This Center set out to meet a need in the Coleman community and now provides before and after school care, youth and adult athletic programs, preschool, a family assistance pantry, fitness classes and a fitness center. Executive Director, Katie VanDuinen, states “We provide services in a rural community which often means that our families have a higher number of risk factors such as lack of transportation, challenges accessing services, a higher poverty level, parents with lower levels of education, etc.” In order assist community members in these areas the Railway Family Center has built trust in the surrounding area and proved to be a source for educational and encouraging mental and physical enrichment. One specific example is the partnership that the Railway Family Center has with The Diaper Alliance. This partnership allows the Railway Family Center to diaper individuals of all age ranges, within a certain income level, without the clients having to travel all the way to Midland.

“When my husband got laid off, right after I gave birth to our second child, we had a hard time making ends meet. I called 211 to ask for help with diapering my new baby. I was referred to the Railway Family Center to ask for help. This was the first time that we have ever needed any kind of assistance. I went to Railway to ask about diapers and they were able to provide me with the help we needed. Being able to get support with diapers is a great thing to offer everyone. We are truly grateful that The Diaper Alliance exists, and is offered in our area.” –Railway Family Center client

If you would like to become a member of the Railway Family Center, please visit their website or contact them at (989) 465-2079. Working together, we can meet the need. 

FEATURED AGENCY OF THE WEEK: Caregiving Network

Imagine living solely off of food stamps and maybe some cash assistance, searching every single day for a place to work so you can clothe, shelter and provide for your family. Many of the clients at Caregiving Network live this life every time the sun comes up. Several clients are young single mothers who have no extra money for diapers and are in a desperate state, trying to provide for their child.

A Christian run non-profit organization, Caregiving Network, Inc., meets the basic needs of individuals who are living below the 2013 100% Poverty Income Level in Midland County. Caregiving Network partners with community organizations and local churches to teach skills and promote self-sufficiency to each individual who walks through their doors.

Not only does Caregiving Network work with The Diaper Alliance to provide diapers for families in need, they also have food, clothing, household and personal care pantries and provide transportation, rent and utility assistance. Since 1994, Caregiving Network has continued to shape the lives of those financially struggling in our community and with your support they can continue to do so. If you have any questions about volunteering or supporting our Partner Agency, Caregiving Network, please visit their website or call Executive Director, Tom Vander Zouwen, at (989) 837-9757. 

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: 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.