Angels of Action - Big Rapids, MI
Working to Build Thriving Families & Communities: Mecosta & Osceola Counties It all started with three local moms who wanted to make a difference in the community. Joni Thompson, Jillie Miller, and Stephanie Woodworth started the BackPack Blessings program in 2011, designed to provide weekend food bags to children struggling with food insecurity in Mecosta County. What started as a small program serving 25 students in one local school has grown to over 1300 students, aiding over 36 schools & education programs across two counties (Mecosta & Osceola).
Over the past 10 years, hygiene kits [Little Angel Hygiene Kits], books [Little Angel Book program], and fleece blankets [Warmth for Winter] have also been provided to any child in need, throughout the multiple school districts Angels serves; as well as to foster homes, homeless shelters, and other local organizations that serve families with children. In 2020, amidst the pandemic, Angels experienced a significant increase in calls for assistance. Many of these calls expanded beyond food insecurity and basic hygiene essentials. Realizing that the needs in the community were outpacing the services being offered, the team went to work to implement new, intentional & meaningful programs designed to empower children & families to thrive. These six new programs are:
M.O.V.E. Summer Lunches - This program works to combat hunger during the summer months while building community engagement and awareness. With a focus on fresh foods, as well as the importance of physical activity, this program not only seeks to meet a need; but also empowers children to take an active role in their health and physical well-being.
Literacy in Action - Free math & reading tutoring for children grades 2nd through 12th. This program fosters growth with the hope of brighter futures through an incentive-based approach, believing that access + education = change.
The Give Shop - Offers free hygiene items, school supplies, clothing, shoes, boots, & winter gear to school-age children and other agencies/organizations by referral and appointment only.
Beds for Kids - Seeks to meet the needs of children whose families do not qualify for the DHHS bed program. The beds are handmade by a local church group in Evart, MI., and the new mattresses were purchased with funds from a grant. New bedding, books, and a stuffed animal are provided by generous donors and supplied to each child when the bed & mattress are delivered and set up in their home.
The HUB - Helping families, Uniting the community, and Bridging the gap. The HUB aims to reduce barriers that families and individuals experience in times of need; building trusting relationships and addressing underlying needs to help them succeed; connecting families with appropriate resources.
Rock the Crock - The most popular & requested program is this virtual cooking program designed to bring families together around the dinner table again, to enjoy a warm meal and family conversation. It is an 8-week interactive program, run three times per year, serving 150 families annually. During the program, families receive a delivery of groceries and a corresponding ‘menu of the week,’ right to their door. The goal: make that week's menu, as a family; from toddlers to parents & grandparents, all can participate in some way. This program encourages and promotes learning, reading/math/cooking skills, and communication within a family while inspiring increased family time and team building. Families that participate in Rock the Crock are given a brand new crock pot, cooking and kitchen utensils, a recipe binder, and materials that promote the “Talking is Teaching” initiative. The course is designed to be budget-friendly, easy to follow, and interactive. Families are encouraged to share tips, tricks, and menu variations that they learn along the way. Throughout the existence of this program, families that have participated have reported over 75% increase in the following areas: family mealtime, literacy, children engaged in cooking, and the use of their crockpot outside of the program.
For more information about all of Angels of Action’s programs, please visit www.angelsofaction.org.