GIVE 2021: Where Everyone Belongs with Good Samaritan

Thunk. Ka-thunk. The axes land one by one, as the group of men throwing them laugh, shake their heads and chat with each other. There’s fellowship here, a little blowing off of steam, some “yeah, I know what you mean” exchanges as this group of dads gather at The Good Samaritan Family Center to learn axe throwing and enjoy some well-deserved guy time—and support.

The Family Center is a welcoming place for the community to gather and houses two programs: Moms and Tots, which assists mothers with kids under the age of 5, and His House, a fatherhood program. Both seek to assist families with day-to-day needs, life-skills classes and services in tangible ways, but also provide a desperately needed feeling of support and connection so that parents know they are not alone.

The Family Center is a part of Good Samaritan Family Services, a Christian nonprofit organization that serves the Antrim and Charlevoix County area by reaching out to those in need, explains Executive Director Stacy Nelson. And that might mean anything from a free class on budgeting and finances, an extra package of diapers when funds are tight, a pair of much-needed work boots or help to pay the electric bill for an elderly neighbor.

The organization is shepherded by a dedicated band of staff and volunteers. At any given time, you’ll see volunteers bustling around—welcoming parents, tidying toys, stocking the food pantry or organizing baby clothes. But it takes many helping hands and there is always a need for more, whether that’s assisting with the little ones while their moms take a class or creating displays at the thrift store.

In addition to the pressing need for volunteers, Good Samaritan Family Services is seeking financial gifts to repair the exterior of the Family Center and pave the parking lot and driveway to improve accessibility for moms with strollers and those with disabilities. Also, on the wish list— putting in a playground so kids have somewhere to play while parents attend life-skills workshops.

If you have a knack for organizing, cleaning, teaching life skills, bouncing little ones on your lap or have a financial gift to share, visit thegoodsam.org/contact-us.

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• GIVE 2021: Healing Gardens with Grand Traverse Pavilions
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