ROCHESTER, Michigan (07/29/22) – Any young person moving out on their own needs certain essentials, but it’s particularly true for those who were raised in the foster care system as children, have turned 18 and are now adults.

It’s called “aging out,” the process of a youth transitioning from formal control of foster care toward independent living. In Michigan, approximately 13,000 children are in foster care, and about 1,600 young people age out every year when they reach their 18^th birthday.

That’s where Assistance League® of Southeastern Michigan comes in.

Understanding what makes a house a home, the Michigan Assistance League chapter has collaborated with Big Family of Michigan, a nonprofit corporation, to assist young adults beginning a new, independent life in a home, apartment or dormitory.

“These young people have had very challenging lives and deserve the best we can do for them. Thank you, Assistance League, for your generous donations,” said Sharon McCaughrin, president and CEO of Big Family of Michigan in St. Clair Shores.

Assistance League’s Aging Out co-chairs Dolores Barry and Violet Cholakian shopped for months, coordinating and assembling 20 duffle bags for young adults. Each bag contains new bedding, a bath set, and personal items in a women’s cosmetic bag or men’s dopp kit toiletry bag. Then, it’s delivered to Big Family.

“The bedding is nicer than anything I have ever had – and it’s mine!” said one 18-year-old woman who has benefited from the Aging Out program. “I do not have to share with my sister because she also received her own bedding.”

Both 18, they now live in their own apartment. One sister has a 4-month-old baby.

“We had so much fun putting the stuff on our beds, and we are thankful to everyone for making us feel so special,” said one sister.

“Our chapter touches the lives of so many people through our community programs, including Aging Out. We’re honored to give these young adults a head start as they begin their journey into a new life,” said Cindy Weber, president of Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan.

In addition to Aging Out, Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan’s established Philanthropic Programs include Operation School Bell for school children, Wee Help for infants, Assault Survivor Kits for victims of abuse and Nourishing Neighbors for those with food insecurity.

 ROCHESTER, Michigan (07/07/22) – In collaboration with Neighborhood House Food Pantry in Rochester, Assistance League® of Southeastern Michigan assembles about 200 Meal Kits per month for distribution to pantry clients and their families, as well as providing financial support to keep the pantry stocked.

As co-chairs of Assistance League’s Nourishing Neighbors program, Diane Ebinger and Sherry Davenport organize new recipes every other week to ensure that Food Pantry clients receive nutritious meals.

The Food Pantry provides families not only with canned foods, but also dairy and protein items, fresh fruits and vegetables, and even pet food.

“Helping to keep Neighborhood House shelves full is always part of the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan’s mission,” said Davenport, co-chair.

“Meal Kits are just one part of our Nourishing Neighbors program. The most significant impact Assistance League makes through this partnership is with monthly donated dollars dedicated to supporting the Food Pantry inventory,” she added.

Here’s more about the Meal Kits paid for by Assistance League:

• A typical Meal Kit may include everything to make Salmon Linguine.
• Inside, there is an easy-to-follow printed recipe, along with canned salmon, onion, garlic powder and pasta.
• No perishable ingredients are in these Meal Kits, but any fresh ingredients needed for the recipe (such as milk, eggs, butter) are available at the Food Pantry.
• Each Meal Kit serves six people.
• Families pick them up at Neighborhood House.

ROCHESTER, Michigan (05/24/22) – The goal of Assistance League® of Southeastern Michigan’s annual Book Drive was twofold: to promote reading in the tri-county community and to make sure each child receives a new book – no matter what their age.

Sometimes it’s the first book they have ever actually owned.

After two months of tireless effort, Assistance League chapter volunteers collected nearly 1,700 new children’s books for the drive.

“A child who reads is a child who succeeds. Thank you to everyone who donated to this effort and reinforced this connection,” said Barb Roller, chair of the chapter’s Book Drive.

The books – for infants to K-12 grade levels – will be distributed through four of the chapter’s philanthropic programs: Operation School Bell®, Blast Off 2 School, One-2-One Tutoring and Wee Help.

Any remaining books will be donated to Catholic Relief Services, Toys for Tots and Rochester Hills Public Library.

Earlier this year, Assistance League prepared a “Wish List” of appropriate children’s books based on consultations with local librarians and the chapter’s Operation School Bell book chairs. Chapter volunteers collected books at the ReSale Connection in downtown Rochester until April 30.

ROCHESTER, Michigan (03/15/22) – Looking for a great way to help make a difference for children in our community? In an effort to help encourage children to read, consider donating brand newbooks, infant and K-12 levels, to Assistance League® of Southeastern Michigan’s Annual Book Drive.

Assistance League volunteers will collect new children’s books only in a drop box at the ReSale Connection store (204 S. Main St. in downtown Rochester) today through Saturday, April 30.

Over the past several years, the southeastern Michigan chapter has collected over 35,000 books. The books are distributed to children through the chapter’s philanthropic programs: Operation School Bell®, Wee Help, One-2-One Tutoring and Neighborhood House. In addition, they also will go to local school libraries, The Children’s Center of Detroit and Alternatives for Girls.

“No matter what age, each child receives a new book to keep, whether it’s through Operation School Bell, our tutoring program or the Blast Off 2 School in August. After all of those books are distributed, the remaining ones go to schools and other agencies that service families,” said Luanne Offer, the chapter’s president. “The gift of reading lasts a lifetime and is priceless.”

Here are some ideas for book suggestions:

• Books showing ethnic and cultural diversity.
• Board books suitable for newborns, 6”x7” in size, which will be inserted in the layette packet that we send home with new mothers.
• Easy readers, especially Levels 1&2, for our tutoring program at Whitman Elementary in Pontiac.
• Picture and chapter books for first through third grades by authors such as Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary, Eric Carle, Mo Willems, Don Freeman, Dr. Seuss, Kevin Henkes and Dan Gutman.
• Chapter books through grade 12, such as biographies, autobiographies, National Geographic Kids Amazing Animals, sports, poetry books, mysteries, teen science fiction and historical fiction.

For more information, please contact Book Drive Chair Barb Roller at ReSale Connection by calling 248-656-0414.

ROCHESTER, Michigan (02/11/22) – Action Week’s Winter Warmup donation program begins today for Assistance League® of Southeastern Michigan. The chapter will focus on the struggles among the homeless and others in the tri-county area by providing new warm socks and twin-size fleece blankets or throws.

The donation drive will run through Thursday, February 24.

Across the nation, 120 Assistance League chapters will focus on their own Action Week programs, including how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected communities.

“Many local shelters and warming centers report that winter in Michigan is especially brutal for those without adequate shelter and protection,” said Luanne Offer, president of the Michigan chapter. “Warm socks and fleece blankets or throws are two items in high demand and most useful.”

Here’s how the community can help with Winter Warmup:

Donations of new items only are requested. Also, only warm socks and twin-size fleece blankets or throws will be accepted.

Starting today at noon, donations will be collected at the ReSale Connection store at 204 South Main St. in downtown Rochester. This ends Thursday, February 24, at 4 p.m.

Store hours: Tuesday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Wednesday, Thursday and Friday noon to 4 p.m.; and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Local shelters and warming stations will receive all donations.

Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan’s established Philanthropic Programs include Operation School Bell for school children, Wee Help for infants, Assault Survivor Kits for victims of abuse and Nourishing Neighbors for those with food insecurity.

ROCHESTER, Michigan (01/13/22) – Those who believe angels walk among us also may agree that they can come bearing gift bags instead of wings and halos. And trays of cookies, too.

On December 18, a few of “Earth’s angels” from Assistance League^® of Southeastern Michigan dropped in on seniors at MediLodge of Rochester Hills. They delivered 58 personalized gift bags, cookies for the facility’s staff and residents, and a whole lot of brightened spirits.

Member volunteers Sani Dwyer, Lisa Fuson, Deb Cave and Joanne Wisniewski worked their pre-holiday magic at the skilled nursing facility on Walton Boulevard. MediLodge provides senior health care solutions such as long-term skilled nursing care, respite care and short-term rehabilitations.

“Residents were delighted to receive the unexpected holiday packages,” said Sani Dwyer, VP Philanthropic Programs for the Assistance League chapter. “At this time of year, but especially with COVID-19 isolation, it’s important for seniors in our community to know they’re always on our minds and in our hearts.”

Each gift bag included a monogrammed sweatshirt, sweatpants, socks, slippers and a handcrafted angel ornament. In addition, the group delivered a large tray of cookies for staff and residents with a gift card that read: “From your friends at Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan.”

Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan’s established Philanthropic Programs include Operation School Bell for school children, Wee Help for infants, Assault Survivor Kits for victims of abuse and Nourishing Neighbors for those with food insecurity.

ROCHESTER, Michigan (11/26/21) – The 18^th annual Mistletoe Marketplace fundraiser for Assistance League^® of Southeastern Michigan raised $120,000 by combining its signature in-person event on November 17 with a Virtual Silent Auction online.

More than 500 tickets were sold to supporters and donors who ventured out for a day of shopping, eating and socializing. And the virtual fundraiser was available for those who preferred to enjoy a more socially-distant donating experience.

Held at The Palazzo Grande in Shelby Township, the Mistletoe Marketplace event spotlights the chapter’s vision of building a better future for those in need in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

For an $85 ticket, each guest enjoyed a delicious luncheon, boutique shopping from 30 vendors and a raffle for over 30 gift baskets, as well as cash raffles and prizes.

In addition, 40 items – from trips to home goods and beauty experiences to golf and collectibles – were showcased in the Virtual Silent Auction. Online bidding began November 13 and continued up until noon, when all gaming ended, on the day of the event.

The in-person event also featured home & décor items from ReSale Connection, Assistance League’s upscale resale shop in downtown Rochester, and “Pick a Pretty Purse” bidding for 10 beautiful purses filled with treasures.

This year’s keynote speaker was Dan Jenuwine, executive director of Oakland Community College Foundation.

“While offering supporters an online option with the Virtual Silent Auction, honestly, it was so exciting and wonderful to be back in person with our signature fundraiser,” said Luanne Offer, president of the Southeastern Michigan chapter. “This event will help so many underserved in the tri-county community.”

Funds raised will benefit Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan’s established Philanthropic Programs, including Operation School Bell for school children, Wee Help for infants, Assault Survivor Kits for victims of abuse and Nourishing Neighbors for those with food insecurity.

ROCHESTER, Michigan (10/25/21) – What to do when a couple of thousand school-age children need clothing and other basic necessities during an ongoing pandemic? If you’re Assistance League^®of Southeastern Michigan, you do what works.

ROCHESTER, Michigan (10/18/21) – It’s not often these days you will find a hybrid event that’s offered online and in person. Look no further.

The 18^th annual Mistletoe Marketplace fundraiser for Assistance League^® of Southeastern Michigan is just that: “live” and in person for those who are ready to venture out for a day of shopping, eating and socializing. And “virtual” for those who prefer to enjoy an online experience supporting a very worthwhile charity.

The organization’s signature fundraising event will be held Wednesday, November 17, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Palazzo Grande on 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township.

Your $85 ticket includes a delicious luncheon, boutique shopping from 30 vendors and raffling off over 30 gift baskets, as well as cash prizes. In addition, they will showcase 40 items in the Virtual Silent Auction – from trips to home goods and beauty experiences to golf and collectibles.

The in-person event also will feature home & décor items from ReSale Connection in Rochester. “Pick a Pretty Purse” bidding will be offered the day of the event for 10 beautiful purses filled with treasures. And, of course, there will be complimentary valet parking.

This year’s keynote speaker is Dan Jenuwine, executive director of Oakland Community College Foundation.

Funds raised benefit Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan’s numerous philanthropic programs, including Operation School Bell. The event spotlights the chapter’s strengths and vision for a better future for those in need in the tri-county area.

“We’re so excited to bring back our signature fundraising event in person, while also offering an online option with the Virtual Silent Auction,” said Luanne Offer, president of the Southeastern Michigan chapter. “Once again, we’ve adjusted to the times and continue to put the community first.”

For the safety of all guests, masks will be provided at registration tables upon entering the event. Hand sanitizers will be placed in the reception area and throughout the ballroom. Each place setting will have an individual hand sanitizer wipe.

To purchase tickets and/or register as a bidder for the event’s Virtual Silent Auction, please visit this link: https://Mistletoe2021@givesmart.com

The deadline to buy tickets is Friday, November 5. Online bidding for the Virtual Silent Auction begins Saturday, November 13, at noon and runs through Wednesday, November 17, at noon.

For more information, please call Vincetta Nicosia, Mistletoe Marketplace chair, at (248) 606-4242.

ROCHESTER, Michigan (08/19/21) – Not even a mass power outage could stop this year’s annual Blast Off 2 School event – or the strength in community that helped make it a success.

Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan member volunteers worked by flashlight the morning of August 14 to prepare individual bags, which included clothing, hygiene kits and books for area Neighborhood House clients. By mid-afternoon, more than 400 children had received their bags.

The night before, 16 members of Rochester High School tennis team packed the truck for assembly at First Congregational Church in Rochester.

“We all made the best of a difficult situation to make sure the children came first,” said Luanne Offer, president of the Southeastern Michigan chapter. “Our goal is to ensure that these students have what they need to begin a new school year.”

Three area groups, including the Assistance League chapter, came together so that children in need wouldn’t have to worry or wonder about starting school without new pencils, crayons, notebooks and clothing for their first day.

The children are also eligible for school physicals at a nearby hospital.

Each child received a red Assistance League tote bag filled with their own personal choice of clothing by size and color, along with other items: a new hoodie, socks, underwear, long-sleeved T-shirt, age-appropriate book and hygiene kit.

School supplies included everything from three-ring binders and dividers to spiral notebooks, pens and pencils, erasers, Elmer’s glue sticks and flash drives.

One family – with eight children from pre-K to high school age – said they were “delighted” to be prepared for the new school year.

In its fifth year, the annual event was a partnership of three groups: Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan, Neighborhood House and Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital, where school physicals will be given.

In keeping with COVID-19 precautions, this event was contactless as it was in 2020, and eligible families who pre-registered with Neighborhood House picked up bags curbside from volunteers.

“It’s our privilege to team up with Neighborhood House and Ascension Providence Rochester and bring this wonderful program to so many families each year,” Offer said.

The event was free to Neighborhood House clients with families who have children ages 4-18 and live within the agency’s service area of Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Oakland Township, Leonard and Addison Township.