Transforming Lives • Strengthening Community

MISSION

Assistance League volunteers transforming the lives of children and adults through community programs.

VISION

Essential needs are met in our community, families flourish.

PLEASE JOIN US AT OUR MONTHLY REGULAR MEMBERSHIP  MEETINGS

We meet every third Tuesday of the Month except in December at the Rochester Community House, 816 Ludlow Ave., Rochester MI  48307.  Social time starts at 9:00 a.m. and meeting begins promptly at 9:30 a.m.  Next Meeting dates are as follows:  April 18, May 16, June 20, July 18, August 15, Sept. 19, October 17, November 21.

Check out our 2023 Mistletoe Marketplace website here.

THANK YOU 2023 MISTLETOE SPONSORS

Grande Sponsor $8,000

David W. Elliott Memorial Foundation
Tom Rutherford in Memory of Karen Rutherford and in Sincere Thanks to ALSM

Platinum Sponsors $2,500

McShane Family Foundation
Miller Vein

Gold Sponsors $1,000

Paul & Susan Burback

Lyle & Barbara Bakker

Cindy & Jim Cirar

Douglas Clark

Community Foundation of Greater Rochester

Lyle & Gerry Detterman

First Merchants Bank

Lakeview Financial Consultants

Lane Tool & Manufacturing

Dave & Judy McWhirter

Palazzo De Bocce

Daniel Paulson CLU, ChFC /Baird

Skin Ovations

Kathy White Charitable Foundation

Silver Sponsors $500

Jackie Armistead & Shelley Blank, Mary Jane Croissant, Dillman and Upton, Mike & Ann Drake, Sani Dwyer, G&M Gutter & Building Co., The Fletcher A. Gourley Charitable Foundation, Jill Greimel, John & Jan Marshall, Frank & Marilyn Martin, Jan McHale, Potere-Modetz Funeral Home, Dr. & Mrs. George Stec, Dan & Lorraine Taliercio, Kathleen Tebbe, Carol Tough, Barbara Wolak

Bronze Sponsors $250

ALSM Past Presidents, Alpha Gamma Delta Sisters: Geri Ceremuga, Betsy Klein, & Carolyn Volk, John & Janet Bailey, Dolores Barry, Carole & Rick Berry, Deborah Cave, Violet Cholakian, Joanne Brown & Colette Stager, Sue Cantwell, Christian Financial Credit Union, Anne M. Cushing, Ron & Marjorie DiLiddo, Rosemary Dirksen, Rob & Sue Dobbelstein, Camille Doerr, Cathy & Gary Egan, Rick & Debbie Eggleston, David & Cindy Guerrieri, Amy Headbloom, Denise Kaminske, Mary Klein, Marcie Krozier, Mary O. Kulesza, Tom & Dar Laskowski, George & Cathy Linden, Thomas & Rita Mahfet, Mattina, Kent & Gibbons, PC, Gayle & Sonny Minneci, Jerry & Carol Murphy, NFP – Kevin Bates, Vincetta & Ray Nicosia, Kathy Novitsky, Mary & Steve Oehler, Mark & Angie Pimlott, Janet & Cary Riggs, Roger & Pat Quitter, Barb & Roger Roller, Joe & Julie Sayers, William & Rhonda Scanlon IV, Bill & Vicki Shepard, Margaret Sych, Sydfit, L.L.C., Thomas & Ruth Williamson, Tie Industrial, Daniel Totonchi, CFP, Tony & Joanne Wisniewski

 

WITH HEARTFELT THANKS TO OUR 2022 MISTLETOE SPONSORS

Grande Sponsor  $8,000

David W. Elliott Charitable Fund

Tom Rutherford in Memory of Karen Rutherford and in Sincere Thanks to ALSM

Platinum Sponsor   $2,500

McShane Family Foundation

Miller Vein

Gold Sponsor   $1,000

Laurie & Alex Alkidas

Lyle & Barbara Bakker

Anthony & Marcia Battaglia

Paul & Susan Burback

Cindy & Jim Cirar

Lyle & Gerry Detterman

Barry M & Suzanne Gourley

Jean & Bill Kroger

Judy & Dave McWhirter

Kathy White

Community Foundation of Greater Rochester

Dan Paulson CLU, ChFC /Baird – The Paulson Group

First Merchants Bank

Lane Tool & Manufacturing

SkinOvations

Silver Sponsor  $500

Shelley Blank & Jackie Armistead, Mary Jane Croissant, Jim & Jan Csizmadia, Dillman & Upton, Mike & Ann Drake, Jill Greimel, Lauri Hasselwander, Kris & Larry LaVanway, Cathy & Len Linden, John & Jan Marshall, Frank & Marilyn Martin, Potere-Modetz Funeral Home, Joanne Sisson, Realty Executives Home Towne, Barbara A. Smith, Janna Snyder,  Dr. & Mrs. George Stec, Dan & Lorraine Taliercio, Kathleen Tebbe, Carol Tough, Elaine Way

Bronze Sponsor  $250

ALSM Past Presidents, Alpha Gamma Delta Sisters – Geri Ceremuga, Betsy Klein, Carolyn Volk, John & Janet Bailey, Diane & Greg Bald, Dolores Barry, Jan Bernat, Carole & Rick Berry, Joanne Brown & Colette Stager, Sue Cantwell, Violet Cholakian, Christian Financial Credit Union, Anne M. Cushing, Delwood Supply Company, Ron & Marjorie DiLiddo, Rosemary Dirksen, Rob & Sue Dobbelstein, Liz Dolinar, Sani Dwyer, Mary Ebert, Karen Graham, Cindy & Dave Guerrieri, Candy Harris – Real Estate One, Amy Headbloom, Geri Hogan, Sally Johnson, Denise Kaminske, Mary Klein, Marcie Krozier, Mary Kulesza, Tom & Dar Laskowski,  Mattina, Kent & Gibbons, PC, Gayle & Sonny Minneci, Jerry & Carol Murphy, Vincetta & Ray Nicosia, Kathy Novitsky, Mary & Steve Oehler, Luanne M. Offer, Mark & Angie Pimlott, Roger & Pat Quitter, Janet & Cary Riggs, Barb & Roger Roller, Joe & Julie Sayers, Bill & Rhonda Scanlon, Patricia Semrau, Carolyn Schenden, Margaret Sych, Sydfit, L.L.C. Sydney Zaremba, Janet Tull, Chris Varvatos, Cindy Weber, Larry & Valerie Westley, Thomas & Ruth Williamson, Tony & Joanne Wisniewski

$378K

Returned

to Our Community

21K

People Impacted

in Our Community

44K

 Hours Volunteered

 

LATEST NEWS

NEW MEMBER EVENT IN SEPTEMBER

Did you know…

You are cordially invited to attend Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan New Membership Orientation on Tuesday, September 27, 2023.

Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan, serving Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties, is a 501(c)(3) all-volunteer national organization. Our purpose is to clothe, feed, educate and comfort children and adults through community-based programs. Founded in 1993, the Southeastern Michigan chapter is one of 120 chapters of National Assistance League® founded in the 1890’s in California.

We are hosting New Member Orientation, held at the ALSM warehouse, 228 South Street, Rochester Michigan, at 1:00 pm, for any new prospective members. We thank you for your consideration to join our organization. We would be delighted to have you become part of our team! Bring a friend, family member, neighbor or work mate along!  If interested, please contact Joanne Wisniewski at 1-248-852-0119 or e-mail @ jwiz328@sbcglobal.net. RSVP required.

 

NOURISHING NEIGHBORS: Monthly Meal Kits fight food insecurity

ROCHESTER, Michigan (7/7/23) – Assistance League® of Southeastern Michigan collaborates with Neighborhood House Food Pantry to provide 200 plus nutritious Meal Kits each month. In addition, Assistance League impacts our community’s food insecurity by giving monthly financial support for pantry inventory. Full shelves insure resources for kit assembly.

Nourishing Neighbors Chairs, Dee Barry, Barbara Donohoe, and Diane Ebinger organize weekly Meal Kit member assemblies with healthy recipes and nonperishable food pantry ingredients. Kits are distributed to each shopper and are a model for client meal preparation. Pantry shoppers add the necessary fresh ingredients when they visit. A recipe cart also keeps menus available for a repeat selection. “Clients develop favorites and will often request a certain kit” added Diane Ebinger.

A typical meal kit is identified by its colorful bag.

  • Printed entree recipes are attached to the bags.
  • Nonperishable ingredients are included.
  • Meal kits feed 6-8 people.
  • Clients receive a random selection when making their monthly visit.
  • Card insert in kits provides a list of nutrition related mental health resources.

To help make a difference in someone’s life, monetary donations are gratefully accepted at:

Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan

P.O. Box 80932, Rochester

Michigan 48308-0932

or go to our website: www.semich.AssistanceLeague.org

BOOK DRIVE - Fantastic Results!

Once again our members, family, friends, and community have responded. Our donations numbered 1,287 books and $675 in monetary donations.

Operation School Bell, One-2-One Tutoring, Wee Help and Neighborhood House Back-2-School Blast Off will all benefit from receiving new books. The gently used books will be given to local agencies.

Thank you to all who supported the book drive, and a special thank you to Mary Humes, Jill Greimel, Geri Hogan and Sandy Bera, the OSB book committee, for their help. A child who reads is a child who succeeds.

Thank you.

Barb Roller Book Drive Chair and OSB Book Committee member

 

AGING OUT

Aging Out Of Foster Care: ‘Journey into a new life’

ROCHESTER, Michigan, 6/20/2023:  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 on their own.

It’s called “aging out,” the process of a youth leaving formal control of foster care into independent living.  In Michigan, approximately 10,000 children are in foster care, and less than 1,000 young people age out every year.

Understanding what makes a house a home, the Michigan Assistance League chapter has collaborated with nonprofit agencies, Big Family of Michigan and Orchards Children’s Services, both assist young adults beginning a new, independent life in a home, apartment or dormitory.

“Transitioning out of foster care is a difficult and overwhelming time.  Thanks to Assistance League’s generosity, our young people do not have to worry about being able to afford basic household items. Now they have a beautiful and clean space to be proud of as they begin their life as independent adults,” said Erin King, Supervisor, Foster Care and Independent Living of Orchards Children’s Services in Southfield.

Assistance League’s Aging Out co-chairs Dolores Barry, Violet Cholakian and Mary Ebert shopped, coordinated and assembled 24 bathroom/cleaning supplies kits.  Each recipient receives a kit which contains new hamper, bath mat, two sets of towels, wastebasket, caddy with personal hygiene products, a gift card to a local grocery store, and over 30 cleaning supplies such as mop, paper products, liquid cleansers, broom and dustpan, utility bucket, and laundry products.

“These are exactly the things I was looking at and trying to shop for them,” said a 20-years-old woman who moved into her own apartment and works at a grocery store.

A 19-year-old recipient, who lives in an apartment and attends college said, “Oh my gosh.  There is so much stuff. This is amazing.  Literally perfect.  Thank you so much.”

“While our chapter programs continue to help so many children and adults, we can’t forget those ‘aging out’ of foster care.  It is very important to let these young adults know that we care and support them as they begin a new life of independence,” said Denise Kaminske, President of Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan.

 

WEE HELP

Did you know………

Layette Kit Assemblies July 2023

On two warm days in July a wonderful group of women, including veteran and new members as well as some community volunteers, gathered to assemble our Wee Help Layette Kits. Making quick work of the tasks at hand, their efforts were nothing short of amazing.

On July 24th, our volunteers arrived to help us prepare the items to be included in our layette kits. Bottles, pacifiers, books, and bibs were unwrapped and sorted by gender. Having increased the number of layette kits that were going to be made, 380 sleepers and 380 onesies were unpacked, neatly folded, and stacked in bins.

On July 25th, the assembly line was ready. Shortly after the assembly of kits began, a new member suggested a change regarding how the bags were packed that would make it easier to accommodate the pack of wipes which were a recent addition. An adjustment was easily made on the assembly line, and everyone went quickly back to work. That suggestion not only better accommodated the wipes but made it easier to add the hat and bib and seal the bag at the end. Henry Ford would have been proud! With great care and attention to detail, our volunteers assembled 190 boys and 190 girls layette kits that morning.

Shortly after the last kit was assembled, our liaisons began arriving to pick up the layette kits for distribution. By noon Friday of that week, 167 boys and 166 girls’ layette kits had been picked up for delivery.

Wee Help provides layette kits and Safe Sleep packages to mothers for their newborns. Kits contain receiving blanket, clothing, diapers, bottle, pacifier, bib washcloth baby book, knotted hat and a fact sheet from The Office of Women’s Health on Postpartum Depression. Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan has been serving infants and their mothers through the Wee Help program since 1994, benefitting 14,234 infants.

If you would like to donate to Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan, please visit our website at www.semich.AssistanceLeague.org and click on “Donate”. Thank you!

MISTLETOE MARKETPLACE: Got tickets?

ROCHESTER, Michigan (10/10/22) – Where do you go for the perfect fall outing? One that combines a concert, silent auction, boutique shopping, raffles, complimentary valet parking and a luncheon with friends?

The answer, of course, is Mistletoe Marketplace, the 19th annual holiday fundraiser by Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan, held at Palazzo Grande on Wednesday, November 16, from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The entertainment will be a special guest performance by NBC’s “America’s Got Talent” contestants, the nationally acclaimed Detroit Youth Choir, with members age 8-18.

You will be able to bid on deluxe items, take part in raffles and shop while visiting with friends. Palazzo Grande is located at 54660 Van Dyke Ave. in Shelby Township 48316.

Sign up online while there are still open tables at: https://alsm.cbo.io

For registration questions, please contact Tiffani Wolf at 269-599-3473.

Tickets are $90 per person. Funds raised benefit the chapter’s established philanthropic programs, which 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.

BLAST OFF 2 SCHOOL: Books, bags and backpacks

ROCHESTER, Michigan (08/29/22) – For the first time in two years, more than 400 students ages pre-K to high school shopped in person at the annual Blast Off 2 School event at held Neighborhood House on August 13.

Now in its sixth year, the annual program is sponsored by Assistance League® of Southeastern Michigan in partnership with Neighborhood House and Ascension Providence Hospital, all based in Rochester.

This year, 433 children shopped for themselves with the help of an Assistance League volunteer. Each child received a bag full of new necessities: socks, underwear, shirt, hoodie, hygiene kit and an age-appropriate book.

Neighborhood House also gave each student a backpack filled with school supplies.

Due to previous COVID-19 precautions in 2020 and 2021, only “contactless” shopping was allowed. Eligible families then picked up their child’s bags at curbside.

One youngster, Jackson, 10, was so excited that he kept pulling items out of his blue Assistance League bag to show his mother.

“I got a Minions toothbrush, underwear and socks!” he said. When she tried to get him to leave, Jackson said, “Wait, I’m not done showing you. Got a book, too!”

“Our goal every year is to ensure that these children have what they need to begin a new school year,” said Cindy Weber, the Southeastern Michigan chapter’s president. “It’s always a privilege for our organization to be a part of this.”

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.

AGING OUT: 'Journey into a new life'

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 18th 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.

NOURISHING NEIGHBORS: Monthly Meal Kits help keep shelves full

 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.

BOOK DRIVE: 'A child who reads is a child who succeeds'

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.

BOOK DRIVE: Annual event supports priceless gift of reading

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.

ACTION WEEK: Donations to provide new socks, fleece blankets for homeless

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.

ANGELS AT WORK: Bearing gifts and cookies, volunteers lift spirits

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.