A publication of FiveCAP, Inc. October, November, December 2013

FiveCAP mourns loss of beloved Garden and Food Preservation work- board chair shops (above) pro- vide residents with It is with great sadness that the tools to grow we report that our board chair, their own food. Above: Bernice Culpepper Volunteers (right) Bernice Culpepper, died unex- (left) with Mabel Williams help FiveCAP pro- pectedly on Nov. 21, 2013. (right), FiveCAP board vide essential ser- Her commitment to family member, at the 2008 Parent vices to families in led to her becoming a very in- Volunteer Honors Banquet. need. volved Head Start parent and inspired her service on our Pol- icy Council. She was a dedi- cated member of the FiveCAP FiveCAP helps nearly 10,000 Board of Directors for many years, serving as vice chair and as chair at the time of her death. weather hard times in 2013 Her compassion was also evi- The economy in rural Michigan Workers provide free tax preparation dent in her work at Grand Oaks continues to suffer, leaving many resi- services, counsel people hoping to buy Nursing Center, where she was dents needing help. In 2013, FiveCAP their first home or struggling to avoid employed for many years. provided assistance to 9,994 individu- foreclosure and help keep the heat and Not only has FiveCAP suf- als and 4,463 families. The agency also electricity on through the winter. As fered a great loss, but Bernice’s helped 293 people navigate their needs funding is available, the agency also passing is a loss for the entire by answering questions and providing helps with rent and mortgage payments. community. She led a meaning- referrals. FiveCAP operates eight Head Start ful life of service and was al- Nutrition is among the most basic centers throughout our four-county ser- ways looking for ways to help of human needs and accounts for a great vice area, provides Toys for Tots/Gifts others. She was very strong in deal of the assistance FiveCAP provides for Teens in Mason and Manistee and her faith and, at her funeral, her to our clients. In addition to providing holds two fundraisers — Walk for pastor said that FiveCAP was residents with boxes of food through Warmth and Golf for Warmth — to often in her prayers because she two USDA programs, the agency hosts help with heat assistance costs. believed so strongly in the work two self-sufficiency workshops each Because of the nature of our work, of the agency. year that teach gardening and food pres- we see how difficult it is to get by. We ervation. look forward to making the days a little Continued on Page 2 FiveCAP’s Community Support easier for families in need in 2014.

FiveCAP, Inc. County Office Locations Mason County (Main Office), Scottville—(231) 757-3785 Lake County, Baldwin—(231) 745-4617 Manistee County, Manistee—(231) 723-8327 Newaygo County, White Cloud—(231) 689-6688

VISIT OUR WEBSITES www.fivecap.org www.fivecapblog.wordpress.com www.historicidlewild.com CAPtions Newsletter—October, November, December 2013 Page 2 Annual Board Training brings staff, leaders together

Members of FiveCAP’s Board of Directors, Policy Council and staff gathered at Manistee National Golf & Resort on Nov. 21 and 22, 2013 for the agency’s annual training session. Each year, these two days provide an opportunity for the different arms of FiveCAP’s operations to come together to have important discussions about pri- orities and dedicate time to addressing the organization’s principles and foun- dations. Time is taken to review the history of FiveCAP and discuss why we are here. The work of the agency since it was founded in the mid-1960s has been vital to the communities we serve and gathering once a year to review the funda- mentals of what we do keeps us inspired and renews us in our mission.

BOARD CHAIR . . . A cold walk to help heat homes Continued from Page 1

Bernice approached people as a gentle soul and will be remembered by all who met her as a genuinely nice person. She was described by one person as “meek” – not in the sense of a weakness, but rather as a way to describe her strength under control. She was a warrior when it came to helping others. Bernice didn’t have the ability to know something was wrong and walk away. She would often call FiveCAP Executive Director Mary Trucks to discuss ways to assist people she knew of who were in FiveCAP is seeking walkers who ensure families in need don’t slip need. Sometimes these were people would like to collect pledges and par- through the cracks. Because state and st she knew, but often times they were ticipate in the 21 annual Walk for federal heat assistance programs have strangers she’d just met. Her dedi- Warmth, which will take place at 10 been cut continuously over the last cation to all was an inspiration. a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22. several years, availability of funding Her life was defined by service, Each year, FiveCAP holds this is severely limited. The Walk for her work as an advocate – espe- fundraiser in each of the four counties Warmth funds allow FiveCAP to pro- cially for children and the elderly – in its service area and all funds raised vide heat assistance to families who and her unfailing dedication to giv- in each community are used to help don’t qualify for state or federal pro- ing back. Bernice’s funeral, which families residing in that county. grams and provides a backup in case was held on Saturday, Nov. 30, Walk for Warmth fills an impor- funds through these government as- 2013 in the Baldwin High School tant need in FiveCAP’s efforts to pro- sistance programs run out. gymnasium and attended by close to vide assistance to all families who For more information on how to 300 people, was a testament to the need help keeping their homes warm contribute to Walk for Warmth, or to impact she had on everyone around through the winter. This money is sign up to walk, contact your local her. used to provide a safety net that helps FiveCAP office. She will be dearly missed. CAPtions Newsletter—October, November, December 2013 Page 3 An unexpected second career Head Start has provided a chance for ‘Mr. Ray’ to do something he loves

Sometimes, life’s surprises lead to unexpected opportunities. When the arthritis in Ray Haner Jr.’s ankle required surgery, the year of recovery cost him his career. After 20- plus years in industry, the volunteer rev- erend, husband and father of three found himself asking, what’s next? “At first, it was kind of stunning,” Haner said of the loss of his job. “But on the other hand, this was an opportu- nity to see what I really wanted to be that,” Haner said. “I got hooked.” Haner has benefitted from Head doing. I had been off for a year, so we’d He continued his education, tak- Start over the years, expanding his op- arranged things financially and this gave ing the necessary courses to maintain portunities and working his way me the chance to determine which way I his CDA before deciding to take the through his education, but the program wanted to go. next step. He earned his associate’s has also benefitted from his presence. “I had been interested in working degree in 2012 and is currently work- “Mr. Ray came to us as a bus with children from the time I graduated ing toward his bachelor’s, which he driver and discovered a career,” said (from high school), but I didn’t go to expects to finish next year. FiveCAP Head Start Executive Direc- college.” “As I transitioned though the tor Mary Trucks. “He’s living his So, in the fall of 2003 when Haner CDA and associate’s degree and espe- dream and we are better for it. He’s a saw a posting for a bus driver position cially now working toward my bache- nurturer and the children respond well with FiveCAP Head Start, he decided it lor’s,” he said, “I’m beginning to real- to him. Having someone who encom- might be his chance to do what he’d ize how this really encompasses eve- passes positive male role modeling in always wanted to do. The opportunity rything I’m about and everything I our program is so important to our grew immediately as he was asked dur- wanted to do.” children.” ing his interview if he also wanted to Also an ordained pastor with the From a career-ending medical con- serve as a teacher’s aide. And the op- United Pentecostal Church, Haner dition to a position that encompasses portunity for growth has continued ever volunteers his time to two small con- so much of who he is, Haner’s since. gregations, one in Free Soil and the thoughts on his career with Head Start This year, when “Mr. Ray” returned other in Branch. mirror the experiences that brought to the Fountain Child Development “It works both ways,” he said. him to this point. Center for his 11th season, he began his “The work I do with the children “If it’s something a person just first year as a Lead Teacher. gives me a lot of insight into how I endured, I would imagine it would be How does one go from a career in can help people in the church – Head difficult to keep up to the challenges, industry, to bus driver to teacher? One Start opened a lot of viewpoints about because there definitely are chal- step at a time. those in need and family situations. lenges,” he said. “But I do love it. It “I learned everything I needed as a And the work in the church gives me stretches you to the limits and if you bus driver and teacher’s aide and a cou- insight into the work with the children find you can hold up and help the chil- ple years later, I got to take the CDA and how to help when they’re strug- dren, it’s pretty rewarding.” (Child Development Associate) class gling.” and I learned so much information from CAPtions Newsletter—October, November, December 2013 Page 4 Making Christmas Merry! During the 2013 holiday season, we were overwhelmed by the number of individuals and businesses who remembered the people FiveCAP helps and included contributions to our programs in their Christmas giv- ing. Many of these were old friends to our programs, but several new- comers joined in. In November, Best Drug Reha- bilitation in Manistee hosted an open house for the community and encour- aged attendees to bring items to do- nate to our emergency food pantry. In addition to more than $400 worth of food, Best Drug Rehabilitation donated $1,000 to the program. More than 100 Mason County When the Ludington Yacht Club held its end-of-season party, organizers asked atten- families received certificates enti- dees to bring donations for Toys for Tots/Gifts for Teens and more than 200 items were tling them to everything they needed donated to the cause. (Photos courtesy of Patti Klevorn/Ludington Daily News) for a complete Christmas dinner from Shop-N-Save through West Shore Bank’s “Spirit of Giving” pro- gether in an awe-inspiring way. Teens. Many area businesses and gram. The bank raised money in all Through the amazing generos- individuals also came together to of the communities it serves and then ity of the communities, FiveCAP contribute items for the raffle and partnered with local grocery stores to was able to provide Christmas gifts Santa was on hand to hear Christmas provide these meals at a fixed cost. to 1,075 children from 440 families wishes. Local photographer Danielle Once again, FiveCAP was able to throughout the two counties. Mulholland donated her services distribute Christmas trees for free This year, Edward Jones Finan- capturing these moments and our thanks to Chris Frederick of Blue cial Planner Bob Hathon and the TFT/GFT cosponsors at Synergy Earth Tree Farm in Ludington. This crew in his Manistee office in- Broadcast Group, home of local ra- was the 10th year that Frederick has cluded FiveCAP in their annual dio stations WKLA AM and FM, made this incredible donation, pro- client appreciation dinner by ask- WMLQ, WLDN, WKZC, WWKR viding trees to all four of the coun- ing all attendees to bring teenage- and WMTE, provided their photo ties in FiveCAP’s service area. appropriate presents to donate to booth for take-home mementoes. As always, Toys for Tots/Gifts Toys for Tots/Gifts for Teens. The Once again, Meijer made a grant for Teens brings the communities of Ludington Yacht Club used its to TFT/GFT for Mason County. The Mason and Manistee counties to- Christmas party to collect more $5,000 was used to purchase gifts than 200 toys and and toys. gifts for Mason The Jingle Bell Jam was held County families in again this year during Sleighbell need. Weekend in Manistee and a total of Also in Mason $563 in cash and $498 in toys was County, Johnny’s collected. Skate Center Many thanks for also to the many hosted a “Skate businesses that organized promotions for a Cause” to help collect toys and gifts and event, donating a those that hosted our barrels and can- portion of all ad- isters. We are so grateful for your missions to Toys help in providing this joyful program for Tots/Gifts for to families in our communities. CAPtions Newsletter—October, November, December 2013 Page 5

THANK YOU, DONORS!

Clockwise from above: Kmart employee Shawna Hansen assisted FiveCAP’s Holly Haywood, Julie Ingison and Jay Wondolowski as they used cash donations to pur- chase items for the Toys for Tots/Gifts for Teens distribution. Volunteers joined forces to organize November’s Skate for a Cause event at Johnny’s Skate Center in Custer. Cathy Sanders and Bob Hathon pose for a photo with Ingison during their annual client appreciation dinner, during which they held a gift drive for TFT/GFT. Sue Carlson holds two of the hundreds of books the Mason County Library donated to TFT/GFT. West Shore Bank’s Spirit of Giving team presents Haywood with cer- tificates for complete dinners from Shop N Save in Ludington. Best Drug Rehabilita- tion’s Jason Burdge (left) and Amber Howe (right) present Wondolowski with a $1,000 check and $400 in food to help fund the agency’s emergency food pantry. Shawn McNielly, store director at the Ludington Meijer, presents a check for $5,000 to Haywood so the agency could purchase items for TFT/GFT. October, November, December 2013 NON-PROFIT US POSTAGE PAID CAPtions Scottville, MI 49454 Permit No. 46 Return Service Request Anita Brown Acting Chairperson, Board of Directors

Mary L. Trucks Executive Director

CAPtions is published by Five- CAP, Inc., a non-profit corpora- tion providing services to the people of Lake, Mason, Manistee and Newaygo Counties. Produc- tion is supported by Agency dis- cretionary funds.

Phone: (231) 757-3785 Fax: (231) 757-9669 Email: [email protected]

Mark Your Calendar FiveCAP Programs JANUARY Jan. 1 New Year’s Day Holiday—Offices Closed & Services Jan. 6 Head Start children return from Holiday Break Jan. 8 CSFP Monthly Food Distribution Head Start Jan. 14 HS/EHS Policy Council/Community Partners Meeting Jan. 20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day Holiday—Offices & Centers Closed Early Head Start FEBRUARY Weatherization Feb. 11 HS/EHS Policy Council/Community Partners Meeting Home Ownership Counseling Feb. 22 21st Annual FiveCAP, Inc. Walk for Warmth Foreclosure Prevention MARCH Single Family Housing Mar. 6 TEFAP Quarterly Food Distribution Multi Family Housing Mar. 11 HS/EHS Policy Council/Community Partners Meeting Mar. 12 CSFP Monthly Food Distribution TEFAP Mar. 31-Apr. 4 Spring Break for Head Start children (Mason/Lake/Manistee) CSFP APRIL Garden/Food Preservation Apr. 7-11 Spring Break for Head Start children (Newaygo) Educational Workshops Apr. 8 HS/EHS Policy Council/Community Partners Meeting Food Pantry

Tax Preparation Assistance OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS: FiveCAP Head Start/Early Head Start Parent/Volunteer Honors Banquet Energy/Utility Assistance Friday, June 6, 2014 Walk for Warmth Toys for Tots/Gifts for Teens Get the latest updates from FiveCAP Online! Information & Referral Go to https://www.facebook.com/Fivecapinc and like our page, or And more…... check out our blog at www.fivecapblog.wordpress.com

FiveCAP, Inc. will not discriminate against any individual because of religion, race, color, national origin, age, sex, marital status, political beliefs, height, weight, or disability. FiveCAP, Inc. is an equal opportunity provider and employer.