Hope 101 Finishes In The Money!

Karen Nottelmann President of the Hope 101 Board and Shari Meyer Chair of the Family Of God Development Committee stand outside the Mercer House renovation project

A strong late push gets Family of God Ministry into the ‘final four’ of Independent Bank campaign
By Karen Nottelmann
 
Hope 101 Ministry Inc. in Newaygo was one of thirty-one entries in the ”Housing Our Communities” phase of Independent Bank’s “Investing in Communities” campaign and the only entry from Newaygo County.
From September 15 to September 29, Facebook users in Michigan had the opportunity to vote once a day for their favorite housing charity. The contestants were competing for four $5,000 awards and when the votes were counted, Hope 101 Ministry was one of the top four successful contestants.
"We are thrilled to have the opportunity to give back to such a wonderful organization in our very own town," said  AVP Bank Manager Rhonda Buter of the Newaygo branch of Independent Bank. "It has been a heartwarming experience to witness hundreds of people working together to rally support for Hope 101 Ministry throughout this campaign.
"Our Investing in Communities campaign is just one of the ways in which we are able to give back every year.  Hope 101 Ministry has been providing such a positive impact in the Newaygo community and we are excited to celebrate their outreach mission."
Hope 101 is a 501(c)(3) non-profit which offers a program of up to six months of transitional housing designed for persons who are homeless and are interested in doing the work necessary to gain financial independence and secure a permanent home. Persons must have a job or be employed within two months of entering the program. The program provides a case manager to work with participants and requires an in-depth evaluation of personal history, finances, employment, education and other aspects of life. Specific and measurable goals are set and monitored weekly. Mentors offer friendship and encouragement as they walk alongside participants on their journey to self-sufficiency.
 
Family of God Community Church began the ministry in 2015 by purchasing the home at 101 Quarterline in Newaygo and renovating the three apartments into comfortable, safe living quarters. In 2016 a second home at 42 Washington was donated to the church and community volunteers are currently renovating the Mercer Home to house families with children. Both homes have been deeded to Hope 101 Ministry by FOGCC.
 
In addition to Independent Bank, the Hope 101 Ministry Board is thankful for the many supporters in the community who have contributed financially to our ministry, especially the Fremont Area Community Foundation. The Board also appreciates the enthusiasm and hard work of many, many people who “shared” the opportunity to vote and encouraged the support needed to qualify Hope 101 as a final four contestant and winner of $5,000.
 
Persons who would like to learn more about Hope 101 Ministry or those interested in volunteering to help with renovation of Mercer Home, serve as a mentor, or financial counselor may email info@hope101ministry.com or call 231-652-6500.