Page 7 - Our Hands FALL 2019

COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

DTE Energy helping homeless families

ine years ago, DTE Energy and Gleaners Michigan Food Bank collaborated
on the establishment of a local garden providing much needed fresh produce
Nto low income residents through Southeast Michigan.

Today, Westland Farm is a 5,000 square feet garden tucked behind the DTE Training Charity Partners
and Development Center in Westland. With the help of dedicated volunteers, many
being Master Gardeners trained with MSU Extension, and other community donors, amaritas is honored and
DTE Energy’s Westland Farm grows and distributes 6,000-7,000 pounds of fresh, grateful to have been named
organic produce annually to local non-profits. Samaritas’ Family Center is one of Sone of New Holland Brewing
several locations benefiting from this wonderful work. Westland Farm donates about Co.’s Charity Partners for two years
100 pounds of produce and herbs to the Samaritas Family Center each week. in a row! The program educates
The produce helps fill the gap in fresh vegetables at our Family Center and enables staff and the broader community
Samaritas to provide balanced meals for families in our care. at the same time. Samaritas
received a portion of sales during
three months of 2019 as part of
the “Community Tap” at New
Holland’s The Knickerbocker.

Paintings by refugee youth in Samaritas’ foster care Mercantile Bank of Michigan hosted free
program were on display at Tabooli in East Lansing financial education classes for New Americans
for World Refugee Awareness Week thanks to Delta during Money Smart Week!
Dental of Michigan!

others of Preschoolers
(MOPS) from
MShepherd’s Gate
Lutheran Church in Shelby
Township for assembling and
donating Bedtime Bags for our
foster children. The adorable
comfort bags contained
Provided by Great Lakes Loons
blankets, stuffed animals, books,
Thrivent Member Network - Great Lakes Region hosted an event on how to be wise with money and small battery-powered white
and live generously by supporting those most vulnerable in our communities. They partnered with us to do an noise and/or lullaby players.
action team for our Unaccompanied Minor Refugee program. Twenty bathroom/personal hygiene kits and 20 These thoughtful gifts really
kitchen kits were assembled and given to newly resettled refugees! Thrivent also supported Samaritas during make a positive impact for
Faith and Fellowship Nights at the Ballpark in Southeast Michigan. One of our group home residents even got children during difficult times.
to throw out the first pitch!

7