October 6: Scare Away Hunger 5k & Family Fun Run

Scare Away Hunger 5K Run and Family Fun Run Returns to Rochester with MSU Federal Credit Union as Presenting Sponsor

Rochester, MI – Neighborhood House is thrilled to announce the return of its popular Scare Away Hunger 5K and Family Fun Run, scheduled for Sunday, October 6, 2024. This year, the event is proudly presented by MSU Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU).

Set against the backdrop of Rochester Municipal Park, this event embodies Neighborhood House's vision of "neighbors helping neighbors thrive." Scare Away Hunger brings together participants from all walks of life, fostering a sense of unity and community spirit.

MSUFCU's involvement with Neighborhood House goes beyond event sponsorship. Since 2018, MSUFCU has been providing free financial education through virtual and in-person Financial Focus classes, equipping clients with essential tools for financial sustainability.

"MSUFCU's commitment to our community is exemplary," said Kim Ronan, Director of Fund Development at Neighborhood House. "Their support, from financial contributions to volunteer efforts, has been instrumental in helping our clients achieve financial security. We're excited to have them as our presenting sponsor for this year's Scare Away Hunger event."

Arianna Ridderbusch, MSUFCU VP of Community Impact, added, "We are honored to support Neighborhood House and the Scare Away Hunger 5K. This event aligns perfectly with our mission to uplift and empower our community. We believe in the power of education, community, and financial well-being, and this partnership allows us to make a meaningful impact."

Event Highlights: 

1.       Participants are encouraged to wear costumes, adding a festive Halloween spirit to the event.

2.       5K Run/Walk:  A scenic route suitable for all skill levels, challenging seasoned runners and welcoming beginners.

3.       Family Fun Run: A 1 mile run/walk for all ages, perfect for family bonding and active fun.

4.       Post-Race Celebration: Featuring music and refreshments to keep the festive atmosphere going.

Event Details:

-            Date: Sunday, October 6, 2024

-            Time: 9:00 AM

-            Location: Rochester Municipal Park

-            Registration: Online at www.ranh.org/events

-            Fees: 5K Walk/Run $45 | Family Fun Run $15

For more information, sponsorship opportunities, or media inquiries, contact Bris Roberts, Director of Marketing & Communications at bris@ranh.org or 248-651-5836 ext. 33.

Join us for an unforgettable day of running, laughter, and community spirit. Together, we can make a difference!

**About Neighborhood House**

Neighborhood House is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Rochester Hills, Michigan. For over 50 years, we've provided essential services including food, clothing, financial assistance, transportation, and counseling. Annually, we help more than 3,000 households on their path to self-sustainability. Learn more at ranh.org.

**ABOUT MSUFCU**

Founded in 1937, MSUFCU has a national reputation for excellence and has received several top industry and workplace awards. MSUFCU is committed to helping clients adapt and thrive in an ever-changing financial landscape through products and services tailored to help rebuild and achieve financial goals. The Credit Union operates various digital financial platforms and has 24 branches, over 360,000 members, $7.8 billion in assets, and more than 1,200 employees. For more information, visit msufcu.org.

**###**

March 21 Easter Basket Program

Neighborhood House Offers Easter Joy to Families: Register Now for Free Easter Baskets for Children

In the spirit of Easter, Neighborhood House is delighted to announce a special initiative to bring joy to families in our community. We invite all active Neighborhood House clients to register for a free Easter basket, ensuring a festive celebration for children aged 1-18.

How to Register for Your Free Easter Basket:
Starting February 1st Active Neighborhood House clients can register their children to receive an Easter basket. The registration process is simple and can be completed by visiting ranh.org/client-events before the deadline on March 15th.

What's Inside the Easter Basket:
Each Easter basket will be filled with delightful treats, toys, books and surprises suitable for different age groups. Our aim is to make this Easter a memorable and joyful experience for every child in our community.

“At Neighborhood House, we are deeply committed to fostering a spirit of togetherness. Our aim is not just to offer assistance but to weave a tapestry of support, bringing joy to families in their times of need. We are profoundly grateful for the opportunity to serve, recognizing that true strength lies in the unity and compassion we cultivate within our community.” Bris Roberts, Director of Marketing and Communications

How to Register:

1. Visit the Registration Page: Click HERE to register between February 1st and March 15th. 

2. Fill out the Registration Form: Provide the necessary information about your child, ensuring accurate details for a personalized Easter basket.

3. Confirmation: You will receive a confirmation email once the registration is complete with further details to set a pick up appointment time.

 
If you would like to help provide a joyous Easter: Donate a Pre-made Easter Basket
Moreover, we are calling upon the generosity of the community to contribute to our Easter Basket Drive by donating pre-made Easter baskets. Each basket, valued at $25-$30, will be filled with festive treats, toys, and surprises, bringing joy to families in need within our community.

Why Donate:

• Brighten Easter for Families: Your contribution will directly enhance the Easter experience for families facing economic hardships.

• Community Spirit: This initiative reflects the compassion and unity that define our community, showcasing our commitment to supporting our neighbors in their time of need.

How to Donate:

1. Click HERE to visit the Basket Donor Registration Page

2. Assemble a Pre-made Easter Basket: Fill a basket with Easter goodies, chocolates, toys, and festive treats, books, ensuring a value of $25-$30.

3. Drop-off Location: Deliver your pre-made Easter basket at 1720 South Livernois between March 11 – March 14.

 
 
About Neighborhood House:
We are the only full service human services agency in our area and rely on our neighbors, both individuals and organizations, to help make a difference. We are a commYOUnity of neighbors helping neighbors thrive.

For additional information or inquiries, please contact: Bris Roberts | bris@ranh.org | 248-651-5836 ext. 33

Neighborhood House is thrilled to share the joy of Easter with our community's families. We encourage all eligible clients to register their children for this special Easter basket initiative. We also ask that individuals, local businesses, and community organizations join us in making a meaningful impact by donating pre-made Easter baskets. Let's come together to make this Easter a season of happiness and celebration for every child in our community.

May 13 Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive to Benefit Neighborhood House

Help stock our local food pantry by donating or volunteering

ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH: Neighborhood House is excited to once again be participating in the National Letter Carriers’ Annual “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive on Saturday, May 13, 2023. This event is the nation’s largest one-day food drive collection. All food collected in the Rochester area that day will be donated directly to the Neighborhood House Food Pantry.

If you’re a resident living in Rochester, Rochester Hills or Oakland Township and receive your mail through the Rochester Post Office, here’s how you can get involved on Saturday, May 13:

• Leave non-perishable canned food items near your mailbox in the morning. Look out for grocery bags and instructions in your mailbox this week. If you do not receive a mailer, you can still donate by putting items in a bag of your choice. Click here to view the Neighborhood House Food Pantry wish list (or see below). Your letter carrier will pick up the items you leave.

• Volunteer to pick up donations alongside the letter carriers, drive trucks filled with food donations, or sort items during and after the event.

• Volunteer to load or unload food to and from trucks.

• Spread the word to friends and family in the area!

All food collected stays local, helping to feed families facing hardship right here in our community. Last year, the Neighborhood House Food Pantry provided over 320,000 meals to 561 families.

“Last year, food donations from Stamp Out Hunger kept our pantry stocked for two to three months. Stamp Out Hunger provides food at an important time of year when the youth in our community will not be receiving free or reduced-cost lunches at school, which increases the demand for our Food Pantry services,” said Debra Cole, manager of the Neighborhood House Food Pantry. “I encourage you to add a few cans to each bag you put out so we can help more families in our neighborhood.”

Skyrocketing food prices have continued to make it harder for families already struggling to make ends meet. Neighborhood House has seen a rise in demand at the Food Pantry and expects the trend to continue.

“Events like Stamp Out Hunger are a great way to have the community rally around our neighbors who need some extra support right now,” said Mike Dreon, executive director of Neighborhood House. “It’s a true reflection of our vision of neighbors helping neighbors thrive.”

 #

Neighborhood House, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in Rochester Hills, Mich., has been providing food, clothing, financial assistance, transportation, counseling, and other services for 55 years. Neighborhood House annually helps 3,000+ households on their path to self-sustainability. Learn more at ranh.org.

Neighborhood House Holiday Giving Tree Program needs donations

Help spread joy to local families in need this holiday season

ROCHESTER HILLS, MICH – We’re proud to share that Neighborhood House is once again offering our annual Holiday Giving Tree Program, helping to bring joy to our neighbors facing financial hardship this holiday season.

Through our Holiday Giving Tree Program, we typically provide gifts to more than 400 local children from low-income families in Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Oakland Township and Addison Township. With the current economic climate, we expect to see the same number of children, if not more, participating this year.

“We’re all experiencing the impact of inflation. Our clients who are already struggling to make ends meet, are hit especially hard,” says Michael Dreon, executive director. “With the help from our community, we’re able to ease the burden for families and help bring some joy into struggling homes.”

Through our program, we aim to provide each child with:

• ·Two gifts or gift cards ($25 price range)

• ·A pajama set

• ·A hoodie or sweatshirt

• ·A winter hat, gloves/mittens

• ·One book

• ·A family board game

The success of our program is dependent on the support of our community and individual donors. Getting involved is simple:

• ·Sign up here to purchase gifts

• ·Or shop our Amazon Wish list

All gifts are due to the following locations by Monday, Dec. 5:

• Neighborhood House main office: 1720 South Livernois Rd.

• Retro Fitness: 637 North Main St.

• Rochester Hills Public Library: 500 Olde Town Rd.

• Auburn Hills City Manager’s Office: 1827 North Squirrel Rd.

• Oakland Township Hall: 4393 Collins Rd.

In addition to the gifts, Neighborhood House distributes holiday food baskets to roughly 400 families in need during the holiday season. This is made possible by donations from our local churches and organizations.

Questions? Contact Holiday Giving Tree coordinator, Cheryl Duggan, at events@ranh.org or 248-651-5836 ext. 36. If your organization is interested in participating at a corporate level, please let Cheryl know.

###

Neighborhood House, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in Rochester Hills, Mich., has been providing food, clothing, financial assistance, transportation, counseling, and other services for 50+ years. Neighborhood House annually helps 3,000+ households on their path to self-sustainability. Learn more at ranh.org.

Neighborhood House names Meagan Mommersteeg Marketing and Communications Director

Rochester Hills, Mich – Neighborhood House is very pleased to share that Meagan Mommersteeg has joined the nonprofit as their marketing and communications director. This is a new position for the organization.

For the past six months, Mommersteeg has worked in a consultative role for Neighborhood House, getting to know the organization, its people and current communications practices.

“Meagan has demonstrated creativity, a strong work ethic and a commitment to our mission,” said Executive Director Michael Dreon. “We’re excited to see her continue the great work she’s already begun.”

Mommersteeg brings with her significant experience in internal and external communications from her previous positions with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, Health Alliance Plan and Ilitch Holdings. She holds a Master of Public Administration from Oakland University and a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University.

Mommersteeg joins Neighborhood House during a period of organizational transformation and growth with the recent hiring of Executive Director Michael Dreon and Director of Fund Development Kim Ronan.

###

Neighborhood House, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in Rochester Hills, Mich., has been providing food, clothing, financial assistance, transportation, counseling, and other services for 50+ years. Neighborhood House annually helps 3,000+ households on their path to self-sustainability. Learn more at ranh.org.

Neighborhood House’s Back-to-School Program Prepares Students for School Year

Rochester Hills, Mich. — Neighborhood House, in collaboration with Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital and the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan, will once again be providing hundreds of eligible students with school supplies, backpacks, clothing and health assessments through its Blast Off 2 School program.

There are two important events included in this program:

• Ascension Providence Rochester Hospital is providing free health screenings and sports physicals on Wednesday, Aug. 3, from 3 to 7 p.m. All participants will receive a completed health appraisal form.

• Back-to-school supply pickup is on Saturday, Aug. 13, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Each participant will receive a backpack, school supplies, as well as clothing and a hygiene kit provided by the Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan.

Both events are held at Neighborhood House’s main office located at 1720 S. Livernois in Rochester Hills. They’re free for Neighborhood House clients as well as families with children ages 4-18 who quality for free and reduced lunches. Families must live in Addison Township, Auburn Hills, Oakland Township, Rochester or Rochester Hills. An ID is required.

Interested in participating? Register at ranh.org/get-help by Wednesday, July 27, for the health screenings and by Wednesday, Aug. 3, for the back-to-school supply pickup.

“With the rise in inflation, we’re expecting a greater need from students this year,” said Michael Dreon, Neighborhood House executive director. “Support from the community is pivotal in setting our school-age neighbors on the path to success for the upcoming school year.”

Interested in helping? Neighborhood House is accepting donations for school supplies through Monday, Aug. 1. A school supply wish list and drop-off locations can be found at ranh.org/donate-now, including an Amazon Wish List.

###

Neighborhood House, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in Rochester Hills, Mich., has been providing food, clothing, financial assistance, transportation, counseling, and other services for 50+ years. Neighborhood House annually helps 3,000+ households on their path to self-sustainability. Learn more at ranh.org.

Kim Ronan Named Director of Fund Development of Neighborhood House

Rochester Hills, Mich. – Neighborhood House warmly welcomes Kim Ronan as its new director of fund development.

Ronan brings with her more than 20 years of experience in a variety of communications and business development roles. Most recently, she managed the North American International Auto Show Charity Preview and charitable relations. She states without hesitation that working with nonprofit and charitable organizations has been her favorite part of her career so far.

“Kim’s enthusiasm, drive and compassion is going to serve her well in her role at Neighborhood House,” says Jane Ritchie, board president. “We’re looking forward to her fresh perspective and ideas for our fund development activities. She will do well in garnering and furthering our important community relationships.”

Ronan joins Neighborhood House at the same time as its new Executive Director, Michael Dreon, who helped select her for the role. Together, the executives will begin their roles working to understand the organization’s current operations. Their fresh outlook will help to enhance and strengthen Neighborhood House’s strategic plan.

Ronan studied broadcast communications at Central Michigan University and Specs Howard School of Broadcast Arts. Ronan, her husband and three kids live in Royal Oak.

About Neighborhood House

Neighborhood House, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in Rochester Hills, Mich., has been providing food, clothing, financial assistance, transportation, counseling, and other services for 50+ years. Neighborhood House annually helps 3,000+ households on their path to self-sustainability. Learn more at ranh.org.

Michael Dreon Named Executive Director of Neighborhood House

Rochester Hills, Mich. – Neighborhood House is excited to announce Michael Dreon as its new executive director.

Dreon joins the nonprofit with more than 30 years of experience in the automotive industry. He has held various roles in engineering, management and business strategy. He brings a wealth of business knowledge and strategic, forward-thinking to Neighborhood House.

“We are fortunate to have Michael lead our dedicated team. His strategic, results-driven approach to business, coupled with his passion for our mission, will further Neighborhood House’s reach and strengthen its services,” said Jane Ritchie, board president.

One of the first priorities for Dreon is executing the organization’s strategic plan. He also had the opportunity to select Neighborhood House’s new Director of Fund Development, Kim Ronan.

For the past 15 years, Dreon has been involved in St. Vincent de Paul, a Catholic organization helping those in need. He has held the positions of president and treasurer at the St. Mary of the Hills Conference. His involvement at St. Vincent de Paul inspired a greater interest in the nonprofit sector, leading Dreon to recently complete his nonprofit management certificate from Oakland University.

Dreon has master’s and bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. He also has an MBA from the University of Michigan. Dreon, his wife and three sons have resided in Rochester since 2004.

About Neighborhood House

Neighborhood House, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization in Rochester Hills, Mich., has been providing food, clothing, financial assistance, transportation, counseling, and other services for 50+ years. Neighborhood House annually helps 3,000+ households on their path to self-sustainability. Learn more at ranh.org.

Giving Tree program to help local families

ROCHESTER/ROCHESTER HILLS/OAKLAND TOWNSHIP — The community can help make Christmas magical by assisting local families in financial need.

Barb Cenko, the president of the Neighborhood House board of directors, said COVID-19 has added to the economic struggles of many families leading into the holiday season.

“The holidays can be a very stressful time, especially for families who are struggling financially,” she said in a statement.

As of October, the Neighborhood House has seen an 11% increase in the number of households it services.

The nonprofit provides rent and utility financial assistance, operates a food pantry and clothes closet, offers transportation services, provides counseling, and facilitates educational programs for families in need in Rochester, Rochester Hills, Auburn Hills, Oakland Township, and Addison Township.

“Since October, we have provided over 5,400 services. This time last year, the total services were right around 4,000 — so there has been a 45% increase in the services that we are providing, and we are not even at the end of the year,” said Jeni Carino, the chief development officer for Neighborhood House. “The need is there. The need is not going away.”

There is an increased need, she said, for emergency financial assistance in the community.

“With the eviction moratorium being lifted, a lot of families are struggling to make rent. This holiday program will bring joy to those families who are really struggling with their daily needs,” Carino added.

Neighborhood House recently kicked off its holiday Giving Tree program, which includes the traditional trees in the community, as well as an electronic shopping option, to provide food, clothing, and gifts for those in need.

The electronic Giving Tree allows donors to shop for hoodies, pajamas, gloves, mittens, scarfs, toys, and gift cards for struggling families online from their homes and ship them directly to the Neighborhood House through Monday, Dec. 7. Information on how to order via the nonprofit’s Amazon Wish List is available at www.ranh.org.

Through Dec. 7, those who prefer to shop in stores themselves can drop off new toys and clothing at Retro Fitness, 637 N. Main St.; the Rochester Hills Public Library, 500 Olde Town Road; the Auburn Hills city manager’s office, 1827 N. Squirrel Road; Oakland Township Hall, 4393 Collins Road; and the Neighborhood House, 1720 S. Livernois Road.

Last year, 200 families with 450 children received clothing and gifts as part of the holiday gift program, and this year, organizers hope to serve many more.

“People are in a very giving spirit to help our neighbors in need,” Carino said.

The Neighborhood House is also working with local churches to facilitate the distribution of holiday food baskets for individuals and families in need. Last year, 355 families received a food basket.

Donations of nonperishable food items, gifts, cash, and gift cards can be given anytime because if the donations aren’t used immediately for the holidays, they can be put toward the food pantry program or other giving programs throughout the year.

“I am thankful for the continued outpouring of support from our community, which enables Neighborhood House to provide toys and clothing for local kids and food baskets for families. Together we bring joy and hope to many families,” Cenko said in a statement.

Neighborhood House’s administrative offices are located at 1720 S. Livernois Road. For more information, to volunteer or to make a donation, visit www.ranh.org, call (248) 651-5836, or email volunteer@ranh.org.

Grocery stores, food pantries feel impact of supply chain crisis

METRO DETROIT — We’ve seen it before — empty store shelves, purchase limits and skyrocketing prices — and, unfortunately, experts say these things aren’t going anywhere soon.

In Michigan, the food retail industry is feeling the effects of the supply chain backlog.

Shipping bottlenecks have led to rising freight costs that are being passed on, causing sticker shock for suppliers and consumers alike.

“Meat was at an extreme high about six months ago, and you weren’t making any money because you could only sell things for so much money, or no one would buy it,” said David Antiwan, who owns Hazel Park Food Center. “It doesn’t matter how much business you’re doing; you’re not profiting, because the cost of goods is too high.”

The average price of bacon jumped nearly 28% during the past 12 months, according to data from the Consumer Price Index, prompting some shoppers to consider chopping bacon off their weekly grocery lists.

“We put bacon on our list of food for the food pantry probably about a year ago, and we were paying $5 a pound. Now, it’s up to $9 a pound, so we’re contemplating whether that’s something that’s economically feasible to keep on our food list,” said Kathy Wojcik, the executive director of Samaritan House — which operates a food pantry for northwestern Macomb County families in need.

Debra Cole, who handles all of the orders for the Rochester Area Neighborhood House Food Pantry, has noticed price hikes on “absolutely everything” needed to stock pantry shelves over the past year.

“It’s amazing how fast things are going up in the store,” she said.

With the holiday season looming, a number of retailers say supply chain woes will also restrict the inventory of just about everything — including food.

“Word is that there is going to be a shortage of baking goods — sugar, flour, things of that nature — for Thanksgiving. That’s what I’ve heard,” Antiwan said.

Scarcities of all kinds are rampant nowadays.

“You never know what’s going to be short. The typical tissue, toilet paper and paper towel shortages (are common) but not as extreme as before,” he explained.

In the hopes of avoiding mass shortages, many grocery stores are placing orders for holiday food staples earlier than ever before. Others are imposing purchase limits on certain foods and paper products.

Purchase limits, Wojcik said, are a huge hurdle for local food pantries struggling to keep their shelves stocked for families in need.

“Normally, our shoppers will go in and the store staff will know they are shopping for Samaritan House, so we can pull five cases of ramen noodles,” she explained. “Now, stores are cracking down, and we can only have one case of that. That will only last us a week.”

It’s hard to tell which products will be in stock from week to week, Cole added.

“If I send a shopper to the grocery store and ask for 10 (of anything), I usually get five, if I’m lucky,” she said. “It’s weird things, like canned mixed vegetables, saltine crackers, coffee and certain types of soups” that are missing, she said. “The shelves are bare, and stores don’t know when they are going to be getting those items in, so we’re kind of scrambling to find other places … to fulfill the needs of the items that we can’t get.”

Each year, the Rochester Area Neighborhood House Food Pantry provides a Thanksgiving dinner basket to low-income families.

Coles knows Thanksgiving is still over a month away, but she said grocery stores are already starting to come up short on some shelf-stable items for the Thanksgiving baskets. At press time, the food pantry only had enough supplies — things like cans of stuffing, cranberry, pumpkin, sweet potatoes, green beans, corn and aluminum cooking trays — to fill 40 of its 300 baskets.

“We were a little bit short on gravy this morning, so one of my volunteers called over to Gordon’s Food Service, and they only had two cans,” Cole said. “That basically tells you food is already being purchased for Thanksgiving. People are going out and getting what they can right now, and the stores are just depleted.”

This year, Cole started placing orders for perishable Thanksgiving food in September so she would, hopefully, have all the fixins well before distribution day.

“I ordered my turkeys last month from Gleaners, so, hopefully, we will get them soon,” she said. “We have also already put in an order for 300 pumpkin pies, Cool Whips and rolls from Meijer about three weeks ago, but I haven’t heard anything back from them.”

When delivery trucks finally do make it to grocery stores and food pantries, Antiwan said, their orders are almost always incomplete.

“You get a heads up notice if an item is short, but not to a point where it’s extremely helpful. It’s short notice,” he said. “We just try to get an alternative item.”

For now, he says the supply chain woes are more of an “inconvenience.”

“It’s a big inconvenience — there are no extreme shortages, but there are definitely shortages,” Antiwan added. “Hopefully, it gets better and it doesn’t get worse than that.”

“One doesn’t have to look far to see clear evidence that supply chain issues are having economic costs,” Ryan Sweet, of Moody’s Analytics, said in an Oct. 14 report.

Global supply chain disruptions, he explained, continue “to plague the U.S. economy” — contributing to delivery delays, a shortage of goods and elevated inflation ahead of the holiday shopping season.

Products of all kinds are getting stuck on container ships due to a shortage of workers needed to unload and transport the goods. Add a nationwide truck driver shortage to the already struggling system, and it’s easy to see why stores across the country are experiencing shipping delays and product shortages.