Spring Newsletter
Making Up For Lost Time
When someone spends 10 years in prison and misses 10 birthday parties for his son and loses 10 years to build his job resume, how does he make up for this lost time?
The best person to answer that question is a young man in his 30s named Isaac. He set out to prove the statistics wrong and show that he would not be one of the 67% of released offenders that return to prison shortly after being released. His story is one that reminds us all that focus and determination go a long way. Here is what he would like to share:
Staying Focused
"I knew after being gone for almost 10 years [in prison] the odds were going to be against me. It sparked me to say that when I came back, I would need to be on top of everything. Statistics say that most of us go back to prison or reoffend. I just could not see myself being one of those individuals. I didn't want to miss out on things any more. I didn't want to live in those conditions another 10 years. I have looked at some people who got out of prison before me and some who got out after me, and some are in a better position and some are in a worse position.
I knew what I wanted when I got out. I took the time and it gradually came to me. Within a month, I had a home. A couple months later I got a job. It is not the best job but it is something to start. I am building on it. Even if I decided to leave that job today, I think my boss would recommend me to anyone. He might say I have a good head on my shoulders. It is about being focused, knowing what it is you want, and going to get it. At the end of the day if you can achieve one thing or put forth effort for that day, even if you fail at it, you have learned something for the day. That is how I look at it. Nobody knows what is promised for tomorrow, so I live for the day and learn for the day. If tomorrow comes, I have something to take over into the next day. I did it for my son. My son is 12 and he knows I am back home. It is about responsibilities, it is about making choices.
I didn't know anything about Dégagé, but on my way home someone told me about it. They told me to go there and tell them what I need. Coming to Dégagé gave me peace of mind. I did a lot of filling out applications. There are a lot of helpful people like the volunteers that devote a lot of their time. For the individuals that volunteer here and devote some of their time, I want them to know it is a big, big help and a big, big plus. They were motivation for me. Without having relatives here or people to turn to, I could come to the staff and talk to them for sound advice. I guess you can say it really is a ministry in a whole lot of ways. They provide a lot of things including insightful information and helpful resources at the referral desk."
A Blessing to Watch
When Issac came to Dégagé in January, we worked with him to get legal identification, we gave him a locker, we allowed him to use our hygiene facilities, we offered him meals, and most importantly, we encouraged him in his journey. Lori King, Life Enrichment Center Floor Supervisor at Dégagé Ministries, states, "I have watched Isaac bloom and grow. When he came home from prison, he knew what he wanted and had the determination and hope to make things happen. I love his focus and drive; I have been blessed to watch him go from homeless and unemployed, to having a job and his own home. His positive attitude and courage to have faith in the process was a true gift to watch unfold."
Feed My Sheep
Recently I had the opportunity to hear Dr. Joe Stowell. His message was from John 21 where Jesus asked Peter three times if he loved Him and each time Peter assured Jesus that he loved Him and each time Jesus told Peter to "feed my sheep." Dr. Stowell went on to say that Jesus gauges our love for Him by our actions. Jesus wanted Peter to do more than just profess his love for Him. He was calling Peter to action; to care about the things that He cared about.
As I listened to Dr. Stowell, I thought about all the people who partner with us in ministry and the many different ways that they care about all of God's children.
A couple weeks ago I stopped in to connect with the volunteers and was blessed to see Gary Pokorny grilling hot dogs with such enthusiasm because he knew they were going to feed hungry people waiting in the dining room.
I'm blessed by people in the community like John Stivers who gives so selflessly to provide oversight to this ministry by sitting on our Board.
In reading Isaac's story, I'm thankful for the people who serve at our Referral Desk giving information and guidance.
I'm particularly grateful for staff members like Lori who offer words of encouragement to the hundreds of people who come through our doors every day.
And every day I thank God for the many donors who support this ministry and enable us to respond to God's call to "feed my sheep." Working together, we are caring for the things that Jesus cared about. Thank you for showing your love in very tangible and meaningful ways.
Volunteer Spotlight:
My daughter, at a young age, once blurted out: "I'm going to try a whole bunch of different sports until I find one I really like, and then I'll focus on that one." Sure enough, she became involved in a host of activities but ultimately went on to choose soccer and made significant contributions to her high school soccer team for four years at the varsity level.
My volunteer journey hasn't been much different, but not quite as conscious, I must admit. Over the past 13 years I have volunteered with more than a handful of truly worthy community service organizations here in Grand Rapids.
But now, I choose to focus all my energy on Dégagé.
Why? Maybe it is because of my personal experience with the plight of the “Homeless.” Nearly 15 years ago my younger brother tragically died just a few days prior to his 30th birthday. He died a committed Christian; however, he was persecuted by severe mental illness that led him to life in a homeless shelter, relying on social services very much like those offered on Division Street here in Grand Rapids.
It's comforting to know there is a place that treats all with the dignity that every human deserves. Dégagé empowers those with so little to rise up in their lives through the many programs they offer. Maybe when I look into a patron's eyes at Dégagé, I capture a past glimpse of my brother, or even more so, Jesus.
On the other hand, maybe it's because I'm confident that the time, energy and money my wife and I invest with Dégagé will be well spent. Dégagé has always been a good steward due to strong leadership and staff support. And they always express an incredible sense of passion towards their mission.
But the truth be told, it is really the sense of joy, fulfillment, and I dare say, happiness I feel when I walk through those doors to help Dégagé serve the needs of so many, who have so little.
Board Member Spotlight
Asking this board member to write something for the newsletter causes the same consternation I get when asked to sing in public. My only hope is to pick something familiar and keep it short. "Heartside," just the first and fourth stanzas.
Heartside neighborhood, to the side of the heart of downtown, runs south from Fulton extending several blocks to either side of Division. In spite of its edgy history, (or maybe because of it), Heartside is long on charm and full of characters. It is a true neighborhood in the traditional sense; the people who live here and work here seem to all know each other, spend time together and share a genuine concern for one another. Even the new arrivals, those young artists, are assimilating, thanks in part to the overtures of Dégagé.
I was initiated into Heartside in 1997, a couple of years before Marge surprisingly suggested I might join the Dégagé board. It started with a chance collaboration with a young sculptor who needed engineering help on his art competition proposal. Though selected, but in true Heartside tradition, the commission was short of funding and the site was more valuable as a parking lot. Back then, once a block south of Fulton, the bona fide occupied buildings could be counted on one hand. Wow, how things have changed. You really should think about joining this year's "Take It to the Streets" and tour first-hand the area's turnaround. (See page 4 for details on the event).
Over this last decade, Dégagé has grown as well. My earliest memory of the place was the dining room with those huge tables recycled from the Moose Lodge bowling lanes. As our board president and early co-founder Eric Britcher puts it, Degage has always been Heartside's "living room." From humble beginnings forty years ago as a coffee house, Dégagé has grown to be so much more. Just in the time I've been around, the Life Enrichment Center was added, and most recently the Women's Drop-In Center. Each of these vital new services started when Dégagé staffers identified a need, then nurtured it to reality. And today, as our community's needs are larger than ever before, we are indebted to board member (volunteer extraordinaire) Kent Tebben who has invested so much heart and soul in leading the effort of upgrading the Dégagé building.
If you've thought about volunteering, now is the time to start. You'll probably also get adopted into the neighborhood, meet some of the characters (including a few on the staff), and find great joy contributing to the good works done at the corner of Cherry and South Division. I look forward to meeting you.
Save the Date
Take It To The Streets
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Dégagé Ministries’ 8th Annual Walk-a-thon, Take It To The Streets, will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2008. The event features a walk through the Heartside Neighborhood that highlights topics important to our community such as poverty, homelessness, social justice and many others. We will also explore what other agencies are doing in the Heartside Neighborhood to provide much needed services to the community. The event is perfect for individuals, families, youth groups, school groups and businesses.
Take It To The Top
Friday, November 21, 2008
Join us on Friday, November 21st for the 8th Annual Take It To The Top. The event will be held at Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park. Tickets include hors d’oeuvres, a seated dinner & dessert, our silent & live auctions and access to Frederik Meijer Gardens Christmas Around the World. Please contact us at (616) 454-1661 for information about sponsorship opportunities.
Bounty of Blessings
Food
Anita and Kurt Berends
Arnies Restaurant
Berger Chevrolet
Blake's Turkey Sandwich Shoppe
Bobby J’s
First Baptist Church
First Evangelical Covenant Church
Foremost Insurance Co.
Forest Grove Reformed Church
Grand Rapids Roller Girls
Heritage Reformed Church
Innovative Business Services
Ivanrest Christian Reformed Church
J. Michael
Jenison High School
Jim Allen
John Haan
Julie Mauer
Kim Bearup
Kirk and Karen Lepine
LaGrave Christian Reformed Church
Larry Kuperus
Lee Sulivan
Lynne and Gordon DeVries
Mamreland Lutheran
Mars Hill Running Group
Mayflower Congregational Church
Michael Hoogeboom
Pastor Jim Ikerd
Roberta Wibalda
Rud, Connie, and Joshua Armstrong
Ryan Anderson
St. Andrew's School
St. Robert's Church
Wiseman's Corner
Personal Care Items
Blythefield Hills Baptist Church
Carl and Ruth Clevenger
Dave Houtsma
Fountain Street Church
Jean Knappe
Juli Wiseman
Lynne Ike
Phyllis Wier
Rebecca Malmquist
Sparta United Methodist Church
Blankets
Bob and Pat Triick
Cedar Springs United Methodist Church
Chuck and Mary Crowley
Diet Eman
Donna L. Arnold
Maranatha Bible and Missionary Conf.
Mary Jo Thompson
Patrick and Julie Green
Penny Stewart
Priscilla Zeider
Robert and Susan Courtade
St. Luke's Lutheran Church
Steve Kauffman
Susan Andrews
Thornapple Evangelical Covenant Church
Woodlawn Christian Reformed Church
Other Wish List Items
Albert Rienstra
Amanda St. Pierre
Amy Ollilia
Andrew Shackelford
Ann Gurecki
Betty Stoutjesdyk
Bob Vander Heide
Cameron Streidl
Campus Ministry @ GVSU
Cascade Christian Disciples of Christ
Christ Lutheran Church
Chuck Ely
Church of the Savior
Covenant Christian Reformed Church David and Alex Karel
David and Susan Hodson
David Miller
Department Of Natural Resources
Diet Eman
Don and Cindy Cooper
Donna Arnald
Doug and Tracy Warsen
Eddie Johnson
Eric and Dorothy Britcher
First Cutlerville CRC
Forest Hills Northern High School
Fountain Street Church
Hansen Collision
Heather McGartland
Hillside Community Church
Holy Redeemer Parish
Innovative Business Services
Interphase Office Interiors, Inc.
Jack and Joan Alberts
James and Gail Junod
Jeff Roloff
Jerry and Arla Hop
Joan Terpstra
John and Carole Hoffman
John Haan
Judi and William Babel
Kari Townsend
Ken and Ann Malewitz
Kim Bearup
Library Plainfield Branch
Lisa Johnson
Loritta Zeman
Lynn DeVries
Mary Ann Doezema
Matt and Mary Meyer
Mick and Lucy McGraw
Mike and Roberta Wibalda
Monica Stegeman
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph J. Walker
Ms. Peggy A. Bursley
Nancy Wallish
Norma Martinez
Pam Carroll
Patrick and Julie Greene
Patrick Przybylski
Paul Hoffman
Peggy Bursley
Pete Quakkelaar
Rachael Latoff
Rapid Fire Protection
Ray and Judy Holland
Rebekah Vanderhelm
Reconciliation Metropolitan Community
Ria Emelander
Rick and Terri Amann
Robert and Natalie Moll
Robert Alexander
Robert Mueller
Rose Emelander
Sharon Frazee
Stephanie Hvizdos
Stephen and Julie Krug
Steve Berrington
Steve Kauffman
Ted and Arlene Sytsma
Todd West
Val McKnight
Birthdays at Degage
At Degage Ministries, we celebrate each person and recognize them as a gift from God. To honor our patron’s birthday, we have a birthday party every month with pizza and cake. We also give each individual a gift bag with a voucher for our services and special gift items.
Looking for a way to help? Consider making a Dégagé Birthday Bag!
*Please use 12 x 9 inch bags
*Please try to put a balance of basic needs and 'fun' items
*Please keep the size consistent throughout the bag (S, M, L, XL, 2XL)
*Please label the bags "men/women" and indicate the size
*You are welcome to include an encouraging birthday card/note
*You are welcome to add anything else you feel would bless someone!
*It is helpful for us to have bags for both men & women and with a variety of sizes
SUGGESTIONS FOR MEN
After shave
Men's body wash
Socks
T-shirts (L, XL, 2XL)
Underwear (M, L, XL)
Boxers (M, L, XL)
Foot powder
Candy or gum
Nail Clippers
Playing Cards
Men's devotional
Bus tickets
Degage Vouchers (call Degage at 454-1661 to purchase in $2 increments)
$5 - $10 gift certificates to fast food restaurants, Meijer, Goodwill, etc
SUGGESTIONS FOR WOMEN
Women's body wash
Lotion
Socks
Underwear (S, M, L, XL)
Small box of tampons/pads
Nail Clipper Sets or Manicure Sets
Emery boards
Make up
Perfume or body sprays
Candy or gum
Small gift bags of female soaps, lotions, etc
Women's devotional
Bus tickets
Degage Vouchers (call Degage at 454-1661 to purchase in $2 increments)
$5 - $10 gift certificates to fast food restaurants, Meijer, Goodwill, etc
Please contact Hollie Wassenaar, Volunteer Coordinator, with any questions at 454-1661 or Hollie@DegageMinistries.org
Heard Around Degage
"Thanks for the birthday party. Believe it or not, I've never actually celebrated my birthday in my whole life." - patron
"I was beginning to feel so invisible. Thank you so much for helping me." - patron
"I wouldn't be here today if it weren't for Dégagé Ministries. Thank you for all you do." - patron
"I am absolutely overwhelmed by the loving support that you all have given me during this time of crisis. Every day I get a call from somebody from Dégagé with words of encouragement and concern. That means so much to me!" - staff
" I always enjoy the positive, respectful, and sometimes humorous atmosphere in the Life Enrichment Center." - volunteer
“I think Dégagé is the most caring, sincere place in town. It is so cool you also take women in the evenings! The way you actually help people must be so rewarding. I hope God continues to give you strength and wisdom.” - donor
“Your love shines through.” - donor
“Dégagé helped me find myself. You give me a place to hang out and help me understand the Bible.” - patron
Praise and Prayer
Praise God for the beautiful renovation of our building. It is almost complete! We are able to offer our programs in a more dignified and efficent space. May God bless those who gave so generously of their time and resources.
Praise God for Isaac’s story (front cover). May God continue to bless him.
Pray for the many individuals that are looking for employment.
Join us as we thank God for the college interns that worked with us this year. We are grateful for Ben, Matt, Anna, Virginia, and Amanda. Pray for them as they graduate and move forward in their careers and personal journey.
We praise God for the healing of Shellie Cole-Mickens’ (Director of Open Door) son. He is recovering from life-threatening injuries.
We are grateful for the warm weather! Pray for the safty and well-being of the patrons that spend much of their time outside.
Honoring Lives and Legacies
In Honor of the Cross/Burden Wedding
Thomas and Rebecca Cruttenden
Jerry and Doris Grimes
George and Trudy Harris
In Honor of Steve and Patti Lachniet's 40th Anniversary
James and Lauren Anderson
Pamela Andrakowicz
Permilla and Janine Herin
Majory Lachniet
Robert and Lynne Lasarge
Nancy Prominski
Cecelia Pyard
Virginia Slaight
In Honor of Bob Nash's Birthday
Marilyn Wiersma
In Honor of Rachel Steele
Thelma Freedberg
In Memory of Donald Bolthouse
Arlan John Bauer
Paul and Gretta Bennink
Gertrude and Willis DeBoer
Edna Gommesen
John Henry III
Don and Pauline Hoolsema
Donald and Coral Kreykes
Phillip and Carolyn Lucasse
Patrick and Patty O'Brien
Pat and Armen Oumedian
John and Emma Quigley
Sunshine Community Church
In Memory of Henry Alkema
Marge Palmerlee
Ray and Judy Holland
In Memory of Donna Draft
Ken and Mary Ann VandenBerg
In Memory of Howard W. Scholten
Bob Israels
In Memory of William Idema
Marge Palmerlee
In Memory of Roberta Heincke
Sunshine Community Church
In Memory of Alvin Kooster
Staff of Dégagé Ministries’
Development News
What is planned giving?
You may have heard the term "planned giving" but weren't sure what it meant. Here's a basic definition: it is simply planning to make a difference both for yourself and for a cause that you believe in through a charitable gift. Planned giving is often described as "leaving a legacy" because many are created to make an impact for future generations.
It is surprisingly easy to arrange a planned gift.
Under the right circumstances, a planned gift can provide a donor and his/her family with a variety of benefits including:
- increasing current income for the donor or others
- reducing income and/or estate taxes
- reducing or avoiding capital gains taxes
- passing assets on to family members at reduced tax costs
- making an important gift to a nonprofit organization
We've partnered with West Michigan Christian Foundation (WMCF) to help us process planned giving gifts such as:
- appreciated stock
- real estate
- retirement plans
- life insurance
- business interests
- personal property
- estates
WMCF is one of a nationwide network of local Christian foundations affiliated with The National Christian Foundation (NCF). Since 1982, they've helped Christians like you deliver over $1 billion to more than 15,000 churches and ministries worldwide. If you would like more information about planned giving, please contact Catherine Dublis, Development Representative, at Degage Ministries at 616-454-1661 x13, or email at catherine@degageministries.org.
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