Gently used, children’s clothing sizes 0 to 16, household items and furniture. Book your appointment on our Facebook page
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Free Fall-Winter Clothing Giveaway
Our Father’s Family Keeper Ministries’ (OFFKM) signature free Fall-Winter clothing exchange returns on August 22, 2020 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. This time it will be held at 61472 Donald Roadway West in Vandalia, Michigan, and social distancing and face covering guidelines will be followed.
“We are proud to host this event for our local families in need,” said Bianca May, the co-founder and executive director of OFFKM. “There is no limit to the number of items that a family may choose to take home with them.”
Event organizers are seeking donations of gently-used clothes and shoes (for both children and adults), baby gear, toys, books, and household items, and children’s clothes hangers. Clothes and shoes should be suited for the upcoming fall and winter seasons. All donated items are given to members of the community for free.
“Monetary donations are also much appreciated,” said May. “Donations are used to purchase items needed to fulfill our services, such as clothes hangers, storage containers, and face masks.”
To arrange a donation drop-off, or for questions about the event and serving as a volunteer, please contact OFFKM via email ([email protected]) or phone (269-476-1257).
Free Screening of Early Childhood Education Documentary “No Small Matter”
Our Father’s Family Keeper Ministries collaborates with local organizations to increase awareness about the need for early childhood education and brainstorm solutions
Cass County, Michigan — Our Father’s Family Keeper Ministries (OFFKM) will host a free virtual screening of the film No Small Matter on June 20. It is the first feature documentary to explore the most overlooked, underestimated, and powerful force for good in America today: early childhood education.
Local families and community leaders are invited to watch the film and participate in a follow-up discussion. There is a flexible viewing schedule limited to the first 300 views which may occur up to three days before June 20 until one day after (June 17-21).
No Small Matter lays out the overwhelming evidence for the importance of a child’s first five years of life, and reveals how our failure to act on that evidence has resulted in an everyday crisis for American families, and a slow-motion catastrophe for the country.
“We hope to positively change the trajectory of our families and community by taking action after watching this film,” said Bianca May, the co-founder and executive director of OFFKM.
OFFKM is collaborating with community leaders to spread the word about this issue. Reverend James Solarek, executive pastor of Edwardsburg Community Church and a foster parent, is one of them.
“We are excited to partner with OFFKM to promote “No Small Matter.” As a pastor, foster parent, and part of our community, I cannot overemphasize the importance of early childhood education,” said Solarek.
“We hope this documentary will continue to improve the families in our community and encourage all of us to take positive action,” he added.
Other organizations, Cass County Great Start Collaborative and Tri-County Head Start, have recently shared the documentary with their constituents to spark action as well.
Anna Carter, director of the Cass County Great Start Collaborative said, “The film “No Small Matter” is put together very well. It shows the importance of positive early childhood experiences on brain development and what that looks like with research and outcomes.”
“This film shows actual families that are struggling with the work/home balance, with the cost and availability of quality child care and preschool. I have viewed this film many times and each time I learn more. We all need to work together as a community to support families and children. Together we can make a difference,” Carter concluded.
Chanda Hillman, executive director for the Tri-County Head Start program can also attest to the impact of early childhood education on the community at large.
“Investing in early childhood education makes sense for local economies, studies show that for every $1 invested in a high-quality early childhood program, there is an economic return in that community of $7-$19,” said Hillman.
To watch a trailer of the film and reserve your spot for the virtual screening, please visit www.offkm-nosmallmatter.eventbrite.com or visit OFFKM’s Facebook Page for more information.
“Please join us in both watching the film and participating in the discussion afterwards to see how we can all become part of the solution,” said May.
Our Father’s Family Keeper Ministries is a Vandalia-based nonprofit, which May and her husband, Curtis, formed in 2012. It offers a number of services including youth educational supports, providing furniture and household items for individuals transitioning from shelters into housing, and transportation for those in need of assistance.
The Village Free Store
Our ministry offers a variety of services. While there is a lot of uncertainty in the world right now, we are blessed to be able to provide a little relief to families. We are offering by appointment, in compliance with social distancing, free shopping opportunities. We have a large variety of summer clothing in children and adult sizes. We also have various household goods, books, shoes, and miscellaneous items. These are are free to you, and there is no requirement to shop. We are also in need of volunteers for our next big giveaway event in August. Our events would not be possible without donations and volunteers. Please pass these flyers on to others that may be interested. Like our Facebook page for more information on our ministry.
Community Garden
Would you be interested in participating in a community garden? If so, please let us know! Produce that isn’t used by your family will be donated to local area food banks to help other families in need.
Thanksgiving Meal 2019
The Cassopolis United Methodist Church (located at 209 South Rowland) will host a Thanksgiving Dinner on Thursday, November 28, 2019. A traditional Thanksgiving meal will be served in the Church fellowship hall between 1:00 and 3:30 pm. There will be holiday crafts and cookie decorating for the kids. Please RSVP for planning purposes by contacting the church secretary with the number of people who will be attending at 269-445-3107.
In addition, the Church will have delivery for shut-ins, emergency personnel, and service workers in our area that the community helps us identify. If you or someone you know would benefit from a delivered meal please contact the church secretary by November 17, 2019.
Free Clothing Exchange Recap
2018: OFFKM’s Year In Transition
This year, 2018, has been a tremendously transitional one for Our Father’s Family Keeper Ministries, as we have adapted our services to better serve those in our community.
For several years, OFFKM provided free and low-cost housing to women and women with children and others who were un-housed. This year, we were moved to transition from our Transitional Housing services.
We are strengthening the supports we provide to local families and others, particularly providing increased transportation and childcare to them.
Following are just some of the highlights of our more recent service:
- We recently transported a Mississippi resident, who was living in Cassopolis, to her doctor’s appointment in Kalamazoo, after she was unable to obtain assistance from local agencies.
- We provide transportation to- and from school for a 4-year-old Head Start age girl, providing service from her rural home to her bus stop. We plan to do this until her mother starts driving again.
- Provided care for newborn twins, while their mother took care of other family business at various agencies. This woman is also mother to 2-, 4-, 5- and 10-year-old children.
- Since the end of August, we have been blessed to provide childcare to a former Transition House guest. This has proved to be not just a blessing to this family, but to us, as the Lord has given this child a joyful spirit, and she often is smiling and laughing, lifting our spirits in the process.
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OFFKM: 2018, Our Year in Transition
Happy New Year ~ From OFFKM to you!
OFFKM leaves transitional housing business
After years of providing low-cost housing to women and women with children and parolees/probationers, Our Father’s Family Keepers is moving on from offering transitional housing.
If you are looking for housing and other resources, please check out this resource list on our website: https://tinyurl.com/OFFKM2018ResourcesList, or https://ourfathersfamilykeeper.org/services/bridges-out-of-poverty/other-resources/.
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