Once again, CRC is offering weekend meal kits for Manchester Community School students who are facing food insecurity when not in school. These healthy meal kits contain 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 snacks, that students consume on the weekend. The MCS social worker identifies the child in need and distributes the kits. CRC volunteers pack the meal kits. Please contact CRC for details.
100 Manchester Chicken Broil Meals Provided to the Community
Thanks to a generous private donation, as well as, to a 2-year transition grant provided by the Washtenaw County Office of Community & Economic Development, the Community Resource Center was able to offer a Meal Voucher Program for the 70th annual Chicken Broil. 100 tickets were distributed to 38 households in the Manchester area. This new program was met with much exuberance and gratitude by those who may not have been otherwise able to participate in this community event. The Chicken Broil is one of the largest community events in Manchester and it is important that all our neighbors have access to an evening of social gathering and a hot, full meal.
The CRC would also like to thank the Chicken Broil Board and its volunteers for their dedication to this event and to the community that we all serve.
CRC Has Funds to Help with Basic Needs
The United Way of Washtenaw County has awarded the Community Resource Center with a Consumers Energy Foundation Grant to help with the basic needs of Manchester Area residents who meet the ALICE profile. ALICE stands for Asset Limited, Income Constrained and Employed. Grant funds must be used for basic needs, like rent/mortgage to prevent eviction, childcare, high speed internet connection, medical or transportation costs. Due to IRS regulations, these funds may not be used for utility bill assistance, though if you are facing utility shut off, contact CRC as there may be other resources available.
To qualify for the Consumers Energy funds, you must live in Manchester or one of the four surrounding townships, you must have income 200% of the federal poverty level ($60,000 annually for a family of 4) and someone in your household must be employed.
Contact the Community Resource Center at 517-428-7722 or at info@manchestercrc.org for more information. CRC hours are Monday – Thursday, 9:00am – 2:30pm.
Wooden Nickel Tokens are Back!
CRC is partnering with the Manchester Farmers Market, to offer fresh, healthy food to our neighbors in the greater Manchester Community. The Farmers Market takes place on THURSDAYS 3:00pm – 7:00pm, starting May 4, 2023.
Current CRC pantry shoppers are eligible to receive $20 in Wooden Nickels twice per month, to spend at the Farmers Market on fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, eggs, and honey, as well as food-producing plants and seeds. Wooden Nickels may be picked up at the CRC office or at the CRC booth at the Farmers Market.
If you are not a current pantry shopper, but are interested to see if you are eligible, please call the CRC office (734-428-7722).
Note: Tokens are non-transferable and have no cash value. Change is not given for purchases made with tokens. Wooden Nickels may only be used to purchase items listed above. Excluded items include (but not limited to): coffee, dairy, syrup, baked goods, deli items, meat, flowers, crafts, gelato, jarred/canned foods, condiments, alcohol and non-food items.
CRC Food Pantry Resumes In-person Shopping By Appointment
For those of you who have missed shopping in-person at CRC’s food pantry, I have good news! CRC is now offering in-person shopping by appointment. All you need to do is call CRC’s office (734-428-7722) to schedule an appointment. Appointment times are offered during normal pantry hours (Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday 9am – 2:30pm; Wednesday 11:30am – 2:30pm). You will have 30-40 minutes to shop, if you arrive on time. We are looking forward to seeing you in the pantry!
Note: If you prefer, you may still place a phone order and arrange curb-side pick-up. Just call us!
Goodbyes and Hellos
CRC said goodbye to Executive Director, Laura Seyfried, last month. Laura spent the last 12 years at CRC building community partnerships and pursuing funding resources that have secured CRC’s future for the next several years. Laura has left a legacy at CRC, and we thank her for her tremendous work!
Lesley Dearhammer is also changing her role at CRC. She is transitioning out of her role as Administrative Assistant but plans to stay involved as a volunteer. Lesley is a powerful advocate and has established strong relationships with CRC customers. She is knowledgeable of local resources and passionate about the work CRC does. We are grateful that she will continue as a volunteer at CRC, when she is in Manchester.
What Laura and Lesley have built over the last 12 years is working well! Carol Wotring, the new Executive Director at CRC does not plan to make any major changes with current programming. Melissa Andersen-Licavoli has been hired as the new full-time Administrative and Volunteer Coordinator. CRC will continue to offer an open choice food pantry, navigator assistance with MIBridges benefit applications and renewals, referral to partner resources and direct assistance for utility/rental needs to keep you in your home.
