Benefit from Our Programs
TNT Mentoring has existed in Ottawa County since 2012. Our mentoring program provides one-on-one mentors to students in the public schools in Ottawa County. Adult mentors are friends and allies to nominated children. This program is currently serving just over 300 students with individual mentors. Training and support are provided to volunteer mentors employing the principles of the 40 Developmental Assets from the Search Institute.
In 2018, OCFAC saw a need to advocate for and support grandparents and other family members raising children. As a result, our GrandLove program was created. A Grand Love advocate meets with families to determine specific needs, then makes referrals to the appropriate resources. To date 100 grand families have been contacted. This program uses a best practice Grandparent Café model for monthly meetings, weekly grandparent coffees and support groups for grandkids. Additionally, the program is now offering tutoring to those grandkids who have fallen behind due to the pandemic and the grandparents’ struggle with technology.
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OCFAC took over the responsibility of the Ottawa County Summer Lunch program in 2019 which provided summer lunches and activities to children throughout Ottawa County. In 2020 it became our Summer Lunch/Weekend Bags program and now provides grab-and-go meals during the summer as well as throughout the school year during spring breaks and long weekends. Over 120,000 meals have been distributed over the last two summers.
Konnections, our newest program provides one-on-one mentoring and friendship to a senior citizen being identified as “at-risk.” These mentors make at least weekly contact to provide friendship and companionship to a senior that is isolated and lonely. These seniors are at high risk for exploitation and abuse and the program’s goal is to lessen that possibility.
Ottawa County Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) was formed in 2008. This program recruits and trains volunteers to be the voice of children in the courtroom for cases of child abuse and neglect. CASA volunteers conduct independent investigations of the facts surrounding each case and make recommendations to the court. Our volunteers receive 30 hours of initial training and a minimum of 12 hours per year of ongoing training to remain qualified for service.