| 2/23/2010 4:52:00 PM | Email this article • Print this article | Organizations That Make a Difference - NKSC
Jeannie Gregory
Editor
The North Kent Service Center (NKSC) has evolved into a key necessity to the residents of Rockford and the surrounding communities. Many families are struggling right along with the struggling Michigan economy.
The center was founded in 1973 as a non-profit organization. It was started by the Rockford Area Ministerial Association, a group of Rockford-area churches. The intent was to help families in need of food and clothing. At that time the organization operated in a basement and was open just a few hours a week.
The center is now housed in a 16,000-square-foot facility, located at 10075 Northland Drive, and offers a variety of programs to help those in need. Although the organization has grown, it has never lost its Christian theme of helping its neighbors in need. And the center's client list is growing by the week due to the faltering Michigan economy.
Sandy Waite, executive director of the center, has seen the direct results of Michigan's record unemployment. The center has set records of clients seen and food distributed for the past three years - and the needs continue to grow. As the Michigan economy continues to falter and stagger under relocations and the closing of factories, the NKSC has witnessed a surge in its neighbors requiring a helping hand.
The growth of clients has been staggering. From 2002 to 2008 the center saw a 151 percent growth in client visits. During the time span the center distributed 3,523,376 pounds of food and clocked in 127,115 volunteer hours. That need grew more in 2009.
Many who never thought the tough times would affect them now face trying to make ends meet on a strict budget. Add a car repair, an unexpected medical bill or a higher-than-expected heating bill and it all snowballs into even more difficulties in making payments.
The center has been blessed with support from the Rockford community and the outlying areas of northern Kent County.
"The outpouring from the community members and churches is making a huge difference in our ability to help our neighbors in need," Waite said.
The center features 16 fundraisers a year to battle the growing demand on its resources. It also features a variety of programs to help the community, such as a Senior Pantry, tax preparation, free hair cuts, animal clinics and exercise classes.
The center is also the recipient of fundraisers to help their clients, such as United Bank of Michigan's Dress the Dolls contest, John Decker Chevrolet's Charity Oil Change, Rockford Rotary's Sweetheart Splash and Rockford High School Youth Initiative's food drive.
"With the demands we now have there are times when I wonder how we are going to make it through," Waite said. "Then we will receive a check in the mail with a contribution. Whether it is for $5, $500 or $5,000, it all makes a difference. It enables the center to continue to help all our neighbors in need. It is such a blessing to see these big gifts come in small envelopes."
For more information go to www.nksc.net.
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