Community Resource Center: pop-up pantries, flu-shot clinic, and more!

submitted by Tamara Denby, Community Resource Center

There’s a lot going on with the Manchester Community Resource Center (CRC) lately! First, for those who aren’t familiar with the organization, the CRC is our food-bank-slash-community center and has been going strong in Manchester for nearly 35 years, assisting about 50 households each month. The CRC provides programs, emergency support services, mental health services, and more to area families. We encourage all our community members to visit our website (http://manchestercrc.org) or Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/CRCManchesterMI48158) for the latest information about our programs and services.

Here are a few newsworthy highlights:

Recently, the CRC has joined a partnership to help reach even more of our friends and neighbors, particularly those who aren’t able to drive. We will be launching a new food delivery and/or a pop-up pantry in senior residential communities and (possibly) multi-residential areas of the townships. Keep a lookout for future news as work on this new service progresses.

Are you looking for an opportunity to make a difference in your community? The CRC always welcomes new folks who would like to help out. For instance, this summer, we would love to engage some student volunteers (aged 16 years and older, please) on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to assist in the food pantry. This is an excellent opportunity for teens to earn the community service hours they need for NHS, college scholarships, and other student organizations. We are also seeking (adult) volunteers for fundraising/outreach events. To volunteer, reach out to the CRC staff during our regular hours.

Longtime Executive Director, Laura Seyfried is retiring

Speaking of making a difference, are you seeking an opportunity to make an even greater impact in Manchester? With the pending retirement of our longtime Executive Director, Laura Seyfried, we are looking for the next leader to take up the reins as the new Executive Director (a side note: we thank Laura for her 11 years of service!). This full-time position is perfect for a service-oriented administrator who loves working for and with great folks. We encourage anyone interested to look at the full job description (http://manchestercrc.org/were-hiring/). Have questions? Don’t hesitate to ask. Inquiries can be emailed to employment@manchestercrc.org.

Finally, save the date! A flu shot clinic is scheduled for Friday, September 23rd from 12-4pm. This program is offered in partnership with Emanuel United Church of Christ and Michigan Medicine’s Community Health Services.

Having partnerships with lots of local churches, schools, and community organizations, means we could list many more events and programs. But we wouldn’t want to take up a whole page of the newspaper. So, again, we encourage all our Manchester area friends to visit our office (located in Riverside Intermediate School — 710 E. Main St., east side entry) or follow our social media page for information regarding our free food cart and pantry, programs, services, and events. There’s a lot going on this summer at the Manchester CRC; you won’t want to miss out!

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.