Looking Glass Community Outreach (LGCO) is one of five EngageMI Conference based projects located in the East Winds District. Looking Glass is a faith-based nonprofit that serves at-risk families in southern Shiawassee County – Laingsburg, Shaftsburg, Perry, Morrice, Bancroft and Durand. LGCO is a volunteer based agency with strong ties to various congregations and service groups in Shiawassee County. Our board has always been composed of diverse people with varying church affiliations. While Looking Glass began as a Church and Community ministry of the General Board of Global Ministries in 2001, that relationship ended due to budget and personnel constraints in 2009. Now all funding must be raised through donations and grants.
A few of our programs include:
- Book Partners Mentor/Tutor Program: for about ten 2nd graders – two 1-hour sessions per week. This program is currently funded by a grant from the Shiawassee Community Foundation. Student are identified by their teacher as being below grade level in reading. The goal is to work with the student to bring them up to ‘grade level’ by the end of 3rd
- Community Garden: LGCO has maintained a community garden in a low-income mobile home neighborhood since 2002.
- Ramp Build Program: We help coordinate building of ramps for families who need but cannot afford one.
- Emergency Relief Fund: LGCO is registered with United Way 211 and have developed a network to ensure referrals are maintained Common requests are for short-term housing: an individual or family that is homeless or an individual needing to leave an unsafe situation; help to pay their utility bills; fallen behind on rent or mortgage payment. Occasionally we assist with car repairs, gas cards, groceries, bus tickets or well repairs.
Our funding sources include our local churches and service organizations, EngageMI, various donations, fundraisers, as well as grants from foundations and the Federal Government. In the first six months of 2023 we provided 34 weeks of stay at a local motel, assisted 10 clients with their rent or mortgage payment, assisted 4 clients with a utility payment, 1 client received a gas card and 1 client needed assistance to pay for car repairs. The clients that received a stay at a local motel often times are living in a tent or their car. Often after they stay in a motel for a week they go back to their tent or car. Yet, in the winter they have had a warm place to be and warm showers for a short period of time. Most clients show great appreciation for that break from the weather. Funding used for these 50 clients totaled $16,305.57.
When asked what the best thing about LGCO is, the current volunteer director Cathy Provines says “The best part is that LGCO is our ability to offer hope to our clients. Many times they call us when they are at an extremely low point in their lives - we are able to offer them hope, maybe a fresh start. And if for some reason we are not able to help them financially we refer them to other groups that will be able to help them.”
If you are wondering how you or your church could help LGCO? Here are just a few suggestions, please consider the following:
- Our Community Garden is always in need of work done… if you love to toil in the dirt, we would love the help. We can always put you to work in the garden. Whether it is just you, or you come as a group, we can find a way for you to work in the garden.
- Do you have a Classic Car, join in the fun and be a part of the annual Classic Car show on the last Saturday in July in Laingsburg every year. Look for more information on LGCO's Facebook page.
- Remember us financially! Think of us on a Mission Sunday, hold a special offering, pick us as a EngageMI project, any amount will help us in relieving the poverty of our rural communities.
- Prayers for LGCO and the clients we serve.
If you have questions about LGCO, please call Cathy at 616-737-2412.
