Strickler Center Receives New Accessibility Upgrades

Located on High Street, the William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center exists to steward the center by maintaining and improving quality centralized space to enable nonprofit organizations to address the needs of the community. With an increasing number of community members being served by these nonprofit organizations, the leadership of the Strickler Center was prompted to contemplate measures aimed at enhancing accessibility and removing accessibility barriers for individuals.

Through funding provided by the Jerry M. and Marilyn A. Morey Community Fund, Dr. Leonard E. and Louise A. Plachta Unrestricted Fund, Schafer Community Impact Fund, and William and Janet Maar Strickler Community Impact Fund, the Strickler Center successfully installed handicap accessible doors to the facility’s front entrance and restrooms.

With these necessary updates, individuals with disabilities now have less accessibility barriers when receiving services from the nonprofit organizations within the William and Janet Strickler Nonprofit Center.

Christmas Outreach: Fostering the Holiday Spirit

Since the 1980’s, Christmas Outreach of Isabella County has been a vital nonprofit, bringing together diverse individuals and groups each fall/winter to provide essential items for local residents and families in need during the holiday season. The organization offers a variety of items, including winter clothes, books, bedding, linens, towels, Christmas items, Christmas trees, and household items assembled into baskets.

In 2022, the organization assisted more than 1,600 individuals from 482 households. Given the current economic challenges, including high inflation, Christmas Outreach anticipates making an even greater impact this holiday season for those in need. The Harkins Community Fund awarded an $8,000 grant so that the organization can provide baskets filled with essential household items during the distribution event this year. The Women’s Initiative Fund also awarded a $4,000 grant to provide snow pants to children and young women/girls.

Through these grants through MPACF, Christmas Outreach of Isabella County can continue its crucial role in addressing the needs of Isabella County this holiday season!