The Father Fred Foundation needs strong people, able to lift 50-plus pounds, with a valid driver's license and a good driving record to work with our furniture inventory and pickups department. Hours needed are Tuesday through Friday from 10 AM to 2 PM. Please call Sue at 231-947-2055, ext. 34 or email her at sbauer@fatherfred.org.
Archive for the ‘Information’ Category
Volunteers Needed Now
Wednesday, August 26th, 2009Alice Campeau: Received Help and Now Is a Major Help to Others
Tuesday, August 18th, 2009
Alice Campaeu gives back
Giving Back
Wednesday, August 5th, 2009
Couple Shares Time, Company Resources with Foundation
Fred Moore can still remember being a boy in a family of 11 children and receiving charitable baskets of food at the holidays.
Now he and wife Colby volunteer every week at the Foundation, which supports families just like the one he grew up in, and many others.
They don’t stop at volunteering. As owners of Magnum Hospitality, which operates Red Mesa Grill in Traverse City and Boyne City and Pearl’s in Elk Rapids, they sponsor a program called “Help Everyone Eat.” Five percent of gross sales on the first Thursday of each month and all Thursdays in December from the Traverse City Red Mesa are donated to the Foundation. Similar efforts in the other restaurants benefit food pantries in those communities. The Foundation received $9,100 from this unique fundraiser in 2008.
“Being in the restaurant business, it’s a natural fit,” said Fred, adding that hunger is more widespread than many know. “I don’t think people are aware that you can be working and still be hungry.”
Colby assists with bookkeeping and works in the clothing department and Fred helps staff the warehouse, driving a van to pick up furniture from donors.
“It really opens your eyes to a lot of different people and situations,” says Colby. “When you talk to somebody one on one as you are hanging up clothes, you can directly help a person and I love it.
One of their chefs also spends time volunteering at the foundation when he can get away from the restaurant.
“When I was a child, more than one of my Thanksgivings and Christmases were made of baskets like these,” said Fred, standing in the food warehouse and gesturing at the cases of canned and dry goods. “You just want to give back. It’s a tremendous group of people.”
In Their Own Words
Sunday, July 26th, 2009Dear Father Fred Foundation:
I would like to thank you for your kindness. I have never had a medical emergency that I wasn't able to pay for, however since my company downsized and eliminated my job and being here without family or friends I had no idea what I was going to do. I prayed and asked the Lord to help me, I was in so much pain. I had called several dentists and finally someone at the last dentist office suggested that I contact Father Fred. The Lord has surely answered my prayer by bringing you to my attention and having your ordination be a beacon to this wandering sole. May the Lord always bless you and your staff, and I along with all you help wish to thank you for everything you have done to make our lives just more livable and help us with our daily trials. Thank you again for helping me.
*******************************************************************************************
I had my daughter 2 years ago…We are living in a campground until we find better…I am a victim of domestic violence but trying to get past these hardships!
*******************************************************************************************
I have 5 kids and I am married .our son has epilepsy and our daughter had kidney failure and a new kidney put in. God bless that donor when it comes to food or clothes…
*******************************************************************************************
I am a farmer and just got married to a wonderful person…she lost her job and health insurance so we are asking for help for her prescriptions. When sweet corn comes in I will be donating this.
*******************************************************************************************
Thank you ..that we have beds for mama and sis to sleep in.
******************************************************************************************
We live in a trailer. Some windows are broken and we need to get our heat switched from propane to natural gas.
******************************************************************************************
Every year we migrate to Michigan in June and find it difficult to settle down because we have to start all over again. We are a very big family and cannot carry much on our trip. The clothing you provide is very helpful to us as well as the food. Thank you.
******************************************************************************************
I am a disabled 63 year old woman. You have helped me maintain my dignity during this stressful time.
******************************************************************************************
I just received my last unemployment check so its kind of rough…
******************************************************************************************
I sleep in car to save money for winter. I have severe incontinence and it is not something I tell everyone, it is hard to live with, you all have been very helpful in getting the supplies that I need.
******************************************************************************************
I am a full time student on a strict budget, there have been times that I wouldn’t have eaten had it not been for Fr. Fred….My gpa is 3.96 and I was just awarded an Honors Scholarship…
******************************************************************************************
Right now I have a family of two but I’m pregnant right now so it will soon be three. I’m staying at the Goodwill Inn for right now.
Due to death in the family, a heart attack and triple by passing things have been pretty rough.
******************************************************************************************
I am retired and living on a fixed income and have been getting behind on my rent…
******************************************************************************************
There are three in our family, my husband and I are college students with a new baby girl.
******************************************************************************************
Thank you for all the food. Thank you for helping my family!
******************************************************************************************
I am unemployed with 2 kids living in a garage. My partner waited until our baby was born then left us all for an affair. So we are low now, but we won’t be always.
******************************************************************************************
Thank you for helping my son with his electric bill…he is 26 yrs old. He was injured in a work related accident…for a company that had no workman’s comp insurance….
******************************************************************************************
Without your help I would not have been able to get the knee brace and food I needed. Thank you.
******************************************************************************************
Thank you very much …you have helped me with clothes and shoes. I am new to this area and really needed the help to get back on my feet.
July 2009 HOG Ride
Friday, July 24th, 2009
Downtown blocked off for HOGs
HOGs line Front Street
Father Iakovos-leader of the pack!
Qued up for the Peninsula ride
July 20, 2009 Father Fred Open House and Dedication Ceremony
Tuesday, June 30th, 2009
Jamie Marsh thanks Campaign Volunteers
Father Fred Foundation Open House and Dedication
Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Father Iakovos dedicates Father Fred Facilities
The Father Fred Foundation invited community members to a celebration marking the successful completion of its facilities renovations. An open house and dedication was held at 11 AM on Monday July 20, at 826 Hastings Street in Traverse City. This event is our chance to say thank you to the 700 individuals, businesses and foundations whose gifts made this possible," said Jamie Marsh, President of the Board of Directors. "We want everyone to see first hand the results of their investment. Our primary objective has been accomplished by renovating the facility and grounds in ways that increase the dignity and respect experienced by all who enter. Dignity and respect were very important to Father Fred and we know he would be very proud of this outcome."
June 30-About Fr. Iakovos
Sunday, June 28th, 2009
Fr. Iakovos
Our Spiritual Director Fr. Iakovos Olechnowicz was ordained as a Greek Orthodox priest in 1987. He currently serves a parish priest for the Traverse City Greek Orthodox Mission Church of the Greek Metropolis of Detroit. Father Iakovos began his affiliation with the Foundation as a volunteer in July 2007. In January 2009 he was appointed Spiritual Director to replace Father Edwin Thome who retired after nine years of service.
Father Iakovos holds a BS Degree from Pennsylvania State University, a theological degree from Christ the Saviour Orthodox Theological Seminary, a MBA for St. Francis University and completed course work in social work. He has served as a volunteer coordinator/chaplain for a hospital hospice and was chief financial officer for two different public school districts in Pennsylvania. From 1997-2002, Father Iakovos served as a Greek Orthodox missionary to the Republic of South Africa. There, he developed soup kitchens, clothing distribution centers and other aid to the poor of the Johannesburg area.
