What's New

WHEN HELPING HURTS PRESENTATION

GOOD SAM PHOTO GALLERY

NEWSLETTERS

ANNUAL REPORT

STUDY CONFIRMS POWERFUL IMPACT OF MENTORING ON FAMILIES

"Thank you for your time, money and effort in helping families like mine." --Quincy, housing graduate & guest speaker at this year's Golf Classic.

Clearinghouse Hours

Good Samaritan Ministries Holland Office
Monday - Thursday 
9:00 am - noon; 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Friday
9:00 - 12:00 noon

The Clearinghouse

Linking people in need with Christians who care.

What We Do
The Clearinghouse serves as a hub of information and referral services. Through a network of 80 area churches as well as other community organizations, the Clearinghouse responds to over 4,000 requests each year. By engaging the help of local churches, we provide responses to immediate and short-term needs such as utility and rent assistance, transportation, and small home repairs. We also provide information and assessments to local churches, helping them deliver informed and compassionate responses to those who come to them in need.

Clearinghouse & Reception Volunteers - Volunteer Week 2009

For Churches

Client Screening/Needs Assessment: Churches often receive requests from people they don't know.  The Clearinghouse helps them screen requests for assistance to insure that they are legitimate, manageable, and specific before being referred to the appropriate church or agency.  We also provide a needs assessment of individuals who are referred to churches for mentoring programs.

Information and Consultations:  We welcome calls from local churches with questions about community services.  We are Holland/Zeeland’s number one source of information about available resources from other agencies and churches in the area.  Whether assisting members of their own congregations or neighbors in need, we are available to offer direction when needed.

Outreach/Training Opportunities: The Clearinghouse will train your church contact persons and keep them in the know through ongoing continuing education events.  We also coordinate short-term outreach opportunities for church members who want to provide services such as transportation and home maintenance.

Talent Tithe Tools: Our Congregational Talent Tithe Inventory helps churches identify the talents of their members and helps mobilize them into Christian service.

For Local Agencies and Individuals

Information: Our database stores information about the services that area agencies provide. 

The Know Book - updated and re-released (13th issue published June 2010) is a Good Samaritan publication  hat carefully indexes the vast number of local agencies and programs, along with the specific services they provide. This publication is available for $15 per copy and may be purchased from the Good Sam office during business hours. For purchasing and mailing the Know Book, contact the Office Manager.

Referrals: The Clearinghouse is the point of entry for persons needing short- or long-term support from any of Good Samaritan Ministries related programs.

Resources: Good Samaritan Ministries coordinates efforts with community and faith-based organizations and agencies to meet the physical needs of families and individuals.

Food

There are a variety of resources available in our community – some based on income eligibility – some on a first-come-first-serve basis. Currently the three options available:

1. Great Food For All - Food for purchase; hosted by LifeQuest Church
2. Mobile Food Pantries -  Food available at no cost; hosted by area churches
3. Angel Food Ministries - Food available for families struggling financially; hosted by area churches
4. Food Resources - Food resources & meals; hosted by organizations and agencies

Click here-Great Food For All-DistributionDates 2010

Click here - 2-1-1 Mobile Food Pantry-July 2010

Click Here-AngelFood-June2010

Click here - Food Resources - General

Employment Supports Group, Financial Counseling & Community Resources

Good Samaritan Ministries in partnership with Michigan Works! is a SHARE Network Michigan Access Point. Compassionate and caring volunteers are available for resume writing assistance, talent bank searches, fax printing and job searches. Hours are Monday and Wednesday 9:00 - 12:00 noon.

Click here - SHARE Network Access Flyer

Click here - Employment Supports Group

Clcik here - Financial Counseling

Click here - Financial Peace University Local Classes

Click here - Community Resources

"I just wanted to take a minute to say thank you for the help I recently received through the Care Closet. It’s been a tough time for my family and this help as both timely and much needed. I was treated professionally and with the utmost respect by everyone I encountered both on the phone with Good Sam and the workers at the Care Closet at First Reformed. Thank you for that. You are making a difference in many lives."