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STUDY CONFIRMS POWERFUL IMPACT OF MENTORING ON FAMILIES

Zeeland Free Methodist Church- 3rd & 4th Graders Care Closet Collection

Clearinghouse Hours

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

Friday
9:00 - 12:00 noon

Latin Americans United for Progress – Para servicios en español
100 Fairbanks Ave Ste E
Holland, MI 49423
(616) 392-5058

Monday – Friday (lunes a viernes)
9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

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 transportation, child care 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.

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, child care 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 - a Good Samaritan publication - carefully indexes the vast number of local agencies and programs, along with the specific services they provide. This publication is available for $10 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.

"My family’s home burnt down on Christmas Eve 2007. I am writing to give thanks to everyone that helped with our family in the time of need. I believe God sent you special people to help us as angels to watch over us and to help us rebuild what we lost in our home. I thank God every night that my family was not harmed and our family thanks God for the people who gave us a help when we most needed it. We ask God to continue to bless each and every one of you that helped us rebuild and start a new beginning.

• The Good Samaritan (thank you for helping us go through this process)
• The Concerned Christian Families (thank you for the hotel stay)
• The Salvation Army (thank you for helping us financially)
• The Red Cross (thank you for the hotel stay)
• Apostolic Victory Tabernacle
• East Saugatuck Christian Reformed Church
• Ditto Store (delivering of all the furniture)
• Known and unknown families
• Known and unknown churches

Again, we greatly appreciate everyone. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers.

The Goodboo Family