For months, 88-year-old Zetta has been making do with just a freezer in her home after her refrigerator failed in late summer.
Like many older adults, Zetta lives on a very limited income, so getting a replacement for the broken fridge seemed out of reach. Thankfully, a serendipitous meeting of women business leaders led to a brand-new fridge being gifted to Zetta – just in time for the holidays.
“We’d been looking for something very affordable within Zetta’s budget, but were having challenges,” said Rachel Sullivan, Zetta’s social worker through Care Resources PACE. “The look on her face when I told her we found a fridge for her was one of surprise and then gratitude, turning from disbelief into a huge smile. She really needed this to continue living comfortably and independently in her own home.”
That’s where a group of West Michigan women come into the story. When Emie Badersnider heard about the mission of Care Resources and the needs of participants like Zetta during a local networking event hosted by her and her team, she felt compelled to help. The stars aligned as she connected with Jessica Johns, CEO of Storehouse of Community Resources, at that same event. Together, they could make a difference.
Badersnider, a private advisor and vice president with Rockefeller Global Family Office and Axiom Wealth Partners, was willing to cover the cost of the new appliance for the Care Resources participant. Johns could offer one at a reduced price through her organization, which is committed to decreasing poverty and increasing prosperity in communities across Michigan.
“This collaboration between Care Resources and Storehouse is a testament to the incredible work local nonprofits do every day,” Badersnider said. “Through a connection made during our recent women’s networking event, Care Resources and Storehouse were able to join forces, meet a critical need and help someone right in our own community. We’re proud to support their mission and the positive impact they bring to West Michigan and beyond.”
Located on Plainfield Avenue in Grand Rapids, Storehouse connects millions of dollars in corporate product donations to the needs of local nonprofits and schools. Many of the products, all brand new, come from big box stores looking to give back to the community with their overstock items. That includes everything from essential classroom supplies and personal care items to furniture and appliances – even refrigerators.
Michigan 501(c)3 nonprofits and schools can become members to access the warehouse. Additionally, community members who sign up for the “shop to give” program can also purchase items for initiatives that support housing, workforce development and education, among other needs in the state. The organization has dreams of serving all 83 counties in Michigan in the coming years, and it’s halfway to that goal today.
“It’s not that we lack resources in our communities, there just has not been a cohesive, collaborative way to collect and distribute them – until now,” Johns said. “By connecting available resources to identified needs, Storehouse simplifies giving for businesses, multiplies the reach of every contribution and maximizes the impact nonprofits have on the communities they serve.”
Storehouse put a hold on a fridge from its inventory that was perfect for Zetta’s home that Care Resources purchased with Emie’s donation. The new fridge was delivered and installed on Dec. 15.
Zetta’s not the first participant at Care Resources to be in need of a larger household item but without the financial means to make the purchase. The nonprofit’s more than 400 participants often live on a very limited income and have difficulty purchasing the basics they need, much less larger items like microwaves, mattresses and water heaters.
“Finances are tough for many of our participants,” Sullivan said. “Whenever a need like this comes up, it’s quite a challenge.”
Donations from the community help Care Resources get participants what they need to thrive. It’s part of the comprehensive services the nonprofit provides that support senior health, dignity and independence. Becoming a member at Storehouse has made it easier for Care Resources to source the items at a much more affordable price – often around 4% of the retail value.
In addition to picking up bigger household items from Storehouse, Care Resources has started purchasing items at the warehouse for its Bingo Store, which allows bingo winners to “shop” for basic care products and other items that spark joy. For Zetta, that fun, supportive environment and friendship with other participants is what makes Care Resources her home away from home.
“It’s just a friendly place,” Zetta said. “I enjoy going. I love the camaraderie, puzzles, trivia and bingo.”
And with a new fridge, Zetta feels more secure and confident living independently in the home she loves.
“I wasn’t expecting this, but it means a lot,” she said. “Thank you.”
