DEAR FRIENDS,
Micah, my 11-year-old son, recently learned to play “Ode to Joy” on the piano. He’s never taken lessons, and while he can read music, he plucked this melody out by ear—note by note—one day in mid-March. I’m not sure what inspired him to learn it, or even where he first heard the melody. But the tune has become somewhat of an anthem in the Rinsema-Sybenga household during this COVID-19 pandemic, because every time he walks by the piano—every time he walks by the piano—he plunks it out. Again.
While at times, it takes everything in me not to shout with irritation, “Must he keep playing that?” (think George Bailey in It’s a Wonderful Life), I’m struck by the timing. It doesn’t seem right to be proclaiming an Ode to Joy with so much wrong in the world. And yet: there it is again.
"Ode to Joy" is best known for its use by Ludwig van Beethoven in the fourth movement of his Ninth Symphony.
At that time, Beethoven was completely deaf and had gone through self-isolation, deep depression, and even suicidal thoughts. And yet: “Ode to Joy” closes out the final movement of his final symphony.
It is in this vein that we bring you news. In a season when the world has been turned upside down — when the battles for many of us, while life-changing (and so unsettling), don’t compare to the life-threatening battles bring our most vulnerable neighbors.
And yet: Joy. Because mixed in with all the bad news are uplifting stories of kindness, of neighbors helping one another. That is what we selected for this little newsletter. Crises often reveal people’s true natures, and while some hoard supplies and try to profit from this pandemic, there are so many more in our little Muskegon and all around the world doing small and big things to help others. The mission of Community enCompass is to fuel these waves of kindness, neighborliness, and social justice.
So scroll on, neighbors, and let these Odes to Joy refresh and inspire you.
Together, seeking SHALOM in the City!
Sarah Rinsema-Sybenga, Community enCompass Executive Director
APRIL RENT FORGIVENESS: “RELIEF” IN UNCERTAIN TIMES
Dianna Williams, tenant-neighbor
Like many neighbors here in Muskegon, Dianna Williams, one of our tenant-neighbors, has been personally impacted by the pandemic. She’s lost loved ones as the result of the virus, and is grieving her losses within the confines of our new reality. She’s working from home, though her pay has been cut, while also homeschooling her two young daughters.
In March, Community enCompass Board of Directors decided April rent shouldn’t be on that list of mounting, daily concerns for the 26 families in our affordable units.
“It was a big relief to me...with so much going on, and especially after my godfather and granddad passed. I’m grateful and appreciative for that.”
Rent payment will be an increasingly pressing issue here in Muskegon, where 44% of households are renters. A recent study by the American Community Survey tells us that renters have a lower median annual income than homeowners, and are more likely to work in industries that have been heavily impacted by the virus. Rent forgiveness for a single month, while relieving, is only the first step as we journey alongside neighbors whose lives have been upended by this crisis.
Join as as we walk with neighbors daily--in bold action and constant conversation--to address the causes of inequity.
YEPs LOOK FORWARD TO (SAFE) SUMMER WORK:
WILL YOU JOIN US?
Hear from YEPs about why they value summer internships.
There’s a lot of uncertainty about how the summer will look, but we are dedicated to making sure that the YEPs’ “new normal” includes paid summer internships.
Each summer, through the YEP Paid Internship Program, our emerging leaders are thrust into positions that stretch their abilities, build skills, strengthen self-confidence, and electrify curiosity. For the last 10 summers, YEPs have worked as farmers with McLaughlin Grows Farm, as crew leaders in lawn care and with our Home Rehab and Construction program, and as day-camp leaders with CATCH Camp. We are planning with diligence to ensure sites follow social distance and safety guidelines. However it looks, by summer’s end--like every year--YEPs will be exhausted, grown, and matured.
While there’s much we don’t know right now, we do know this: The work is there and 20 YEPs are ready. YEPs will work 20 hours/week for 8 weeks, and each will receive $1500 in wages. Join us in investing in these young leaders by sponsoring a summer internship.
See below for details on how to maximize your donation with help from the Community Foundation!
A mural that sits between the original and present-day Curry Kitchen. For weeks now, hundreds have been lining up along this wall—six feet apart—to receive free meals for themselves and their families.
CURRY KITCHEN OFFERS FREE MEALS TO NEIGHBORS
Raj and Kismat Grewal, owners of Curry Kitchen
When Curry Kitchen first offered free meals to the public on March 18, Raj Grewal, owner, had no idea what it would mean to people.
“I thought when we started that it would be short-term,” Raj said, “The first day, we served 500+ meals. The line was around the block. I heard stories from the community that broke my heart... The next morning, I said to my wife, ‘Let’s do it again.’ She said we needed more help. I said, ‘One more day, and we’ll figure it out.’”
They’ve since found help for meal distribution, but until recently, Raj covered the cost. Now, local businesses are partnering with him to help foot the bill that accompanies 6,000 free meals in 6 weeks. Bob Garretson, Community enCompass board member and owner of Waddell & Reed, first learned of the free meals while picking up an order. He later met with Raj and asked about expenses. When he realized Raj was paying out-of-pocket, Bob wanted to help.
“I told Raj that I would commit through my business to funding the next week’s worth [of meals]. Then I talked to others in my industry and got a really great response. We’ve funded the next couple weeks,” said Bob, “Raj was going to do this anyway, so this is to relieve some of the burden.”
Expenses are, of course, a major factor. But Raj’s focus is steadfast: keep his specialized, hard-working staff employed and provide for neighbors who depend on these nourishing meals.
“People say to me ‘Don’t stop.’ So, I’m doing it,” he said, “I learned from my father that money always comes back, but you are the only one who can make connections. They are the asset. Coronavirus comes and goes, money comes and goes, but I don’t go. I’ll do this until I can’t... When God gives you a place to serve, you do it.”
Meals cost about $1250 per week. Local businesses are encouraged to partner with Raj and the staff at Curry Kitchen by donating through Community enCompass. Make sure to add a donation note: “CURRY KITCHEN”
While donations from individuals are also wholeheartedly accepted, please consider buying a meal and picking up directly from Curry Kitchen. Delivery apps are so beneficial right now, but local businesses lose money when we use them. When possible, buy direct!
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION AND UNITED WAY PARTNER TO CREATE MATCH DAY: JUNE 3
We've been blown away by your generosity these last several months. In the midst of uncertainty, you stepped up to support your neighbor by contributing to:
The April Rent Forgiveness Initiative
The Sacred Suds Laundry Voucher Program
Care packages for YEPs and their families
Weekly food drop-offs for our neighbors with
chronic health conditions
Your gifts have allowed us to address the emerging needs of our neighbors with flexibility, intention, and innovation. Now, our local Community Foundation is stepping up right alongside you by announcing a MATCH DAY on June 3.
"We did this in 2009, and unfortunately feel the time is right to do it again. We're creating a match pool of at least $75K from our unrestricted funds," said Heidi Sytsema, Vice President, Development and Donor Services for CFFMC, "We recognize the struggle to raise money right now, and we'd like to help."
While helping in-person isn't possible right now, this Match Day is an opportunity to maximize what you can give. On June 3, gifts of up to $1,000 given through the Community Foundation’s website, will be eligible for the match.
You are strongly encouraged to give online, but we understand some will need to give by check. If that’s you, please ensure:
Your check is payable to Community enCompass
Your check is dated June 3
Your check is sent to us well in advance so that we meet the Community Foundation deadline!
Join us in continuing our walk with neighbors in this unprecedented time by giving on
MATCH DAY, June 3!
Author: Chelsea Tanis