Northwest Food Coalition–
We are proud members of the Northwest Food Coalition which is serviced by Goodwill’s Food Rescue Program. Twice a week pantry items, fresh fruit, vegetables and bread are delivered to Traverse City High School. With a needy student population of just under 200 students, many of whom are in fragile living situations, the need for portable, microwavable food and pantry items are always a priority.
Plante Moran Cares Program
Currently, Plante Moran has adopted Step Up northern Michigan this year to share their time , talents and treasures with us. A recent “Tailgate for a Cause” was held on October 28, 2016 at Plante Moran where local businesses were invited to bring needed pantry items and warm clothing .
At the beginning of the year Plante Moran Cares Program donated over $1000.00 to be utilized for much needed back to school supplies for the students and staff at Traverse City High School. Plante Moran’s continued financial support funds additional pantry items that are needed on an emergency basis.
Crock Pot Thursday’s
In an effort to educate the students at Traverse City High School about nutrition and cooking skills , Crock Pot Thursday’s have been introduced. A committed group of volunteers made the first session on October 20th a success.
Quote from Donna Novak
Director of After School Programming at Traverse City High School
Dear Jennifer, Mary, Ruth, Fran, Karen, Jeanna, Cathy and All Concerned:
Sincere and heartfelt thanks to all who contributed to our inaugural TCHS Crock Pot Thursday! The event was an overwhelming success. Seven families, plus our “stay-after study” students enjoyed a hot, balanced meal, complete with bread and dessert. Such an incredible treat!
Students who usually are wary and distrusting of strangers dove right in and worked side by side with the community volunteers. The Community Learning Center kitchen was buzzing and bursting with energy, great smells, laughter, terrific foods from the cutting of vegetables to the intergenerational connection. It felt like family in the kitchen making dinner.
We can’t thank you enough for thinking of our school and our students. This service is an extremely valuable one as our students have not had experience reading recipes or cooking and preparing meals, especially with others. They are certainly learning lifelong skills which will allow them to take care of themselves in a healthy manner. We are so looking forward to next time. Bless you for sharing of yourselves with time, talent and treasure!
Sincerely,
TRAVERSE CITY HIGH SCHOOL
Donna Novak, on behalf of Students and Staff
Student Summer Work Program
This past June, Step Up Northern Michigan helped outfit twenty students with the necessary supplies to participate in the Traverse City High School Summer Work Program. Students learned valuable work skills out in the community as well as earned academic credit.
Keep Warm Club
The school social workers and staff recommend the neediest of students to be a part of our Keep Warm Club. Students are outfitted with boots, hats, gloves and coats for the winter season.