WHO WE ARE
Our Mission & Values
We are the SOS charity which takes up the slack where government programs leave off or where there aren't resources, to help community members who “fall between the cracks” through crisis events or hard times by providing basic human needs or whatever will help at the point of need.
By helping one person or family through hard times or crisis events, we not only reinforce their faith in the caring of others, but we also help build a stronger community. What helps one, helps us all.
Another principle guiding Friends of the Community is that we do not judge those whom we serve. We do not question their circumstances or set conditions. We greet all with kindness and compassion.
OurMission & Values
We are the SOS charity which takes up the slack where government programs leave off or where there aren't resources, to help community members who “fall between the cracks” through crisis events or hard times by providing basic human needs or whatever will help at the point of need.
By helping one person or family through hard times or crisis events, we not only reinforce their faith in the caring of others, but we also help build a stronger community. What helps one, helps us all.
Another principle guiding Friends of the Community is that we do not judge those whom we serve. We do not question their circumstances or set conditions. We greet all with kindness and compassion.
“Compassionate concern combined with concrete assistance is a magical thing.”
Elaine Kimbler, Executive Director
Your Donations Extend Much Further
Presently, our overhead is very low, which allows Friends of the Community to provide 80% of all donations directly to those in need. This is an amazing ratio in the non-profit sector. The main reason we can achieve this benefit to others is our conscious dedication to running a lean operation, because there is such a tremendous need in our community for assistance.
“Compassionate concern combined with concrete assistance is a magical thing.”
Elaine Kimbler, Executive Director
Your Donations Extend Much Further
Presently, our overhead is very low, which allows Friends of the Community to provide 80% of all donations directly to those in need. This is an amazing ratio in the non-profit sector. The main reason we can achieve this benefit to others is our conscious dedication to running a lean operation, because there is such a tremendous need in our community for assistance.
About our Board of Directors
The Board are all hardworking, blue-collar members of the community who understand the challenges faced every day by fellow citizens, and who care deeply about providing direct assistance to those who need a hand up, over the bumps in the road. They desire no recognition of their service to the community.
About our Executive Director
Growing up in a small manufacturing town in Northern Michigan mid-Twentieth Century, and pursuing spiritual trainings and disciplines as a young adult uniquely positioned Elaine to both understand and care about her fellow men and women. Being a divorced mother with three children, one of whom has special needs, further amplified her compassion for others and led her to found Friends of the Community in 2000.
Friends of the Community was born out of the experience of our Executive Director, Elaine Kimbler, twenty-five years ago when she and her 3 small children were suddenly homeless in Livingston when their rental cabin was sold although not being on the market. She remembers thinking how swiftly one's life can change on a dime, and how it can happen to anyone. There was nowhere to turn for help. The seed of a charity to be there for community members in crisis was planted in her heart.
About our Board of Directors
The Board are all hardworking, blue-collar members of the community who understand the challenges faced every day by fellow citizens, and who care deeply about providing direct assistance to those who need a hand up, over the bumps in the road. They desire no recognition of their service to the community.
About our Executive Director
Growing up in a small manufacturing town in Northern Michigan mid-Twentieth Century, and pursuing spiritual trainings and disciplines as a young adult uniquely positioned Elaine to both understand and care about her fellow men and women. Being a divorced mother with three children, one of whom has special needs, further amplified her compassion for others and led her to found Friends of the Community in 2000.
Friends of the Community was born out of the experience of our Executive Director, Elaine Kimbler, twenty-five years ago when she and her 3 small children were suddenly homeless in Livingston when their rental cabin was sold although not being on the market. She remembers thinking how swiftly one's life can change on a dime, and how it can happen to anyone. There was nowhere to turn for help. The seed of a charity to be there for community members in crisis was planted in her heart.
About our Board of Directors
The Board are all hardworking, blue-collar members of the community who understand the challenges faced every day by fellow citizens, and who care deeply about providing direct assistance to those who need a hand up, over the bumps in the road. They desire no recognition of their service to the community.
About our Executive Director
Growing up in a small manufacturing town in Northern Michigan mid-Twentieth Century, and pursuing spiritual trainings and disciplines as a young adult uniquely positioned Elaine to both understand and care about her fellow men and women. Being a divorced mother with three children, one of whom has special needs, further amplified her compassion for others and led her to found Friends of the Community in 2000.
Friends of the Community was born out of the experience of our Executive Director, Elaine Kimbler, twenty-five years ago when she and her 3 small children were suddenly homeless in Livingston when their rental cabin was sold although not being on the market. She remembers thinking how swiftly one's life can change on a dime, and how it can happen to anyone. There was nowhere to turn for help. The seed of a charity to be there for community members in crisis was planted in her heart.
Contact Info
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