Read the latest story from the Foundation about our statement in support of local nonprofits: Nonprofit Support Statement.
Nonprofit Partner Spotlights
Shiawassee Hope
This week the Cook Family Foundation’s spotlight is Shiawassee Hope. Shiawassee Hope is a nonprofit organization in Owosso, Michigan. The aim of Shiawassee Hope is to learn about the lived experiences of people in poverty so they could create innovative solutions to address barriers that keep people in poverty. Their work has always been neighborhood focused; they meet people where they are. Over the years, Shiawassee Hope has grown their presence in Pleasant Valley. They have an impact center in the trailer park, and provide weekly dinner to the neighbors.
Shiawassee Hope is big on creating relationships with the folks they serve. From weekly neighborhood dinners to holiday celebrations, they strive to make their work have a positive impact. Each year they host a Back to School Celebration in Pleasant Valley to support the culture of returning to school and provide access to resources. They partner with many of the other nonprofits in the community to meet the needs of their participants.
Shiawassee Hope is an all volunteer organization with an active board. Their executive director, Marlene Webster, works hands-on and believes the only way to effectively help people is to know their stories and be as closely connected to them as possible. Every dime donated to Shiawassee Hope goes directly to the work they do. Learn more about Shiawassee Hope at their website: www.shiawasseehope.org/.
Respite Volunteers of Shiawassee
Our nonprofit spotlight this week is Respite Volunteers of Shiawassee. Respite Volunteers is a nonprofit organization that serves all of Shaiwassee County. Their mission is to provide volunteer in-home caregiving support for adults with persistent health needs and their families. They provide friendly companionship following a Faith-in-Action model. They have a staff of 5 and 133 volunteers who both work in the community and support office management and events. The volunteers provide respite to the caregivers by giving them a break from their caregiving responsibilities and companionship to the adult with health challenges, including elderly living alone. Their work is unique and a blessing to Shiawassee County.
Respite Volunteers of Shiawassee began as a coalition with staff from Memorial Healthcare Home Health and Hospice, Catholic Dioceses of Lansing, Shiawassee Council on Aging, Shiawassee Health & Wellness, Catholic Charities, Department of Health & Human Services, The Arc of Mid Michigan, area faith leaders, persons who were caregivers, and volunteers. They became an official nonprofit in March of 1993. They have grown exponentially since their inception. They currently serve over 100 clients a month. And since 1993 they have served over 2,500 families.
They rely heavily on well-trained volunteers. The volunteers are recruited and trained by Respite, and they are always looking for new volunteers. Volunteers do more than just provide companionship; it’s a wellness support for those who are confined to their homes. Learn more about Respite Volunteers of Shiawassee and how you could support their work at their website: https://www.respitevolunteers.org/.
The Durand Union Station, Inc.
This week’s nonprofit partner spotlight features Durand Union Station-Michigan Railroad History Museum(DUSI) — a dedicated nonprofit organization based in Durand, Michigan. Since its founding in 1982, DUSI has been committed to preserving and restoring the historic Grand Trunk Union Station, while also operating the Michigan Railroad History Museum and Information Center housed within the building.
This one-of-a-kind museum showcases one of Michigan’s largest collections of railroad artifacts, documents, and photographs — all celebrating the deep-rooted legacy of railroading in our state. With rotating exhibits and a vast archive, the museum draws railfans and history enthusiasts from across the country, making it a true gem of Shiawassee County.
But DUSI is more than just railroads. The beautifully restored depot also serves as one of the area’s few nonprofit event venues, hosting weddings, baby showers, graduation parties, and community gatherings year-round. This dual role as both a historical site and a community space makes DUSI a truly special destination.
Operated by a dedicated team of three staff members and supported by a strong volunteer base, DUSI works closely with the City of Durand to keep local history alive. The station also serves as an active Amtrak stop, connecting Durand to Chicago, Port Huron, and beyond via the Blue Water line — a reminder that the station’s legacy as a hub of movement and connection continues today.
We encourage you to learn more about Durand Union Station, Inc., explore their programs, and plan your visit at www.durandstation.org.
The Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce
This week’s Foundation Nonprofit Partner Spotlight is the Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce (SRCC). SRCC is a 501(c)6 nonprofit organization in Shiawassee County. They work to bring leaders together and to support entrepreneurs to build and maintain an extraordinary Shiawassee region. SRCC is a partner of the Cook Family Foundation and actively engages with the nonprofit organizations in the county to bring them to the table that the for profit organizations are.
The Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce began in 1902, and has had many name and organizational structure changes throughout its history. Most notably in 2002 they became the “Shiawassee Regional Chamber of Commerce” from the “Owosso-Corunna Area Chamber of Commerce.” This name change was significant in demonstrating the efforts to truly serve the county of Shiawassee as a whole. SRCC works county-wide to represent businesses and support economic growth. These efforts reflect SRCC’s A.C.E.S. principles: to Advocate, Connect, Educate, and Support. These principles guide their countywide work and commitment to Shiawassee County’s future.
SRCC has strong beliefs in collaboration across the county, diverse membership, quality services, and inclusive connectivity. Their beliefs have created a strong chamber structure and have led to other great committees and sub-organizations, like the Inspired Women Network. The Inspired Women Network grew from the SRCC staff’s passion to spark meaningful dialogue among women in the community. They bring together women in the community and have highlighted women who are making an incredible impact in Shiawassee County.
Most recently SRCC is looking to grow their team. They have a job posted for a Business Manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization. Check out more about SRCC and learn about this job posting at their website: https://www.shiawasseechamber.org/.
The Laingsburg Clothes and the Connection
This week’s Foundation Nonprofit Partner Spotlight is The Laingsburg Clothesline and the Connection. They are a 501(c)3 nonprofit in the City of Laingsburg. The Clothesline began in 2006 after Lisa noticed the need for clothing in her first grade classroom where she began teaching in 2000. Her husband, Tom, and Lisa bought two dilapidated buildings as they envisioned helping to create a vibrant and resilient community in Laingsburg. They do this through the Clothesline where volunteers serve the folks who shop there to purchase high quality, gently used clothing at low prices or free for folks referred to us. The Clothesline is intentional with the items it accepts and wants its customers to feel valued and important when they are shopping there. Any excess clothing items we don’t need are brought to several Owosso agencies which give the clothes out for free.
The Connection, which opened in 2024, is an education center connected to the Clothesline. They provide FREE educational support in an inclusive and accessible environment. The Connection is a hub in Laingsburg for students to not only get educational support, but also build community, have a snack, and feel valued. The Connection has tutors from the local middle school who help the elementary students. This has created a sense of community, and it also builds the self esteem of the middle schoolers providing the tutoring. The connections that are being fostered through the Connection is what it’s all about – the students have a real community and feel connected to those around them.The building is also for community use when tutoring is not in session.
The Clothesline began in 2006 as a vision of Lisa and Tom Jelenek. It has grown to continue to meet the needs of the Laingsburg community. They are a mostly volunteer organization with 1 part-time staff, who facilitates the free tutoring at The Connection. They have fundraising events year round to support their mission and are hosting a golf outing at the Pine Hills Golf Course on July 12 and would welcome some golf teams to join them. Check out their website to learn more about getting involved or how to support them: Laingsburgclotheslineconnection.org.
The Lebowsky Center for Performing Arts
This week’s Foundation Nonprofit Partner Spotlight shines on the Lebowsky Center for Performing Arts—a true gem in the Shiawassee community. Located in the heart of downtown Owosso, Michigan, the Lebowsky Center presents four musicals and two plays each season, along with an array of concerts and special events.
The theater’s roots date back to the 1950s, and since then, more than 350 productions have graced its stage. Deeply cherished by the community—and by the Cook Family Foundation—the Lebowsky Center is a resilient institution. After a devastating fire in 2007, the community rallied to bring it back to life, reaffirming just how vital it is to the cultural fabric of the region.
The Center is run by a small but incredibly talented team of three staff members (two full-time and one part-time) and guided by a dedicated board of 16. Together, they ensure each production is lovingly crafted, events are well-coordinated, and every patron is warmly welcomed at the box office.
As a valued nonprofit partner, the Lebowsky Center actively engages with our broader nonprofit network and is always an enthusiastic collaborator. This summer, Executive Director Amy Jo Brown played a key role in organizing free community concerts at the amphitheater—a testament to the Center’s ongoing commitment to accessibility and outreach.
Take a moment to explore the Lebowsky Center’s rich history and discover how you can support their mission at www.lebowskycenter.com.
The SafeCenter
This week’s spotlight is The SafeCenter. SafeCenter began in 1983, and became a nonprofit in 1984 based on the need for helping victims of intimate partner violence. SafeCenter has two locations, Owosso and St. Johns, and serves all gender identities who have experienced intimate partner domestic violence and any form of sexual assault. SafeCenter’s mission is to empower, advocate, educate, and prevent.
This mission may sound simple, but it is a huge task. SafeCenter is the only domestic and sexual violence shelter and local resource in the county. SafeCenter is staffed by 13 employees and has a board of directors with 7 people. They are funded by a combination of federal, state, and local sources. And they are currently navigating funding applications for Transitional Supportive Housing and the need for additional funding for facilities and infrastructure.
The SafeCenter Shelter is a phenomenal place for folks in emergency situations to access; shelter is a bit of a misnomer – it is a house and it feels like a home. Folks who stay there truly have a feeling of being in a homey environment. Learn more about the SafeCenter and what they do by visiting their website: https://thesafecenter.org/ and following their Facebook page: The SafeCenter.
Shiawassee Family YMCA
This week’s spotlight is the Shiawassee Family YMCA! The YMCA has been in our community since the late 1800’s, and is one of our longest nonprofit partners at the Foundation. The purpose of the Y is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. Our vision is to connect and engage people to enhance lives and build community collaboration. The Shiawassee Family YMCA is one of the region’s most valued assets in building youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Ultimately the YMCA is a major support hub for the folks of Shiawassee County – providing a safe space with accessible resources.
The YMCA is staffed by 38 employees and has a board of directors with 17 people. They are funded by grants, donations, and membership and program fees. And they are currently working on their large renovation/expansion to include childcare and a fully renovated fitness center in Phase 1. Phase 2 will expand the current YMCA into a bigger facility with an additional gymnasium and community spaces. You can support Phase 1 efforts by donating to their Capital Campaign today! The Shiawassee Family YMCA Capital Campaign will help transform the YMCA so that critical community needs will be met. The biggest thing to know about the Shiawassee YMCA is that they are committed to a healthy community. The YMCA provides safe, reliable resources in one space. The YMCA is a place where all are welcome and everyone can get connected.
Learn more about the YMCA at their website: https://www.shiawasseeymca.org/.
The Arc of Mid-Michigan
Our first spotlight is The Arc of Mid-Michigan. The Arc of Mid-Michigan is a nonprofit partner with the Cook Family Foundation, and has been in Shiawassee County since 1956. Their purpose is to provide a better quality of life for folks with developmental disabilities, and to help the neurotypical population embrace and accept developmentally different folks. The Arc of Mid-Michigan strives to be a voice for their clients in many spaces, including school advocacy, legislative work, and the larger community. Ultimately The Arc of Mid-Michigan is helping their clients to live and thrive in our community.
The Arc of Mid-Michigan has a small staff, but they get things done! They are 85% public funded from governmental programs and grants. One of their biggest local donor revenues is their BINGO events. Historically they have often had a candidate in the Mr. Owosso campaign fundraising for them, but they don’t have a candidate for the 2025 campaign. They are always looking for new champions to take on this task annually.
The biggest thing to know about The Arc is that they are truly providing a safe and non-judgemental space in our community for folks with developmental disabilities that wouldn’t exist otherwise. The Arc of Mid-Michigan is a space where their clients can just be themselves and can authentically exist. Take some time to learn more about what they do at The Arc of Mid-Michigan by visiting their website: https://www.arcmidmichigan.org/.