11/01/2026
CARES SUNDAY UPDATE
November 1, 2026
Hello, Sunday Update Friends and Friends of CARES!
Ten years ago today, on November 1, 2016, Jerry Ellis, Ken Massey, and I sat down with Father Kris from St. Gerald Parish at the former St. Alexander Catholic Church. We signed an agreement to take over the daily operations of the food pantry. It was a crazy little dream, and we had no idea how many lives it would touch.
Friends, volunteers, and community partners believed in that dream. On July 1, 2017, we took over the beautiful 10.5-acre property, beginning the journey toward what we proudly call CARES, A Campus of Hope.
As we enter our tenth anniversary year, I am filled with gratitude. Thousands of neighbors have found food, dignity, compassion, friendship, and hope here. None of this would have happened without YOU!
Here is our week on the Campus of Hope.
Last Saturday, CARES dancers joined the National Thriller Dance in Downtown Farmington! Congratulations to everyone, and thanks to Mitchell Logic for the wonderful video on our page!
Monday, volunteers prepared our pantry and market. We also showed a potential partner campus space as we explore expanding employment services to help neighbors find work.
We joined a Gleaners meeting with pantry leaders and continued seeking answers about possible TEFAP changes, including an 80% reduction in food assistance beginning in January. This could seriously affect CARES and other pantries. We will keep advocating for those who depend on us.
Tuesday, we welcomed Stephanie, Executive Director of Fish & Loaves in Taylor, to share ideas. It was a great chance to share ideas.
That evening, Bunco brought laughter and friendship to CARES. Thank you to our amazing volunteer Nancy G. for organizing!
Wednesday, staff and volunteers prepared for November distributions. We also welcomed JR from the City of Farmington Hills Economic Development Department. Community relationships open doors!
Thursday brought grant writing, donor visits, and planning with landscaper Tim Wasmer for our Reflection Garden. Thank you to SiteOne for generous donations to beautify our Campus of Hope!
Friday, Kitty, Andrea, and Mary Beth met with a Detroit Red Wings representative. This opportunity did not work out, but every introduction helps us share our story.
We met with Brian and Tom last week from Edw. C. Levy Co. and a few days later we are excited to welcome Levy into our family of partners. Thank you for believing in CARES! Your support and caring about others will lift a burden of a number of our families.
Next week is our final seasonal pickup from the Farmington Farmers Market. Thank you to our drivers, farmers, vendors, Walt and his team along with all the market supporters for bringing fresh food to so many tables.
Even today, Sunday, volunteers are making pickups to help feed our guests this coming week. We also have a friend of CARES delivering a donations. Caring never takes a day off!
Before I close, I want to share our October numbers. Lois, our Intake Supervisor, reported that CARES served 947 households representing 1,980 individuals.
Nearly 2,000 neighbors turned to us for food assistance in one month. Behind every number is a child, a senior, a family, or someone facing a difficult moment. They deserve to know someone cares.
TEN YEARS OF CARING. TEN YEARS OF HOPE. AND SO MUCH MORE TO DO TOGETHER!
I keep thinking about that November morning ten years ago. Three friends and Father Kris took a first step. We never imagined the community that would grow around that decision.
To our more than 160 volunteers, you are the heart and hands of CARES. You give your time and talents, and you welcome every guest with kindness and dignity.
To our board, donors, foundations, businesses, churches, civic leaders, and community partners, you have given us more than food and financial support. You have given us trust, friendship, and the courage to keep growing.
And to the thousands of individuals and families who have allowed us into their lives, thank you for reminding us why this work matters.
Our recent Michigan State University study reminds us that suburban hunger remains a serious challenge. There are neighbors we have not reached. Our work is far from finished.
As we celebrate our first ten years, I hope we do more than look back. I hope we inspire new friends to help write the next chapter. If you have been part of this journey, THANK YOU. If you have not yet joined us, there is always room for another caring heart on our Campus of Hope.
Together, we can bring hope to even more neighbors.
Our humble request is to CARE for yourself and CARE for others. That is how we make a difference.
Go out and make it a great week!
Todd
[email protected]
www.caresfh.org
