The Refuge Otsego

06/05/2026

Congratulations!!!

06/05/2026

We are always beyond grateful for our Otsego Community Foundation

✨ Small Ideas. Big Impact. ✨

At the Otsego Community Foundation, our Adapt Grants help organizations take timely action—responding to needs, building capacity, and turning ideas into impact.

This quarter, we’re proud to support the following projects through five different funds, demonstrating the power of partnership across our community:

🔥 Ga***rd Firefighters’ Association – Firefighter Training Facility ($2,500)
Funded by the Kohnert Family Fund and the Disaster Response Fund
Enhancing local and regional emergency readiness with expanded access to hands-on, realistic training.

🤝 The Refuge Otsego County – Fundraising Capacity Building ($2,500)
Funded by the Ron Chavey Friendship Fund and Funds for the Community
Strengthening long-term sustainability and expanding support for individuals and families through improved fundraising capacity.

🏛️ City of Ga***rd – Parliamentary Procedure Training ($2,000)
Funded by Funds for the Community
Equipping elected and appointed officials with tools for more effective, organized meetings and decision-making.

🐟 Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools – Salmon in the Classroom ($1,500)
Funded by the U.A.W. Local 388 Educators Fund
Engaging students in hands-on learning about ecosystems, science, and environmental stewardship.

Each of these projects shows how adaptable, responsive funding can create meaningful change across Otsego County—one thoughtful idea at a time.

💡 Now Accepting Applications!
The next Adapt Grant cycle is open, with applications due July 15.

Learn more or apply: https://www.otsegofoundation.org/2025-apply-for-grants/

Questions? Contact DeLayni Brown at [email protected]

06/04/2026

Congratulations!!

06/04/2026

06/04/2026

Thank you,

Ga***rd Police Department
Otsego County Sheriffs Office
NMSAS Recovery Center
Goodwill Northern Michigan

06/04/2026

As tomorrow marks the end of one chapter and the beginning of another, I want to congratulate all of our high school graduates.

As you step into this next phase of life, remember that your future is what you make it. You have the power to shape your own path, make your own decisions, and create the life you want to live. Life will be hard and give you obstacles but you will be able to navigate and adapt.

You are the next generation that will help build, strengthen, and lead our communities. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, get involved, learn new things, and continue to grow. Every experience, challenge, and opportunity will help shape who you will become.

Most importantly, believe in yourself. Take chances on yourself. Trust your abilities, even when the road ahead feels uncertain. Success doesn’t always come from having all the answers it comes from having the courage to keep moving forward.

Congratulations, Class of 2026. Your journey is just beginning, and the future is yours to create.

06/01/2026

As we recognize Pride Month, we want to reaffirm a value that has always guided our mission: every person deserves dignity, respect, compassion, and support.

At The Refuge, we serve individuals and families experiencing homelessness and housing instability from all walks of life. Our services are available to everyone, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, or background.

We also recognize that Pride Month may be viewed differently by members of our community. Some hold traditional or biblical beliefs, while others celebrate Pride as an important expression of identity and inclusion. We respect the diverse perspectives that exist throughout our community.

What unites us is our commitment to serving people in need. Regardless of personal beliefs, backgrounds, or identities, every person who comes to us deserves to be treated with kindness, respect, and dignity.

As an organization serving our community in 2026, we understand that our community is diverse and continually evolving. Our responsibility is not to choose who deserves help it is to ensure that help is available to everyone who needs it.

We are proud to represent and serve all members of our community. Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate future where every person feels valued, respected, and supported.

Happy Pride Month from The Refuge Board of Directors. 🏳️‍🌈❤️

06/01/2026

Reminder! Senior Project FRESH signup assistance is available today at the Otsego County Commission on Aging between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. (Multipurpose Space ~ Upper Level).

To qualify for Senior Project FRESH, you must:
- Live in Michigan
- Be 60 years of age or older at the time of registration. (Participants can be 55+ if they are a member of a federally recognized tribe in Michigan.)
- Have an annual income of $29,526 (single), or $40,034 (household of 2)

When you come, please have an email address and a cell phone that can receive text messages. Walk-ins are welcome!

05/29/2026

We have been beyond honored to have Judi as our Shelter Coordinator and you will be able to see her one last time at our Town Hall Event on June 2nd where you can come learn about the impact she’s had in our community and see who Judi has worked with on a daily basis as our panel partners speak.

05/29/2026