05/08/2024
$10K boost to help meet mental health needs!
In its final act of goodwill, North Oakland Strong – a nonprofit formed to support those affected by the Nov. 30, 2021 tragedy at Oxford High School – donated the last of its funds to Caring for Oxford to help ensure people who need mental health services have access to them.
On Wednesday morning, a $10,000 check was presented to Journey Lutheran Lead Pastor Matt Schuler, whose 136 S. Washington St. church established and oversees Caring for Oxford. The money was presented by three of North Oakland Strong’s members – Orion Twp. Trustee Matt Pfeiffer (founder), Orion Twp. Supervisor Chris Barnett and Oxford Twp. Supervisor Jack Curtis.
After distributing approximately $200,000 in donated cash and goods to those who needed it, North Oakland Strong is dissolving. Pfeiffer said they decided to donate the last of the nonprofit’s funds to Caring for Oxford because mental health care is the “biggest remaining need.”
“They took up the mantle and we’re really thankful for that,” Pfeiffer said.
Caring for Oxford offers financial assistance to people who need help paying for mental health services provided by licensed professionals. “Anyone who was affected” by the OHS tragedy is “eligible,” according to Schuler. This includes students, teachers, school staff members, siblings, parents, spouses, first responders and community members.
“If you need help, if you need support, if you want to talk to someone, but funding is standing in the way, please talk with us,” the pastor said. “I’m in counseling myself. I recommend it for everyone, not just because you think you need it, but because it’s good for mind, soul and body.”
North Oakland Strong’s $10,000 donation will fund approximately 100 sessions with mental health professionals, according to Schuler. “Every $100 we receive pays for one session,” he said.
Schuler is quite proud of the fact that “every dollar we receive goes to mental health care,” not covering overhead costs.
“Journey (Lutheran) handles all the administration,” he explained. “We don’t charge a fee or take a cut. We cover it through our (church) budget. We just donate the time to this ministry. We’re blessed to be able to provide this support for the community.”
Schuler noted “you don’t have to be a member of the church” to receive assistance from Caring for Oxford. “The vast majority of recipients are from outside the church,” he said.
To date, Caring for Oxford has disbursed close to $150,000 and helped more than 175 individuals and families. “There are still funds available,” Schuler said. “With today’s gift, we have close to $100,000 available.”
Looking back over his time with North Oakland Strong, Pfeiffer described it as “an amazing experience.”
“The generosity I witnessed was unbelievable,” he said. “Everybody came together to help the community cope with this tragedy. It brought out the best in people and strengthened our humanity. I’m just thankful we could help.
“I still get choked up whenever I think about it,” added Supervisor Curtis. “People just kept giving and giving and giving – money, food, services, you name it. Every day, it just kept coming. It restored my faith in people and made me so proud of our community and our neighbors. It pleases me to know that North Oakland Strong’s last $10,000 will be used to help people heal.”
To learn more about Caring for Oxford, please visit www.journeylutheran.church/caring-for-oxford
Photo by C.J. Carnacchio.
Journey Lutheran Church and Early Childhood Center
North Oakland Strong
All for Oxford - A Program of Common Ground
Oxford Community Schools
Oxford Chamber of Commerce
Oxford Fire Department-Michigan
Oakland County, Michigan Government
Orion Township, Michigan
Orion Township Trustee - Matt Pfeiffer
Supervisor Chris Barnett
Oxford Community Television
Oxford Township Parks & Recreation
North Oakland Community Coalition
