The community centre known as Active Faith in South Lyon is in the process of shifting to a new establishment that they believe will enable them to provide more comprehensive support to people in dire need. This organization, established way back in 1987 by a group of ten churches, has been dedicatedly serving the community since then.
Active Faith’s main services include a food pantry, vocational services, and back-to-school events for children. They have an outstanding record in charity with a top 4-star rating on Charity Navigator. Roughly $.94 of each dollar goes unerringly into funding their programs.
This community center serves people on a limited income, a term spanning seniors living solely on social security, working families pinned down by minimum wage, and individuals with disabilities barring them from employment. Active Faith attends to families within the entire South Lyon School District. And it doesn’t stop there—if anyone outside their service district needs help, the centre aids them in getting assistance through other community centres.
As of now, Active Faith caters to nearly 700 families. However, with inflation skyrocketing, more and more families are knocking at their door in search of assistance. Executive Director Sharon Sower emphasized that the hidden nature of poverty makes it challenging for people to comprehend the actual spectrum of individuals in need.
The new premises on 553 Lafayette Street will serve a dual purpose—it will make Active Faith more accessible to struggling families and potential donors. The new space, sprawling across 7,000 sq ft against the current facility’s modest 3,000 sq ft, will enable the organization to expand their services. It is hoped that resumption of tutoring services and increased availability of mental health and free health clinic partners will provide extra benefits to the community. The new space will also accommodate groups wishing to host fundraisers—a positive stride forward in assistance efforts.
Despite the benefits of the relocation, the breakdown of costs for renovations has skyrocketed due to the existing building’s state failing to meet Active Faith’s requirements. For this reason, Active Faith has launched a capital campaign geared toward amassing funds for the renovations. Thanks to a generous grant, the organization was able to cover the building’s purchase cost, but the renovation expenses will need approximately $1,500,000. As of Wednesday evening, the campaign had accrued $1,017,500.
Renovation plans include the installation of new flooring and plumbing, a fresh energy-efficient on-demand water heater, and new furnaces. They’re also hopeful about the possibility of integrating solar panels on the roof in the near future.
Despite the teething issues, Active Faith anticipates occupying their new location come October, with operations resuming by November.
How can you help? Funds can be donated directly online, via mail, or potential donors can opt to allocate part of their 401K or IRA to Active Faith. These donations are a necessary ‘life preserver’ to those in need, providing not only immediate assistance but also long-term help in the form of job training and various other foundational supports. No matter how small, every helping hand in this endeavor truly counts.
For more information or assistance, please visit the link provided: www.activefaithcs.org or call at 248-437-9790.
