Angel Mission receives grant
$20K grant from the Keweenaw Health Foundation
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CALUMET - Copper Country Angel Mission has been awarded a $20,000 grant from the Keweenaw Health Foundation to to support the organization's second-floor renovation project, an investment that will strengthen CCAM's ability to serve individuals and families throughout Houghton, Keweenaw, Ontonagon and Baraga counties.
The funding will help transform an unfinished and underutilized second-floor space at 344 Fifth Street, in Calumet, into functional offices, storage areas and community meeting rooms for nonprofit organizations.
The renovation will create safe, organized, and accessible space within CCAM's Calumet facility, allowing the organization to better manage the large volume of donated goods that support its community programs.
The project includes electrical upgrades, plumbing and heating improvements, new walls and flooring, office space, storage areas, and a conference room. Some of the renovated space will also be made available free of charge to other nonprofit organizations providing services such as substance use counseling, job training, and financial assistance.
Jenn Jenich-Laplander, executive director of the Keweenaw Health Foundation, said the organization's mission is to support projects and organizations that improve the health and well-being of people throughout the Copper Country.
"Copper Country Angel Mission has become a vital community resource for individuals and families facing difficult circumstances," she said. "This investment will help strengthen their infrastructure, expand their capacity, and ensure they can continue providing essential support to those who need it most."
Lisa Nelson, a trustee on the Board of Directors of the Angel Mission, said CCAM is grateful for the support.
"This renovation will allow us to better organize our programs, improve working conditions for our volunteers, and create additional space that can benefit other community organizations," Nelson said. "Ultimately, this investment helps us serve more people and meet the growing needs we see across our region every day."
The Angel Mission is an all-volunteer, grassroots organization. With no paid staff, every aspect of the operation--from unloading and sorting donations to running the food pantry and managing emergency aid--is done by local volunteers. Many of the volunteers are former clients who return to give back to the community. Because they have zero payroll costs, the money they receive goes directly toward operations, facility maintenance, and helping local families.
CCAM, a 501-c-3 corporation provides necessities such as food, winter clothing, school supplies, hygiene products, new socks and underwear, backpacks, and holiday assistance to community members facing financial hardship. The organization noted in its grant application that these services directly support the physical and mental well-being of local residents, particularly vulnerable children and families.