LOWELL, Mich. -- Gilda's Club Lowell and the Lowell Senior Neighbors will host a block party open house next Tuesday, July 18, to celebrate their new home at First Congregational U-C-C of Lowell.
It will take place at the church at 865 Lincoln Lake Ave. from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Wendy Wigger is president of Gilda's Club. She says the block party is open to the community and free.
"There will be music. We will have a free dinner of hot dogs and chips and beverage. Both family-friendly games and kids games. Some great little surprises and giveaways. And truly, something for everyone," Wigger said.
The nonprofit Gilda's Club Lowell provides emotional support for people dealing with cancer or grief. Gilda's Club Lowell and the Lowell Senior Neighbors have been community partners for 14 years in a different facility - the Hale House - at 314 S. Hudson St. But they were outgrowing the program space at the Victorian-style facility they shared there, so the organizations moved into the larger space at the church. Senior Neighbors owns the property on Hudson Street.
Wigger says the larger space at First Congregational U-C-C will allow for more visibility and awareness.
"UCC has been incredibly warm and welcoming, and we've already been delivering programs there since the beginning of June," Wigger said.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this moment with the community as Senior Neighbors embarks on a new chapter in our 50-year history. Our new home at First Congregational UCC of Lowell provides a larger space to better cater to our residents' needs and expand our programming,” said Nicole Driesenga, Senior Neighbors centers and volunteer supervisor. “First Congregational UCC of Lowell has been extremely supportive throughout our move. This is what community is all about – supporting each other. It is a pleasure to continue our faithful partnership with Gilda’s Club Lowell as we, together, embark on a new beginning at First Congregational UCC of Lowell.”
At the open house, people will be able to ask questions and learn more about Gilda's Club Lowell and the Lowell Senior Neighbors. And also about other organizations that are using First Congregational U-C-C for their programs and services. Some are looking for volutneers.
"For example, Lowell's Open Table offers a meal every week to the community at UCC. We've got the YMCA that will be present with a booth. There will be a variety of different community partners that will be out there. So, really hoping to enjoy some time and fun, " Wigger said.
An evergreen tree will be planted at the open house to commemorate the partnership between Gilda's Club Lowell, the Lowell Senior Neighbors and the church.
"And inviting the community to tie in messages of hope, vision, memory, healing. Just to really solidify some of the growth that has occurred and will continue to occur," Wigger said.
--- Information from Gilda's Club news release:
Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids runs entirely on charitable donations and currently provides in-person, virtual and hybrid support options through its clubhouses in Grand Rapids and Lowell, Mich., and community programs in various schools and community centers. An affiliate of the Cancer Support Community - the largest professionally led nonprofit network of cancer support worldwide, Gilda’s Club Grand Rapids is independently owned and locally operated. At Gilda’s Club no one faces cancer or grief alone. For more information, visit gildasclubgr.org.
About Senior Neighbors
Senior Neighbors is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and enhancing the lives of older adults in Kent County. Annually serving over 5,000 seniors in Kent County, they provide a wide range of services and programs, including transportation, prescription assistance, home repairs, social activities, daily meals at five senior centers, and wellness programs, all aimed at promoting independence and improving the well-being of seniors. Through their compassionate efforts, Senior Neighbors strives to foster a sense of community and ensure that older adults can age with dignity and thrive in their own homes. For more information about Senior Neighbors, visit: seniorneighbors.org/.