At The Information Center, our mission is simple: We help people. For nearly five decades, we’ve been a pillar of support in the community. Whether it’s paying a utility bill, addressing food insecurity or assisting aging loved ones or persons with disabilities get the care they need in their homes, we’re here.

Recently the Information Center staff joined forces with the Meijer Community Engagement Team to address the needs of vulnerable clients. Among them was Melvin, a MI Choice Medicaid Waiver recipient at The Information Center. Melvin faced adversity when he lost everything in an apartment fire at the Meadows of Southgate last October. Wheelchair-bound and desperate for housing, he found himself starting anew.

But hope arrived in unexpected ways. The Information Center, along with the generosity of Meijer, stepped in. Melvin received essential items – dishes, silverware, linens, and toiletries – to turn his new apartment into a home. His gratitude overflowed: “Thank you for your kind donations and gifts,” he said.

Ebony, another beneficiary, faced her own challenges. Hospitalized due to lifelong physical struggles, she sought a fresh start. As a Community Transitions Services client, Ebony received vital support from The Information Center. Our nurse and social worker team assessed her living needs, coordinated housing, and provided medical and social services.

Meijer’s generosity extended to Ebony and her six-year-old daughter, ensuring they had what they needed to rebuild their lives.

“My daughter and I are so grateful,” Ebony said. “Thank you to The Information Center and their partners like Meijer for helping us.”

Melvin and Ebony are among the many people The Information Center has assisted since its beginning 49 years ago. Serving Wayne and Monroe counties, the accredited nonprofit information and referral agency also offers a community helpline; employment and career training resources for people who are unemployed and underemployed; services for seniors and persons with disabilities and personalized assistance applying for public benefits and other services.

At The Information Center, empowering individuals to gracefully age in the comfort of their homes with the support they need is embodied in our mission. If you know someone who needs help call (734) 282-7171 or go online www.theinfocenter.org for more information.