Northland Area FCU Sponsors Opening of Community Center
November 22, 2017
Northland Area FCU Sponsors Community Center Grand Opening
Northland Area Federal Credit Union recently sponsored The Chosen Ranch Community Center grand opening at 483 E. Traverse Bay Road in Lincoln, Michigan.
The Chosen Ranch is an Alcona County organization that helps abandoned, abused and neglected youth of Michigan. The Chosen Ranch provides counseling and residential and life skills services for 10 to 20 individuals.
Wendy Lee, Community Business Lender at Northland, shared the story of its inception. Lee said, “The Chosen Ranch was created several years ago when a young boy was dropped off at the Alcona County Courthouse steps.” She said, “His grandfather had abandoned him, and his father was in prison. There were no foster homes to take him in. This critical need sparked the vision in Executive Director, Frank Dimercuiro.” From the beginning, the community center was part of that vision.
Dimercuiro said, “They’re great kids, they were just born into bad situations, and we’re trying to surround them with kids that are born into good situations.” He said, “Everyone can reach out.”
The Chosen Ranch previously initiated a lawn care business for job skills training. They have since renovated an existing empty commercial building in Lincoln and repurposed it into a comfortable place where young and old from northeast Michigan can come, feel safe and enjoy activities. In addition, they plan to partner with Northland Area Federal Credit Union to provide financial education including Greenpath curriculum to local youth and members of the community.
The community center vision is to make a difference in the area by interceding with troubled youth before they get into the court system. The concept is for the community including the kids at The Chosen Ranch and anyone else young or old, to use the space and services.
For more information about The Chosen Ranch visit www.chosenranch.org or call (989)335-4673.
Pictured from right Frank Dimercuiro, Executive Director, Sue Allor, State Representative, Jamie Bullis, Assistant Director, Josh Whitten, Assistant Director.