Compassion in times of crisis

A holistic, long-term approach

Many Americans walk a tightrope between poverty and prosperity. A sudden layoff, illness or loss of a family member can cause a financial crisis that can be difficult to escape without assistance. Metrocrest Services provides hope and relief to people in their area experiencing such hardships.

Formed in 1971, the nonprofit offers a comprehensive bundle of services to help pull people out of poverty. This assistance takes many forms. The organization helps seniors age in place, offers employment resources, feeds kids in need, provides housing security for individuals and families and more.

The organization also works to remove the stigma associated with asking for help by providing a safe, supportive place that people can turn to without judgement. In 2021, the organization helped more than 25,000 people navigate through personal and family distress. Of those served, 60% were seeking assistance for the first time.

“Metrocrest relies on the consistent help of volunteers like those from the Jeff Van Matre Insurance Agency,” said Rhonda Ross, Director of Development at Metrocrest Services. “The agency is an important part of the community fabric of support that allows us to serve those most in need.”

“The agency is an important part of the community fabric of support that allows us to serve those most in need.”– Rhonda Ross, Director of Development, Metrocrest Services

Creating a path to self-sufficiency          

The staff of the Jeff Van Matre Insurance Agency has been supporting Metrocrest Services since 2017. The agency donates all funds raised from its referral program for one entire quarter each year, which Metrocrest uses to buy grocery items at a deep discount by partnering with large suppliers. The agency also organizes an annual food drive for the nonprofit’s pantry, and staff members regularly volunteer to sort food for a summer lunch program for kids as well as work at Metrocrest’s resale shop.

The agency also won a Make More Happen Award in 2018, which resulted in a $10,000 donation to Metrocrest.

“Metrocrest Services does so much to help our community,” said agency owner Jeff Van Matre. “We love their holistic approach of providing essential assistance during a crisis coupled with long-term support that helps people become self-sufficient again.”

A small piece of the puzzle

“We’re proud to be a small piece of the puzzle that helps Metrocrest serve the greater good,” said Director of Marketing Angie Van Matre. “Delivering food to their pantry is always eye-opening for our team. We had no idea so many in our community were struggling until we saw it firsthand. Seeing is truly believing, and we want to be part of the solution.”

“We had no idea so many in our community were struggling until we saw it firsthand. Seeing is truly believing.”– Angie Van Matre, Director of Marketing, Jeff Van Matre Insurance Agency

Building a stronger community     

A $10,000 donation from Liberty Mutual and Safeco Insurance would help fill Metrocrest’s food pantry, their most-used service, and support its Sack Summer Hunger Program, which feeds children on a free or reduced meal plan while they are on summer break. Help the Jeff Van Matre Insurance Agency win another $5,000 for Metrocrest Services by cheering them on with a vote!

If your agency volunteers with a 501(c)3 nonprofit, learn how you can win a Make More Happen Award here.