Services

BACN has a commitment to providing high quality, innovative services to people residing in the Benzie and northern Manistee communities. Our services are provided through collaboration with key area human service agencies to best meet the needs of our neighbors.

We provide a wide range of community based services for individuals and families of all ages. In 2010, we assisted over 1200 families with immediate aid. The vision of BACN encompasses the idea that education is the primary tool to a more fulfilled life and better employment. A brochure on services here

Food Pantry
The neighbor based food pantry offers shoppers an opportunity to select foods that suit their family’s taste.  Each family is given “BACN BUCKS” to spend based on household size. Neighbors are able to shop bimonthly in the market. BACN collaborates with several regional organizations to help stock the shelves.  Locally grown fresh produce is provided by Fresh Food Partnership. Food Rescue, Shop n’ Save Bakery and Crescent Bakery of Frankfort all provide items that expand choices for our shoppers.

Clothing Center
The clothing center is a popular community place to meet and have a great, no cost shopping experience. Clothing is donated by the community. BACN volunteers sort and hang the clothing in an appealing array. Selection is large and varied and special requests for items are able to be posted on a share board.

Education Programs
To better promote and support a whole and healthy community, BACN has initiated education based programming. Currently BACN has invested in several options to serve our neighbors.

General Education Diploma (GED) classes are offered biweekly. Students are instructed by a certified GED teacher. Individual tutoring is provided by professional educators. A brochure on GED opportunities here

WOW! Way Out Women ~ Women on their way out of poverty The program operates through bi monthly sessions in which the members take part in group support of each other, a meal and an educational component.  The program is led by group leaders and has in attendance other support sisters and the educator for the evening.  Children of the participants are able to accompany their mother and adjunct participants who are not currently active in a certification program are encouraged to attend.

A Computer Lab is open daily to the public Monday thru Thursday 10am – 2pm for resume building, education needs and job searches.

For more information about our educational programming, please contact the Executive Director at (231) 882-9544

Financial Assistance
If you live in Benzie or northern Manistee County, BACN may be able to help you with financial assistance. Once you have applied to the Department of Human Service in the county you reside in, you will need to meet with one of our Service Coordinators to seek solutions to your needs.

Volunteering Opportunities
The backbone of BACN is the volunteer work force. The entire community is invited to volunteer, including those who receive services from the organization.  There are a variety of volunteer jobs and schedules. In a culture where everyone has needs to be met and gifts to share, our goal is to match volunteer skills with the needs of the BACN. Please refer to the donate tab for more information about specific volunteering opportunities.

To best serve our neighbors, BACN is grateful for its collaboration with: