A BIT OF BACKGROUND
Dealing with the challenges of today requires problem-solvers who bring different perspectives and are willing to take risks. Two women had a dream and decided to take on those challenges. They longed to inspire and support their community and wanted to have their actions speak louder than their words. These two women shared their vision and others came on board helping create Mason Community Services in 2020. Our numbers have continued to grow into a team of energetic; passionate folks with progressive ideas and great vision. A strong foundation has been built combining the talents of incredible people from the city of Mason, local service groups, business and churches.
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This phenomenal support has allowed us to purchase a van, host free markets, diaper drives, find people homes, get home repairs done and much more. Mason Community Services coordinates with local and state agencies, service organizations, churches, and businesses to provide a helping hand and restore hope to the underserved in the Mason area. We are committed to collaboration…not duplication. Our strategic partnerships allow us to expand our reach and maximize our resources. We are a continuum of compassion!
We are a Michigan 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation (Tax ID# 86-1254767) and rely on donations and grants for our operating funds. We are governed by a board of directors who meet regularly to further our mission.
Our Leadership Team
Our board of directors and Executive Director volunteer their time and talents to serve their community! They have a passion to help!
Linda Hughson, Executive Director
Linda is one of the founders of Mason Community Services. She retired from being a physician's assistant and nurse practitioner. She is certified as a life coach and Christian counselor, enjoys a good motorcycle ride but her real passions is in serving people and God.
Chuck Walls, President
Chuck was an employee benefits rep at the General Motors parts warehouse in Lansing before he retired. He has a bachelor's degree in natural resources from Northern Michigan so it's not surprising that he enjoys hunting and fishing. He also is very involved in helping his son build a barnaminium (pole barn/house) in Lansing.
Kelly Droscha, Vice-President
Kelly is one of the founders of Mason Community Services. She is the Children's Ministry Director at Mason Commuity Church and has a master's degree in early childhood education. She enjoys line dancing and relaxing in the sunshine.
Nancy Walls, Secretary/Treasurer
Nancy was a chief compliance officer for an investment firm before she retired. She has a master's degree in business administration and a bachelor's degree in social work and thinks both are useful! She enjoys hiking, reading science fiction fantasy, and quilting.
Stephanie Srtrickland, Board Member
Stephanie and her family own and operate Lansing Lawn & Snow in Mason. She also is the administrator of "M.O.M" - Moms of Mason", a Facebook group that works together on community projects/donations.
Looking Back
Looking back to see what's been accomplished is a good thing:
to celebrate the great and learn from the 'not so great"!
2024
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Footprints of Michigan installed a shoe rack in our clothing closet.
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Our big disappointment was not being able to find someone to run the tutoring program so we couldn't offer tutoring this year.
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Friends of the Library, Daisy Girl Scout Troop, Amateur Radio Class, ABLE class, Stuff the Bus, Community Christmas, and others used our location for meetings.
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We worked with the Community Coat Drive and took a trailer of coats and boots and other weather gear to Leslie Elementary and Mason Manor.
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Independent Bank in Leslie and Mason chose us for the Be the Difference Day and sent a team of volunteers to help us out!
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The Mason Community Thanksgiving Dinner expanded to Mason Manor and taking meals to Kiwanis and Jefferson Street Apartment folks.
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We were chosen by the Mason Meijer to receive the Meijer Team Gives award!
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Linda was asked to speak at the Homeless Summit in October in Lansing!
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2023
This was a major year for us! We found a building and moved the United Methodist Church's Clothing bank in, renaming it to "Freely Given Clothing Closet". We finalized the Emergency Weather Plan with the City of Mason, ran a test pilot program for tutoring, and received a community service recognition award from the Mason Chamber of Commerce.
2022
Friends (26+) social group was established. We bought a van to help people with transportation challenges, pick up donations and deliver needed items. We also used it for our first Trunk or Treat event! Mason United Methodist Church let us use their building to us to offer our first year of tax services.
2021
We worked diligently to find a building to house a needed daycare center but were unable to locate one. We started doing the banking for Mason Community Gardens, had a float in our first 4th of July parade, and built our first ramp! We also put together a goody basket for the teachers in each of our schools to encourage them during Teacher Appreciation Week - what a tough job they had juggling in-person and remote teaching!
2020
We become Mason Community Services, Incorporated and received our tax exempt status as a 501(c)(3) - all in December!