Copper Country Angel Mission at a Glance
Copper Country Angel Mission knows that our strength lies not only in words, but more importantly through our actions. More than 20 years ago, Rebecca Koivu, lay-pastor of the Community Church in Calumet, and a small group of individuals, brimming with faith and compassion, realized that together they could effectively help to overcome local effects of poverty. They launched New Beginnings Angel Mission, which later became a mission of Portage Lake United Church in Houghton with strong and generous support from Presbytery of Mackinac. Since then, the grassroots, all volunteer organization has grown, broadened its support, changed its name, and become an independent 501-c-3 corporation but the mission is the same: Copper Country Angel Mission promotes community welfare by serving those in need with compassion and dignity. It retains the support of the local faith community and that of the Presbytery of Mackinac, as well as support from local businesses, organizations, foundations, and individuals.
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does” — William James
Our Store
We invite shoppers of all income levels to select goods and leave a monetary donation if they are able. This converts material donations into funding for our programs, space, electricity, heat, and water. We welcome donations of clothing and household goods that are in good condition. We do not accept large electronics, beds, mattresses, medical equipment, or other hard-to-store items. The store is open from 11:00–2:00 Tuesday through Friday and Saturday, 11:00–4:00.
Our Food Pantry
CCAM food pantry is open Wednesday and Saturday, 11:00–2:00. Emergency assistance is available through the Contact page. Our Food Pantry is an equal opportunity provider. We purchase food from Feed America and we receive some gifts of food from local restaurants, individuals, food drives, and businesses.
Our Clients
CCAM offers programs to prevent eviction and utility shut-off, and we help with transportation to medical appointments, and other needs. We do not require proof of income, but we do ask clients to bring their shutoff or eviction notice with them when requesting assistance. We pay the utility or landlord directly on our client’s behalf and encourage our client to work out a payment plan or state assistance plan through the Michigan 2-1-1: Find Help program. Please bring an appointment card or referral when asking for medical travel assistance.
Our Volunteers
CCAM welcomes volunteers willing to work hard for the joy of serving their community. Even our program managers are dedicated volunteers. Some of our volunteers were once clients, but now pay-it-forward by becoming volunteers. Join us!
Our Programs
We offer annual programs for adults and children, such as school supplies in the School Backpack Program, children’s Christmas gifts through Angel Tree Program and appropriate outerwear for our winters through Coat the Copper Country. We also work with the school districts to meet special material needs of children identified by teachers.
Think of Angel Mission Store as a consignment store, but instead of a price tag and checkout counter, you can put a little something in the donation box as payment. Your donation supports the Store, Food Pantry, and our many programs. Come shop and help others in the process.