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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/28/20 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical debt for thousands of low-income Mid-Michigan residents, and another to a couple who stepped in and saved a food distribution house in Flint.<br><br>The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Lansing</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MIAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Michigan</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-michigan/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LANSING-MI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMichigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical" name="description"/> <meta content="Gools, Andrus, Awards, go, church, couple, extraordinary, acts, of, kindness" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness-mi-2020-02-28.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Stephen J. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/28/20 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical debt for thousands of low-income Mid-Michigan residents, and another to a couple who stepped in and saved a food distribution house in Flint.<br><br>The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Lansing</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MIAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Michigan</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-michigan/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LANSING-MI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMichigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical" name="description"/> <meta content="Gools, Andrus, Awards, go, church, couple, extraordinary, acts, of, kindness" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness-mi-2020-02-28.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt for erasing medical debts for thousands of people. The"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1ce7ecc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/640x411+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F36%2Fb4%2F45d6ee3f45dbb435b1940f06e078%2Fgools-award-winner-2020.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt for erasing medical debts for thousands of people. 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Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Lansing</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MIAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Michigan</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-michigan/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LANSING-MI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMichigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical" name="description"/> <meta content="Gools, Andrus, Awards, go, church, couple, extraordinary, acts, of, kindness" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness-mi-2020-02-28.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Stephen J. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/28/20 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical debt for thousands of low-income Mid-Michigan residents, and another to a couple who stepped in and saved a food distribution house in Flint.<br><br>The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Lansing</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MIAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Michigan</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-michigan/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LANSING-MI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMichigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical" name="description"/> <meta content="Gools, Andrus, Awards, go, church, couple, extraordinary, acts, of, kindness" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness-mi-2020-02-28.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt for erasing medical debts for thousands of people. The"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1ce7ecc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/640x411+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F36%2Fb4%2F45d6ee3f45dbb435b1940f06e078%2Fgools-award-winner-2020.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt for erasing medical debts for thousands of people. 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Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? 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'' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Lansing</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MIAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Michigan</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-michigan/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LANSING-MI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMichigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical" name="description"/> <meta content="Gools, Andrus, Awards, go, church, couple, extraordinary, acts, of, kindness" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness-mi-2020-02-28.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Stephen J. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/28/20 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical debt for thousands of low-income Mid-Michigan residents, and another to a couple who stepped in and saved a food distribution house in Flint.<br><br>The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Lansing</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MIAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Michigan</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-michigan/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LANSING-MI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMichigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical" name="description"/> <meta content="Gools, Andrus, Awards, go, church, couple, extraordinary, acts, of, kindness" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness-mi-2020-02-28.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt for erasing medical debts for thousands of people. The"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1ce7ecc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/640x411+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F36%2Fb4%2F45d6ee3f45dbb435b1940f06e078%2Fgools-award-winner-2020.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt for erasing medical debts for thousands of people. 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Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Lansing</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MIAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Michigan</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-michigan/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LANSING-MI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMichigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical" name="description"/> <meta content="Gools, Andrus, Awards, go, church, couple, extraordinary, acts, of, kindness" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness-mi-2020-02-28.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Stephen J. 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AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical debt for thousands of low-income Mid-Michigan residents, and another to a couple who stepped in and saved a food distribution house in Flint.
The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.
Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.
The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.
In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”
“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.
According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”
The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.
“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.
Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.
On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.
And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote
This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the AARP Michigan page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.
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LANSING, MI
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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 242]Code Context<?php // if (!$nowrapper) (Globals::$language == 'es') ? include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer_es.html") : include(APP . "/Resource/aarpe_footer.html"); ?>
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/28/20 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical debt for thousands of low-income Mid-Michigan residents, and another to a couple who stepped in and saved a food distribution house in Flint.<br><br>The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Lansing</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MIAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Michigan</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-michigan/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LANSING-MI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMichigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical" name="description"/> <meta content="Gools, Andrus, Awards, go, church, couple, extraordinary, acts, of, kindness" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness-mi-2020-02-28.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Stephen J. 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Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Lansing</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MIAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Michigan</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-michigan/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LANSING-MI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMichigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical" name="description"/> <meta content="Gools, Andrus, Awards, go, church, couple, extraordinary, acts, of, kindness" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness-mi-2020-02-28.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Stephen J. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/28/20 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical debt for thousands of low-income Mid-Michigan residents, and another to a couple who stepped in and saved a food distribution house in Flint.<br><br>The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Lansing</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MIAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Michigan</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-michigan/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LANSING-MI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMichigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical" name="description"/> <meta content="Gools, Andrus, Awards, go, church, couple, extraordinary, acts, of, kindness" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness-mi-2020-02-28.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt for erasing medical debts for thousands of people. The"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1ce7ecc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/640x411+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F36%2Fb4%2F45d6ee3f45dbb435b1940f06e078%2Fgools-award-winner-2020.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt for erasing medical debts for thousands of people. The"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1ce7ecc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/640x411+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F36%2Fb4%2F45d6ee3f45dbb435b1940f06e078%2Fgools-award-winner-2020.jpg"/> :root { --primaryColor: #ff1e3c; --primaryTextColor: #2a2a2a; --linkTextColor: #1f66bd; --linkHoverColor: #1f66bd; --secondaryTextColor: #000000; --secondaryColor2: #000000; --secondaryColor3: #000000; --secondaryColor4: #000000; --secondaryColor5: #000000; --black: #000000; --white: #ffffff; --grey: #f0efed; --gridGutters: 30px; --modulePadding: 60px; --pageWidth: 86.11%; --maxPageWidth: 1240px; --horizontalAlignment: center; --fontFamily: 'Roboto', sans-serif; --headerBackgroundColor:#000000; --headerTextColor:#FFFFFF; --headerHeight:50px; --footerbackgroundColor:#000000; --footerTextColor:#918883; }', 'title_for_layout' => '{local_city_c}, {local_state} Happenings - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/28/20 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical debt for thousands of low-income Mid-Michigan residents, and another to a couple who stepped in and saved a food distribution house in Flint.<br><br>The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/28/20 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical debt for thousands of low-income Mid-Michigan residents, and another to a couple who stepped in and saved a food distribution house in Flint.<br><br>The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Lansing</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MIAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Michigan</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-michigan/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LANSING-MI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMichigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ', 'scripts_for_layout' => '<title>Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical" name="description"/> <meta content="Gools, Andrus, Awards, go, church, couple, extraordinary, acts, of, kindness" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness-mi-2020-02-28.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt for erasing medical debts for thousands of people. The"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/dims4/default/1ce7ecc/2147483647/strip/true/crop/640x411+0+0/resize/420x270!/quality/90/?url=http%3A%2F%2Faarp-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fstates%2F36%2Fb4%2F45d6ee3f45dbb435b1940f06e078%2Fgools-award-winner-2020.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="article"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta property="og:description" content="The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt for erasing medical debts for thousands of people. 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Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Lansing</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MIAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Michigan</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-michigan/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LANSING-MI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMichigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical" name="description"/> <meta content="Gools, Andrus, Awards, go, church, couple, extraordinary, acts, of, kindness" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness-mi-2020-02-28.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Stephen J. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.bodyTargeting.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 243]Code Context<?php if (!$nowrapper): // MLW - Spanish wrappers TBD
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/28/20 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical debt for thousands of low-income Mid-Michigan residents, and another to a couple who stepped in and saved a food distribution house in Flint.<br><br>The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Lansing</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MIAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Michigan</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-michigan/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LANSING-MI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMichigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical" name="description"/> <meta content="Gools, Andrus, Awards, go, church, couple, extraordinary, acts, of, kindness" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness-mi-2020-02-28.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Stephen J. 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Warning (2): include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html) [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/28/20 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical debt for thousands of low-income Mid-Michigan residents, and another to a couple who stepped in and saved a food distribution house in Flint.<br><br>The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Lansing</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MIAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Michigan</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-michigan/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LANSING-MI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMichigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical" name="description"/> <meta content="Gools, Andrus, Awards, go, church, couple, extraordinary, acts, of, kindness" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness-mi-2020-02-28.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Stephen J. 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Warning (2): include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/Resource/aarp2_master.resource.footer.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244]Code Contextinclude (APP . "Resource/aarp2_master.footer.html");
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</h1></header> <div class="posted-on"> Posted on 02/28/20 </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer"> <span class="blog-content"><p><div class="RichTextArticleBody"> <div class="RichTextArticleBody-body"><p>AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical debt for thousands of low-income Mid-Michigan residents, and another to a couple who stepped in and saved a food distribution house in Flint.<br><br>The Stephen J. Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? 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"/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? 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Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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Gools Award for Social Change was presented to Northpointe Community Church of DeWitt. This award is named for AARP Michigan’s former state director, who served for a dozen years with deep passion and commitment before passing away in 2011. It goes to an individual, couple, group or non-profit organization that has significantly contributed to positive social change in Michigan.<br><br>Winner of the Andrus Award this year is a couple, Howard and Rochelle Thompson of Grand Blanc. The award is named for AARP Founder Ethel Percy Andrus and honors outstanding individuals who share their experience, talent, and skills to enrich the lives of their senior community members.<br></p><div class="Enhancement"> <div class="Enhancement-item"><figure class="Figure" data-alignment="center"><img src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/03/9b/530c6efc4ddf939b19325f21a1aa/andrus-award-winners-2020.jpg" alt="Andrus Award winners 2020.jpg"/> </figure> </div> </div><p>The Northpointe congregation did an extraordinary thing for 3,800 families in the Mid-Michigan area. They partnered with RIP Medical Debt, a New York-based nonprofit and together, they are erasing $3.8 million in medical debt for those families. They’re doing this by purchasing the debt portfolios for a fraction of the amount owed. That includes families in Clinton County, Grand Ledge, Laingsburg, DeWitt Township and part of north Lansing.<br><br>In December, the beneficiaries received a letter during the holiday season that said: “We are pleased to inform you that you no longer owe the balance on this medical debt. The debt has been canceled and abolished with funds donated by Northpointe Community Church. This is a no-strings-attached gift.”<br><br>“As a church to be able with all kinds of different families to bring hope to people who were desperate was such a huge deal, and we’re so grateful God could use us that way,” said Rick Ruble, Pastor of Northpointe Community Church.<br><br>According to the person who nominated the Thompsons for the Andrus Award, Howard and Rochelle Thompson “have servant hearts that inspired them to step in and supervise the Food Storehouse at Riverside Tabernacle in Flint, when the gentleman who initiated the program 20 years ago retired.”<br><br>The Food Storehouse serves some 500 persons every Tuesday. That number can double during holidays. It takes 2 full days to prepare for 30 volunteers to gather, stack, box, and deliver this food.<br><br>“It is such a blessing to us each week, and we have the most wonderful volunteer staff,” Rochelle Thompson said.<br><br>Howard is a retired General Motors employee. Rochelle is a retired public school teacher. This couple has put public and missionary service before personal privilege for years.<br><br>On Mondays and Tuesdays when the Thompsons were not at Riverside, they were in places like Haiti helping build a water filtration system; assisting in Puerto Rico’s hurricane recovery effort; joining a crew to build a church in Peru; or accompanying their son, an ophthalmologist, who performs cataract and cornea surgery in third world countries.<br><br>And in the spirit of voter engagement, another activity close to AARP’s heart, the Thompsons belong to the League of Women Voters in Flint and they truly enjoy going into the high school in their community to register senior students to vote</p></div> </div> </p></span> </div> </div> <p><i>This story is provided by AARP Michigan. Visit the <a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank">AARP Michigan</a> page for more news, events, and programs affecting retirement, health care, and more.</i></p> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><script src="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.c85a242a55150cd195e494cd6e5b9c77.gz.js" async=""></script> <link rel="stylesheet" media="all" href="https://aarp-states.brightspotcdn.com/resource/00000168-dd17-d487-a96e-df5fe3ee0000/styleguide/All.min.bfe6eb5a8301841feef3af4e9bd1e26d.gz.css"> <!-- bypass --> <style> a:focus, a:hover { text-decoration: underline; } h1.article-headline { margin: 0 0 1rem; } </style> <!-- <style> .Enhancement-item .Figure { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body ul { margin-bottom: 24px; } .RichTextArticleBody-body p{ margin: 12px 0; } .RichTextModule-items { clear: both; display: table; width: 100%; margin-bottom: 12px; } .VideoEnhancement>* { color: var(--primaryTextColor); font-size: 13px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.4; font-style: italic; background: #f0efed } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement>* { font-size:14px; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.47 } } .VideoEnhancement-title { padding: 20px } @media only screen and (min-width: 768px) { .VideoEnhancement-title { padding:30px } } .VideoEnhancement-player>* { position: relative; width: 100%; height: 0; padding-bottom: 56.25% } .VideoEnhancement iframe { border: 0; position: absolute; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100% } [data-video-player] { display: block; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; margin: 0 auto; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="4x3"] { padding-bottom: 56.25%; } [data-video-player][data-aspect-ratio="16x9"] { padding-bottom: 56.25% } </style> --></div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024" href="/lansing-mi/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-NEWSSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">Upcoming AARP Events</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/fitness-strengthen-your-bones-qzn35fzyfjf.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-FITNESS-CLASS-STRENGTHEN-YOUR-BONES">Fitness Class: Strengthen Your Bones</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/smart-drivertek-virtual-workshop-discover-the-safety-benefits-of-new-car-technology-ryn8hl3hp8v.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-VIRTUAL-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK Virtual Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Monday, Jul 8, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-smart-drivertek-delta-township-mi-71024-100-pm-p6njwc3pt7m.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-SMART-DRIVERTEK-INPERSON-WORKSHOP-DISCOVER-THE-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECHNOLOGY">Smart DriverTEK In-Person Workshop: Discover the Safety Benefits of New Car Technology</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Jul 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">DELTA TOWNSHIP DISTRICT LIBRARY</p> <p class="loc">LANSING, MI</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/lansing-mi/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include(/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html): failed to open stream: No such file or directory [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0c84e-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre><pre class="cake-error"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none');"><b>Warning</b> (2)</a>: include() [<a href='http://php.net/function.include'>function.include</a>]: Failed opening '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app//Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html' for inclusion (include_path='/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/lib:.:/usr/share/pear:/usr/share/php') [<b>APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code</b>, line <b>1</b>]<div id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-trace" class="cake-stack-trace" style="display: none;"><a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-code').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Code</a> <a href="javascript:void(0);" onclick="document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display = (document.getElementById('cakeErr668c59db0d695-context').style.display == 'none' ? '' : 'none')">Context</a><pre id="cakeErr668c59db0d695-context" class="cake-context" style="display: none;">$module = array( '_id' => '66158db0e9dff2b1fd9cafcd', 'module_id' => '1098', 'name' => 'RHS - Events Experience', 'type' => 'php', 'data' => '<?php include(APP . "/Resource/experience.master.resource.root.html"); ?>', 'css' => '', 'script' => '', 'cache_time' => '', 'localize' => '0' ) $obj = false</pre><pre class="stack-trace">include - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 eval - APP/Lib/Modules.php(13) : eval()'d code, line 1 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 13 Modules::load() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 29 Localize::getModule() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 294 Localize::replace() - APP/Lib/Localize.php, line 219 Modules::render() - APP/Lib/Modules.php, line 9 include - APP/View/Elements/display.ctp, line 13 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 473 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 BlogsController::display() - APP/Controller/BlogsController.php, line 81 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167</pre></div></pre> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-LANSING-MI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Michigan Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP <br />in Lansing</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:MIAARP@aarp.org" target="_blank" rel="noopener">MIAARP@aarp.org</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/michigan/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Michigan</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/welcome-to-aarp-michigan/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-LANSING-MI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aarp.michigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png" alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/AARPMichigan" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png" alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="AARP Michigan announced this week two major annual awards to extraordinary volunteers, one presented to a DeWitt church whose parishioners wiped out medical" name="description"/> <meta content="Gools, Andrus, Awards, go, church, couple, extraordinary, acts, of, kindness" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://states.aarp.org/michigan/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/news/gools-andrus-awards-go-to-church-couple-for-extraordinary-acts-of-kindness-mi-2020-02-28.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Gools, Andrus Awards go to church, couple for extraordinary acts of kindness"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="The Stephen J. 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