Local Partnerships

Neighbor by Neighbor - This local initiative serves the holistic needs of the poor and marginalized in our community by connecting families and residents of Harbor Country with social services.  Service agencies and resources in Berrien County tend to be located in the more populated twin-cities area of the county. NbyN helps Harbor Country residents specifically in finding services and resources that they may not be aware of. Website

Kids Hope USA - For over 25 years, Kids Hope USA has provided a proven program through church-school partnerships that train and equip mentors to reach kids in public schools who would benefit from another caring, reliable, 1-on-1 relationship. Mentors, standing alongside teachers and parents, ensure kids that they are not alone. Through the power of relationship, kids build resilience and a brighter future. We are currently offering Kids Hope in River Valley Elementary Schools. Interested? Contact Pastor Jesse.

Bridgman Retirement Home (Gast Rd.) - This is a home for senior adults on Gast Road. in Bridgman where we host holiday parties throughout the year. Volunteers help provide food, prizes for games and volunteer with the residents at the parties.

Harbor Country Mission - Harbor Country Mission exists to aid those who are in and on the border of financial poverty through giving opportunities for local service to the poor.

Food For Thought (formerly Blessings in a Backpack) - Volunteers from HCC meet at RV Schools the first two weeks of the month to pack food for students to take home.

Water’s Edge Community Meal - On the second Wednesday evening of every other month, join others to help with a community meal at Water’s Edge Church in New Buffalo. Volunteers are needed for 2 hour shifts to set tables, prepare a planned dinner, and clean up. Desserts are also needed for these events.

Feeding American Mobile Food Pantry - The cost of living remains a significant challenge for those in West Michigan—you and your family don’t have to choose between paying bills and eating nourishing food. You can find food available at no cost where you live. We partner with Feeding America’s Mobile Food Pantry and offer regular drive thru service so you can find the food resources in West Michigan that you need. Don’t forget, if you are waiting in line, you are welcome to come on in for a cup of coffee, a treat, and some connection.

Additionally, as a host site, HCC relies on volunteers to help pack boxes of food and distribute them to cars lined up in our parking lot. The day of the week changes (usually Tuesday or Thursday), but the time commitment to serve is typically 2:30-4:30pm.

Harbor Country Emergency Food Pantry - The area served by the HCEFP is like a triangle starting from Bridgman south to the Indiana boundary, then east to Galien and finally west to Bridgman. Anyone living within that triangle is eligible to be served. The service includes financial help as well as food and clothing.

SWM Youth Collective - The SWM Youth Collective brings local youth groups together to collaborate on excellent student ministry events. As a group of youth and student pastors, our goal is to work collectively to offer a few great events each year in which all our youth groups can participate, to provide a great way to connect, and to live out the truth of Ephesians 4:5-6. Check out the SWMYC website for more.