Tag Archive for: #MMGivesBack

Alex Lee

Alex Lee Chosen as 2023 Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship Winner

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In 2020 Michigan Mortgage introduced the Service Scholarship with the goal of recognizing High School Seniors who shared the dreams of pursuing a career in service.

Careers in service include:

  • Military
  • Teachers & Educators
  • Government & Politics
  • Police
  • Firefighters
  • First Responders
  • Doctors & Nurses

For 2023, we received dozens of applicants and reviewed each one closely. We learned about each students’ goals and aspirations, community service they completed, impacts they made in West Michigan, and how they plan to give back to those that need it most.

We assembled a Scholarship Committee to select our 2023 winners. Two West Michigan graduates will receive $1,000 to further their education.

Alex LeeAfter much consideration, Michigan Mortgage is pleased to announce Alex Lee, a 2023 Spring Lake High School graduate, as a winner of this year’s Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship.

He said the following in his application.

“The word service to me means, assisting someone or a group of people. I see it as a lifelong dedication and commitment to helping others to a better life, to high rising standards. I believe service is not just t an act of doing something, it is more than that. Service is a genuine act of wanting to help benefit the well-being of others.”

“I hope to give back to the community that made me the person I am today and in the future. Whether that’s donating, volunteering, shopping locally, or supporting small businesses. I absolutely love my community and where I live, and if one day I get the opportunity to start my own local business, I know one hundred percent that I can greatly impact our community. I also want to make sure that our schools and education system are effective and caring to our students. At the end of the day, those students are the next generation, and with proper guidance in the classroom, I believe that we could achieve something that this community has never seen.”

Alex is headed to Hillsdale College in the fall. His long-term career goal is to become a high school teacher and athletic director.

“My career goal is to become a high-school athletic director. I have been blessed with enjoying a successful high school career as a player in both football and lacrosse. Throughout high school, I have observed the work that our athletic director did to help grow all of our programs at every level, including at the middle school and elementary school levels. I want to pursue this career goal so that I can provide the same opportunities to students that I was able to have during high school.”

“I am very thankful and grateful for receiving this scholarship from Michigan Mortgage,” he said. “This scholarship will have a major impact on my studies as it will provide me with the additional drive to work hard and succeed in my studies at Hillsdale College.”

Congratulations, Alex! We wish you continued success!

Jaley Schultz Recognized as 2023 Service Scholarship Winner

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In 2020 Michigan Mortgage introduced the Service Scholarships with the goal of recognizing High School Seniors who shared the dreams of pursuing a career in service.

Careers in service include:

  • Military
  • Teachers & Educators
  • Government & Politics
  • Police
  • Firefighters
  • First Responders
  • Doctors & Nurses

For 2023, we received dozens of applicants and reviewed each one closely. We learned about each students’ goals and aspirations, community service they completed, impacts they made in West Michigan, and how they plan to give back to those that need it most.

Our Scholarship Committee selected two West Michigan graduates that will receive $1,000 to further their education.

After much consideration, Michigan Mortgage is pleased to announce Jaley Schultz, 2023 North Muskegon High School graduate, as this year’s winner of the Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship.

Jaley said the following in her application.

“To me, service is about sacrificing your own needs and prioritizing the needs of others. Service is beautiful because those who aim to serve others aren’t searching for anything in return, acts of service are purely motivated by putting others before yourself. I have been a member of the Rotary Interact Club at my school since my freshman year, and this year, I have the privilege of being the president. Interact has taught me a variety of lessons and ideals regarding service, but my favorite is our club’s motto: ‘service above self.’ I feel that this quote embodies everything that I want to work toward in life. From my role as a daughter, friend, and student to my future career in the medical field, I will forever aim to epitomize ‘service above self.”

Jaley plans to attend the University of Michigan this fall. Her long-term career goal is to become a doctor or physician assistant, potentially specializing in pediatrics or obstetrics.

“I have been interested in the medical field for as long as I can remember,” Jaley said. “It perfectly combines my love for science and my passion for helping others. I have also grown up with many little cousins, which is the primary reason for my interest in pediatrics/obstetrics.”

“It is widely known that, for my desired career path, there are many steps to accomplish before you can officially enter the workforce,” she expressed. “Between undergraduate education, medical/PA school, and low-paying entry level positions, costs add up quickly. With the help of this scholarship, I can start off on the right track and focus more on my studies than on financial stressors.”

Congratulations, Jaley! We wish you continued success in your future endeavors.

Harbor Hospice

Hometown Highlights: Harbor Hospice

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Harbor Hospice is much more than a place.

They are devoted to giving each family a gift when they need it most… quality of life for their patients when they are facing life’s greatest challenge.

For over 40 years, Harbor Hospice has been serving the greater Muskegon area with so much compassion and love as they focus on patient’s emotional and physical well-being.

Harbor HospiceMost of us have a loved one who has had the thoughtful and heartfelt care of Hospice.

Dame Cicily Saunders, founder of the first modern hospice summed up the mission of hospice:

“You matter because of who you are. You matter to the last moment of your life, and we will do all we can, not only to help you die peacefully, but also to live until you die.”

Here are a few things you might not know about our local Harbor Hospice.

  • Camp Courage, funded by Harbor Hospice, gives children that have lost a loved one, the opportunity to attend an amazing two-night camp! While at camp, the kids have all kinds of fun activities sprinkled in with master social workers that provide emotional support. For 21 years, this camp has been making a difference to up to 40 campers each summer.
  • The Cooking for One program gives 12 participants the opportunity to work with Chef Char to learn to cook for one. Participants have two nights of cooking instruction and learn to better manage their lives after suffering the loss of a loved one.
  • Hospice provides 13 months of bereavement to those individuals that have lost a loved one. They receive quarterly phone calls, opportunities for group meetings, and mailings. It is important to Hospice to provide support for caregivers and family managing the loss of a loved one.

All three of these programs are funded by local fundraising efforts. If you would like to support these programs what can you do?

Buy a ticket to one of their fundraising events, give a donation, like Harbor Hospice on Facebook, learn about being a corporate sponsor or sign up for their newsletter.

Make sure you go to www.harborhospicemi.org to learn more about their services. There are many myths around what Harbor Hospice does, when actually they provide many services that most of us are not aware of.

Love in Action

Hometown Highlights: Love in Action

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This was written by the staff at Love in Action and submitted for our Hometown Highlights feature. This story shows the power of connection and the importance of Love in Action’s mission.

It was 2 a.m. in the middle of a dark church parking lot. Light shone on a couple of women lounging in lawn chairs and chitchatting. A concerned police officer walked up to them and asked, “What are you ladies up to?”

“Just enjoying the evening, officer,” one joyfully replied.

Love in ActionWhat had begun a few months before as casual conversation with others waiting in line for a food truck had developed into friendships. Deb (name changed to protect the client) and her new friends started meeting earlier to wait together. They shared vulnerabilities in their situations and connected over history, loss and hardship. While grieving the loss of her son, Deb found a safe place with friends. These friends walked alongside her during good times and hard times. They even came together over the holidays.

“For the first time in a long time, I felt safe and not judged,” Deb recalled.

One of her friends at the food truck suggested Deb join Financial Fitness, a Love in Action program designed to empower participants with skills to work toward financial stability. With the support she received in class, Deb was able to pay off her son’s funeral expense; she made the goal to become debt-free; and she now has money in savings.

She began to thrive because she had tangible resources partnered with emotional support and practical solutions.

Deb’s story reflects the beautiful power of connection. It shows what happens when we find those people who make us feel safe and not judged. We begin to experience community that opens doors and provides support.

Love in Action combines the generous donations of our community to provide for local neighbors who face challenging situations. Love in  action provided 316,000 meals, over 10,000 nights of shelter and hundreds of health care offerings to our neighbors in need. What’s more, as a community, we cultivate the opportunity to safely share the vulnerability of our situations, connect, and build friendships. We nurture a culture of us.

Hannah

Second 2022 Service Scholarship Winner Announced

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In conjunction with our #MMGivesBack and Service Rewards programs, we’ve launched the Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship in hopes of recognizing High School Seniors with dreams of pursuing a career in service.

Careers Include:

  • Military
  • Teachers & Educators
  • Government & Politics
  • Police
  • Firefighters
  • First Responders
  • Doctors & Nurses

We received dozens of applicants and examined each one closely. We learned about their goals and aspirations, the community service they completed and impacts they made in West Michigan and how they plan to give back to those that need it most.

We assembled a Scholarship Committee to select our 2022 winners. Two West Michigan graduates will receive $1,000 to further their education.

HannahAfter much consideration, Michigan Mortgage is pleased to announce Hannah DeVrou, a 2022 Allendale High School Graduate, as a winner of this year’s Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship.

She said the following in her application.

“To me, service is giving to another without them needing to request it. Helping someone in any way you can think of. Service could be as simple as cutting a neighbor’s grass or being there for a friend through a hard season. Service is the most genuine way to show someone that you love them. Service is giving your time to someone else instead of using it on yourself. Service is the most fulfilling way to assist another.”

“I hope to impact our local community in the future by committing wholeheartedly to my career path. By choosing nursing as a major and future career, I am choosing to serve our local community every day I walk into my workplace. Nurses and other Healthcare workers are willing to risk their lives daily by putting themselves in harm’s way to be of service to their community, and I strive for that in my own life. I also plan to volunteer within my community as I do now, making a positive impact on every person I interact with. I plan to serve with the youth of my local church for years to come, mentoring and being a positive influence on young minds.”

Hannah plans to attend the Davenport University and major in Nursing.

“My career goal is to be a Registered Nurse working in a post-operative, pediatric care center,” she said. “I’ve got my hopes set on Helen Devos!”

“This scholarship will impact my studies by helping me save for and afford the schooling to achieve this goal! I am so excited to have been gifted this scholarship and am delighted to use the funding to give back to my community.”

Congratulations, Hannah! You are so deserving of this recognition.

Eryn

First 2022 Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship Winner Announced

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In conjunction with our #MMGivesBack and Service Rewards programs, we’ve launched the Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship in hopes of recognizing High School Seniors with dreams of pursuing a career in service.

Careers Include:

  • Military
  • Teachers & Educators
  • Government & Politics
  • Police
  • Firefighters
  • First Responders
  • Doctors & Nurses

We received dozens of applicants and examined each one closely. We learned about their goals and aspirations, the community service they completed and impacts they made in West Michigan and how they plan to give back to those that need it most.

We assembled a Scholarship Committee to select our 2022 winners. Two West Michigan graduates will receive $1,000 to further their education.

ErynAfter much consideration, Michigan Mortgage is pleased to announce Eryn Bouwhuis, a 2022 Spring Lake High School Graduate, as a winner of this year’s Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship.

She said the following in her application.

“The word ‘service’ brings two other words to my mind which are: selflessness and sacrifice. The first word, selflessness, goes with the idea that in order to perform service you have to put other people’s needs first before yours. Service is the act of putting others in front of yourself. The second word, sacrifice, goes with the idea that service is the act of giving up one’s comfort for the benefit and needs of someone else. Service is done without any complaints, and it is done for the welfare of others. Service brings joy and happiness to others. I believe that service can truly change the lives of others, both the giver and the receiver. Even the smallest acts of service can go a long way. I believe that it is your duty to perform many acts of service throughout your whole lifetime.”

“I hope to work at a local hospital or somewhere close in order to give back to my local community of West Michigan. I believe that working as a nurse will serve as a way to give back to those in need. Another way I hope to impact our local community is by continuing to volunteer at local food pantries, food trucks, and blood drives. I have participated in some volunteer activities through my years on student council that I hope to continue with as I get older.”

Eryn plans to attend the University of South Carolina and major in Nursing. She may further my education by becoming a Nurse Practitioner or Physician’s Assistant.

“This scholarship will help alleviate some stress that comes with paying for college,” she said. With less stress, I will be able to concentrate fully on my studies.”

Congratulations, Eryn! You are so deserving of this recognition.

Image of a family hanging up an American flag

Military Vets: Get a VA Home Loan

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In addition to being one of the country’s leading lenders to first-time home buyers, Michigan Mortgage specializes in helping veterans of the United States military and their families get into their dream homes.

Veterans Affairs (VA) mortgages make it easier for veterans to obtain financing for home ownership. VA loans are available to veterans and active military members. VA loans are guaranteed by the Department of Veterans Affairs and are somewhat easier to qualify for than conventional mortgages.

Image of a family hanging up an American flagVA Home Loan Benefits

VA loans are great because:

  • They can be obtained without any down payment.
  • Mortgage insurance is not required even if you put less than 20% down.
  • The VA does not require a specific credit score for a VA loan.

Although the costs of getting a VA loan are generally lower than they are for other types of low-down-payment mortgages, VA loans do carry a one-time funding fee that varies depending on the down payment and the type of veteran.

According to the VA, veterans who have taken advantage of the program have some of the lowest home ownership default rates, and that the agency also helped 80,000 VA borrowers avoid foreclosure in 2014, saving taxpayers $2.8 billion.

VA Loan Requirements

VA loans are offered to most active duty, reserve or National Guard and veteran service members and even some surviving spouses.

Veterans are able to borrow over $400,000 without any down payment on a principal residence home. According to the VA, almost 90% of VA loans have no down payment.

There’s also no minimum credit score requirement for a VA loan, while most home mortgage loans require a credit score of at least 620 for conventional loans or 580 for most FHA loans. A VA loan can also be used to refinance an existing loan.

VA loans do have specific requirements that most other loans don’t. For instance, all work on the home must be completed before the inspection. Also, there can’t be chipped or peeling paint inside or out, or termites or mold or loose handrails. In other areas, a VA inspection can be a bit more stringent. For example, while most home inspectors merely turn on the home’s furnace to see if it works, the VA requires inspectors to verify that the heat source can keep pipes from freezing.

Are you a vet? Reach out to one of our experienced Loan Officers to learn more. 

This blog post was written by experts at Mortgage 1 and originally appeared on www.mortgageone.com. Michigan Mortgage is a DBA of Mortgage 1. 

Olivia Woodring

First Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship Winner Announced

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In conjunction with our #MMGivesBack and Service Rewards programs, we launched the Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship in hopes of recognizing High School Seniors with dreams of pursuing a career in service.

Careers Include:

  • Military
  • Teachers & Educators
  • Government & Politics
  • Police
  • Firefighters
  • First Responders
  • Doctors & Nurses

We received over 50 applicants and examined each one closely. We learned about their goals and aspirations, the community service they completed and impacts they made in West Michigan and how they plan to give back to those that need it most.

We assembled a Scholarship Committee to select our 2021 winners. Two West Michigan graduates will receive $1,000 to further their education.

Olivia WoodringAfter much consideration, Michigan Mortgage is pleased to announce Olivia Woodring, a 2021 Ravenna High School Graduate, as a winner of this year’s Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship.

She said the following in her application.

“While in high school, it is difficult to see the value of service past “volunteer hours.” Upon realizing this, I have grown to see service not as a tool, like how it is sometimes portrayed, but as a meaningful goal all on its own. I hope that my greatest priority throughout life is to put others before myself. I am aware of the privilege I have had throughout my life, and to me, ‘service’ means to use the resources I have been given throughout my life to give to others.”

“One of Michigan’s greatest assets is its lakes, and West Michigan is no exception. As someone who has taken advantage of outdoor recreation in West Michigan, I would love to play a role in preserving our freshwater ecosystems, whether it be through my career or through volunteering. I also hope that I can show enough compassion and kindness toward others in my community so that these qualities may be passed on, creating a more caring and inclusive environment for future generations.”

Olivia will be a student in the LSA Honors Program at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor in the fall. She plans to major in International Studies and minor in Science, Technology, & Society.

Melanie Block, an educator at Ravenna High School, had nothing but remarkable things to say about Olivia and her work ethic. Olivia is an invaluable asset to the Ravenna community and hopes to impact her small town for many generations to come.

“I am so thankful for the generous scholarship awarded by Michigan Mortgage, and I am excited to use this financial aid to further my education,” she said.

Congratulations, Olivia! You are so deserving of this recognition.

Impact Report

Impacting Our Local Community

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Rob Garrison said it best.

“2020 was quite the year. Between a global pandemic, rioting in our cities and a contentious Presidential election, we know that everyone was tired and frustrated and perhaps ready for 2020 to be over. The uncertainty that the pandemic has placed on so many families is disheartening. We are saddened by the medical, financial and personal suffering that so many have endured in 2020. In that vein, we at Michigan Mortgage have doubled our efforts to make the most impact in areas that we can control: our clients, our employees and the community.”

As we work our way through 2021, we wanted to take a moment to pause and look back on all of the good that happened last year.

Impact ReportHere are a few of our favorite highlights. If you’d like to learn more about 2020 community involvement, click here and flip through our Impact Report.

#MMGivesBack – Honoring Our Local Educators

Prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we launched #MMGivesBack – Honoring Our Local Educators to give back to those that give so much to our local community. Three times in 2020, we recognized a West Michigan educator that went above and beyond in the classroom and donated $1,000 to their school.

We surprised the following teachers, delivered a gift basket and thanked them for their dedication to their students.

Rosanne Willard, Oakridge Elementary in Muskegon
Tammie Thompson, Griffin Elementary in Grand Haven
Julie Anderson, Beach Elementary in Fruitport

Each woman (and their school) was deserving of our Outstanding Teacher Award and $1,000 donation!

As part of #MMGivesBack, educators that financed their mortgage – purchase or refinance – with a Michigan Mortgage Loan Officer received $100 worth of school supplies and we donated $50 worth of school supplies to another teacher on their behalf. In total, we donated supplies to 75 classrooms in more than 20 West Michigan school districts.

Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship

In conjunction with our #MMGivesBack and Service Rewards programs, we launched the Michigan Mortgage Service Scholarship in hopes of recognizing High School Seniors with dreams of pursuing a career in service.

Careers Include:

  • Military
  • Teachers & Educators
  • Government & Politics
  • Police
  • Firefighters
  • First Responders
  • Doctors & Nurses

We will award two $1,000 scholarships to West Michigan Seniors in the coming weeks. Stay tuned!

Dancing with the Local Stars

Our very own Dave Lehner competed in the 2020 Dancing with the Local Stars event in Muskegon. This event was pre-pandemic and one of the last times our community was able to gather for a great cause.

Dave and his team spent hours practicing their routine and gave a flawless performance. We were so happy to be in the audience cheering him on!

Standup for the Cure

This is one of our favorite local events and we were disappointed to miss a fun-filled day at the beach, but our employees stood up and participated at their own homes. Some hiked and explored outdoors while others kayaked, swam and played basketball in their backyards.

Shawn Norden, one of our fabulous Loan Officers, worked hard to raise awareness and get people involved in the 2020 fundraiser. We are always excited to support her and the local food bank and food programs in our area.

“While 2020 was challenging in many ways, it has taught us many lessons that will affect our business for years to come,” Rob said.

Thank you for taking this wild ride with us!

Honoring Our Local Educators

Honoring Our Local Educators: Ms. Tammie Thompson at Griffin Elementary

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MM Gives Back was launched as a way for the Michigan Mortgage team to give back to the community, local and afar. This year, we’re honoring our local educators. Each quarter, Michigan Mortgage will recognize a West Michigan educator and donate $1,000 to their school.

This quarter, we honored Ms. Tammie Thompson, a First Grade Teacher at Griffin Elementary in Grand Haven.

Honoring Our Local EducatorsMs. Thompson was nominated on our Facebook page by Erin Alvarez: “Tammie is an amazing teacher and role model. She encourages her students to work to their full potential. When others put children in ‘boxes,’ she lets the child decide what shape suits them best. She is a selfless teacher whose hard work and dedication often goes unnoticed. She is a ray of sunshine whose smile and positivity can be seen and heard through the halls of the school. She forms long lasting relationships with her students and families and truly cares about the ‘whole’ child. She goes above and beyond to make sure that each child is successful not only academically, but also socially and emotionally. My children continue to praise her for her ability to be a positive influence long after her time with them. She makes each child feel they are important and truly loved and cared for.”

She is so incredibly deserving of this recognition; we learned that first-hand when we visited her at Griffin.

“My wish for myself and my students, which I share with them every day, is to remember that we are valuable and amazing humans simply because we exist,” Tammie said. “Our job is to learn all we can about so many things while at the same time bringing our best selves to every situation.”

“My hope is for all of us to remember that being human means taking risks, making mistakes, feeling strong feelings and learning strategies to manage them. It also means bringing kindness, patience, compassion, respect, and a willingness to listen and learn into every space we enter with others. Every single day I believe this starts with me!”

Click here to see our surprise visit to Griffin Elementary! 

“I am an educator because teaching and learning are my passion,” Tammie said! “I am a lifelong learner myself and every day have set out with the intention to inspire others to have a similar mindset.”

“I am a passionate advocate for positive reinforcement and strategies that work to support desirable behaviors and consequences. Children have a natural yearning to explore, to reflect, to communicate, to connect, and to dream. It is my role as a guide in my classroom to teach and model positive, appropriate ways of satisfying these natural desires.”

“Tending to my students’ emotional and social selves and overall well-being is the first order of business every day in my classroom,” she continued. “By focusing on developing deep and meaningful relationships with students, I can more easily create a space that enables and helps to maintain a strong, safe foundation for curricular learning. Getting to know students on a personal level, listening to their interests, dreams, and concerns sends a strong, consistent message that I believe they are all humans first and learners next.”

On behalf of Michigan Mortgage, Ms. Thompson and Griffin Elementary received a check for $1,000.

“Thank you, Michigan Mortgage, for giving me this award,” she said. “I feel so blessed to have worked across decades with such caring, compassionate, and dedicated families in the Grand Haven area who have been committed to quality in the education of all of our children.”

Thank you for your commitment to education, Ms. Thompson! We are so blessed to recognize you as a recipient of our Honoring Our Local Educators Outstanding Teacher Award.

Honoring Our Local Educators