Lake Orion students volunteer at Grace Centers of Hope in Pontiac

A group of students from Lake Orion Community Schools recently spent an evening serving up more than just dinner at Grace Centers of Hope.

The group of Lake Orion students volunteered at the nonprofit’s women’s center in Pontiac, bringing food they helped provide and prepare to serve to residents currently enrolled in Grace Centers of Hope’s life skills program. The students plated meals, greeted residents with smiles, and spent time connecting with women who are working to rebuild their lives after experiencing homelessness, addiction and abuse.

For the Lake Orion students, the evening provided an opportunity to serve their neighbors in a tangible way — and to witness firsthand the power of community support. Grace Centers of Hope leaders say community partnerships like this play a vital role in helping residents stay encouraged and connected as they work toward long-term transformation.

“This wasn’t just about delivering a meal,” said Darin Weiss, CEO of Grace Centers of Hope. “These students showed up with compassion and a willingness to serve. Their kindness sends a powerful message to the women in our program — that the community sees them, values them and believes in their future. We are incredibly grateful for these students for their effort and goodwill in supporting our mission, and all local residents who take the time to support our work rebuilding lives.”

Grace Centers of Hope is a faith-based nonprofit that offers comprehensive, long-term programs focused on life transformation. Rather than providing temporary shelter alone, the organization offers structured residential programs that include GED completion, job training, counseling, financial literacy, parenting classes and spiritual mentorship. The women served at the Pontiac campus are participating in a program designed to help them achieve stability, employment and permanent housing.