WWC gives $14,000 to Choices West

HART — Choices West Counseling Services, Inc., a substance abuse treatment center in Hart, was chosen Wednesday, Dec. 2, by the Women Who Care of Oceana County (WWC) to receive personal checks from each of its members totaling $14,000.

The center provides outpatient treatment, prevention and educational services for adolescents, persons with co-occurring mental and substance abuse disorders, pregnant and postpartum women, drunk and drugged driving offenders and criminal justice groups. Choices West hopes to empower those they serve to practice and support a healthy lifestyle.

“Having been involved with nonprofits for many, many years, this is the simplest and easiest way to support them that I’ve ever encountered,” said WWC member Margo Graettinger. “It’s a great way to learn about some terrific, but little known organizations doing great work in Oceana and making a difference.”

A large turnout of WWC members at the Open Hearth Grille in Mears heard about the great work of three area nonprofits, and chose this one. These latest gifts bring the total giving by WWC members to some $144,000 since the group’s first meeting in June of 2012.

“Women Who Care is such a really substantive way to help those who need a hand, and the concept makes it easy for someone to be a part of something that can make a real impact to nonprofits that otherwise would not receive such a significant boost,” added Merry Jane Benner, another member.

On the first Tuesday of March, June, September and December, the women meet for an hour, learn about three worthy causes serving county residents, and choose one that everyone agrees to support with $100 personal checks.  Socializing follows for those who have the time to stay.     

Membership, currently at 140, is open to any woman who wants to be involved in this unique, joint effort to support Oceana causes. Students are welcome to join if they pledge to contribute $50 to the chosen cause at each quarterly meeting.  

The next meeting is Tuesday, March 1, 2016, at Open Hearth. For more information, contact  Amy LaBarge at 313.268.2086, or visit facebook.com/womenwhocareofoceanacounty.