For years, local non-profits had heard(from staff, communities, and board members) that if they were to collaborate for greater impact on the community. As we had no blueprints, our primary starting ingredients were sheer will, perseverance, and great contacts. Early life for MRC was difficult, with many doors closing in our path, and numerous experts(in both the public and non-profits) expressing their skepticism about such an ambitious project. After over a decade however, our vision has shown bright. Those early days were fraught with peril; as we struggled to raise funds, many non-profits' fates hung in the balance. Financial support, starting with a handful of churches, local businesses, and individuals, enabled word of our message and vision to spread. When supported so strongly by the community, what can you do but fight for an idea? And so, we took the biggest gamble yet...one that still profits the community to this day. In 1997, Weed & Seed, a local multi-service program, noted that a food pantry was needed for Holland's North side. With collaboration and partnership in mind, they immediayely contacted Community Action House. With contacts through churches, yet other agencies, community members, and a generous portion of precipitous luck, a location was found. But a problem arose...it was too large for a single tenant. This culminated in the biggest blessing yet, as word spread of an affordable location available for rent near other non-profits, and interest soared. Looking inward, we said a quiet prayer for strength, and took the proverbial plunge to form MRC. We are the first non-profit of its kind in the area to offer so many opportunities and so much support under one roof, and are the first to have such a diverse cast, ranging from non-profits to church plants. Our success in this journey is due to faith, determination, and the support of an innumerable amount of good people.
