GOMOC director reflects on year of changes for agency

Photo by Tom Rivers: Albion village trustee Tim McMurray and Jami Allport, executive director of the Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern, on Jan. 25 walk along the railroad tracks in Albion between Main Street and West Academy Street. They were among several agency and government leaders out that day trying the measure the homeless population in the community. Allport offered gift cards to Tops, as well as snacks, blankets and gloves.

ALBION – As 2024 comes to a close, Genesee-Orleans Ministry of Concern’s director Jami Allport is reflecting on the impact they have made, with support from the community.

“This year, thanks to your unwavering support, we’ve been able to provide services for 403 families and 1048 individuals,” Allport said. “In 2024, we have had many changes. We moved our office space in April (for which we are so happy and thankful), rebranded and relaunched our youth program, started our homeless outreach program and worked to increase our presence in the community.

“We have had some great times with our Mental Health Walk, the county-wide Recreation Day, pop-up play dates and parades. We loved being able to play games with kids and families before football games, and providing brand new school clothes for more than 80 children, Christmas gifts for more than 60 children and prom tickets for seniors. The outpouring of donations to help support our un-homed friends in the warming center has been nothing short of amazing. None of the would have been possible without the dedication and generosity of our community.”

As the agency looks to the future, key areas of focus for GOMOC are:

• The issue of homelessness, how it looks in our communities and how we can work together to begin to make a positive impact on this community.
• Providing long-term solutions to the people we serve. We do not want to just be a temporary “band aid,” but rather facilitate real change for the community.
• Continuing to partner with others in the community to identify gaps in care and work to fill those gaps.
• Providing much-needed support to the schools in Genesee and Orleans counties and to the youth they serve.
• Continuing to support the community members in need with rental assistance, furniture, prescription co-pays, personal care items, gas vouchers, bus passes and advocacy.

To their volunteers, donors, partners and supporters, Allport said their time, energy and contributions have made a real difference, and they are so grateful for each and every one of them.

“Your commitment has helped us create positive change, and for that, we are truly thankful,” Allport said. “As we look ahead to 2025, we are filled with hope and excitement for the work we will continue to do together. Our journey isn’t over – we can’t wait to see what we will achieve in the coming year.”

Allport concluded with a “thank you” to everyone for being part of their mission and pushing to make the community a better place.