The Holland Deacons’ Conference (HDC) was formed by deacons in the Christian Reformed Church in Classis Holland to promote education, carry out joint diaconal projects, and share in relief efforts during times of crisis. The HDC is the catalyst for combining the resources of our churches to do what one church alone would not be able to do.
In May of 1980, the Holland Deacons’ Conference was incorporated as a 501(c) 3 non-profit corporation. Already involved in the community in areas of social justice, and concerned about the increasing number of homeless and abused women and children, Hospitality House, the first domestic violence shelter in our community was established. The shelter served thousands of women and their children for 27 years with safe shelter and Christ’s love. At the end of 2006 the decision was made to close the shelter based on the capacity of other organizations in the community to carry out the work and the growing financial commitment to operate the shelter. We are thankful for the opportunity the churches saw 27 years ago to make a difference in the lives of women and children.
Adult Foster Care homes, licensed by the State of Michigan for six residents each, soon followed as a combined ministry of all the churches. The homes were established to care for the physical, spiritual and emotional needs of men and women with developmental disabilities. In 1981 My Brother’s House I was established. Thanks to the support of our churches and community, the ministry has grown to five homes; My Sister’s House I in 1988, My Brother’s House II in 1994, My Sister’s House II in 1997, and My Brother’s House III in 1999. The development of our Adult Foster Care homes and programs has put us in a position to share our best practices with other Christian providers. We continue to evaluate the housing needs in our community for persons with developmental disabilities. Our churches continue to support the homes financially as most residents are Medicaid recipients and are on a very limited income.
After many years of area churches discussing the idea of Christian Childcare, Lakeshore Little People’s Place (LLPP) became a reality in 1996. LLPP is a non-profit corporation owned by the Holland Deacons’ Conference. Today we have over 300 children enrolled at four sites; Harderwyk, Providence, East Saugatuck, and South Side Christian School. A Tuition Assistance Fund, supported by our churches, was established to help families with tuition cost.
In March of 2001, we were asked to be the temporary umbrella non-profit for the Holland Free Health Clinic (HFHC). This is a good example of a ministry that needed a non-profit status as the leadership and ministry developed. The mission of the HFHC is to facilitate access to necessary prescription medications for those in need in the Holland community. We worked with a CRWRC consultant in our planning and development to form a community board and gain non-profit status. In April of 2006, Holland Free Health Clinic received its own 501(c)3 non-profit status.
The Holland Deacons’ Conference (HDC) is a partner of the Christian Reformed World Relief Committee (CRWRC) at the local level. We receive assistance on local projects, but also support CRWRC programs in the international community. We have a delegate on the HDC board that is our representative to the CRWRC board.
