More Than a Handout: How Love INC of North Oakland County Builds Hope Through Relationships
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Love INC of North Oakland County has been quietly transforming lives since opening its doors in 2007, guided by a simple but powerful belief that help should lead to lasting change. As Executive Director Patricia Schapira explains, Love INC is part of a national organization that has served communities for nearly 45 years, but its local impact is deeply personal. “We have served over 10,000 of our neighbors since we’ve opened our doors,” she shared, noting that help comes in many forms.
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Rather than offering quick financial assistance alone, Love INC invites people in for conversation and connection. “We invite them to come in so we can actually put some eyes on them and find out exactly how they’ve gotten into that situation and what we can help them do to get out of it,” Schapira said. The goal is not just relief, but stability and self sustainability. Budgeting classes, referrals, and partnerships help ensure that assistance today does not turn into crisis tomorrow.
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Love INC serves as a hub for community resources, partnering closely with local churches and organizations such as FISH and St. Vincent de Paul. The organization was also instrumental in launching community meals, a program that has been meeting food needs since 2007. “Our mission is to mobilize local churches to help people in need,” Schapira explained. Today, those meals continue through dedicated church partners in the Lake Orion and Oxford area.
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At the heart of Love INC’s work is relationship building. “We love it when people come in, and we want to follow them even after that hour,” Schapira said. Follow ups, handwritten love notes, and simple check-ins help people feel seen and supported. Sometimes, the help is simply listening. “We’ve entertained plenty of people just who want to come in and talk for an hour, because they feel like they’re heard.”
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Volunteers play a vital role in making this work possible. Love INC relies on volunteer receptionists, intake workers, and event support for its annual fundraising gala each April at Indianwood. Opportunities are flexible, ranging from a few hours a month to weekly shifts. Businesses and community members can also help by referring anyone they encounter who may be struggling. “If they ever hear folks in need, just send them to us,” Schapira emphasized. “That’s what we do.”
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Love INC also serves as a local distribution site for Meals on Wheels through OPC, supporting the Oxford and Addison communities. They are always seeking substitute drivers.
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For those looking for help, ways to give back, or simply a place to turn, Love INC of North Oakland County is ready to listen and connect.
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To inquire about Meals on Wheels volunteering or support, call 248-693-4357 and ask for Karen.
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For more information about Love INC, visit: https://loveincofnoc.org/