Harbor Impact Ministries provides community members with life’s necessities

When Blue Water Free Methodist Church purchased Sparlingville Elementary School in Kimball in March 2010, the building became more than the church’s new home.

With the auditorium used as the church sanctuary, the remainder of the building would benefit the community, something that Barb Hanneke, a prominent member of the congregation, had long dreamed about. Hanneke’s dream became a reality with a new Harbor Impact Ministries, which became a non-profit years later in 2017.

Classrooms were transformed into a library, food pantry, nursery, toy area, and a bare necessities room. The ministry stocked everything from clothing, household appliances, cleaning and hygiene items, fresh, canned, and frozen food, baby and children’s clothing, as well as a room with a wide variety of miscellaneous household necessities. In addition, a medical supply room was established, which continues to be managed by a retired nurse practitioner. 

“We opened the doors and let people tell us what they struggled with and needed most. We listened and then we got busy, and that was how Harbor Impact Ministries began, first opening the doors in June 2010, for our very first, what would become known as “Impact Day,” says Hanneke. 

Impact Day is on the second Tuesday of each month from 9 am to 6 pm. Families can shop for food, clothing, medical supplies and equipment, hygiene items, diapers, household items, books, games, and toys. Each classroom displays different items, and guests celebrating a birthday that month are also welcome to choose a gift at the birthday table. The non-profit is also open to the general public Monday through Friday from 9 am to noon.

“At 9 o’clock in the morning, the line can be 50 families deep when we open the doors because Impact Day is what we’re known for,” says Mike Weaver, current director of Harbor Impact Ministries. 

The organization has grown tremendously since its opening. In June 2010, 48 families were served, and in September 2024, a total of 600 families visited and benefited from Harbor Impact Ministries with 452 families having attended Impact Day.

Impact Day provides an opportunity for St. Clair County’s major agencies to be on-site to provide immediate resources for those in need. Among these participants are the Health Department which provides free vaccinations and St. Clair County Community Mental Health, the Department of Health and Human Services, several insurance companies including Blue Cross, Medicare, and Medicaid, free cell phones, and hospice caregivers to provide information for families.

Regular contributors include Mid City Nutrition and Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, who donate the majority of the month’s food totaling over 20,000 pounds. There are currently 15 to 20 churches financially supporting  Harbor Impact regularly, and other finances are obtained through donations.

According to Hanneke, St. Clair County’s Women’s League also provides generous financial assistance and regular volunteers year after year, providing the funds for items such as diapers, food, laundry detergent, and cleaning products. 

Currently, the organization sees approximately 60 to 70 new faces monthly. Most of them are younger families who have had their employment hours reduced, making it difficult to support their children, especially with the current rising grocery prices.

“I have a heart for those who struggle,” Weaver says. “The economy is tough right now, and difficulties can snowball for young families. We’ve got to care for these people.”

Shelly Wildmo, who is currently receiving disability and benefiting from Harbor Impact Ministries says the people are always so kind, and they don’t look down on anyone in need. 

Hanneke adds they are grateful that they can provide for the needs of their community and hope that their model is spread to other areas in the state.