Restoring the lives of men by meeting needs and building relationships.

We work to see lives impacted by mental illness, homelessness and incarceration regenerated. We believe that mental illness and past mistakes do not need to completely define a family's future. There is redemption and restoration.

What Does OSF Do?

Relational Outreach

People need people. We seek to help restore the lives of those we work with by forming genuine, impactful relationships.

Meet Real,
Tangible Needs

We all have basic needs. Food, shelter, jobs, purpose, a sense of belonging... the list goes on. We help provide for real needs.

Educate
and Reform

We seek to educate to break the stigma that often comes with mental illness, incarceration, and criminal reform.

the ripple effect

Making a difference one life at a time.

Issues like housing for those released from prison, mental illness and homelessness are daunting. We believe that the fasted path to change is impacting one life at a time and educating one person at a time. That is how we break stigmas and impact lives.

How We Work
the ripple effect

Making a difference one life at a time.

Issues like housing for those released from prison, mental illness, and homelessness are daunting. We believe that the quickest path to change is impacting one life at a time and educating one person at a time. That is how we break stigmas and impact lives.

How We Work
MATTHEW 25:40

We’re focused on who society views as the “Least of These”

The "least of these" referenced in Matthew 25:40 speak of those who are sick, imprisoned, hungry, alone, in need of clothes, etc. In this passage, Jesus says that service of the "least of these" is service to Him.

Men in the Family

The absence of a male in the family can lead to many issues including greater risk of poverty, behavioral problems in children, increased risk of substance abuse, and a higher likelihood of incarceration. We believe restoring men back to their family can cause a positive chain reaction.

The Mental Illness Stigma

Over 15% of people believe that people with mental illness are a burden to society. Around 60% of those with mental illness never receive care. A massive portion of incarceration and homelessness stems from untreated issues and stigmatized views on mental health.

Homelessness

Over 580,000 people are homeless in America as of 2020. 25% of these people are seriously mentally ill while another 45% have a mental illness. Mental illness, homelessness and incarceration are a tightly linked chain. We aim to address all of these related issues and make a difference.

Criminal Reform

There are 2 million people in the nation’s prisons and jails—a 500% increase over the last 40 years. Many are incarcerated due to mental illness. We help paroled inmates restore their lives. Not all inmates belong in prison. We are on a mission to educate and treat versus incarcerate.

Well, I made a difference for that one!

Once upon a time, there was an old man who used to go to the ocean to do his writing. He had a habit of walking on the beach every morning before he began his work. Early one morning, he was walking along the shore after a big storm had passed and found the vast beach littered with starfish as far as the eye could see, stretching in both directions.

Off in the distance, the old man noticed a small boy approaching.  As the boy walked, he paused every so often and as he grew closer, the man could see that he was occasionally bending down to pick up an object and throw it into the sea.  The boy came closer still and the man called out, “Good morning!  May I ask what it is that you are doing?”

The young boy paused, looked up, and replied “Throwing starfish into the ocean. The tide has washed them up onto the beach and they can’t return to the sea by themselves,” the youth replied. “When the sun gets high, they will die, unless I throw them back into the water.”

The old man replied, “But there must be tens of thousands of starfish on this beach. I’m afraid you won’t really be able to make much of a difference.” The boy bent down, picked up yet another starfish and threw it as far as he could into the ocean. Then he turned, smiled and said, “It made a difference to that one!”

We Are A Passionate Team United With One Cause.

We are a team of professionals who saw a massive need and developed a foundation to help. We use our professional backgrounds, experiences and networks to provide outreach and resources to those who need it the most.

Get to Know Us
FEATURED STORY

Josh Fights Mental Illness and Conquers Addiction

READ MORE
FEATURED STORY

Helping Mike Rebuild Bridges He Thought Were "Burnt".

READ MORE

Educational Resources

stories
LEARN
OUR MISSION
3.18.22

Senseless, Not Shocking

Recent headlines tell a story of senseless serial violence against homeless people in DC and NYC. Sadly, it's not unique.

stories
LEARN
OUR MISSION
4.8.22

Grand Rapids' Homelessness Outreach Team; A Shared Mission

Since its start in 2020, the City of Grand Rapids' Homeless Outreach Team has had significant impact in our community.

stories
LEARN
OUR MISSION
2.28.22

Good Morning! May I Ask You What It Is You Are Doing?

I go back to the story of the young boy and his daunting task of saving starfish...

Check out our current needs

View Needs

Volunteer
your time

Volunteer

Make a financial
donation

Donate