LIFT Community Outreach

To create a community where individuals are supported, empowered, and inspired to thrive in the now and build for the future

A future where every person has access to the tools, encouragement, and opportunities they need to achieve lasting stability and success

LIFT began with a simple calling: to support people in real, practical ways while honoring their dignity and restoring hope. After witnessing how many families struggle to access consistent support, guidance, or resources, it became clear that our community needed a place where encouragement, stability, and long-term success could be built.

With faith and determination, LIFT grew quickly. What often takes nonprofits years happened in just 2½ months—our 501(c)(3) approval—confirming the urgency and purpose behind the work. God provided every step of the way, from the people involved to the doors opened, and LIFT was born.

Today, LIFT continues to expand, serving families, partnering with community members, and developing programs that uplift individuals in the moments they need it most.

Compassion – We meet people where they are
Empowerment – Every individual deserves the opportunity to grow and succeed
Dignity – Every person is valued and respected
Integrity – We steward resources and relationships responsibly
Hope – We believe brighter futures are possible for everyone
Community – We partner with volunteers, churches, and organizations to make a lasting impact

LIFT may be new, but its impact is already meaningful and growing. With the support of donors, volunteers, and partners, we are meeting immediate needs while encouraging long-term success. Families are feeling supported, individuals are finding hope, and a stronger community is being built—one person at a time.

Founder & Executive Director, LIFT Community Outreach

I have been serving in the nonprofit sector since 2005, guided by a deep passion for helping individuals feel supported, empowered, and seen. Although I originally earned my bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Grand Valley State University, life took me in a different direction—one that revealed my true calling.

My journey began at North End Community Ministry, where I coordinated the NE Supper House and later helped lead the food pantry. From there, I continued my work at The Salvation Army and eventually spent eight years as the Director of Social Concerns at St. Alphonsus, developing programs that provided essential resources, dignity, and hope to our community.

With 20 years of experience, I remain committed to building programs that uplift individuals and strengthen families. Founding LIFT Community Outreach has been an extension of my purpose and the work that brings me the most joy—walking alongside people as they thrive in the now and build for their future.

When I was in my mid-twenties, I worked for North End Community Ministry running the NE Supper House program. During those years, I discovered how deeply I was called to help others and make a difference in our community.

One night, I had a dream about a community center — one side offered shelter or housing, and the other side was filled with programs to help people grow and rebuild their lives. I woke up thinking, “That’s interesting,” and carried on with my work.

Fast forward to this past year… that same dream came back to me — as vivid as ever. It stirred something inside me so strongly that I couldn’t go back to sleep until I took notes on my phone. When I woke up the next morning and reread those notes, I felt that maybe God was trying to tell me something.

I didn’t want to rush ahead of His plan, so I waited, prayed, and paid attention to every sign He placed in front of me. One by one, doors started opening, people came alongside me, and I kept getting green light after green light. That’s when I knew — it was time to act.

I gathered a team to help me process the vision, make sure it was realistic, and ensure we weren’t duplicating what others were already doing. Together, we got things in motion, started filling out the paperwork, and — by God’s grace — LIFT Community Outreach was officially approved on September 9, 2025.

What can take over two years to get approved took us just two and a half months. God continues to provide and place the right people in my path. He wants to bless His people and is making sure these programs will continue and be a success.

I’m so incredibly grateful for all of the love, support, and encouragement we’ve received along the way.

— Michelle Hatfield