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Council recognizes True North to Freedom as local nonprofit for charitable gaming license
Summary
The council approved a request recognizing True North to Freedom as a local nonprofit so the group may obtain a Michigan charitable gaming license. The board representative described services for trafficking survivors and upcoming fundraisers.
The Sterling Heights City Council voted to recognize True North to Freedom as a local nonprofit organization for the purpose of obtaining a state of Michigan charitable gaming license, stipulating that the city’s recognition not be used as an organizational endorsement or appear on promotional materials.
Claudia Royal, identified as the secretary of the True North to Freedom board, told council the nonprofit provides one‑on‑one case management, counseling referrals, a food and clothing pantry, transportation assistance and life‑skills programming for survivors of human trafficking. Royal said the group assisted 85 survivors in 2024 and provided “$333,000 plus in survivor assistance” that included rides, gift cards and direct aid; she also reported 1,200 hours of case management and counseling hours delivered through a partner counseling center.
Councilmember Mister Schmidt moved recognition with conditions; the motion was supported and carried on voice vote. Several councilmembers praised the organization’s work and asked logistical questions: Councilmember Missus Zarko asked whether the organization provides interim housing (Royal said they currently refer clients to partner shelters and sometimes place clients in hotels short term) and Missus Swarovski clarified event locations and ticketing for a golf outing Aug. 22 at Greystone Golf Course and a gala Oct. 10 at Great Oaks Country Club in Rochester and confirmed the group’s website, truenorthtofreedom.org.
Nut graf: The council’s action allows True North to Freedom to seek a state charitable gaming license — a licensing step many local nonprofits take to raise funds. Royal described services and fundraising plans; council members urged the group to post event information and noted the city would not be listed on promotional materials.
The motion included explicit language limiting the city’s role as recognition only: the council resolved that action “is not an endorsement of the organization and the city of Sterling Heights should not be listed on any promotional materials associated with their charitable gaming activities.”
Ending: The council’s recognition was approved; the transcript does not record any follow‑up city financial support or involvement beyond the licensing recognition and the condition about promotional materials.
