United Way will recognize volunteers, HomeTown heroes
UNITED WAY IN THE NEWS
Originally published April 23, 2006
Published by: Observer & Eccentric
United Way for Southeastern Michigan will recognize nine individuals and two groups for their outstanding volunteer service and commitment to others at the annual "Celebrate Volunteers ... Recognizing HomeTown Heroes" luncheon set for Monday in Detroit's Marriott Renaissance Center.
More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the luncheon, billed as one of the largest events of its kind in the nation.
Local residents receiving awards are Jo Ann Wallace of Southfield and Ernie Cooper of Lathrup Village.
Wallace will receive the Bernie Firestone Labor Award sponsored by United Way's Labor Department. The award recognizes an outstanding rank and file member of a local labor union. Cooper will receive the Heart of Gold Award, sponsored by United Way and given to an individual who demonstrates immeasurable commitment to volunteer service in metro Detroit.
Wallace has been described as a person "who just wants to make the world a better place." A member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 345 for more than 30 years, she was elected to the executive board in 1979 and continues to serve as corresponding secretary. Wallace is also the chair of Local 345's Community Services Committee, serves on the Michigan AFSCME Council 25 Women's Committee, and is a member of the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO Community Services Committee.
As part of her work with Local 345's Community Services Committee, Wallace has coordinated numerous Paint the Town projects that gather volunteers to paint houses for low-income and disabled individuals and families. She also lends her culinary skills to provide food for volunteers who build home access wheelchair ramps. Each Christmas, Wallace organizes gift basket giveaways for families in need, distributing approximately 500 baskets last year alone.
Wallace was nominated by Saundra Williams, secretary-treasurer, Metro Detroit AFL-CIO. She also received the Gold Presidential Service Award for the 600 hours she volunteered in the past year.
Cooper has devoted the past 35 years to helping individuals cope with crisis and change. A retired high school chemistry teacher, Cooper began volunteering when he saw his students were succumbing to drugs and alcohol and felt he couldn't help them as much as he would like. He began to investigate volunteer opportunities with local crisis hotlines, but soon learned he also wanted to work with individuals in one-on-one situations.
In 1970, Cooper heard about Common Ground, a new organization started by local high school students, and lent his expertise as a crisis hotline operator. He continues to serve as a call center supervisor at Common Ground Sanctuary, working with individuals seeking guidance.
He also serves on the board of Oakland County Crisis Response, an organization that facilitates debriefings for first responders after traumatic events.
Throughout the 35 years, Cooper continues to come back because of the people he works with and the clients he helps. Many individuals have called the center and talked to him for more than 15 years, seeking his support.
Cooper was nominated by Tony Rothschild of Common Ground Sanctuary. Cooper also received the Gold Presidential Service Award for volunteering 400 hours in the past year and the Call to Service Award for the more than 14,000 hours he's given in his lifetime.
For more information about United Way for Southeastern Michigan to www.uwsem.org.
To nominate someone for a future award or to learn more about year-round volunteer opportunities, click on www.uwsem.org or call United Way's George W. Romney Volunteer Center at (313) 226-9430.
Cooper
Originally published April 23, 2006
Published by: Observer & Eccentric
United Way for Southeastern Michigan will recognize nine individuals and two groups for their outstanding volunteer service and commitment to others at the annual "Celebrate Volunteers ... Recognizing HomeTown Heroes" luncheon set for Monday in Detroit's Marriott Renaissance Center.
More than 1,000 people are expected to attend the luncheon, billed as one of the largest events of its kind in the nation.
Local residents receiving awards are Jo Ann Wallace of Southfield and Ernie Cooper of Lathrup Village.
Wallace will receive the Bernie Firestone Labor Award sponsored by United Way's Labor Department. The award recognizes an outstanding rank and file member of a local labor union. Cooper will receive the Heart of Gold Award, sponsored by United Way and given to an individual who demonstrates immeasurable commitment to volunteer service in metro Detroit.
Wallace has been described as a person "who just wants to make the world a better place." A member of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 345 for more than 30 years, she was elected to the executive board in 1979 and continues to serve as corresponding secretary. Wallace is also the chair of Local 345's Community Services Committee, serves on the Michigan AFSCME Council 25 Women's Committee, and is a member of the Metro Detroit AFL-CIO Community Services Committee.
As part of her work with Local 345's Community Services Committee, Wallace has coordinated numerous Paint the Town projects that gather volunteers to paint houses for low-income and disabled individuals and families. She also lends her culinary skills to provide food for volunteers who build home access wheelchair ramps. Each Christmas, Wallace organizes gift basket giveaways for families in need, distributing approximately 500 baskets last year alone.
Wallace was nominated by Saundra Williams, secretary-treasurer, Metro Detroit AFL-CIO. She also received the Gold Presidential Service Award for the 600 hours she volunteered in the past year.
Cooper has devoted the past 35 years to helping individuals cope with crisis and change. A retired high school chemistry teacher, Cooper began volunteering when he saw his students were succumbing to drugs and alcohol and felt he couldn't help them as much as he would like. He began to investigate volunteer opportunities with local crisis hotlines, but soon learned he also wanted to work with individuals in one-on-one situations.
In 1970, Cooper heard about Common Ground, a new organization started by local high school students, and lent his expertise as a crisis hotline operator. He continues to serve as a call center supervisor at Common Ground Sanctuary, working with individuals seeking guidance.
He also serves on the board of Oakland County Crisis Response, an organization that facilitates debriefings for first responders after traumatic events.
Throughout the 35 years, Cooper continues to come back because of the people he works with and the clients he helps. Many individuals have called the center and talked to him for more than 15 years, seeking his support.
Cooper was nominated by Tony Rothschild of Common Ground Sanctuary. Cooper also received the Gold Presidential Service Award for volunteering 400 hours in the past year and the Call to Service Award for the more than 14,000 hours he's given in his lifetime.
For more information about United Way for Southeastern Michigan to www.uwsem.org.
To nominate someone for a future award or to learn more about year-round volunteer opportunities, click on www.uwsem.org or call United Way's George W. Romney Volunteer Center at (313) 226-9430.
Cooper
Labels: civic engagement, InTheNews
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