United Way’s Volunteer Center links people, groups to opportunities in metro Detroit

PRESS RELEASE

May 31, 2006

Media Contact(s):
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s George W. Romney Volunteer Center provides an invaluable link for the community by matching individuals and groups with meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties.

The Center’s online search program, Volunteer Solutions, was launched by United Way for Southeastern Michigan in 2002 and is able to connect individuals with organizations that need volunteers. Individuals can search the database by activity, such as working with youth or feeding the hungry, or by zip code to locate a volunteer project that is close to home. So far this year, more than 1,600 metro Detroiters have been connected through the Web site to more than 180 nonprofit agencies in need of volunteers. Through Volunteer Solutions, nonprofits can also register volunteer opportunities at no cost, making it a valuable tool to recruit new volunteers.

The Volunteer Center also coordinates Days of Caring, special day-long projects for groups such as schools, corporations, faith-based organizations, neighbors and friends to work together to make a difference in their communities. The Center has worked with schools such as Warren Woods Tower, West Bloomfield High School and Grosse Pointe Community School; and companies such as DaimlerChrysler, Ford Motor Co., General Motors, McKesson and Marshall Fields.

"United Way’s George W. Romney Volunteer Center is the only service of its kind in this region," said Patricia McCann, director of Volunteer Services at United Way. "Its comprehensive services make it easy to use for people and groups who want to give back to the community but don’t know how to get started."

In addition to Volunteer Solutions, the Volunteer Center partners with Accounting Aid Society, Detroit Executive Service Corps, and Lawrence Technical Institute to conducts BoardWALK, a series of workshops on nonprofit board leadership. The Center also promotes corporate volunteerism through the Southeast Michigan Corporate Volunteer Council (SMCVC). SMCVC strives to act as a catalyst for businesses to help build, promote, and sustain successful volunteer programs through developmental, networking and volunteer opportunities that serve and positively impact metro Detroit.

To learn more about United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s George W. Romney Volunteer Center, become a volunteer, or register a volunteer opportunity, contact United Way at 313-226-9430 or log on to www.uwsem.org and click on “Get Involved.”

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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In It Together

Tom Walsh in Sunday's Free Press has it right ---- 'We're in it together, so let's act like it'. As revealed by the Detroit renaissance study, we rank ourselves dead last as a good place to work and live among like size markets. Not only do other markets rank us last, but we rank our own hometown dead last.

There comes a point in time that we have to 'be careful what we let become normal.' No one would argue that there are significant issues we face. But, we also have some unique opportunities in front of us. As Tom Walsh articulates, the very fact that regional civic organizations are coming together for the first time historically creates a moment in time for action. A time for the region to get one foot firmly placed in the future of regional coordination. As we at United Way heard from local residents, not only do they want that, they expect it from the corporate, civic and public leaders.

Tom Walsh says 'so let's act like it'. Agree. We at United Way have a three step view to community work. Be. Do. Say. Let's be clear on what we are trying to accomplish. Let's do it. Then, and only then, let's say it. So let us not just act it. Rather, let's be clear upon the goal. Let's put our aspiration to work-- do it. Then, we all can say it.

Tom Walsh Article in Free Press

Regional Alliance

In today's Detroit News, columnist Daniel Howes wrote an article titled "Turf War May Slow Michigan Recovery". From my vantage point, I would say that the very economic contraction and social impact is creating an unprecedented opportunity for regional collaboration---and civic leaders are working to capture that opportunity.

We have recently completed a survey of community residents and 90% say they believe the region needs to work together in order for progress to be made. Clearly, the moment is now. There is a community will to see progress made within the region. There is an understanding that we are all connected and that all are needed. To that end, key civic organizations are working to help leverage and connect each others efforts for the betterment of the region.

As with any complex work, there are bumps along the road. Yet, I do believe the region's civic leaders are working more closely together than ever before. Can more be done? You bet. But for the first time in years, key civic institutions are rolling up their sleeves and working to find mutual paths to get work done that will move the region forward. I would be interested in your thoughts on Daniel's column or other insights you might have.

Daniel Howes' Column

United Way vice president helps nonprofit strategize for the future

PRESS RELEASE

May 24, 2006

Media Contact(s):
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

DETROIT – Troy resident Dona Syes Ponepinto, vice president, Resource Investment and Community Partnerships for United Way for Southeastern Michigan, knows how to listen. That’s an important part of her job. Among the many areas she is responsible for, Ponepinto is currently directing the organization through a three-phase process to identify and prioritize what residents feel are the region’s most pressing issues.

Since joining United Way for Southeastern Michigan earlier this year, Ponepinto has worked to conduct focus groups, one-on-one interviews, and a community-wide survey engaging thousands of people in southeast Michigan to identify the concerns most important to them. This ongoing process will result in a comprehensive community investment plan that will direct United Way’s work in the future.

Ponepinto is responsible for United Way’s community investment strategies that will provide measurable and lasting benefits to the metro Detroit community. She oversees the accountability of United Way’s investment of financial resources to assure good stewardship of contributions to benefit programs and services throughout the tri-county area. She serves as the primary liaison to United Way partner agencies and other human service providers, public and private partners to ensure leverage of community relationships and assets. She also oversees United Way’s research area, and division offices in Detroit, as well as Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

“Dona is a tremendous asset to the United Way team,” said Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Her long service to the United Way system and her understanding of strategic community development is a great benefit to us as we strive to best serve the residents of this region.”

Ponepinto has worked in the United Way system for 18 years. She comes to Detroit from California where she served as senior vice president, Community Investments, at Orange County’s United Way. In this role, she was responsible for developing and implementing the organization’s Community Agenda, which focused on economic empowerment. She also managed fund distribution and lead staff in redesigning the process from focusing on funding agencies in the traditional manner, to funding issues. Prior to Orange County’s United Way, she worked as a community development manager, focusing on youth development, at the United Way of Greater Los Angeles.

“This is an exciting time for United Way and this region,” said Ponepinto. “The transition the organization is currently undergoing will result in a stronger focused strategy and an action plan to best serve residents. This will lead to lasting improvements that will positively impact our region for years to come.”

Ponepinto received her bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in counseling from Creighton University in Omaha, Neb. She has been involved in many civic activities including the Junior League of Long Beach and the National Conference for Community and Justice.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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United Way for Southeastern Michigan names Chief Financial Officer

PRESS RELEASE

May 23, 2006

Media Contact(s):
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

DETROIT – United Way for Southeastern Michigan has named Cathy D. Adcock, CPA, as chief financial officer, effective May 24. Adcock has more than 20 years of experience in the accounting and nonprofit management fields.

In her new role, Adcock will be responsible for leading accounting, finance, pension administration, and facilities operations at United Way. She will also serve as the staff liaison to the United Way Board of Directors’ Audit and Finance Committees. She will be responsible for long-range strategic financial planning including multi-year operating and capital budget development.

Adcock will also represent United Way for Southeastern Michigan on United Way of America’s Financial Issues Committee, a group that analyzes, develops and recommends financial and accounting policies for the United Way system, which consists of more than 1,350 independent United Ways nationwide.

“Cathy has a wealth of knowledge in accounting and financial management,” said Michael J. Brennan, president and CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “Her experience and critical eye will greatly help us continue to be a trusted steward of this community’s generous contributions.”

Adcock comes to United Way for Southeastern Michigan from the Capital Area United Way, located in Lansing, Mich. Since 2002, she has served as executive vice president, charged with managing a $6 million budget and overseeing human resources, information technology, and risk management.

Prior to her time at United Way, Adcock served as vice president of Operations & Finance at the Make-A-Wish Foundation in Lansing. She managed the operations of the statewide organization, including a $4 million budget.

Adcock also has experience at multiple accounting firms and has operated her own accounting and computer software consulting firm.

She received her bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Ball State University in Muncie, Ind. In 2005, she completed her master’s degree in Public Administration, specializing in Nonprofit Management, from Western Michigan University.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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DaimlerChrysler wins two United Way of America Summit Awards

PRESS RELEASE
May 18, 2006

Media Contact(s):
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

DETROIT–DaimlerChrysler Corporation was awarded two distinguished United Way of America Summit Awards at the nonprofit’s Community Leaders Conference, May 18, in Denver, Colo. The Summit Award is part of United Way of America’s (UWA) prestigious Spirit of America® Award program, which recognizes a company’s outstanding commitment to improving lives in local communities.

DaimlerChrysler was honored with a Summit Award in two categories: Corporate Community Investment, which recognizes a company for its generous corporate contribution of dollars and resources; and Employee Community Investment, which recognizes a company that provides opportunities for its employees to voluntarily contribute to local communities company-wide.

“DaimlerChrysler has done an outstanding job engaging its employees in both the mission of United Way and the need to address issues facing communities,” said UWA President and CEO Brian A. Gallagher. “Together, DaimlerChrysler and United Way can focus resources on the most pressing problems in local communities to change people’s lives for the better.”

This is the 19th year that United Way of America has honored companies with this award. The awards are open to companies that are part of UWA’s National Corporate Leadership Program – those companies that have at least 10,000 employees at 25 or more locations, run a company-wide campaign involving all of their locations and subsidiaries, and raise more than $1 million in its corporate and employee giving.

“DaimlerChrysler employees have a tradition of helping communities in need, boosting United Way donations last year by 13 percent to more than $12.8 million,” said Tom LaSorda, Chrysler Group president and chief executive officer. “Our thanks go out to our partners at the UAW for their contributions, and to the United Way of America for recognizing the entire DaimlerChrysler family for their efforts to help fulfill basic needs such as education, health care and food for so many."

DaimlerChrysler, headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., has been a long-time supporter of United Way nationally and locally. In southeastern Michigan, DaimlerChrysler has contributed more than $243,672,700 to United Way for Southeastern Michigan’s Torch Drive campaign since 1949, when the organization first initiated giving through payroll deduction. Contributions have helped support hundreds of programs and services throughout metro Detroit’s Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

Tom LaSorda chaired DaimlerChrysler’s 2005 United Way company campaign at its headquarters, which kicked off with a “Champion the Cause” theme, complete with Olympic-type activities that aligned with United Way’s impact areas.

Employees carried out the Olympic spirit with an executive dunk tank and smashed watermelons labeled with community issues, such as homelessness, illiteracy, cancer and other issues that United Way and its partner agencies work to improve everyday. There were also 5,000 children’s books collected and a bake sale that resulted in $13,000 raised in a two-hour period, which was matched dollar-for-dollar by the DaimlerChrysler Foundation.

“As a result of DaimlerChrysler’s generosity and commitment to community, millions of people have received necessary services to improve their lives,” said Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “The level of corporate involvement demonstrated by DaimlerChrysler’s executive leadership, and the level of engagement by DaimlerChrysler employees to support the mission of United Way, is unprecedented. We are very grateful for their outstanding partnership and congratulate them on this distinguished honor.”

United Way of America also gave Summit Awards to Duke Energy, General Mills, Kellogg Company, Kimberly-Clark, Microsoft Corporation and Xcel Energy. United Way of America’s Spirit of America® Award went to Principal Financial.

United Way of America is the national organization dedicated to leading the United Way movement in making a measurable impact in every community across America by focusing on the root causes of the most serious problems. The United Way movement includes over 1,300 community-based United Way organizations. Each is independent, separately incorporated, and governed by local volunteers. For more information about United Way of America, please visit: www.unitedway.org.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

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Nonprofit Facilities Center shares accomplishments, service to community

PRESS RELEASE

1:30 pm., May 11, 2006

Media Contact(s):
Patricia A. Ellis, 313-226-9484 or pager, 313-840-1948
Megan Bracket, 313-226-9409 or pager, 313-840-4321

More than $21 million in grants/loans given to improve nonprofits capacity to carry out mission

DETROIT – The Nonprofit Facilities Center (NFC), a partnership between United Way for Southeastern Michigan in metro Detroit and the Nonprofit Finance Fund in New York, shared accomplishments and key findings at a meeting with its partners, May 11. The focus of the meeting, Capital Investment in Our Community: Beyond Bricks & Mortar,highlighted the NFC’s accomplishments over the past four years, representing more than $15 million in grants and more than $6 million in loans. Altogether, more than $21 million has been allocated to help 116 nonprofit organizations in southeastern Michigan plan for and implement facility improvements that help each organization enhance its services and carry out its mission. This includes 86 energy efficiency grants to help organizations improve the energy systems in facilities that house residential programs.

“This is exciting work,” said Diane Van Buren Jones, director, Nonprofit Facilities Center. “We value our partnerships, which continue to help us guide nonprofits to thoughtful, long-term solutions to facility needs. We also look forward to enhancing our services, introducing organizations to new ways of planning, such as the Green Building initiative to create environmentally healthy facilities.”

The meeting also shared findings from a recent evaluation of the NFC conducted by Formulative Evaluation Research Associates (FERA), an independent research group located in Ann Arbor, MI.

The NFC was created as a pilot project in 2001. It began its services in 2002 to help nonprofits in southeast Michigan manage growth and achieve long-term financial sustainability through financial and advisory services related to capital facility projects. Funding from United Way’s 2000/2002 capital campaign provided $25 million for the NFC’s operations.

Since its inception, the NFC has worked with approximately 250 nonprofit organizations by conducting workshops and consultations, in addition to providing grants and loans for capital facility improvements. The nonprofits are primarily from Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties and represent United Way-member agencies as well as nonprofits that have not traditionally worked with United Way. Of the 116 nonprofits that received either a grant or loan from the NFC, only 25 percent (29) were United Way-member agencies.

The recent survey conducted by FERA, evaluated the NFC’s services and value to area nonprofits. The survey assessed the effectiveness of the NFC as a delivery system that assists nonprofit organizations with planning and developing sustainable business models. Of the 118 nonprofits that completed the survey, 62 percent where from Wayne County, 23 percent were from Oakland County and 9 percent were from Macomb County. An additional 6 percent of the nonprofits were headquartered in other counties or areas, including Lenawee, Livingston and St. Clair counties, as well as Ohio. The nonprofits – representing health and human services, education and cultural arts – received one or more of the services offered by the NFC.

Key findings from nonprofit respondents show that as a result of the NFC:

• 68 percent changed their thinking regarding the interrelationship of their programs and the capacity of their facility to carry out those services


• 96 percent made better informed decisions about their facility needs


• 95 percent were able to prepare stronger proposals for facilities projects to other funders


• 92 percent said they gained increased credibility with other funders


• 77 percent said they increased their revenue


• 71 percent increased their board involvement


• 93 percent improved the safety of their building

In addition to the nonprofit respondents, representatives from eight foundations were also surveyed. Key findings from the funders surveyed show that as a result of the NFC:

• Proposals that are received are stronger and reflect better project planning, assessment and awareness of actual costs


• Funders feel a greater sense of security and credibility when nonprofits have gone through the NFC process


• Funders believe that a grant or loan from the NFC is a ‘seal of approval’ for a well planned facilities project, which makes the funder’s job easier

According to C. David Campbell, president, McGregor Fund, “The NFC is a unique resource that works with nonprofits at every stage of the planning process, from presenting workshops to help representatives be more knowledgeable, to implementation of the process and completion of the project. These services provide critical tools for nonprofits to develop strong facilities projects and, in turn, makes those capital plans more competitive for additional funding.”

The NFC is currently in its fifth year and is looking to enhance its services for nonprofits.

“This has been a wonderful partnership,” said Clara Miller, president & CEO, Nonprofit Finance Fund. “We believe we have added value to the capital projects. We’ve learned a lot and look forward to doing better in the next chapter of our relationship.”

Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan added, “When you work with wonderful partners like the Nonprofit Finance Fund and the many foundations who continue to make sure we deliver on quality services, and when you see the results from the many nonprofits that benefited from those services, you know you have a successful model. We will continue to improve and provide what we hope will be an invaluable service for years to come.”

Nonprofit organizations that benefited from the Nonprofit Facilities Center

Since 2002, approximately 250 nonprofit organizations have received one or more services from the Nonprofit Facilities Services (NCF). Of those agencies, 116 have received either a grant or loan for capital facilities projects. Here is a sampling of the nonprofits that have benefited from the NFC’s services.

Turning Point Inc., in Macomb County
Turning Point has been providing services to victims and survivors of domestic violence for 25 years. Services include counseling, a 24-hour crisis line, a shelter for women and their children, advocacy, education and other services. The nonprofit also runs the Secondhand Rose Thrift Shop, which benefits the shelter. Turning Point’s director was interested in moving its administrative offices from a very old and unsafe building to a location that would best serve its mission. After attending the NFC’s workshops, there was a very planned and thoughtful process before any decision was made. Instead of buying a building, the director decided to lease and renovate a 15,000 square-foot facility. Turning Point received several services from the NFC in order to make this happen, including a capital grant, two planning grants and an energy efficient grant. As a result, Turning Point’s administrative offices and Secondhand Rose Thrift Shop are in one building. The new facility is safe, efficient and pleasing in which to work. The move has improved the morale of staff and they feel more connected to the mission. Community members have increased their participation and donations to the thrift store because they have a greater awareness and understanding of how their contributions improve lives.

JARC of Oakland County
The Jewish Association of Residential Care (JARC) based out of Oakland County serves developmentally disabled individuals and their families through a wide range of residential and program services. JARC currently operates 19 single-family residential homes and eight condominiums. With the increased cost of running the facilities, JARC staff enrolled in the NFC’s workshops and also benefited from advisory services. After staff learned how to better plan for capital projects, they applied for several financial services. They received a capital grant, a Building for the Future grant and five energy efficient grants. As a result, JARC has improved its energy efficiency in some of its residences and is planning to make additional improvements to lower energy costs. JARC has benefited from the sustainable improvements, resulting in an external energy audit and a geothermal heating system in two of the residential centers that uses the ground source to heat or cool the homes. This has substantially lowered operating costs and decreased energy consumption.

Children’s Outreach and the Neighborhood Center Inc., in Wayne County
Children’s Outreach and the Neighborhood Center are both located in Southwest Detroit. The Children’s Outreach provides quality childcare for low-income families. The Neighborhood Center was interested in starting a childcare center, but didn’t have the expertise to run one. Representatives from both organizations met at a workshop hosted by the NFC. As a result of attending the NFC workshops, both nonprofits decided to collaborate to increase childcare services made available to their community. In addition to the workshops and advisory services, the NFC provided a planning grant, a grant for space improvements, and a $250,000 capital campaign grant to renovate the Neighborhood Center and a nearby park. The Children’s Outreach now operates three childcare centers and has increased the number of children in its childcare from 38 to 60.

About the Nonprofit Facilities Center
The Nonprofit Facilities Center is a unique partnership program of United Way for Southeastern Michigan (UWSEM) in Detroit and the Nonprofit Finance Fund (NFF), headquartered in New York City. It was established in 2001 to provide specific facilities-related support to metro Detroit-area nonprofits to help them better plan, manage, and finance their facilities projects. The Center offers workshops, one-on-one consultations, planning grants, green building consultation, capital grants and capital loans to eligible organizations on an ongoing basis. The support provided by the Nonprofit Facilities Center encourages healthy and sound organizational growth, thereby enabling assisted organizations to provide greater impact in the community. Further information is available at 313-226-9420, www.nonprofitfinancefund.org, or www.uwsem.org

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United Way Recognizes Arab American Dearborn Youth

UNITED WAY IN THE NEWS

May 4, 2006

By Suehaila Amen
The Forum & Link

The United Way of Southeastern Michigan honored nine outstanding individuals and two groups from the Metro Detroit area for their incomparable efforts to advance their community and assist those in need through volunteer efforts. ‘Celebrate volunteers…Recognizing HomeTown Heroes’ luncheon took place on April 24, 2006 and over 1,000 people were in attendance as emcees Glenda Lewis, WXYZ Channel 7 anchorwoman, and Alexander Zonjic, Smooth Jazz V98.7 radio personality hosted the event.

Awards were given to various individuals in the Metro Detroit area for their dedication and commitment to the growth and advancement of communities in Michigan. One recipient is an Arab American youth from Dearborn.

Ali Ayoub, 17, of Dearborn, received the ‘Outstanding Youth Award’ from United Way for his volunteer efforts, community service, and dedication to helping others. Ayoub realized the importance and significance of volunteer work at a young age, as older schoolchildren would come into the classroom to assist his teacher. Once in middle school at Stout in Dearborn, Ayoub joined Student Council and the STAND (Students Taking A New Direction) Program, which worked on community service projects and empowering students to make positive changes in society, school, and neighborhood.

While in high school at Fordson, he participated in the community service program which originally sparked his interest in volunteer work in the fifth grade and the Key Club where he is currently Vice President; organizing events and fundraising drives for Hurrican Katrina relief efforts, UNICEF, and World Medical Relief. He volunteers in local nursing homes, and is a mentor for younger children, educating our young children on emergency procedures.

Ayoub’s volunteer efforts are not limited to the educational setting. Since 2004, Ayoub has been a volunteer at the Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center Guest Services and Emergency Department. Within the past year, Ayoub has contributed over 200 hours in the Emergency Department and through his volunteer work at the hospital; he has taken an interest in pursuing a career in the field of medicine. Nominated for this award by Deborah Norton of Oakwood Hospital, his co-workers believe he makes a remarkable difference in the lives of those he interacts and communicates with, and “his care and compassion is an asset to the team.” Ayoub has received the Gold Presedential Service Award for his 540 volunteer hours given in the past year at Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center.

United Way highlights local volunteers

UNITED WAY IN THE NEWS

May 3, 2006

By April Lehmbeck
C & G Staff Writer

For Southfield resident Jo Ann Wallace, volunteering isn’t something she does for recognition, it’s akin to taking care of one’s own children — it’s something you just do.

The United Way for Southeastern Michigan passed out 11 major awards and recognized 80 people who made the Governor’s Honor Roll of volunteers named by different organizations. The awards were passed out during a ceremony that included quite a bit of fanfare late last month in the Renaissance Center.

“All of this year’s honored volunteers show tremendous commitment to their communities,” said United Way for Southeastern Michigan President and CEO Michael Brennan. “They are shining examples of the caring spirit this region demonstrates in creating a lasting impact on individuals and organizations in southeast Michigan.

“We’ve seen the importance of volunteers year after year after year,” he said.

Besides appearances by Brennan and Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, the event featured the Pistons’ Drum Line.

Kilpatrick acknowledged his mother for making sure he took part in many programs that use volunteers to serve the community.

“There would be no way I would be standing here, but for people like you,” Kilpatrick said.

“You are truly earning your keep here on this planet,” he said.

Wallace’s main volunteer efforts go to the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 345.

She took the Bernie Firestone Labor Award for work performed by a labor union member.

Through the Community Services Committee, she has helped out with projects like Paint the Town, put together gift baskets for needy families, and cooked for volunteers who have made wheelchair ramps for those in need, according to the United Way.

“I appreciate it so much, but I feel so guilty receiving an award for things you enjoy doing,” Wallace said.

Southfield Council member Myron Frasier said he isn’t surprised to see that a Southfield resident made the list of 11 award recipients.

“It’s always great to see that people are willing to volunteer, and it’s doubly great to have someone from Southfield who’s recognized,” he said. “It makes me proud.”

A Lathrup Village resident also took one of the 11 big awards. Ernie Cooper was given one of four Heart of Gold Awards. His work includes serving as the supervisor of the Common Ground crisis hotline.

“I was very surprised,” Cooper said. “I didn’t know I’d been nominated.”

He considers his work rewarding.

“When I go home, it feels like I’ve made a difference in somebody’s life,” Cooper said.

Even though the United Way is recognizing local volunteers, Cooper recognized the United Way’s contribution to community organizations as well.

“Their fund-raising ability is phenomenal,” he said. “It’s really hard to imagine how many charities would go belly-up without their help.”

Another Heart of Gold award recipient was Jean Kolod of Rochester Hills, who has been giving museum tours to children at the Detroit Institute of Arts for years.

She said she was “humbled and very honored” to hear she earned an award from the United Way.

“It’s worth it to come downtown,” Kolod said of her long commute from Rochester Hills to the DIA.

Helping children take their first steps into the world of art is something she enjoys.

“It’s so much fun to introduce it to students,” she said.

All of Macomb County has something to be proud of because the Girl Scouts of Macomb-Otsikita Council’s Postponing Sexual Involvement Teen Mentor Program took the Exemplary Group Service Award.

The program works in conjunction with the county’s Abstinence Partnership.

The girls act as mentors after 21-hours of training so that they can talk to other teens about abstinence.

“The program works because it’s teens talking to teens,” said Girl Scouts of Macomb County Acting CEO Ava Danner.

The mentors range from 11 to 17, and some enjoy working on the program so much they’ve participated for five years.

The mentors attend a three-night event with more than 100 girls and their parents to talk about abstinence with the teen mentors. The parents get information in a separate area to discuss issues like how to talk to teens.

“A lot of times, I hear from parents that they wish every teen could take this class,” Danner said.

The girls were excited to be at the United Way awards ceremony.

“It’s our first award,” said Britney Helsing of Chesterfield Township. “It’s really neat to see the girls and how they learn things. A lot of the girls come back as teen mentors themselves.”

Other winners were Melvina Anderson of Detroit for the Young Adult Award of Excellence, Ali Ayoub of Dearborn for the Outstanding Youth Award, employees at DaimlerChrysler Financial Services in Farmington Hills in the category of Outstanding Business Award, Louis Mahoney of Bloomfield Hills for the CorPLUS Award, Mark Williams of Detroit and Joyce Siegel of Huntington Woods as Heart of Gold recipients, and Patricia McCracken of Livonia for the Acts of Kindness Award.

You can reach April Lehmbeck at alehmbeck@candgnews.com

TRIUMPHS: Hotline leader finds calling

UNITED WAY IN THE NEWS

May 2, 2006

The Detroit Free Press

NAME: Ernie Cooper

ACCOMPLISHMENT: Last week he was honored with a Volunteer of the Year Award from the United Way for Southeastern Michigan. Cooper is crisis line supervisor at the Common Ground Sanctuary in Oakland County and has done this sort of volunteer work for about 35 years.

ON THE AWARD: "It's always nice, but it's not why volunteers do what they do," said the 58-year-old from Lathrup Village. "What felt good was walking on a stage in front of 1,000 other volunteers" at the awards luncheon, where Cooper received the Heart of Gold Award.

A TEACHER WITH TROUBLED PUPILS: During the late 1960s while working as a chemistry teacher at Barnum Junior High School and Seaholm High in the Birmingham district, Cooper began seeing many struggling students. Some used drugs or alcohol or had difficulties at home, and had trouble learning because of their problems. Confidentiality requirements and other restrictions limited what Cooper, and even school counselors, could do to help, he said. "I helped a few, but I needed to do more," he said.

DOING MORE: He found a way to do more when he saw a newspaper ad seeking volunteers for a crisis hotline, which was a new idea at the time. He signed up in 1969, trained for two hours and stayed there for several months before he heard about a group that was starting another hotline and opening a counseling center, medical clinic, legal clinic and alternative education center.

COMMON GROUND: The new organization that attracted Cooper and some of his fellow hotline volunteers became Common Ground in 1970. Today is it known as the Common Ground Sanctuary. Its services are many and far-reaching, but the Oakland County nonprofit helps people of all ages, primarily with problems ranging from drug and alcohol abuse, mental illness and homelessness. Cooper helped write the crisis line manual in 1970. The hotline takes 40,000 calls a year.

LOSING FREE TIME: "I don't bowl. I don't play cards. This has been my nights out for all these years. And the people I work with are wonderful," said Cooper, a father of two and grandfather of three. He retired from teaching three years ago.

THANK-YOUS: Cooper does not hear again from the majority of people he counsels on the phone or in person, but "it does happen every once in a while. Someone will send flowers. Someone will send a note or call back and mention how helpful you were."

LIFESAVER: "There are people whose lives I know I have literally saved," from suicides or drug overdoses, Cooper said humbly. "I got to know them personally."

HIS OWN CRISIS: Cooper recently started treatment for cancer, and he's drawing on his memories of hotline callers who have overcome their own battles. "To know what people have been through and what they've done to get through it gives me strength during the trying times," he said. "It's amazing how resilient humans are."

By Kim North Shine