HarborNews ! " # $ % & $ ' ( ) “I knew I could make a better life for myself; I knew I had it in me – I just needed the right people in my life to make it happen.” When the day finally came for his release in February of this year, Ryan knew exactly what he needed to do. “I needed a place to stay, I needed a job, and I needed to go back to school – I just needed a little help.” Last year at this time, Ryan was preparing for a new lease on life – he was nearing his release date and he knew that he wouldn’t get another chance at life again. This time, things would have to be different. “In 2005, I had a bad drug problem and I got into some trouble and I was sentenced to 8 ½ years in prison. I wasn’t thinking about my future at the time, but as you can imagine, 8 ½ years is a long time to refocus on priorities.” At Lighthouse, Ryan was assisted by Dave Dudek, a Lighthouse Emergency Services intern. From the beginning, Dave was there to help with more than just meeting his basic needs. According to Ryan, “Dave helped me work on basic goals, create a resume, and follow-up on job leads. He really helped keep me focused.” During his incarceration, Ryan attended church and Narcotics Anonymous and also participated in Christian-based groups. He stayed connected with his family, but he knew that relationship would need work once he was released. He also thought about life after his release and began researching local organizations that could help him get on the right track. According to Dave, “Lighthouse helps a lot of different kinds of people every day and sometimes we are the only ones available to help when they need it the most. In this case, Ryan knew where he wanted to be, he was already determined and motivated – I just helped him stay focused so he could achieve the little goals each week offered. Through Lighthouse, we were able to make sure he had the help he needed to succeed.” “I got myself into this situation and I was determined to figure out how to make a life for myself on my own. I wanted to become a better person and I wanted to prove to others that I could be a better version of myself.” With the help of local programs, Ryan began his job search and found a place to rent; unfortunately he didn’t have enough money saved to move in. Without losing hope, he knew where he could turn for support, become a better person, and prove to others that he could be a better version of himself. “I heard about Lighthouse when I was in prison and from other local agencies. I went there for help with my first month’s rent, but I didn’t realize that Lighthouse could help me with so much more.” After only four months after his release, Ryan started college and completed his first semester with a 3.85 GPA. His goals are soon becoming a reality and this is certainly not anything he takes for granted. “I also found a great job but it didn’t come easy – I was told “no” hundreds of times before one said yes. Through this job, I’m getting training and will hopefully continue to move up the ladder toward success. I’m very grateful to Lighthouse as they help me on this journey.” ; A Message from Mark Tomlinson Chair, Board of Trustees After nearly 10 years of service as the CEO of Lighthouse, John Ziraldo has stepped down. This decision was made in consultation and with support from the Lighthouse Board of Trustees. Our Clarkston and Pontiac offices have already begun our traditional outreach to over 1200 families to ensure a joyous Thanksgiving, Christmas, and holiday season. We welcome the continued support of donors who have been faithful in their generosity to those less fortunate. We are proud of the accomplishments obtained during John’s tenure. The Trustees have begun the transition process for the next leader of Lighthouse. During this period of transition, the current staff directors will continue to manage the day-to-day activities of Lighthouse of Oakland County, the single largest county non-profit provider of services to families in crisis. As supporters of Lighthouse of Oakland County, please know that we will continue to provide quality service to our clients and to the community. Thank you for your past support and I look forward to an ongoing partnership. Our agency will continue in its mission of moving families from crisis to self-sufficiency with programs such as Lighthouse PATH, the Center for Working Families, and the LIFE program. All are helping families achieve greater financial stability. Mark Tomlinson Chair Lighthouse of Oakland County Board of Trustees Thank you to our generous Lighthouse supporters! BECAUSE OF YOU! Currently 55 families are enrolled in Lighthouse PATH, including 107 children who would otherwise be living in shelters or on the street. 200 individuals recently participated in counseling or workshops to increase employment skills through Lighthouse Center for Working Families and as a result, 66 secured employment. We are true to our mission of being dedicated to self-sufficiency. Lighthouse Emergency Services works to ensure that more than 125 seniors remain independent, in their homes, and connected to the community. * + , - . - / 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 4 7 8 9 / : , M The Season of Giving N O Q P T [ U O a d ` _ O i S U W Give the gift of food this Thanksgiving. a O O \ O _ ` T b a f ` _ Z a [ S f ` a h Q O U _ O b ` Adopt-a-Family Today! ` ` S P b | X U ` V Y b i [ S X X S ` X a p T O V q O ~ _ e h _ O V c V a h O O \ Q ` S P ] O \ [ S [ P S d V X ` U O _ ] q a ` a _ X \ S X b P S T O [ O R [ a P \ _ d X ` P X X P k T W ` O O X a d [ b S O U U V a a g ` X V _ X Y P u T a X U ` S ` [ _ _ t \ O b c s _ \ N O T r Y _ j R ^ d Y V O ^ ^ P ` S X S S S [ R _ [ V S U X _ X U b Q O d O S \ T P ] S _ S O \ V S V [ O ` O ^ [ P T T R V b S T _ X P R Q T } P c ` O o O P a S P c [ O S U Z P b U [ n Y S [ O ` X U V X X V f c O X \ U V f T \ S \ [ P ] W R X X S V _ O R l _ W O U b ^ T ` Q _ P m P V b P a _ [ [ ` O c U P X ` U O S R V T O [ S V S U \ h \ _ [ W S P P R X V b _ Q b T O [ O P W V P Z ` O O v P c g Q S w Y \ v S v U O v b x ` O P y f X S Y a q f O z Q { l { l S U Y Make holiday dreams come true for 500 local families. Visit LighthouseOakland.org and click on the home page Adopt-a-Family green icon: Adopt-aFamily It’s that simple! And you are able to select the family of your choosing. If you prefer to speak to one of our program volunteers, call the holiday office at 248.972.1497. PATH Annual Family Picnic The families living at our transitional housing facility, Lighthouse PATH, enjoyed an end of summer picnic. Volunteers from Cross of Christ performed face painting, and helped get the PATH grounds all spruced up for the big day. The children had a great time and moms enjoyed a break from their daily schedules of work, school, and program workshops. Lighthouse board members, staff, and volunteers helped in a variety of roles that all contributed to a very special day for our families. Nearly 100 children six weeks to six years began their early education experience under the caring guidance of PATH’s education team. 86% of the clients increased wages after one year and at discharge. 100% reported an increase in selfsufficiency scores after one year and at discharge. < = > ? @ ? A B C D E F G H F I J K A L > Lend a Helping Hand Volunteering with Lighthouse is a great way to learn about our work. We offer excellent team building opportunities that are fun, engaging, and educational. Volunteers will walk away with knowledge about Lighthouse, our mission to help those less fortunate in Oakland County, and a clear understanding of the impact of their hard work. We provide an exceptional, well organized, meaningful community service experience for groups and offer projects that accommodate group sizes as small as five and as large as 50. Here’s how you can help: Holiday Helpers - Help fill shifts during the Thanksgiving program from November 1425 from 9:00am to 4:00pm or during the Holiday Adopt-a-Family program at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pontiac December 4-16 from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Pantry - Help pack food for hungry families. Shifts are M-F 8:30am to 12:30pm and Noon to 4:00pm. Some lifting of heavy boxes and pushing of carts required. Drivers - Drivers are needed to transport families to and from doctor’s appointments, grocery stores, job interviews, and for picking up the much needed in-kind donations. Home Rehab - We need teams of 8 to paint and conduct minor home repairs as we help settle homeless mothers and children into safe and secure places to live. Children’s Services - Make a difference in the life of a young learner in our infant and toddler program and Montessori Preschool. Shifts are M-F 8:00am to 12:30pm and 12:30pm to 6:00pm. Background checks are required. Administrative Support - Experienced volunteers are needed to provide front desk support at PATH. Shifts are M-F 9:00am - 1:00pm and 1:00pm - 5:00pm. 2015 Kroger Bringing Hope to the Table Food and Funds Drive - On January 24 & 25 volunteer teams are needed to collect food at the 3600 W Maple at Lahser Kroger. To learn more or to volunteer call 248.972.1480 or email [email protected]. Thanks to the groups who recently volunteered at Lighthouse: Bosch Boston Consulting BorgWarner Brother Rice Catholic Heart Camp Chrysler Cross of Christ DTE Easter Seals Emerson Church Ford General Motors Home Depot Job Link Mann-Hummel Notre Dame Prep Plante Moran Rochester Presbyterian Youth Group Seaholm High School Seco Tools Voice of Truth Youth Group YMCA North Oakland Woodside Youth Does your child need community service hours? •Pantry work during the week from 8:30am to 4:00pm on school breaks •Weekend food drive in January •Outdoor yard work (depending on season during the week from 8:30am to 4:00pm on school breaks) •Help at our Hunger Walk and Stamp Out Hunger events in May 2015 (check website in early 2015 for details) 1st ever NextGen All Star awarded to Calen Knight, student at Hamilton Elementary Calen Knight is the first winner of the Lighthouse NextGen All Stars award. This award showcases the volunteer work of non-adults who show leadership in the next generation by exemplifying a commitment to the people we serve at Lighthouse. Calen began organizing toy drives when she was seven years old. That initial interest has evolved to her leading school-wide drives, enlisting the help of her fellow students and staff at Hamilton Elementary School in Troy who donated food, coats, gloves, and other Calen Knight receives the first NextGen All Star warm clothing for Lighthouse’s work in helping families in need. Congratulations to award as Lighthouse staff and fellow classmates Calen, who was honored with an award at her school earlier this year. look on. ¢ CLARKSTON WOLVES RUSH FOR FOOD and SCORE WINNING RESULTS TO HELP FEED LOCAL FAMILIES! Pictured from left: Kurt Richardson, Head Varsity Coach, Clarkston High; Michele Robinson, Senior Specialist/Volunteer Coordinator, Lighthouse Clarkston; Priscilla Perkins, Lighthouse Chief Development Officer; Mike Robinson, Lighthouse Volunteer. Your Help is Needed For the 17th year, the defending state champion Clarkston High School football team held its annual late summer food drive “Rush for Food” for the Lighthouse Clarkston pantry. This year was another record breaking success, as the drive brought in 7,463 pounds of food for the families we serve in north Oakland County. The Varsity and JV football players (with help from the cheerleaders) set the example for the community by donating over 3,000 pounds of food from their own homes! Thanks to all in the Clarkston community who supported another incredible Rush for Food this year. Now is the time to make your year end donation dollars count more...and at the time our families need Lighthouse’s help the most! Ford Motor Company Fund has partnered with Lighthouse and is offering a $50,000 matching gift, which means that for every dollar you donate to Lighthouse this holiday season, they will give another 50% this holiday season! The need is even greater this year and we need you to provide hope to even more than the 10,000 families we served last year. Lighthouse + Ford + YOU will make the difference in the lives of those we serve. Make your donation online at LighthouseOakland.org or call 248.972.1493. Your Donation is TAX DEDUCTIBLE! Lighthouse of Oakland County is an IRS-approved 501(c)(3) charitable organization, which means that your donation is tax deductible if you itemize deductions on your tax return. What does this mean for you? Your donation to Lighthouse will cost less than the amount you actually donate. (see your tax advisor) Lighthouse Career Dress changes lives with a change of clothing Since 2003 the Lighthouse Career Dress program has been outfitting low income women throughout Oakland County with professional clothing and accessories for employment interviews. Over 3,600 women have been assisted since the program began. One of the very unique features of this program is that it’s operated solely by volunteers. They not only make sure that our clients look great, they also listen and help build the much needed self-esteem that empowers our clients to succeed. Women who are actively pursuing employment come to Career Dress for interview clothing, shoes, undergarments, outerwear, accessories, and a hand bag. After securing employment, Career Dress is able to provide at least two additional complete work outfits. On average, Career Dress helps 40 to 50 women a month feel confident when they go on an interview. The program is successful also because of the generosity of those who donate gently used and new items to the program. To learn more about Career Dress or to make a donation call 248.920.6000, ext. 2237. ¡ ´ Lighthouse Society “Page 6” Hunger Walk 2014 was a huge success raising $75,000 to help support the Lighthouse food pantry and our emergency services programs. Many volunteers helped from start to finish ensuring everyone had a great time at the 32nd annual walk. Thank you to all who supported this year’s Hunger Walk. For information on how you or your group can become involved in the 2015 Hunger Walk, email [email protected] or call 248.972.1480. Special thanks to our 2014 Hunger Walk Sponsors: 98.7 Amp Radio AuPair Care Robin J. Adams Blue Cross Blue Shield of MI BorgWarner Brandon Twp. Parks & Rec Buckles & Buckles PLC CBS 62 & CW50 FedEx Ground Genisys Credit Union Randall & Patricia Gudme Salute America 2014 - This annual event celebrated the journey from homelessness to self-sufficiency of the more than 2500 children and over 1000 mothers that have completed the women’s transitional housing empowerment program. Honorees included: The Honorable James J. Blanchard, Former U.S. Ambassador to Canada, Michigan Governor, and U.S. Representative; Rhonda Walker, founder of the Rhonda Walker Foundation, and WDIV Local 4 Morning News Anchor; and 100+ Women Who Care Motown featuring founders Karen Rashid Balow, Nancy Sullivan, and Molly Williams. 100+ Women Who Care Motown founders from left: Karen Rashid-Balow; Nancy Sullivan; Molly Williams Special thanks to our 2014 Salute America Sponsors: Anonymous Churchill’s Bistro Cigar Bar Laurie & Thomas Cunnington Jennifer & Jeff Farber Teri Fenner Flagstar Bank Carol Friend & Mark Kilbourn Patty & C.J. Ghesquiere Nancy & Dr. Lary Goldman Deborah & William Grace Georgia & James Holevas Kienbaum, Opperwall, Hardy & Pelton Dr. Gilbert Ladd Lear Corporation Sonja Lengnick & Mark Chutnow Mad Dog Technology MGM Grand Andrea & George Peck PNC Bank PNC Foundation Raymond James Birmingham Betty & Mike Raphtis Ronald Rashid Gay Ann Schirs Theodore Snider Somerset Collection Rebecca & Richard Sorensen Diane & Mark Tomlinson UBS Financial Services £ ¤ ¥ ¦ § ¦ ¨ © ª « ¬ From left: Rhonda Walker, founder Rhonda Walker Foundation; The Honorable James J. Blanchard ® ¯ ° ± ² ¨ ³ ¥ Hour Detroit Magazine James & Jeannine Lambrecht Chris & Elizabeth Liparoto Dana Locniskar & Christine Beck Oakland Community College Oakland Press Plante Moran Raymond James & Associates St. Joseph Mercy Oakland Transamerica Capital, Inc. Woodlands Mobile Home Estates Æ Corporate Matching Gifts: Give the Gift of Hope You have the power to double your donation through your company’s matching gift program. Matching gift programs are charitable giving programs set up by corporations in which the company matches donations made by employees to eligible nonprofit organizations such as Lighthouse of Oakland County. Did you know that some employers will match your charitable donation? Check with your Human Resources Department to see if your employer will match your donation. It has the potential to double or sometimes even triple your gift to Lighthouse. Go to LighthouseOakland.org and click on the Donate link to find out if your company has an employee Matching Gifts Program. Salute America 2014 raises more than $100,000 for the families residing at Lighthouse PATH Volunteers and staff at Lighthouse of Oakland County raised more than $100,000 at their 11th annual event held June 27, 2014 at Oakland Hills Country Club. “We’ve broken a record with this 11-year old event,” said Priscilla Perkins, Chief Development Officer.” Thirteen thousand dollars ($13,000) will be allocated to remodel 18 units of the 23 year old Lighthouse PATH kitchens. The children from PATH trick or treat at Lighthouse on Halloween. More than 200 guests and sponsors contributed to this success, and all proceeds benefit the Lighthouse PATH program, which helps prevent women and their children from homelessness through a rigorous two-year process that takes them from crisis to self-sufficiency. Salute America honored fellow Americans who have done much to help alleviate poverty in Michigan. A highlight included Governor James Blanchard’s inspiring talk about his experience being raised by his social worker mother who instilled in him the need to lead by example. His call to action included an appeal to citizens to get involved now. Other honorees included Rhonda Walker of the Rhonda Walker Foundation, and 100+ Women Who Care Motown. Our moms’ moving story of gratitude, achievement, and hope inspires everyone,” said Perkins. “Many are employed and are preparing for their GEDs or completing college degrees. We anticipate bright futures for our residents.” Special thank you to Honorary Co-Chairs Debbie and The Honorable John Dingell, Danialle and Pete Karmanos, and Event Co-Chairs Laurie Horvath and Rebecca Sorensen for their tremendous work on the event. µ ¶ · ¸ ¹ ¸ º » ¼ ½ ¾ ¿ À Á ¿ Â Ã Ä º Å · NONPROFIT AUTO U.S. POSTAGE PAID ROYAL OAK, MI PERMIT 850 PO Box 430508 Pontiac, MI 48343-0508 LighthouseOakland.org Stay Connected: Facebook/Twitter/YouTube For all the latest event news and information visit LighthouseOakland.org or call 248.972.1493. Upcoming events .... Open Your Heart February 5, 2015 Save the Date! Saturday • May 2, 2015 Look for a new event featuring Local Brews and Local Menus at the Rochester Mills Production Brewery (beer tasting, fun music, and great recipes from some of our local chefs) June 19, 2015! Check for details at LighthouseOakland.org 33rd Annual Hunger Walk 5K Fun Run/Walk Walking to end hunger... One step at a time. Details coming soon at LighthouseOakland.org The new Open Your Heart event at the Auburn Hills Rochester Mills Production Brewery on February 5th from 6pm to 9pm needs greeters, registration help, silent auction assistants, coat checkers, clean up help, etc. Help from groups is needed at our Hunger Walk and Stamp Out Hunger events in May 2015 (check website in early 2015 for details) To volunteer for Lighthouse events call 248.972.1480. The Salute America event in Bloomfield Hills on June 19th from 6pm to 9pm needs greeters, registration help, silent auction assistants, clean up help, etc. Lighthouse of Oakland County Board of Trustees Lighthouse Community Development Board Lighthouse Emergency Services Board Lighthouse PATH Board Mark Tomlinson, Chair Dennis Winkler, Vice Chair Dean Rocheleau, Treasurer Patty Ghesquiere, Secretary Eirther Seay-Bey, President Ken Peterson, Secretary John Townsend, President Laura Light, Vice President Matt Szalach, Treasurer Neran Shaya, Secretary Teri Fenner, President James Lambrecht, Vice President Brian Rhonemus, Secretary Susan Cooper, Emeritus Teri Fenner Beth Grossman Laurie Horvath Sue Nine Robin Schirs Eirther Seay-Bey John Townsend Kone Bowman Peter Durham Larry Goss Cassandra Moore Cynthia Pearson Matthew Schwanitz Dr. Bruce Turpin Sharman Davenport, Ph.D. Vice President of Programs Jackie Buchanan Jennifer Cobb Randall Gudme Jonathan Heierman Noreen McKillop John Wright Wilma Abney Executive Director Sally Drummond Sonja Lengnick Robin Schirs Monica Schwanitz Sharman Davenport Vice President of Programs, Ph.D.
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