The MCC Monday Memo- it's a giving thing
Since this week is the 5th week and we are light on scheduled events, we thought we would talk about some of the charities that are in and around MCC.
There is absolutely no way for me to do that without leaving a group out or hurting another's feelings. There are so many giving, passionate MCC members. It's really cool to do a search on the word "Charity" and see what comes up. You will be inspired.
Another great way to share information would be to join this discussion and tell us about your favorite charity and why you are passionate about them. It's great for the charity, it will be great for you and your charity may get a new supporter or two.
As far as discussions go, check out this one (click link to see discussion) about what time of day is best for you to network.
I am also very excited about the turn out we will have for our FREE training today. The best thing we can each do for one another is learn how to use MCC effectively.
As always, thanks for being part of the community and do let us know what we can do for you.
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Grace Centers of Hope (or as I still refer to it, "Pontiac Rescue Mission") is the charity I have personally been involved with for many years.
Originally a homeless shelter founded in 1942, they now accommodate over 150 men, women and children with the basic necessities of life (food, shelter, and clothing) while rehabilitating people with drug and alcohol addictions, and addressing the special needs of abused women. After an intense one-year program, the 'graduate' then has the option to "after-care" in "Little Grace Village"---a street near the mission building that all of the home on it have been restored by the mission so that a family can have a place to call "home" while they transition back to normal society. (They still serve over 125,000 meals each year!)
I have a 'project' that I refurbished older Macintosh computers and donate them to Seneca Street so that the families can learn computer skills and the kids can have some games to play and educational software to learn from. [If you would like to donate an older Mac (USB-based), click on this link if you would like to see the project and contact me about a donation: http://www.spiritedesign.com/senecastreet/ ].
Since they receive no government dollars, they have a couple of "thrift stores" that resell items (like Salvation Army), and a "salvage" center that sells reconditioned building materials. AND...it just so happens that they are doing a raffle for a 1966 MUSTANG right now (only 5,000 tickets will be sold and are $20.00 each---drawing will be SEP 13).
To find out more about the raffle and/or the 'mission's' work, click on this link:
http://www.gracecentersofhope.org/index.html
Mark Besh
Actually I am involved with two that are dear to my heart for different reasons:
One is Common Ground, a 24 hour agency dedicated to helping families, youths and adults in crisis. Through its crisis line (1-800-231-1127) and in person, Common Ground provides professional,compassionate and confidential service to more than 35,000 people a year, free of charge. There is a safe haven facility for runaways, a shelter for homeless youths, a Teen 2 Teen talk line, a legal clinic, mental health services, support groups, victim assistance programs and many more services. The recent economic crisis and its effects on families has greatly increased the numbers of people seeking services from Common Ground. They listen. They care. Common Ground's big fundraiser is the Art Fair in Birmingham in September. I'm on the Board. If you'd like to contribute, volunteer or get involved in an organization that does so much good for so many people, please let me know, or just call Common Ground at 248-456-8150.
The other is CITYSCAPES, a public art project. If you have been in Birmingham in the last few weeks you may have noticed fabulous and interesting new sculptures going up on streetcorners and in parks. This project is a partnership between the City's Public Arts Board and the Cultural Council of Birmingham Bloomfield. It is completely planned and run by volunteers, who also raise all the money to install and insure the works. The art is on loan from the artists for two years. The project adds greatly to a vibrant community and exposes people to art they might not have a chance to see otherwise. If you'd like to contribute money or get involved or if you know of someone or a business that would like to sponsor one or more of the pieces, please let me know 248-763-8391. We need in kind professional services as well.
Kathy
My sister and brother-in-law had been battling his cancer several years. Due to this huge impact on our family we directed our giving to Karmanos Cancer Institute in Detroit.
Also, Because the majority of our giving for a long time was through United Way, we would direct our donations to go there, to the Detroit Boys & Girls Club and to the American Cancer society.
We have also had the opportunity to volunteer serving food to some churches in Detroit with unique outreaches, such as Peacemakers International and Jerusalem Temple of Worship, and through our church to volunteer at MCREST.
Edit... PS. Or, in the even funds are tight, you can give unused CPU or Graphics card cycles through the Folding@Home protein folding project or you can sign up for im.live.com project if you use hotmail or MSN messenger. There are a few projects out there that you can participate in that everybody giving a little can make a big difference.
Great topic for conversation Terry!
I am involved in and passionate about a group called Winning Futures / Mentoring Solutions. Somewhere along the way in this journey we call life... we have all had a mentor or someone help us along the way. In general most of us would not be where we would be today with out someone guiding, supporting, or cheering us on.
Winning Futures www.winningfutures.com is a school-based mentoring program for youth 3rd-12th grade based on character values, goal setting, and strategic planning. Adults mentor students throughout the school year. Partnerships are created with schools and organizations to expand programs throughout the state.
Winning Futures is Innovative Mentoring Program of the Year for Michigan.
Winning Futures is an innovative, motivational, strategic planning, and mentoring program that began in 1994. The program impacts youth in middle school and high school.
The enormous success of this award-winning program is its unique teaching style, innovative curriculum, and mentors! Winning Futures is a mentoring model that can be replicated in schools and organizations across the country. It starts with a structured mentoring curriculum where youth create personal five-year plans (middle school students develop their self-esteem and goals). Each student is equipped with a workbook that was written and published by Winning Futures. This curriculum is implemented into a structured mentoring class. Mentors and program staff are trained and supplied with a curriculum manual that has scripted facilitations, hands-on activities, and samples.
Mentors meet with students for one-hour sessions over the school year. Students find their mentoring experience invaluable. It provides them an opportunity to learn about other professions, along with meeting someone outside the classroom who can provide guidance, share personal and professional experiences, and serve as a role model. You can ultimately help determine the future by being a mentor!
Local Programs
Winning Futures programs impact children from Detroit, Highland Park, Howell, Monroe, Oak Park, Pontiac, Sterling Heights, and Warren, Michigan.
The Optimist Club is dedicated to Bringing Out the Best in Kids. The creed says it all (see Below). We, that is the Clinton Township area club, just completed a $50000 commitment to a the new Ted Wahby Cancer Center at Mount Clemens Regional Hospital. A state of the art facility that just had its grand opening in June. There are many clubs in the metro area, (contact me if you are interested in joining). We are just now taking on a project that is absolutely awesome. Kids Kicking Cancer. They teach kids that the power is within them to create their response to what life has to give them. I was at a meeting last week with them and there was not a dry eye in the room, including the guys. These kids - ages 3 and up - are becoming the teachers at organizations to teach stress management and empowerment. A phenomanol program with incredible results.
We are now seeking funding (minimum of $25000 per year) to support this program in Macomb County---any takers?
The Optimist Creed - Optimist International
Promise Yourself...
To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.
To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.
To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.
To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.
To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and expect only the best.
To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.
To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.
To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.
To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.
To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.
Optimistically yours,
Terri David, President, Clinton Township Area Optimists
P.S. My particular club is having a wine tasting on August 27th see the MCC calendar for details or contact me.