2009 Annual Meeting
Wayne Metro Recognizes Clients and Partners
Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency celebrated the past year of programming as well as the achievements of clients, staff and community partners during the Agency’s Annual Meeting on October 15, 2009. Over 200 supporters were in attendance for the meeting. The theme of the event was “The Promise of Community Action” and highlighted several goals that the Community Action Network is working to achieve.
Four Clients of the Year were recognized for their achievements. Michelle Manier of River Rouge found safe and affordable housing through Wayne Metro’s Visger Supportive Housing Program. Donna Pernell of Dearborn was recognized for taking the initiative to regain control of her finances and become a certified tax preparer through Wayne Metro’s Financial Literacy Programs. Jonathan Smith of Westland received job training and assistance from the agency’s Michigan Prisoners Re-Entry Initiative (MPRI) Program. Hana Ismail of Hamtramck was honored for receiving her GED and becoming an active advocate for her children in school.
Wayne Metro also recognized several partners that were crucial to the organization’s success in the past year. Wayne Metro CEO, Louis Piszker, explained, “Our programs continue to grow based on the needs of the community. We can’t do it by ourselves. Thank you to our partners who work with us so that we can meet our mission.”
Bill MacKinnon of JC Penney in Westland was honored as a Partner in Progress for his outstanding support for Wayne Metro’s Keeping an Eye on Youth (KEY) Program in Westland. Andria Love Berkley and Larry Dannhausen from the Society of St. Vincent dePaul were recognized for their commitment to providing transitional employment opportunities for Wayne Metro’s Employment and Training Program.
Edith Killins, Director of Wayne County Department of Health and Human Services was recognized for her long-standing support of the agency. Cynthia Cooper Vails and Annie Zobel were recognized for their decade-long advocacy efforts on behalf of Wayne Metro.
Dr. Carlos Lopez, Superintendent of River Rouge Public Schools was recognized for his leadership in helping to add three additional Wayne Metro 21st Century Learning Center Programs in River Rouge Schools. Deborah Burris from Taylor Public Schools was credited for providing healthy meals for students attending Wayne Metro’s afterschool programs in Taylor. Lawyer Victoria Randolph McLain of Lincoln Park and Rob Feldman of Steel Canada were also recognized for their continued support to Wayne Metro clients.
The D-M Company in Wyandotte and Michigan State Housing Development Authority were also recognized for their support of Wayne Metro’s Raupp Supportive Housing Project in Melvindale.
Wayne Metro is proud to announce several new board members and officers for the 2009-2010 fiscal year. Stephen J. Czarnik from Cohen and Czarnik, LLP is the newly appointed 1st Vice Chairperson of the Board. Madelyn Williams, Regional Manager for DTE Energy previous member, now serves as 2nd Vice Chairperson. Mayor Frank Vaslo from the City of Lincoln Park has been elected Treasurer. James Lawson Jr. of River Rouge is the newly appointed Board Secretary. New members include Nancy Colina from The Colina Foundation, Sherry Rush, Community Representative, and George Kristy, Head Start Representative. Jodi Adamovich of Fifth Third Bank serves as Board Chairwoman.
Piszker also recognized the leadership of retiring board member, Dr. Ivan Louis Cotman. Dr. Cotman served as Wayne Metro’s Board Treasurer for 8 years, member for 10 years.
For more information, contact Erin Evans, Communications Manager, at 734-246-2280 x 123.
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Top: Bill MacKinnon from JC Penney in Westland received a Partner in Progress Award. Below: Louis Piszker, John Daly, and Joe Daly from the D-M Company. |
Top: Louis Piszker and Dr. Ivan Louis Cotman. Below: Piszker and newly appointed Board Treasurer, Mayor Frank Vaslo from Lincoln Park. |