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A Journey of a Thriving Community and Making Change Together

November 5th, 2024 Back to Browse Stories

As someone who’s been with the Community Foundation for Southeast Michigan since 1996, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the extraordinary ways in which our community comes together.

My name is Veronica, and over these past decades, I’ve seen our donors, nonprofits, and the Foundation itself grow and evolve. The journey has been nothing short of inspiring, filled with moments that highlight the strength of collaboration and the impact of giving.

When I joined the Foundation, I was immediately drawn to the mission of creating lasting, positive change in our region. I’ve always been a “people person,” and my role as Executive Assistant & Office Administrator allows me to connect with so many incredible individuals. Whether I’m assisting our president, scheduling meetings, or providing support to our Board of Trustees and committee members, I’ve always felt a deep sense of purpose knowing that our work directly supports the dreamers and doers who are shaping the future of southeast Michigan.

Detroit Youth Choir Endowment

One of my favorite memories is from 2019, when we supported the Detroit Youth Choir with a $1 million endowment. As a singer myself, this project was close to my heart. I remember the joy and pride we all felt when that endowment was announced. It was more than just a gift; it was an investment in the future of our young people, in their creativity, and in their belief that they could achieve greatness. This is what the Community Foundation is all about—transforming inspiration into impact that lasts.

Over the years, I’ve seen how our donors’ generosity has turned into tangible outcomes for our communities. From supporting local arts to addressing urgent needs in healthcare and education, the breadth of our work is as diverse as the community we serve. But what stands out to me the most is how these efforts are deeply intertwined with the people and stories behind them.

I’ve seen donors who want to make a difference in the lives of their neighbors, and nonprofits who are tirelessly working to bring innovative solutions to our region’s challenges. The Community Foundation has always been a trusted place for these connections to flourish.

Help us build for the future

As we look to the future, I’m reminded of the importance of building a strong, enduring foundation for southeast Michigan. This isn’t just about addressing today’s needs; it’s about ensuring that our impact lasts for generations to come. It’s about building a permanent endowment that will continue to support our community, even in the face of uncertainty. This reflects the heart of what we do—collaborating with donors to build a legacy that will benefit our region, today and forever.

To anyone considering a donation, I encourage you to think about the legacy you want to leave. Your support for the Now and Forever Fund will be a part of something greater than any one of us, something that will continue to create opportunities and solve problems long after we’re gone.

Together, we can ensure that southeast Michigan remains a place where everyone has the chance to thrive.

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Your generosity and commitment are what make our work possible, and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.

Discover how you can help create a region where we can all thrive together, now and forever.