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Providing Community Service Through Our Sponsored Projects
GFWC Michigan supports many worthwhile projects. The state-sponsored projects are ones that GFWC Michigan members created, still own, and continue to support. The endorsed projects are those that we elect to support. In addition, the clubs support projects that are specially chosen by the GFWC MI President as the President’s Projects to coincide with her two-year administration theme:
“Dream – Explore – Discover”
Kathy Lewis
2022-2024 GFWC Michigan President
GFWC Michigan Sponsored Projects
Guiding Harbor (previously known as Girlstown)
Girlstown was founded by the General Federation of Women’s Club of Michigan in 1958. What began as Girlstown, providing quality residential services to young female victims of abuse and neglect, has expanded to include all child victims and has become Guiding Harbor. As Guiding Harbor we are continuing our residential program for girls while offering hope to abused boys and girls through our foster care placements.
Our Supervised Independent Living program offers a safety net for young adults as they begin the process of living on their own. A major fundraiser for Guiding Harbor is their extremely successful Annual Auction usually held in November. For more information, visit their website at www.GuidingHarbor.org
GFWC Michigan Education Foundation
The Education Foundation was established in 1985 as an endowment fund. It is funded only by contributions from GFWC MI members and clubs. Interest generated by the endowment is used exclusively to fund scholarships for GFWC MI members.
“Women Investing In Women” is their motto. The scholarships are given for self-improvement and do not necessarily have to be for academic work. The scholarships are not awarded on financial need also.
Club members are encouraged to buy a page for the Education Foundation Book memorializing or honoring someone special. The pages cost $100.00 and it is a wonderful tribute to someone special. This Education Foundation committee has another saying, “Buy a page before you age.”
GFWC Michigan Endorsed Projects
Bay Cliff
Bay Cliff Health Camp is a non-profit, non-denominational summer therapy center located on 170 acres of land along Lake Superior near Big Bay in Marquette County. It serves physically handicapped children ranging in age from 3 through 17. Founded in 1934 it now has 50 buildings used for housing and program facilities. The camp enrolls approximately 200 children for a seven-week summer session.
Bay Cliff is an endorsed GFWC MI project since 1998. Contributions are reported on a treasurer report form and mailed to GFWC MI. GFWC MI co-chairmen are Dianne Lahtinen (dalahtinen@charter.net) and Marjory Richards (GunLakeGranny@gmail.com).
Michigan Youth Leadership
Michigan Youth Leadership has been an endorsed project of GFWC MI since October 2005. MYLead motivates and enables the youth of Michigan to continuously make a positive impact on their communities through leadership and service. MYLead carries out this mission by hosting an annual leadership conference for high school sophomores.
Students from many Michigan schools are brought together for energetic interaction with leaders of today and positive peers. Events include panel discussions with leaders from business and government, community service, team building activities, motivational speakers, leadership exercises, and impromptu speaking exercises small groups.
GFWC MI clubs sponsor local high school sophomores and contact schools and others in their community to encourage involvement. Your $185.00 sponsorship may be sent directly to Michigan Youth Leadership, 39741 Salvatore Drive, Sterling Heights, MI 48313. For further information go to www.mylead.org or email us at questions@mylead.org.
The GFWC MI Chairman for MYLead is Julie Dart.
Joint Presidents’ Project – Michigan LEADS
Answering the Call with a New Approach to Leadership
The President, 1st Vice President, and 2nd Vice President have committed to streamlining leadership opportunities within our State and emphasizing the honor of representing Michigan as the LEADS candidate at the International Convention. A leadership seminar will be held annually.
The hope is that someone who attends the Leadership Seminar would be inspired to apply for the honor of LEADS delegate to represent Michigan at the International Convention. As any LEADS Ambassador will tell you—it is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime and a privilege to be selected!