Each month, metromode's Regional Activation Zone features someone who invests his or her time, dollars and career savvy into making Southeast Michigan better.
Vital stats: I.J. Campbell, 60, is community development manager for the city of Roseville and a board member of the United Way. His job is to administer block grants from the federal government to benefit low and moderate income families.
"What many people stereotypically think of as poor people has changed a good deal. Beyond the perception of single male drinkers and mentally challenged individuals lies a reality of a thousand homeless families, many who fell into the system after job loss or a medical calamity. It is our mission to support the economic vitality of people and communities."
Background: Growing up Catholic and attending Santa Maria Elementary and Salesian High School in Detroit, the nuns and priests – members of the sisters of St. Dorothy and Oblates of St. Francis de Sales, stressed community involvement as a way of achieving fulfillment and quality of life. He took his first job in community development in 1979, progressing through higher level jobs at banks and civic organizations.
Civic Involvement: As an extension of his job he is on the board of directors for four local organizations, St. John Home Care; the United Way for Southeastern Michigan, Care House, and Solid Ground Transitional House, Inc. He is also a board member of the Michigan Community Development Directors Association and the Southeast Michigan Census Council. He holds memberships in the Macomb Inter-Agency Council, the Community and Economic Development Association of Michigan and the Michigan Nonprofit Association. Between 2001 and 2005 he was president of the Macomb County Homeless Coalition.
Awards: Campbell is a recipient of the 2002 Archdiocese of Detroit Keep the Dream Alive award, and the 2003 DTE Community Luminary Service Award.
Personal: Summer nights finds Campbell out of doors planting his garden, particularly his prized poppies. He is raising his five-year-old grandson and delights in taking him to Sea World and Disney World. He is on the Parish Pastoral Council of the St. Ephrem Catholic Community and volunteers with diversity activities. He attended Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek and Albion College in Albion. At some point he would like to pursue certification as a master gardener.
On the United Way: "Doing is its own reward. There's an old saying that life isn't something to progress
to, it is the journey itself. I get a reward from participating in the life of the community whether I live to see the solution or not."
Mentors: "I've been active in the Catholic Church for most of my life. Whatever was age appropriate I'd do, whether it was building homes through Habitat for Humanity or helping arrange shelter at churches for the homeless. I trace everything back to my parents who were religious and the nuns and priests who taught me to do the right thing."
How could others serve better on
boards? The United Way offers a series of workshops that focus on
building the capacity of current and prospective nonprofit board
members and executive staff. Each workshop is held on the campus of
Lawrence Technological University in Southfield. Future meetings deal
with how to build your board, creating an effective board team and
becoming a leader. People interested can email
lindman@ltu.edu or call (248) 204-3095.
What is the Regional Activation Zone? A place to Get inspired. Get informed. Get connected. Read about it here.
Volunteer Center:
United
Way connects individuals and groups with meaningful volunteer
opportunities throughout the region. Through Volunteer Solutions,
United Way's online matching tool, you can find an opportunity that
interests you and is close to home. Get started by
clicking here.
2-1-1:Dial
2-1-1 to be connected to more than 7,000 health and human services in
southeast Michigan.
Whether you need assistance or want to lend a hand, 2-1-1 is there for
you. To learn more, or submit a request online,
click here.
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