Each month, metromode's Regional Activation Zone features someone who invests his or her time, dollars and career savvy into making Southeast Michigan better.
A college senior from University of Michigan-Dearborn, Adam Harris discovered the universal camaraderie of students earlier this year when he helped rebuild a section of Lake Charles, La., with the help of
United Way for Southeastern Michigan
during Alternative Spring Break.
Vital stats:
Adam Harris, 20, is organizing a student volunteer arm of the United Way at UM-Dearborn. He plays basketball for the Wolves, as in Wolverines, while majoring in business management. His ultimate goal is to gain masters in sports administration and better the community through recreational programs for youth.
Background:
Adam's family is integrally involved in the World Church of God on Mack Avenue near Crane on Detroit's East Side. He grew up passing out food to needy families. He lives with his mother in Lathrup Village and gives time to coach a junior basketball league in Southfield. "Sportsman skills – teamwork, leadership and commitment to practice – are skills transferable to every area of society," Adam says.
Volunteer history:
Adam was one of 14 Detroit-area volunteers including college students and professionals who participated in United Way's Alternative Spring Break 2007, sponsored by FedEx and GameStop/EB Games. He rode a bus to Lake Charles, La., to help in the long-term recovery efforts to rebuild the Golf Coast area still devastated by the 2005 hurricanes.
What did he find?
"The first day we took a tour of surrounding places to see how much damage was done. It was insightful to see how much destruction was still left 18 months later, especially because of stagnant water. I could feel how depressed people must be to live in such a situation. We helped one family recover some of their dignity. Their house had holes in the roof and a lot of damage. We tore out the old floor and installed a new one. We worked 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. The greatest joy was seeing Roxanne come home with tears in her eyes as her house was rebuilt."
What will you do now?
"Working with United Way on Alternative Spring Break, I got to recognize the power of volunteering," he says. "It brings together people of all ethnicities and nationalities. It isn't about your position in society but how you can help others. This fall I will work on an organization I helped start, Students Working Onward Together, SWOT. We'll partner with United Way and the University of Michigan."
Who is your mentor?
"Martin Luther King was my dad's hero, mine as well. I listen to his speeches on CD as I drive around in my car. His issues are as prevalent today as they were in the '60s. I can recite his 'Mountaintop' speech word for word."
To read Adam's blog from his Alternative Spring Break trip, go here:
http://uwsemasb.blogspot.com/
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:
Dial2-1-1 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
.
Photos courtesy of the United Way for Southeastern Michigan.
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