Oakland Livingston Human Service Agency

I volunteered at the past two "Walk for Warmth" events put on by OLHSA. Every employee of the organization was very passionate about the work they were performing and had many stories to share about the people they help on a daily basis. The passion of the employees of this organization is far above from what I have seen and experienced with other non-profit agencies.

I am on the board for the OLHSA Walk for Warmth project. I am amazed at the efforts put forth by so many to raise money to heat the homes of those in need. Corporations, small businesses, and individuals team up together to raise thousands of dollars for the cause. This year the demand is greater than ever and contributions are much harder to get. Through the efforts of so many who believe in the charitable work done by OLHSA, they've been very successful in meeting all of their goals.
The day of " The Walk" held in February each year is truly enjoyable, It is usually attended by 700 or more and it is a real fun day while raising contributions for home heating costs.
The sale of the little stuffed animals like bears or the current penguins has always increased donations. They've become a dated collectors item and this sale starts months before the actual day of the walk.
OLHSA always makes their volunteers feel special for every effort they make on their behalf. They are always thanking everyone for whatever help they give. They always make you feel very wanted and needed. People with delinquent heating bills are not the only project being done at OLHSA. This is only one out of 90 Projects!

Great group, well run, great leadership and very succesful.


Sincerely,



SM

As both a volunteer and donating monies....The Mission and basic foundation of OLSHA is Community building...enriching.
All you need to do is to visit the school & facility and see what great work is being done. All in a professional and spirited manner.

The children need good leadership and caring hearts. This will give the children the right start in their future.

Our club supports the work and care that OLSHA provides.

Thank you
RG Dempster
President
Bloomfield Hills, Optimist Club

I have been a volunteer for Gleaners Commuinty Food bank for years. As the needs of Livinsgston County have increased there is need to be effective in the delivery of services. With OLHSA's coordination of services with Gleaners, both againcies have been more efficient and effective.

I've particated in Walk for Warmth for the last two years. It is a neat way to get personal exercise while helping those in need. I cannot imagine trying to get through a winter like we've been having without adequate heat or being under the threat of having your utilities turned off.

My daughter is a single mother of three and OLHSA hepled her with her weatherization. Without their help she would not be able to afford her heat ing bills. They came out to house and walked her through the process, hired the contractors and completed the work in a timely mannor.

I work at a non-profit that interacts frequently with the Livingston County office of OLHSA. We refer people frequently, most often for housing or utility assistance, but also for the food/nutrition program. The OLHSA coworkers with whom we interact are timely, flexible, friendly and appear very much to be driven by a mission of service.

I have been participating in the Walk of Warmth sponsored by OLHSA for the past three years. I truly believed on the goals and objectives of event to serve the people in need in this particular area. I will support same endeavor for as long at it serves the community members in need.

It has been a pleasure and privilege partnering with everyone at OLHSA to fulfill the wishes of the children in the Optimists' Holiday Wish program. They do remarkable work.

Working with OLHSA was an an amazing experience. I volunteered this past December for the children's holiday wish program. Everything was well organized and it felt great to be around so much positivity. Everyone wanted to help low-income children have an amazing Christmas. I love that the program allows the child to make their own wish list so they get what they want for Christmas. The world needs more organizations like OLHSA!

I really enjoy working with OLHSA staff on various Livingston County committees. Their staff members are very passionate about the mission of OLHSA and their enthusiasm is infectious! This organization is very aware of the human service issues facing our community and OLHSA is quick to respond with innovative programming to address these issues.

This was an amazing opportunity to help help support those in need. Our community really stepped up to provide assistance to such an important cause.

While I have not had an oppotunity to be a recipient of OLSHA services, I participated in the walked for warmth this past Saturday in Hartland. I think helping families in need is important especially during a down economy.

The efforts made by OLHSA help the counties of Livingston and Oakland counties in a number of ways. Their Walk for Warmth program has helped many families in need for the last 25 years. No matter what the economic climate, OLHSA provides those who qualify with the means to pay home heating and energy bills. This program is only one of the many ways this organization contributes to the community. Their endevors to feed and house those who have fallen on hard times is a bedrock in our county. Thier participation in programs that provide home improvements and home weatherization have helped clients to save money and live in a safer, healthier environment. OLHSA's dedication to those who have fallen threw the cracks, makes me a proud volunteer for this organization

Although I have been active in many volunteer organizations, OLHSA stands out as an outstanding community service provider. Their range of programs and services touch the lives of almost every facet of the community, from the youngest to the oldest, from the need for heating assistance to helping AIDS patients with nutrition counseling. An innovative and creative organization, OLHSA has instituted programs designed to help people better manage their money through a matching savings program, helping clients set individual goals for a house downpayment or school tuition, even a small business startup. OLHSA also is unique in that their programs evolve to answer the ever changing community needs.

OLHSA is the organization that stretched its wings and surrounded my family and me with hope, dignity and love. The staff at the Howell office is exceptional in their caring and empathy. Rather than being put out on the street after my landlord's house was being re-claimed by the bank, I was able to choose a wonderful house to rent through the HPRP housing program. Knowing that I was a single mother with three children, un-employed for over 7 months, and my savings exhausted, the housing coordinators were able to offer the right assistance at the right time. While receiving services, I was given financial planning guidance, created goals that would be tracked with OLHSA's assistance, and pursued my dream of returning to school for my Masters Degree in Psychology. I have received nothing but recognition and support for my volunteer services, personal accomplishments and continual struggles. I am thankful for the help I've received, the opportunity to give back to my community, and the relationships that have developed by being a part of OLHSA's extended family.

As not only a Board member but an executive in a community not-for profit hospital, I can attest to what OLHSA gracously and swiftly does to help community members in need. When the Michigan economy sank to its lowest, we had countless employees in danger losing their homes and unable to pay for utlities. OLHSA came immediately when we invited them to speak to our associates, and offered individual counseling as well as group presentations. We know of at least one home that was saved from foreclosure by OLHSA's help, and have heard from so many others who are so grateful for the counseling they received. OLHSA has never said "no." They may say, "No, we don't do that," but when that is the case, they refer us to whomever can provide us with what we need.

I am a member of the BH Optimist Club. We've partnered with OLHSA for years in so many ways that make a huge difference for the youth of our community. And OLHSA has so many more programs that support the community at large and the youth of the community that we do not partner on. I've been so impressed with the breadth, scope and depth of what they do. From low income home heating help to Home winterization programs, the excellent alternative school they run, along with thier pre-school that gives hundreds of toddlers a head start... it goes on and on. They have my full support and endorsement.

Blessings,

Jeff Duperon

OLHSA has an annual Walk for Warmth to raise funds to help cover heating bills for low income people. The event is well planned and fun. We recruited some young volunteers to participate. The following summer, the OLHSA staff welcomed our young people to their office to learn more about how they can help others through volunteering. Every child got the message - and hopefully will decide to "give back" to others as they grow older. Our young people have visual impairments and often are not asked for help. OLHSA gave them an opportunity to give of themselves.