MLK Day of Service- Blight Busters

Mlk day of service was really fun!! It was overall, a great experience. Cleaning up and practically destroying a warehouse in Detroit was really fun, and also a great way to relief some stress lol. Even though it was pretty cold, it was worth it and I hope to take part in next years MLK Day of Service. Thank you to all who took part in this, it really does make a difference. Dr. King would be proud of all of our volunteers, all 400 of them!!

Houda G

Blight Busters-Warehouse Cleanup-Amber T.

I really enjoyed my time today at Motor City Blight Busters. The job was very labor-intensive (I don’t think I’ll be lifting my arms much over the next few days!), but it was so much fun. Over 100 volunteers mobilized and worked to clean up an abandoned warehouse so that a woman interested in revitalizing her neighborhood can use it for a daycare center. My favorite part of the day was that the huge number of volunteers in the warehouse were absolutely a team for four house. Whatever needed to be done, someone was there to lend a hand. It didn’t matter what school we were from or how much experience we had in site cleanup, we all pitched in to get the warehouse as clean as possible. This was my first day of service at UM-Dearborn, and I am so glad I participated. I am especially glad I worked at Blight Busters. The leaders of this organization care so much about spreading beauty and ending blight in Detroit, a cause I truly believe in. Thanks so much for allowing me to be part of this amazing day!

Dr.MLK.Jr Day reflection

This MLK Day great because of the free food, helping others people and most of all the experience of helping people.

Gleaner’s (Detroit) – Sorting and packing clothing and school supplies – Nick Modelski

This is the first time that I have participated in the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day of Service, but it is not the first time I have participated in service or been inspired by Dr. King. As a child, my mother always held up Dr. King as a sterling example of a man who lived a worthwhile life most of all because he stood up for the cause of brotherhood. I have always carried the message of Dr. King through my life and tried to treat every human being as my brother or sister. Sadly, not everyone has adopted this motto in life and sometimes, in fact, it feels as if no one shares this ideal. However, this Day of Service is a tremendous affirmation that, despite quibbling over a troubled economy, most Americans still believe in service. And despite attempted federal intervention via wealth redistribution, most Americans still believe that service adds an inestimable amount of worth to the “help” offered to those that need it.

Alternatives for Girls

I had a great time volunteering at the AFG site.  This was my first time visiting AFG and I was delighted to learn about the 3 programs that they have to offer for young girls and women. Programs include a shelter for those who are expecting, single parents, and those women/girls that are homeless. They also hold prevention classes as well as life skills training. The group that I was in cleaned and vacumed their living areas.  It was good hard work.

Madonna University’s K-12 College Access MCC AmeriCorps* VISTA Tamaira Leonard

Blight Busters

I love Detroit and I know what wonderful potential it has. Blight Busters also see this potential and they work hard to make the city beautiful. Unlike most people Blight Busters don’t focus on the downtown area which has witnessed wonderful changes these past years but the suburban areas where people live in unfortunately destitute conditions. I have the greatest respect for everyone involved in the organization.

Today was a great learning experience for me and made me all the more grateful for the people I met today who worked so hard to help make the community beautiful.

mlk day

this day has really gave me a chance to experince many things that i didnt now about around my community. this day i had a chance to go and help the American Indian health service. and that really gave me an idea in how native american live and what their treations are in many different ways.it was really exciting to be part of this sercive and am really looking forward to do it again.

American Indian Health Services

What an important and impressive operation.  This group serves the local Native Americans with a variety of services keyed to native traditions.  Diabetes is the #1 killer of Native Americans so we did a lot of sorting of free materials about health care, talked with a worker about many of the activities they provide.  Water is important to native culture and we learned about a walk they do from a native cemetery down off Jefferson up to the Center just off Michigan 12.  We began the day standing in the tradtional native circle, then being smudged with sage and a feather.  We were offered small packets of the sacred tobacco to bless our work for the day.  A great experience!

Marjorie

MLK Day Service

I really love working with other ppl…and helping the community..and the less fortunate…working with ppl the same way i feel is wondeful and a great exsperience and it shows you alot about your community and what u can do to make it better.

Ruth Ellis Center – General Assistance — Christopher T.

This was my first year participating in MLK Day of Service. I enjoyed volunteering at the Ruth Ellis Center, which is a LGBTQ Center for metro Detroit youth. There, we learned about the legacy of Ruth Ellis and how she would take youth into her home when they need a place to stay. Our volunteer team sorted clothing that had been donated, re-stocked the clothing shelves, changed light bulbs, adjusted windows to reduce cold air entering. While we did not interact with the youth during our participation, I know they will appreciate our “behind the scenes” work.

I volunteered today to give back to the community and to serve a truly underrepresented group of youth who are frequently in disadvantaged living situations. This experience has inspired me to give more of my time to those who truly are not as fortunate as I am.

Thank you to the UM-Dearborn team for providing this important day of service.

On this day when we honor Martin Luther King Jr., I am grateful to have carried out a part of his dream by serving others.

GO BLUE!