West Bloomfield Resident Expedites Families Getting Adopted

Pontiac, Mich -- One of the area’s oldest adopt-a-family programs was the first to use the power of technology to match donors with families and senior citizens in need. Lighthouse of Oakland County (LOC) successfully matched more than 700 Oakland County families-in-need with donors this year. To date, there are about 90 more families needing adoption at www.lighthouseoakland.org.

CEO Rick David said, “People don’t always understand that the need is pervasive, even in Oakland County,” said CEO Rick David. “And, an outstanding team of volunteers make the program possible,” he said.

One such volunteer is West Bloomfield resident Jackie Michaelson (see photo below), who found the Lighthouse Adopt-a-Family program through her involvement with Hadassah. Every year since, she interviews families to determine their needs and expedites the “match” days to ensure the donations get into the hands of the families that requested them. “This is no small feat. I’m inspired by the families and the donors,and I am grateful for the support of the Oakland County Sheriff Deputies,” said Michaelson. “The gratitude we receive by everyone makes the work worthwhile. The day there is nobody there that appreciates us is the day I quit. So far, that hasn’t happened,” joked Michaelson. Today, in addition to running her business, Jackie is very involved with Hadassah and Lighthouse of Oakland County.

Serving more than 1,000 families per month, donors who adopt families through Lighthouse can feel confident the agency is not only providing food, clothing and other necessities, but is also working year-round to help them regain their self-sufficiency. “Adopt-a-Family at Lighthouse means more than a temporary fix. During the entire holiday season alone, we will provide support for 1,800 families between our Pontiac and Clarkston service locations. Our staff works with each of our families to help them gain the skills, and access the counseling and resources they need to become self-sufficient,” he said.

What: Lighthouse of Oakland County Adopt-a-Family “Match” Days

Where: All Saints Episcopal Church, 171 West Pike Street, Pontiac, MI 48341 - Use Exchange Street Entrance

When: Wednesday, December 16, 2015, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. - Noon

Who: Scores of donors, sponsors and families will be on hand with Lighthouse staff and volunteers like Jackie Michaelson to transfer the gifts from the donors to the adopted families.

Sponsors include FCA Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and WWJ News Radio 950.

Dozens of Lighthouse volunteers organize the donations for families in need, which take two floors of storage at All Saints Episcopal Church in Pontiac.

Volunteer Jackie Michaelson of West Bloomfield organizes donations for Adopt-a-Family

About Lighthouse of Oakland County

Lighthouse of Oakland County has locations in Pontiac and Clarkston, Michigan where dedicated staff and volunteers help an estimated 11,000 people move from crisis towards self-sufficiency each year. To serve these individuals and families, LOC programs include: Lighthouse Emergency Services (LES) including food and housing, medical, transportation and utility assistance; Financial skills, budget management and career readiness; Lighthouse PATH, which brings stability to homeless women and their children through supportive housing and daycare; and Lighthouse Community Development (LCD) which manages a portfolio of affordable rental properties and sustains its original housing development, Unity Park, as a strong, stable community of choice in Pontiac. For more information, please visitwww.lighthouseoakland.org or telephone 248.920.6000.

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