At VPG we believe in community involvement and serving those in need, but we found a unique way to do so this week at a luncheon in River Rouge. On December 18th I had the opportunity with a group of VPG colleagues to attend a holiday luncheon and mentoring session with some girls at River Rouge High School in nearby River Rouge, Michigan. As part of our session, we sat together and made hand-tied fleece blankets that were then donated to ChristNet, a local charity, on behalf of the students. This particular charity was chosen in part because of its proximity to VPG�s headquarters in Allen Park, but it also happens to be close to the River Rouge community as well. The experience was fun for all and gave us a chance to take a moment to celebrate the season and reinforce the importance of giving back.
The WOT luncheon and blanket activity was a positive, interactive team-building opportunity for all. I think it reinforced to our mentees the importance of charitable giving at this time of year, especially to those in need. VPG is proud to be involved in such a worthwhile program in Metro Detroit where our company is headquartered. In previous mentoring sessions, we have taken an MV-1 to the school to show the girls what our product is about and raise their awareness of the transportation needs of those with disabilities. We�ve also spent time with them on health, fitness, life skills, family dynamics, academic challenges and college prep. The relationships formed between VPG mentors and these young women are enriching and fulfilling for all.
Currently, Women of Tomorrow operates in 43 Florida and 13 Metro Detroit cities serving over 2,500 at-risk young women annually in 130 public high schools with our network of over 350 highly accomplished professional women. WOT has awarded over $3 million in scholarships to more than 1,000 deserving young women to pursue higher education. In fall 2011, with support from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, WOT expanded beyond Florida to Metro Detroit.
ChristNet is a seasonal, free-of-charge, rotating overnight shelter for men, women, and children. The goal of ChristNet is to insure that no one has to be left out in the cold. Guests receive a warm place to stay overnight and three meals, and they may stay for up to ninety days. The four fleece blankets we made with our mentees at River Rouge will help provide warmth this winter to shelter guests. ChristNet provides temporary overnight rotating shelter and supportive services to homeless persons in a safe and caring environment, and they identify and coordinate mainstream resources to help those in need re-stabilize their lives.
For more information on Women of Tomorrow and ChristNet, visit www.womenoftomorrow.org and www.christ-net.org.
How do you give back for the holidays? Join the conversation and stay up-to-date with other ways VPG gets involved with the community by liking our Facebook Page and following us on Twitter. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all of us at VPG!