West Midland Family Center

What Goes Around Comes Around... The Ripple Effect at WMFC The Midland Community Foundation recently provided an opportunity for citizens of Midland to witness the effects of philanthropy in our community. This event was called The Ripple Effect, which we all know speaks to the far reaching impact even one kind deed can have. At the Center we are privileged to witness this so-called ripple effect all the time. Recently it came to us in a uniquely tangible form: It all began in 2004, when Norman and Nancy Ott donated a 1995 Dodge Neon to our vehicle donation program. After screening eligible applicants the Ott’s vehicle was given to Laura Merritt (then a DOW College Opportunity Program student attending Delta College). Laura used this car, which reliably carried her back and forth from Delta then to Adrian College where Laura graduated, receiving a B.S. in English. Laura was hired right out of college and is currently working for a consolidated school district in “the thumb.” Here she works with high school students as they make plans for their future. Among those that opt for an academic future many will be the first in their family to attend college. In a perfect turn of fate Laura helps these students find scholarships, and fill out college applications so they will have the highest likelihood of succeeding in their dreams. To further establish this change of fate Laura recently purchased her own Ford vehicle. The vehicle that once was used to promote independence for a young woman has done its job however knowing the value it still holds the vehicle was donated back to WMFC. What would have happened if Laura hadn’t received the donated vehicle? Would she have been able to complete her education? When asked, her mother Shawna, thought maybe not. “At the time, I was a single mom with five kids (one a foreign exchange student). The only vehicle available for Laura at the time was an old van that I felt was unsafe. I don’t know what we would have done without the donation. Getting that car was perfect solution and has made all the difference for Laura.” In donating the car back to WMFC, Laura widens the “the ripple” that has so positively impacted her life. The keys have been passed on to DeVante Mitchell. DeVante, a current DOW COP member, is a senior at Coleman High School and will attend Delta College upon graduation. An athlete, DeVante plans to pursue a career in Physical Therapy. He is from a closely-knit family that values and models involvement in community and church. DeVante and his family have been strong supporters of the COP for the past four years.