Volunteer Honor Roll 2026

Mercy Education Project

Tyler is always flexible and willing to help. His can-do attitude inspires his student, other volunteers, and staff alike. We are grateful to Tyler for his help with MEP events outside of his three years of weekly tutoring. Tyler has helped onboard new volunteers by allowing tutors to shadow him. Last summer, he volunteered to chaperone our Emerging Leader Field Trip Summer Camp. Thank you Tyler!

Mercy Education Project

Alondra has been involved with MEP since 2022. Always on the lookout for community opportunities for our students and organization, she is someone who volunteers with her whole heart in it. Alondra has aided in MEP events and is a joy to have around. She has been paired with the same student for years and their bond has helped foster not only learning but confidence too. Thank you Alondra for all you do!

Mercy Education Project

Gene came to MEP as a volunteer tutor in 2024. Even with a busy college class schedule, Gene makes time for MEP. He is able to breakdown advanced math into simpler terms to help his students’ understanding. Gene even recruited his sister Belle who is now also a tutor! Thank you for your efforts, Gene!

Mercy Education Project

Patti has been a volunteer tutor at MEP since 2018. She is dedicated and helps our students value hard work. One of her students “graduated” from the entry level program into the more challenging program within a school year. Recently, Patti has answered the call we put out when we were short tutors and this year she’s been coming not one but two nights each week. Thank you Patti!

Mercy Education Project

Jordan joined MEP’s volunteer tutors in 2023. Jordan is thoughtful, kind, and always thinking of other ways he can support our mission. As an engineer at GM, he coordinated his team to come in and run an enrichment night for our students! Thank you Jordan for all you do.

Mercy Education Project

Klaudia joined MEP’s volunteer tutors in 2024. She’s been a consistent and dependable volunteer – maintaining a relationship with the same student since she began. She is a great motivator and helps her student stay interested in the topic. Thank you Klaudia!

Paws With A Cause

Debra began raising Foster Puppies for Paws With A Cause back in 2012. She has since raised 8 Foster Puppies and housed one of PAWS Breeding Dogs and whelped and raised the litters in her home. Deb is now a Litter Sitter for PAWS and takes in dogs whose Host Homes may be unable to whelp their litter. Debra takes these dogs into her home and raises the litters until they are 8 weeks old and ready to come into PAWS for placement with PAWS Puppy Raisers. PAWS is so grateful to Deb for sharing her heart and her home and giving these puppies such a great start.

Mercy Education Project

Leonie’s time at MEP hasn’t been long starting in 2024, but she jumped in with both feet! Often substitute tutoring when she has extra time. Her goal isn’t just to tutor reading, it’s to help her student learn to love reading!

Meadow Brook Estate

Linda Brown is a dedicated volunteer interpreter at Meadow Brook. She has served many hours this season and beyond, particularly during our immersive Servant’s Life touring experience, where she has capably taken charge in many ways as a lead character. Her focus, commitment, and communication make a positive impact at The Hall and on our visitors, and she is always eager to share our history and the Dodge-Wilson legacy.

Pope Francis Center

Julie is a bundle of energy that brightens our Day Center every time she is in helping our guests. She is never in a hurry when interacting with our guests and takes the time to listen so she can provide what is needed. Many times she picks up the conversation with our guests right where they left off. She is an example of our mission in action.

Mercy Education Project

Tiarra has been a volunteer tutor for 8 years at MEP! We are so proud of the mentoring relationship she has formed with her student. Tiarra has been with the same student for 6+ years and has helped her confidence in math. Thank you for all you do!

CARE House of Oakland County

Jane has provided Child Assist support for 33 forensic interview appointments in 2025. In this role, she offers comfort and care to children and families coming to CARE House for forensic interviews related to allegations of abuse or neglect.

Through her steady presence and compassionate approach, she helps create a calm, supportive environment during a very difficult time. She is reliable and deeply committed to our mission, and her involvement helps ensure children feel safe, supported, and cared for throughout the process.

CARE House of Oakland County

Linda is highly deserving of recognition for her exceptional service and commitment of over 190 volunteer hours in 2025 alone. As a Front Desk Greeter, she consistently provides a warm, professional welcome to both clients and staff while supporting smooth daily front desk operations. She also maintains the Front Desk resource binder, ensuring all have access to accurate, up-to-date guidance and materials. She is professional, knowledgeable, and detail-oriented, and her initiative strengthens volunteer preparedness and building security.

Mercy Education Project

Vivian is so sweet and willing to help out. She has made a genuine mentor relationship with her student and has a special way of making others feel comfortable. She often comes to extra events MEP hosts, like our Networking Night, and we are so grateful! She’s been with MEP since 2024.

Paws With A Cause

Andrea Dube began raising Foster Puppies for PAWS back in 2007 after her Mom received a Service Dog from PAWS. She saw the difference that the dog had made in her Moms life and wanted to pay that forward to other people in need. So she began Puppy Raising for PAWS Andrea has raised 24 PAWS Foster Puppies and has been available to Puppy sit for other Raisers in the area during vacation time, etc. Andrea has also done presentations for PAWS and has represented PAWS in the community, PAWS is so grateful for all that Andrea has done to support the Organization over the past. 19 years.

Detroit Zoo, Forgotten Harvest, Southfield Public School District, Haven, Alternatives For Girls, Fish & Loaves, Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, Keep Growing Detroit

Leah Dunn, along with her colleague Lavinia Loria, has co-led the mobilization of more than 150 of her colleagues at S&P Global for many community volunteer projects from beautification and landscaping at the Detroit Zoo to packing snack packs for students of the Southfield Public School District.

Zaman International

Nazik is the embodiment of community service and the holistic approach we take to improving the lives of our neighbors. She began working with our general services and stepped up to help with assisting our students with one on one tutoring. She now volunteers as support staff in our Health Center to offer her education and experience in the medical field. Her warm personality creates a welcoming environment where our clients feel comfortable and safe when working with our organization.

Mercy Education Project

Hannah has been a volunteer since 2018! She is always thinking of how else she could help. The company she works at, BASF, has hosted enrichment at MEP for several years now. Hannah’s Spanish speaking abilities allow her to better tutor our diverse student population and build meaningful relationships.

Leader Dogs for the Blind

Julie demonstrates significant personal commitment to Leader Dog by jumping in and hosting several puppy litters under challenging conditions. For two of the litters, Julie heard that someone had been injured and took in the litter completely unplanned. She has hosted 36 tiny puppies, which have the potential to become life-changing guide dogs for 36 people.

Mercy Education Project

There are so many things to say about Marla – first that she’s been a dedicated volunteer for 15+ years, 7 of which she tutored the same student. Marla is dependable and in tune to the students she works with, often asking MEP for additional resources to help her student thrive. Thank you Marla!

Gift of Life Michigan

I believe these volunteers deserve to be recognized because we have organ and tissue recipients who host volunteer tables in the cold and in the extreme heat for hours at a time. We also have donor families. These are families who chose to donate their loved ones organs and tissues at the time of their passing.
They deserve to be recognized because they are individuals, who despite their own personal battles have decided to be positive and help save lives through growing our organ donor registry.

OPC

Raj has been volunteering at the OPC since 2019, and has accumulated over 2,000 hours. He checks people in at our Sports Desk on Wednesdays & Fridays. Raj will always sub when needed. His friendly disposition makes him a much loved volunteer at the OPC by staff and members alike.

Gleaners Community Food Bank

Ken is a valued asset to our volunteer teams at both the South location and Western High School. He supports food distribution by creating clear diagrams and providing strong leadership during large‑scale food handouts. Ken’s knowledge and expertise are vital to our planning process and greatly appreciated.

Center For Success Network

Taylor is highly deserving of recognition for her commitment to community engagement and service. She consistently volunteers each week at the Center for Success Network, helping students build their reading and writing skills. For years, she has shown unwavering dedication. Her calm, welcoming energy creates an inclusive space that naturally draws in more students. Taylor’s genuine care and passion make a lasting impact, and we are truly grateful for her continued support.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Omar has been a dedicated volunteer for our organization where he has helped on numerous projects, including building various aid kits. He has also found additional volunteer opportunities through the United Way website. He found the “Letters Against Isolation” and wrote 100 letters to nursing home residents. He also volunteered this past summer at the drive through food donation center in Detroit. Omar is also engaging his friends in these efforts so they too can earn service hours.

Center for Success Network

Kandi is highly deserving of recognition for her commitment to community engagement and service. She has volunteered with us for years, consistently showing up each week with a warm smile and positive energy. While supporting students in building their literacy skills, she also takes time to connect with them personally, offering thoughtful advice and encouragement. Kandi leaves a lasting impression, always uplifting students and creating a positive, supportive environment.

World Medical Relief

Frank has been an active RSVP volunteer while serving at World Medical Relief in Southfield. Frank wears many hats while volunteering, such as: activity coordinator, advisory board, fundraising, and sorting the medical supply donations that are received. Frank is also a pastor, and continuously engages other people and volunteers within the community, and is a committed and dedicated volunteer who serves to improve the lives of others.

New Day Foundation for Families

Every year, volunteer and New Day Board of Directors member Caron Koteles Riha has hosted a free, public SHRED event for the community to dispose of confidential documents. She has raised over $40,000 between collected donations and her generous matching contributions over the past seven years. This April she will host it for the eighth year and hopes to to the $50K donation mark! She has served on the New Day board for as long as well, dedicated to further the mission of helping families facing cancer in Michigan.

Pope Francis Center

Anne quickly became an integral volunteer at our Day Center. Her respect and compassion for all of our guests is on display in her many roles as a volunteer. Whether she is doing laundry, filling the need for clothing, or even using her medical background to assist in one of our clinics, Anne always leaves our guests smiling.

Center for Success Network

Michael is highly deserving of recognition for his commitment to community engagement and service. He has been a dedicated volunteer with the Center for Success Network for years, consistently supporting students in developing their literacy skills. He has a natural ability to engage students and make learning enjoyable, balancing instruction with fun and meaningful breaks. His students always look forward to his sessions, and his impact is both positive and lasting.

Detroit Zoo, Forgotten Harvest, Southfield Public School District, Haven, Alternatives For Girls, Fish & Loaves, Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, Keep Growing Detroit

Lavinia Loria, along with her colleague Leah Dunn, has co-led the mobilization of more than 150 of her colleagues at S&P Global for many community volunteer projects from beautification and landscaping at the Detroit Zoo to packing snack packs for students of the Southfield Public School District.

Henry Ford Macomb Health

It is with great pride that I nominate this exceptional volunteer. With 16 years of service and over 4,260 hours, her dedication is inspiring. In our coffee bar, she goes above and beyond, taking extra shifts with a positive attitude. She also creates welcome kits and, with her daughter-in-law, has made and donated hundreds of fleece blankets. Her kindness and warmth touch patients, staff, and visitors alike. Humble and compassionate, she feels fortunate to serve, but we are truly the fortunate ones to have her.

Mercy Education Project

Henriette has been a MEP tutor for three years and this past year has brought her now-fiancé on board! We are so grateful for Henriette’s kind and helpful nature.

Pope Francis Center

Brigid arrives early for her shifts with her hands filled with items our guests need. Her respect and compassion for all of our guests creates a safe space that fosters trust.

Henry Ford Providence Novi Hospital

Kathy has volunteered for Providence Hospital for 54 years (so far) and is a vibrant, key member of our volunteer team. She has a true talent for connecting with people and helping to alleviate their anxiety at a very vulnerable time in their lives. Over the years, she has volunteered in our Emergency Department, our Surgical areas. She currently visits patients at the end of life through our Spiritual Care Department. She makes a difference for so many patients, their families and our staff through her compassionate and caring service. The value of her service – Priceless!

Mercy Education Project

First introduced to MEP through a philanthropic organization, Sue started as a tutor in 2024 and quickly became a small group tutor for our Women’s Program students too. Sue supports at events and in any other way she can. We are so thankful for her kindness and consistency. You are amazing, Sue!

CARE House of Oakland County

Molly provided Child Assist support for 34 separate forensic interview appointments in 2025. In this role, she offers comfort and care to children and families coming to CARE House for forensic interviews related to allegations of abuse or neglect.

Through her steady presence and compassionate approach, she helps create a calm, supportive environment during a very difficult experience. She is reliable and deeply committed to our mission, and her involvement helps ensure children feel safe, supported, and cared for throughout the process.

Mercy Education Project

Catherine may be new to MEP, but she is all in! Since 2025, Catherine tutors twice a week and has helped out with our Workforce Development Program too. Catherine is a joy and her positive attitude is infectious. She is eager to step in and be of help anyway she can. We are so thankful to have you, Catherine!

Mercy Education Project

Since 2014, John has been a powerhouse for MEP math students. John’s long-term student graduated high school last year, and this year he has taken on two students coming two nights a week to tutor. We are so grateful to John for making math easy to digest and for giving students the confidence that they CAN do it. Thanks John!

Mercy Education Project

Beth has been tutoring more than a decade – since 2015. She is so sweet and gets along with any student she has the pleasure of working with. We are so grateful to Beth and her dedication. Beth’s out-of-state daughter even comes to tutor with her when she visits – shout out to Annie! Thank you Beth and your family for giving your support to MEP.

Zaman International

Hiba is a dedicated volunteer and a long-time supporter of Zaman’s mission. While her dedication to community service and engagement extends to every part of her life, she is sure to always stop by Zaman in her free time to offer a helping hand. She has been a smiling face and friend to all of our staff, volunteers, and clients.

Judson Center and Child Safe Michigan

Open Dealer Exchange has made a meaningful impact at Judson Center over the past few years. What stands out most is how genuinely invested they are, not just as donors, but as hands-on partners. They have generously sponsored initiatives like our Autism Connections program in Farmington Hills, Back-to-School event, and Foster Care Holiday Party, while also showing up to volunteer and support in addition. Their willingness to give and be present reflects a true commitment to our mission and serving the community.

Catholic Charities, La Casa Amiga, United For Southeastern Michigan

Thomas generously shares his time and talent. First, as a mentor for La Casa Amiga’s Mentorship program; meeting weekly with his Mentee and supporting him with homework, reading, and other fun activities like Roblox and Legos. Secondly, as volunteer for United Way for Southeastern Michigan supporting various special events throughout the year.

Center for Success Network, Take Root

Emiley is highly deserving of recognition for her commitment to community engagement and service. She dedicates herself to supporting our students each week and goes above and beyond by also volunteering her time. In addition to her regular work, she provides one-on-one literacy support, showing exceptional dedication and care. Her willingness to give extra time and effort makes a meaningful and lasting impact on the students she serves.

Leader Dogs for the Blind

Debra demonstrates significant personal commitment to the work and mission of Leader Dog. She and her husband Lawrence have taken on and excelled in many different roles at Leader Dog. They are always willing to go above and beyond to do what is best for our team members, dogs and clients.

Leader Dogs for the Blind

Along with his wife Debra, Lawrence demonstrates significant personal commitment to the work and mission of Leader Dogs for the Blind. They always bring a positive and fun attitude onto our campus. They are flexible with their schedules, trying to make the biggest impact whenever it is needed the most.

Meadow Brook Estate

In a short time, Erin has become a crucial member of our Garden Club volunteer group, where she has helped drive our membership recruitment and archival initiatives, among other efforts. Erin approaches every situation with enthusiasm, curiosity, and focus, and she is an energizing, supportive presence on our team. Whether helping on the grounds and gardens or greeting members and guests for Garden Club events, she finds so many ways to help, in ways seen and behind the scenes. Her engagement and service make a real difference to the Meadow Brook community.

Gleaners Community Food Bank

To date, Tom has contributed an extraordinary 2,563 volunteer hours, including an impressive 728.75 hours in 2025 alone. He contributes nearly twice the hours of the average volunteer, reflecting his remarkable dedication. Beyond the numbers, Tom leads with dignity, respect, and a wholehearted commitment to the core values of Gleaners Community Food Bank.

His dedication, compassion, and daily service make him an indispensable part of our work. Tom’s contributions serve as a shining example of what it truly means to serve with heart, purpose, and unwavering dedication.

CARE House of Oakland County

Liana is highly deserving of recognition for her outstanding service and commitment of over 140 volunteer hours at the Front Desk while also preparing for the MCAT and medical school. She consistently provides a warm, professional welcome to clients and staff and supports smooth daily operations.

She is reliable, professional, and dedicated, and her ability to balance multiple responsibilities, including multiple volunteer roles with us, reflects a strong commitment to both our organization and her future in medicine.”

United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Jennifer has volunteered with us multiple times supporting our education work, and is always friendly and flexible, jumping in wherever you need her. She has supported our Backpacks for Bright Futures and Makerspace initiatives, and is volunteering again with us for literacy kit packing. Thank you for your support, Jennifer!

Pope Francis Center – Bridge Housing Campus

Maria has been a volunteer with the Pope Francis Center – Bridge Housing Campus for a little over a year. During this time, she has been tremendous in assisting our organization with managing and organizing non-monetary donations. She never misses a shift and is always willing to train and support new volunteers.

She makes our work easier, and we want to thank her in the best way we know how by nominating her as one of our Honor Roll Volunteers. Her humility goes a long way, and it would be a missed opportunity not to recognize how exceptional she is at what she does.”

Pope Francis Center

Teresa is a consistent and reliable volunteer who is a blessing to all of our guests who interact with her. Her thoughtfulness shines through in many ways as she meets the needs of anyone who enters our Day Center. Not only does Teresa know our guests names, they all know hers, and they look forward to seeing her.

United Way for Southeastern Michigan

Heather is always supportive of literacy efforts at United Way. She has volunteered to help with packing literacy kits and helping at book fairs. She believes in the power of supporting students through books and puts her words into actions by supporting community efforts in literacy.

First Step

John and Karen Szkutnik are a dedicated husband-and-wife volunteer team whose impact at First Step has grown since 2023. Karen supports the front desk, welcoming clients and assisting staff, while John began as our “Bike Doctor” and now helps with facility care. Together, they revitalized a Healing Garden and maintain it with pride. They also support events like our gala and Summer BBQ. Beloved by staff, they are dependable, adaptable, and require little guidance—truly an extension of our team and mission.

Elms Family and Community Services

During the Christmas season, Kimberely recognized a need for more sponsors for our Adopt-a-Family program and, without being asked, she connected the organization to her Union Local’s Giving Tree Program—resulting in 30 additional children receiving gifts. Her initiative brought joy and financial relief to low-income families and reflects her deep compassion and commitment. Kimberely’s dedication and willingness to go above and beyond through community engagement and service to make a meaningful impact, and she is truly deserving of recognition on this year’s Volunteer Honor Roll.

Elms Family and Community Services

During our first 2026 community distribution, Gayle noticed families in need of diapers for infants and toddlers. Without being asked, she took the initiative to collaborate with her church leadership and organized a community diaper drive to collect essential care items. Her efforts helped close a critical gap for families we serve while strengthening community engagement and service. Gayle’s compassion, leadership, and dedication make her truly deserving of recognition on the Volunteer Honor Roll.

Center For Success Network

Riley is highly deserving of recognition for her commitment to community engagement and service. She volunteers weekly to support students in building their literacy skills, bringing a fun and uplifting energy to every session. Riley does an excellent job balancing learning with engagement, making sessions both effective and enjoyable. She genuinely cares about the students and forms meaningful connections, creating a positive and lasting impact on those she works with.

Center For Success Network

Ingrid is highly deserving of recognition for her commitment to community engagement and service. She has been a devoted mentor with the Center for Success Network for years, consistently showing up each week to support students in developing their literacy skills. Ingrid is a caring and compassionate individual who truly stands by the causes she believes in. Her genuine passion for helping students grow makes a meaningful and lasting impact on our program and community.

Pope Francis Center

Rick is a volunteer who is so fully aligned with our mission of helping the unsheltered community, that he serves multiple shifts each week and has developed a great rapport with our guests. He also serves as a mentor to new volunteers. Even on days that Rick is not usually in, our guests ask for him.

Henry Ford Health Detroit, Living Transplant Community

The Transplant Living Community is a volunteer program at Henry Ford Health Detroit that connects those in our community awaiting a transplant with former recipients, caregivers and living organ donors. TLC volunteers provide support, and educational tools to help individuals navigate the transplant process. I would like to highlight the Liver Transplant Community volunteers at HFH Detroit; they are the epitome of what a volunteer is: gracious, committed, kind, trustworthy, altruistic, passionate, conscious of other’s needs and community focused.