I remember the thrill I felt as I stepped inside my kindergarten classroom for the for time. As a proud blue-collar kid raised in Dearborn Heights, I knew at a young age that education was my ticket to the life I wanted.
And it paid off for the past 15 years, I’ve served as the president and CEO of the Detroit Economic Club. It’s been gratifying to work with business and nonprofit leaders who are reviving our region.
United Way for Southeastern Michigan is one nonprofit that holds a dear place in my heart. As a board member, I’ve seen how the organization has made progress addressing some of our region’s toughest challenges. As a mother, I’m encouraged by United Way’s work to prepare children for kindergarten, a cornerstone in a child’s life.
“How can parents prepare their and provide a nurturing, literacy rich environment if they can’t afford the basics, like food, shelter and utilities? They can’t.”
—Beth Chappell
Today, we’re empty nesters, and I’ve had more time to learn about the complexity of the issues plaguing our community. How can parents prepare their children for school and provide a nurturing, literacy-rich environment if they can’t afford the basics, like food, shelter, and utilities? They can’t.
United Way is committed to helping both parents and caregivers access resources to meet their basic needs and opportunities to grow their caregiving skill sets.
I believe in my heart that we all have a responsibility to support our community in whatever capacity we can. My passion for education has led me to seek out ways that I can make an impact in this area, and United Way has given me the opportunity to make a difference.
This work is so life-changing that I co-founded Women United to help raise awareness and funds to reach even more parents and caregivers. It’s also why Warren and I give to United Way as Alexis de Tocqueville donors each year. We also made a planned gift in our will to help United Way continue its mission for years to come.
As you read this, I hope you’ll consider the ways you can make a difference in our community. As for me, I hope more children will enter kindergarten excited and ready to learn, just like I was years ago.