“There’s really no good reason not to volunteer!”
“Being a volunteer is about helping others. It's about not being completely selfish with your time,” says Jane Kersjes, who works in DTE Energy’s Information Technology Services department and volunteers one-and-a-half hours per week with Mercy Education Project, along with weekend activities when she has time.
“Sure we can all throw money at organizations, but spending time to help someone else and seeing their reaction and appreciation is what gives me the most satisfaction,” she says. more
“I guess the idea of becoming a volunteer started when I was in college. I went to Michigan State University (MSU) on a golf caddie scholarship. Because others had paid for my education, I thought I should give back in some way. At MSU, I volunteered with the Adopt-A-Grandparent program. This was the start of many volunteer ventures. I also started giving blood in college and am working on giving my 13th gallon. “Shortly after college, I became a big sister in Big Brothers/Big Sisters. I did this for five years. I also helped one year with the Junior Achievement Program at a school in Canton. Another venture has been working on Habitat for Humanity houses with DTE Energy. I started with the Women's Build and have worked on eight different houses, mostly one or two-day ventures.
“Another program I enjoyed was tutoring a young adult through the Wayne County Literacy Program. Tina and I met every week at the Canton Library for her lessons so she would be able to read to her two-year-old daughter. As the youngest of seven kids, she never learned to read and somehow passed her grades.
“Currently, I am tutoring Marlen, a second grader, through the Mercy Education Program sponsored by DTE Energy. She is truly the highlight of my week. This is our second year together. Last year was English, this year, math. I have seen a high improvement in her reading over last year. She's very dedicated and works hard in our short time together. The organization was started by the Sisters of Mercy and all the people running the program are very dedicated and hard working.
“I've also done the 60 mile-2 day Susan G. Komen 2002/2004 walks for breast cancer and have done six Race For the Cure walks.
“I've been blessed with more than most people in the world. There's really no good reason not to volunteer. You don't need special skills for a lot of volunteer jobs, you just need to take the time and do it. I've found that if you find yourself unhappy, you've looked inward too long. Once your focus is outward toward others, you are a more content, happy person.”
Each year thousands of DTE Energy employees volunteer in their neighborhoods and the communities we serve lending a helping hand to hundreds of deserving organizations. We are proud to call them the DTE Energy Care Corps.
Walking for Warmth heats homes in Out-Wayne County
On a cold and snowy Saturday morning, 52 DTE Energy employees, their friends and family gather inside Westland Mall with hundreds of others to Walk for Warmth. It’s the 15th year the Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency (WMCAA) has hosted the 3k walk through the mall. The event raises funds to heat homes in the 42 Wayne County communities surrounding Detroit. DTE Energy has participated every year.
“I’m here today because there are those struggling to pay their heat bills,” said walker Frank Aldridge, DTE Energy’s supply chain manager. “Hopefully my contribution will help.” more
Walker Bernice Jones, an office administrator at DTE Energy’s Redford, Mich., service center said, “I came from a family of 15 and someone was always helping out. So I decided when I grew up I’d volunteer every opportunity I get. That’s why I’m here.”
“As tough economic times continue to plague our communities, low-income families need our help more than ever,” explained walker Madelyn Williams, DTE Energy regional relations manager and second vice chairperson of the WMCAA. “Low-income families spend a large percentage of their monthly household income on utilities. The WMCAA provides emergency assistance to keep our neediest people safe and warm. I can’t think of a better organization to support at this time of year.”
By collecting pledges prior to the event, the DTE Energy Care Corps walkers raised $1,800 for WMCAA emergency utility assistance programs. DTE Energy employees also supported the walk through the River Rouge Power Plant Community Action Team and Western Wayne Service Center Community Involvement Task Force in Belleville.
Each year thousands of DTE Energy employees volunteer in their neighborhoods and the communities we serve lending a helping hand to hundreds of deserving organizations. We are proud to call them the DTE Energy Care Corps.
DTE Energy Foundation
