Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission announced the 13 individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations who will be honored at the 2025 Governor’s Service Awards for their commitment to volunteerism, service or philanthropy on Nov. 12, at the Kellogg Center in East Lansing.
“At the Governor’s Service Awards, we get to honor admirable Michiganders who have given their time, talent, and treasures to help others and make our state a better place,” said Governor Whitmer. “They step up for others and work hard to uplift our communities even when nobody’s looking because they know every contribution makes an impact. They have set an example for all of us to follow. I encourage every Michigander to draw from their stories and volunteer to make life a little better for those around them. Let’s keep rolling up our sleeves to help our neighbors and build a Michigan we can all be proud of.”
To recognize those who go above and beyond, the Governor's Service Awards have been presented since 1994. The Michigan Community Service Commission supports Michigan volunteers, organizations and businesses that are committed to service and play a critical role in improving the lives of our people and communities.
“The Award ceremony will be an intimate evening to celebrate the power of volunteerism,” said Michigan Community Service Commission Executive Director Ginna Holmes. “The level of selfless giving these Michiganders show should be an inspiration to us all. We are excited to tell their stories and show their passion to make a difference.”
The winners include:
Governor George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award: Robert Copping (South Haven)
Corporate Social Impact Award: Domino’s Pizza (Ann Arbor)
Excellence in Philanthropy: Otsego Community Foundation (Gaylord)
Older Adult Volunteer of the Year: John Richard Saxton (Blissfield)
Volunteer of the Year: Diana K. Deese (Saginaw), Judy Paulsen (Hartland)
Outstanding National Service Impact Award: Larry Friday (Norton Shores), BreAnna Lockhart (Detroit)
Youth Impact Award: Sue Schooner (Ann Arbor), Student Leader Fellowship Program (Marquette)
Youth Volunteer of the Year: Isabelle Bigelow (Livonia), Manya Tijoriwala (Canton)
Community Impact Award: NorthWest Initiative (Lansing)
See the honorees stories below:
George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award
Robert Copping – South Haven
Robert (Bob) Copping of South Haven has dedicated decades of his 93 years of life to making a difference in his community, state, nation, and world.
Bob’s life was impacted by the Great Depression during his younger years in Petoskey, living on the family farm. He volunteered with the U.S. Army and was stationed in Europe, where at the age of 28, he was responsible for transportation for a depot in Germany. After graduating with his MBA from Michigan State University, he had a long professional career in financial management internationally. A worldview offered Bob and his wife Jane an awareness of needs that existed beyond Michigan, and upon retirement at the age of 60, he served with the International Executive Service Corps in Slovakia. Upon their return to the United States, Jane and Bob decided to replant their Michigan roots and settle in South Haven. They vowed to follow the philosophy of author David Brooks: Define a joyous life of meaning and purpose – notably for their community. Bob strongly believes that when you are young, the focus is to be with your family and build your resume, but in the last part of your life, you should complete the picture by giving back to the community through service.
Bob has been steadfast in supporting the South Haven community over the past several decades. SHOUT for South Haven, the organization he founded more than 30 years ago, summarizes his tireless endeavors: “Working to make a great community even better.” The civic-minded SHOUT group engages in a way that initiates new paths in the community, funding hundreds of thousands of dollars in private contributions in projects such as bridge flowers, downtown sculptures, SHOUT park, the Wilhelm Baum tugboat, signature street clocks, beach benches, and most recently, the winter fireplace gathering place in Dyckman Park. SHOUT was the inspiration for the creation of the summer waterfront concerts, the cottage walk, performance series, theatre series, and speakers series.
“The positive impact of Mr. Copping’s work is tangible and far-reaching, and he continues to serve as a role model in our community. He embodies the values of education, excellence, and service that this honor seeks to recognize,” said Mayor of South Haven Annie Brown.
Bob’s leadership and positive vision for South Haven has left a trail for future generations of community leaders to take up the mantle and make our state an even greater place to start a career, raise a family, and enjoy retirement.
“Bob’s commitment extends beyond his achievements. At 93 years old, he continues to inspire those around him with passion, wit, and unshakeable belief in the power of community. His unique ability to merge vision with practical action has left a legacy that will benefit South Haven for generations,” said State Senator of District 20 Aric Nesbitt.
Corporate Social Impact Award
Domino’s Pizza – Ann Arbor
Domino’s Pizza has long believed that strong businesses build stronger communities. In 2024 alone, Domino’s donated $2.7 million to more than 250 nonprofit organizations and employees are also actively engaged in volunteering with local organizations.
The corporation focuses its giving on two priority causes meaningful to who they are as a brand: Farming and Hunger Relief.
Domino’s impact can be seen in the numbers. Last year, the company helped provide over 664,000 meals, supported 4,179 households, reached 16,600 youth, and bolstered the resilience of more than 100 farmers across 22 urban neighborhoods. Local partners included Peace Neighborhood Center, Ozone House, Food Gatherers, Gleaners Community Food Bank, and the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan. Domino’s was also the first partner to sign on to the capital campaign for the Peace Neighborhood Hub Community Resource Center in Ypsilanti, an 8,000-square-foot facility designed to serve low- to moderate-income residents across three underserved neighborhoods, which also features a food pantry and community meals, thanks to Domino’s contributions.
At the national level, Domino’s strengthened its commitment to the National FFA Organization, pledging $500,000 annually through 2028 to fund scholarships, workforce development, and grants that expand agricultural education. In partnership with The Nature Conservancy, Domino’s also invested $100,000 in the Feed in Focus program to help farmers implement sustainable practices that improve both environmental and economic outcomes. And through its ongoing cause-marketing partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Domino’s raised more than $18 million in 2024 alone, bringing its total to $143 million over 19 years, with a bold goal of $300 million by 2034.
Domino’s giving extends beyond financial contributions. Employees are actively engaged in volunteering, last year, nearly 200 team members contributed more than 800 hours of service across 18 local organizations, including food banks, community gardens, and housing programs. Team members also hosted office-wide food drives, prepared “Lunches with Love” for children in Washtenaw County, and toured Detroit youth through Domino’s Supply Chain Center to learn about logistics, sourcing, and mission-driven decision-making.
The company also pledged $1 million over three years to No Kid Hungry, helping reach 30 million children nationwide with summer meals. Locally, Domino’s contributed an additional
$150,000 to hunger relief organizations, equating to more than 500,000 meals distributed in Michigan, Texas, Florida, Nevada, and Maryland.
Domino’s is guided by its values: Do the Right Thing, Put People First, Champion Customers, Create Inspired Solutions, and Grow & Win Together. These principles shape the brand’s approach to giving, ensuring that its success is shared with the communities it serves. Whether investing in farmer resilience or addresses food insecurity through monetary, in-kind or volunteer support, Domino’s is living its purpose: feeding the power of possible, one pizza at a time.
Excellence in Philanthropy
Otsego Community Foundation - Gaylord
The mission of the Otsego Community Foundation (OCF) is “activate generosity for a strong community,” and it has been doing that since its inception in 1994. Their goal is to meet critical local needs by collaborating with donors and nonprofits serving Otsego County.
The foundation was created by and for the people of the Otsego community to connect people who care to the causes that matter most. Through collaboration with the community, managing permanent funds, and making purposeful grants, they magnify the generosity and impact. Through this effort, they help meet critical needs and support local opportunities in arts and culture, conservation, economic development, health and human services, education, and youth initiatives. The foundation’s efforts help fill forests with trees, minds with knowledge, youth with dreams, workforce with skills, society with art and culture, pantries with food, communities with connection, and hearts with the joyful feeling of making a difference.
Through the years, the Otsego Community Foundation has amassed $12,000,000 in assets and successfully awarded $6,700,000 in grants and scholarships in the community. While easy to measure in dollars, the heart and soul of the OCF is their commitment to include and reflect the community in all efforts including development, governance and programming by centering efforts around collaboration and innovation.
With a plan, an engaged board and dedicated small but mighty staff the OCF has recently renovated their grant making framework leading with proactive grants to high impact partners who are dedicated to pursuing the community’s greatest opportunities and addressing the most critical challenges. This strategy includes leveraging outside funding, multiyear support, and capacity building and as a result the community progress has been made in three key areas: advance training (training beyond high school), attainable housing and coordinated human services.
Equally impressive is the work they have done to mitigate the effects of disasters that have impacted their community. “We are in a paradoxical situation of knowing how to move through the phases of disaster strategically. The solid footings built will help stabilize and revitalize the community to reduce the impact of future catastrophic events, ” said Dana Bensinger, the executive director of OCF.
In May of 2022, a tornado hit the community, and the foundation found it was imperative that they take an active role in helping the community respond and recover. The foundation embraced this new role that extended beyond donor services and grantmaking by offering support to address critical challenges that arose from the disasters. When the ice storm devastated vast areas of Northern Michigan earlier this year, the foundation and its partners worked in collaboration to address issues. OCF steadfastly provided financial aid to both community organizations and local businesses, established grants to help public service organizations, and helped to assist individuals in need. It is also helping to support the START (Services, Tools, Assistance, Resources, and Talents) Collaborative that is working to provide humanitarian support to individuals still needing to recover from the ice storm. The collaborative’s mission is to collectively provide support to individuals and families affected by any disaster in Otsego County. The foundation leadership understands that they have a pivotal role in supporting communities to respond and recover.
The Otsego County Community Foundation has proven itself time and again to be an entity that cares, leads with grace and understanding, and will be there to work with and for the community to meet the needs of residents of the entire county
Older Adult Volunteer of the Year
John Richard Saxton – Blissfield
John “Dick” Saxton has been serving his community for decades. It is quite impressive that at the age of 85 he has not wavered in his commitment to making a difference.
He currently volunteers with the Lenawee Department on Aging by driving other older adults to non-emergency medical appointments and delivering meals to homebound older adults from a local senior center. He has driven 23,000 miles to date.
John Saxton is the kind of volunteer that every agency hopes for. He rarely says no and will often rearrange his own personal schedule to fit in a short-notice request. John has never wavered in his volunteer work, even continuing to volunteer throughout the pandemic. John joined the volunteer team at Lenawee Department on Aging in 2014, and he quickly became known as a dependable, dedicated and caring volunteer. His positive attitude brings smiles to the staff as he is always one to jump in to say “I can make it work” when scheduling challenges arise. His selflessness and work ethic are unmatched. John is often the first one to say, “Is there something I can do to help?”
“John is a very honest and helpful person. He goes out of his way to help people. He is always respectful to me, and I have found him to be very respected in his community.” said Annette Shuman, client at the Lenawee Department on Aging.
His commitment to his community does not stop with seniors, though. Through the Blissfield Area Lions Club, John has helped support in the past three decades many service projects, including helping to provide glucometer test kits to local doctors, collecting donations and purchasing school supplies for local students, and coordinating trips for children to attend a symphony event, among other things.
John served with the U.S. Army, including 15 years overseas and was awarded several decorations, medals, badges, citations and campaign ribbons for his service. He currently serves on the advisory committee of the Lenawee County Department of Veterans Affairs.
He takes initiative and brings a positive attitude to whatever organization or service project he is part of. John has connected with other volunteers and cultivated meaningful relationships that impact not just those he is serving, but also those he serves with.
“John has been transporting veterans to their medical appointments at the VA Ann Arbor Medical Center since 2014. He is exactly the kind of person you would want as a companion on a long car trip. His dedication to serving others, particularly veterans, and his commitment to ensuring safe transportation are evident in his work. With a warm smile, John is able to assist even the most challenging individuals with patience and care.” said Kristina Eschedor, Veterans Relief Service Officer, Lenawee County Department of Veterans Affairs.
Volunteer of the Year
Judy Paulsen - Hartland
For more than 43 years, Judy Paulsen has been a cornerstone of Livingston County 4-H, serving an estimated 22,000 volunteer hours since 1981. As the administrative leader for the county’s largest 4-H Club, she has guided multiple generations of families, inspired thousands of youth, and shaped the program into one of the strongest in Michigan.
Judy’s leadership has touched nearly every aspect of Livingston County 4-H. She has led club meetings, coordinated countywide events at the Fowlerville Family Fair, trained new volunteers, and played a pivotal role in establishing the county’s 4-H awards program. As a longtime member of the 4-H Advisory Committee, she has held officer roles, facilitated meetings, strengthened partnerships with community organizations, and led the county’s Plat Book fundraiser for many years.
Her impact goes far beyond administration. Judy continually models service and inspires youth to do the same. She led projects that made tie blankets for local police departments to support families in crisis, and recently encouraged her club to raise more than $1,700 in just hours for a local family who lost their home in a fire. She has also been a driving force behind the addition of STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics) programming in Livingston County 4-H, exposing youth to fields like veterinary science, livestock husbandry, photography, robotics, engineering, and entomology. By offering such a wide range of opportunities, Judy ensures that every club participant has the chance to discover new interests while building leadership and personal skills.
Her decades of dedication have been recognized with numerous honors, including the 2013 Donald Epley Lifetime Community Service Award, the 2020 4-H Leader Service Award, and the 2021 40 Years of Service Award. However, her greatest legacy is the generations of young people who credit her guidance and encouragement for shaping their lives and values.
“Our program would not look the same without Judy's dedication over the last 43 years,” said Katlynn VanDouser of Michigan State University Extension – Livingston.
“We are incredibly grateful for all of the work she has put into our program to make it as strong and impactful as it is today.”
Widely known and deeply respected, Judy Paulsen has been a positive constant in Livingston County 4-H for more than four decades. Her unwavering commitment, innovative leadership, and generous spirit have left a lasting mark on her community and the thousands of youth she has inspired.
Volunteer of the Year
Diana K. Deese - Saginaw
Ever since she discovered the value and joy of volunteering while in high school, Diana Deese lived by her motto, "Life is a participation sport."
She has become a lifetime member of Girl Scouts, serving more than 5,000 hours teaching youth everything from sewing, cooking, and gardening skills to personal finance, auto mechanics, and public speaking.
“She engaged them on hands-on learning and snuck in the “how” and “why” behind each one. The girls earned their badges through Diana’s well-planned activities, and they didn’t really realize that they were learning in the process,” said Jill Dougherty, a Girl Scout colleague.
Her mentorship has helped give her troop members the ability to explore creative skills while also helping them learn more about potential career avenues they can take, including in the sciences and sales. Diana has served as the service area manager of Midland County and overseen more than 500 girls and 300 volunteers, all while increasing membership, providing leadership training and recognition, and leading celebrations and other activities. Diana’s leadership in cookie sales brought nearly $1 million in sales to the organization, thanks to her dedication to creating partnerships with local businesses and venues.
Diana has also served with the American Chemical Society at both local and national levels for over 15 years. In these roles, she works with elementary educators to create science demonstrations and has pushed students interested in chemistry to seek out paid internships in the field. Diana has worked with her employer, Dow, to create her work schedule around these service opportunities, as much of this happens during school hours. Through her connections at Dow, Diana has also rescued lab supplies from the landfill and donated them to local schools.
Much of Diana’s work vacation days have been spent volunteering, and her service goes far beyond just participating; she leads and takes initiative.
“In the 14 years working with Diana, I am always blown away by her commitment, excitement, and devotion to Scouts,” said Julie Davenport, Girl Scouts manager. “She always offers to help in any way she can, whenever she can, and whenever asked. Diana’s leadership support and extensive scouting knowledge continues to keep our area strong, vibrant, and relevant. She truly strives to make our community a better place.”
Outstanding National Service Impact
Larry Friday – Norton Shores
Larry Friday has devoted his life to service, first to his country through the United States Air Force, and later to his community through a wide range of volunteer work across Muskegon County.
Since 2017, Larry has dedicated nearly 700 hours to volunteering with United Way of the Lakeshore’s RSVP AmeriCorps program and numerous local organizations, making a lasting impact through his dedication, humor, and compassion.
Larry’s commitment to service began in 1964 when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving as a mechanic and crew chief for an F-105 fighter bomber during the Vietnam War. His time in the military instilled a deep sense of duty that has guided his volunteer work for decades. After leaving the service, he continued to invest in others, coaching middle school softball for five years, even after his daughter was no longer on the team.
In recent years, Larry has become an anchor in the Muskegon community. He serves as a volunteer museum guide and assists veterans in locating their military records. Larry is a dedicated Vet-to-Vet volunteer through Harbor Hospice, where he provides companionship and support to veterans in hospice care. Through heartfelt conversations and meaningful pinning ceremonies, Larry helps veterans embrace pride in their service. His presence has been described as “pivotal” by hospice staff, providing comfort to patients and their families in their most difficult moments.
Larry’s volunteerism extends widely: he has served at community events such as the Lakeshore Art Festival, Unity Fest, the Michigan Irish Music Festival, the Seaway Run, and Ride United. He has volunteered with the Salvation Army, distributing toys through the Angel Tree program and holiday meals for families. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Larry stepped up to assist at vaccination sites. Most recently, he has been a literacy mentor at Orchard View Early Elementary, helping kindergarten students build reading skills and coordinating other volunteers.
Known for his humor and ability to connect with people, Larry is described by fellow volunteers as someone who “leaves everyone with a smile.” His leadership, compassion, and ability to honor the service of fellow veterans have left a lasting mark on Muskegon County. In 2022, he was recognized as Senior Volunteer of the Year by the United Way of the Lakeshore.
Larry Friday is a proud veteran, father, and community member whose example inspires others to give back. Through every role, he demonstrates that service is not just something you do, it’s a way of life.
Outstanding National Service Impact Award
BreAnna Lockhart – Detroit
BreAnna Lockhart has dedicated her life to community service and youth empowerment, beginning with her time as a full-time AmeriCorps member with the Detroit AmeriCorps Urban Safety (AMUS) Program. Serving in the Osborn and Cody neighborhoods, two of the city’s highest-crime areas, BreAnna helped establish five block clubs in each neighborhood and organized a Bike Patrol Neighborhood Watch in Osborn. She learned firsthand the power of community-led efforts, while developing skills in public speaking, data analysis, and project management. She credits her AmeriCorps service with teaching her to be both a stronger neighbor and a more effective leader.
After completing two terms of service, BreAnna became Program Coordinator for AMUS in 2015, where she supported AmeriCorps members with mentorship, training, and daily coordination. She also developed the innovative Youth CompStat program, the first model of its kind in Detroit and the U.S., which engaged local youth in data analysis and crime prevention strategies. Using their lived experiences, these young people created action plans that addressed both victims and perpetrators of youth crime, transforming the way Detroit approached community-led safety efforts.
In 2020, BreAnna left the AMUS Program and Wayne State to take on the position of Corporate Social Responsibility Representative with Marathon Petroleum. With her first-hand knowledge of the AMUS Program's benefits to both residents and members, BreAnna continues to champion the AMUS Program's Detroit Youth Service Corps through her work at Marathon, creating access to funding that bolsters the Youth program and adds services and resources to many local communities.
A lifelong Detroiter, BreAnna continues to pay it forward as both a professional and a volunteer. With an undergraduate degree in Piano Performance, she offered free lessons to children under 15 through the Center’s Continuing Education program for over a decade and continues to volunteer with multiple youth music programs. BreAnna serves year-round in the classroom, focusing on initiatives that help with attendance and enrollment. She is passionate about youth development and addressing basic community needs, and she is currently growing her own consulting company to help small nonprofits compete effectively for grants.
“BreAnna is sowing the seeds of community service. She started herself as a seed during her member service,” Ramona Rodriguez-Washington, Program Director of AMUS said. “Today, by connecting residents to resources that benefit their communities, she is now a tree sowing her own seeds. She is a changemaker, making a lasting impact.”
Through every role, BreAnna has remained deeply committed to uplifting her city. Whether leading from within AmeriCorps, empowering youth, or leveraging corporate resources for social good, she embodies what it means to be a servant leader in Detroit.
Youth Impact Award
Sue Schooner – Ann Arbor
Sue Schooner was enjoying a successful career in the automotive industry, proud of the doors opened with her Harvard MBA. She certainly wasn’t planning to use her savings to start a movement. However, in 2003, she gathered 10 middle school students, around shared goals and honest conversations. This small group has since grown into Girls Group, an inspiring nonprofit that now serves more than 1,300 young women each year.
Girls Group was born from Sue’s vision to create what she yearned for herself—a safe, empowering community where young women could build confidence, resilience, and the tools for lifelong success. With her business background and deep compassion, she shaped the organization around tackling long-term systemic, racial, economic, and academic inequities that too often stand in the way of opportunity.
Under Sue’s leadership, Girls Group has become known for its long-term mentoring and wraparound support and focus on supporting students to graduate from high school and college. Girls Group walks alongside participants from middle school through college and beyond. What started in Ann Arbor has significantly expanded into neighboring Ypsilanti, answering the call for greater access and equity.
“Sue is an inspiration to everyone she encounters,” said U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Ann Arbor). “As a four-time breast cancer survivor, she has faced and beaten this disease repeatedly—all while building an organization that changes lives every day. Her resilience and compassion are woven into the very fabric of Girls Group.”
The organization’s expansion into the Ann Arbor Public Schools in 2012 created a ripple effect of support. Teachers, counselors, and administrators joined in to help connect more students to Girls Group’s programming—spaces where young women learn to manage stress, organize their lives, and believe deeply in their own potential. Many participants come from backgrounds marked by hardship—poverty, trauma, or abuse. However, through Girls Group, they find a steady foundation of trust, mentorship, and belonging.
Sue often says that the girls she’s met through Girls Group have provided her with something essential, also. The sense of love and community she longed for when she was younger. That exchange—of guidance, strength, and sisterhood—is what keeps her going.
“Girls Group is a sisterhood to me,” said Shavanna Thompson, one of the original 10 participants. “It allowed me to learn about myself and express myself in ways I couldn’t before. It opened doors—like college—that I didn’t even think were possible. Girls Group guided me when I felt lost, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.”
Two decades in, Sue Schooner’s legacy is clear: she built more than a nonprofit. She built a community that believes every young woman deserves the chance to rise, and the loving people to walk beside her as she does.
Youth Impact Award
The Student Leader Fellowship Program – Marquette
The Student Leader Fellowship Program at Northern Michigan University works directly with local nonprofits and government agencies by creating service internships and projects. Each of the service sites are established with the idea of meeting compelling community needs and supporting students grow in their understanding of how to become community-centered leaders.
It is quite impressive that since the program started in 1991, student volunteers have contributed over 146,000 hours of community service at over 500 sites. The program empowers students to engage through service to identify needs and develop solutions. Student fellows design their own internships, which allows them the ability to put their passions at the forefront while serving.
“What stands out most is the genuine connection these students have built with the children,” said principal Stacy Brock. “They have been role models, showing resilience, teamwork, and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. Their ability to inspire and uplift the students is a testament to their dedication and passion for making a positive impact in their community.”
The project list is quite expansive and includes volunteers helping at the following service initiatives:
The Student Leader Fellowship Program at Northern Michigan is truly making a difference as is evidenced by what program sites are saying about the program.
“The students who participate in this program profoundly impact Marquette, the Upper Peninsula, and beyond,” said Victoria Leonhardt, a mentor with the program. “This program creates engaged, involved leaders who often put their skills to work in Michigan.”
Youth Volunteer of the Year
Isabelle (Belle) Bigelow – Livonia
Isabelle (Belle) Bigelow of Livonia turns passion into action and has made a lasting impact through her dedication to service, leadership, and advocacy in her community.
At 17, Belle has contributed to multiple clubs and organizations and has held leadership roles in many. She has participated in Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), student government, student council, National Honor Society, Girl Up Club (an organization focused on equity for girls), Teen Volunteer Council, National Technical Honor Society, and Foods Club. Belle also helped found a volunteer fair in Livonia through the Livonia Public Library and Teen Volunteer Council, which connects local organizations with volunteers looking to make a difference.
What sets Belle apart is her ability to turn passion into action. She doesn't just participate, she leads, trains, and empowers others. As a key organizer for many initiatives, she has inspired peers to join in fundraising efforts, participate in advocacy work, and commit to community service. Belle has also been connected to Fox Run Senior Living Community in Novi since she was in 8th grade. Here, she serves residents, trains co-workers, and is part of a mentorship program. Belle has also helped fundraise through many of these experiences. As the chair of a charity month at Livonia Stevenson High School, Belle helped to raise over $2,000 for Detroit’s Forgotten Harvest. She also helped collect almost 2,000 canned food items for His Church Anglican in Livonia.
Through everything she does, Belle leaves a lasting impact and encourages others to create sustainable change and raise awareness for issues important to them.
“Beyond her tangible contributions, Belle Bigelow has become a role model for service and leadership,” said her teacher, Cary Thompson.
“Her resilience, initiative, and unwavering commitment to giving back make her not only deserving of recognition but also an inspiration for others to follow in her footsteps. I believe we need more kind, loving, and passionate individuals, like Belle Bigelow, in our society today. People like her are quite rare to find, yet they make the world a better place.”
Youth Volunteer of the Year
Manya Tijoriwala - Canton
Manya Tijoriwala has been involved with over 15 organizations in her 16 years, and her commitment to service and advocacy is prevalent in each experience. Much of her volunteerism centers around mental health awareness and food accessibility, two causes close to her heart.
Manya uses her personal experience with anxiety to help others through their own mental health challenges. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she volunteered with Michigan Indian Community Service, where she helped organize donations and led meditation events to support community well-being. She has worked with the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) to promote awareness and understanding for individuals and families affected by mental illness. In addition, as a youth advocate with Art of Living, she leads yoga, meditation, and breathing sessions that promote mindfulness and emotional balance, while also coordinating mental health-related events and meetings for Hope Clinic.
Through her service, Manya has also taken action to address food accessibility and sustainability. She has worked on initiatives to reduce food waste through the Food Compost Pilot Project in Canton, helping educate others about environmental conservation and diverting thousands of pounds of food waste from landfills. She also volunteers at food drives and soup kitchens and donates nonperishable items to local shelters to support families in need.
Beyond these efforts, Manya serves as a peer educator for civic engagement with Planned Parenthood Michigan, where she created reproductive health curricula for six Washtenaw County schools, teaching more than 180 students. Her work focused on reducing unintended teen pregnancies and STIs, while advocating for women’s rights and accessible health education. She has also raised funds for P.U.R.E. Novi (People for Urban and Rural Education) to provide school supplies for children and for the Vallabh Youth Organization, which develops “smart sticks” for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Manya’s drive to make a difference at such a young age continues to inspire her peers and community. Through her compassion, leadership, and unwavering dedication, she exemplifies how meaningful service can create lasting change.
Community Impact Award
NorthWest Initiative - Lansing
NorthWest Initiative (NWI) is a community development organization working to create a healthier and more vibrant community for residents of northwest Lansing.
The founders operated the organization with a belief that it was imperative to include community members in the process of determining what and how to support the community’s compelling needs. Leadership held a community summit, and residents identified access to healthcare, access to fresh, healthy foods, tools for breaking the cycle of poverty, job services, safe neighborhoods, and positive experiences for children as issues to be addressed.
After 25 years of existence, NWI now serves as a cornerstone in the community. It offers a comprehensive approach to overcoming obstacles in the neighborhoods it serves. NWI’s Outreach Program has implemented a variety of successful programs that have made a tremendous impact in the lives of the people by directly addressing food insecurity, financial barriers, and accessibility challenges through our free seasonal tax preparation site and helping people to navigate the MIBridges portal that serves as a lifeline for individuals navigating government assistance applications, overcoming digital hurdles and bureaucratic barriers to ensure they receive the support they need. The Mobile Farmers Market, the Food Distribution, and the Produce Box Programs provides access to fresh produce. Our Food Systems Program has been teaching nutrition education to students attending several Lansing area schools; adults; and senior citizens that helps to foster healthy eating habits by empowering individuals to make long-term dietary choices. They have also operated cooking lessons to help teach people how to prepare healthy and delicious meals on a budget. The Advocacy Resources Reentry Outreach (ARRO) program provides essential services and support to returning citizens, such as securing housing, drafting resumes, and accessing employment opportunities along with other services provided through the Outreach Program as they transition back into society. ARRO’s Adult Diversion Program (in lieu of being sent directly to jail or prison) offers alternatives to incarceration for some offenders and aids individuals as they successfully participate in a variety of classes all designed to help them learn how to make better choices and get back on a positive track so they can complete their terms of probation. All of the programs guide participants toward positive life paths through education, skill-building, and counseling.
NWI has effectively supported the surrounding neighborhoods in Northwest Lansing by fostering a culture of community support and providing meaningful opportunities for involvement. Community members are invited to volunteer and directly contribute to the mission.
