Skip to main content

DTE Energy Gatekeeper of the Year to be Honored

May 17, 2010

The Michigan Office and Commission on Services to the Aging have named Mary Gavitt as the 2009 "DTE Energy Gatekeeper of the Year." She will be honored with a plaque and a congratulatory letter from Governor Jennifer Granholm on May 21.

"Congratulations to this outstanding individual," said Sharon Gire, director of the Michigan Office of Services to the Aging. "She demonstrates the importance of the Gatekeeper program that was started in 1987 to identify older members of the community who need assistance."

Each year DTE Energy employees are nominated for their efforts to identify and assist at-risk elder customers age 60 and older. The Michigan Office and Commission on Services to the Aging then select one employee each month to be named "Gatekeeper of the Month," and from those employees select the "DTE Energy Gatekeepers of the Year."

This year, the statewide honor goes to Gavitt for identifying an older adult who had critical needs, and referring her to agencies to receive assistance so she can live safely, healthy and independently in her own home.

While working for DTE Energy as a customer care representative at the Customer Care Call Center in Kentwood, Gavitt assisted a homebound older adult in a wheelchair who was frightened because she couldn't afford to pay her heating bills. Her inefficient furnace was causing high gas usage and creating financial difficulties.

Because of Gavitt's concern for this customer's safety and wellbeing, she discussed available community services with her, and referred her to the Area Aging of Western Michigan in Grand Rapids where she received assistance with food and prescriptions.