100 Women Who Care invest in the ‘human spirit’

Women Who

CARE Local non-profit invests in ‘power of the human spirit’ Story and Photos by Laura Fawaz

Alocal organization dedicated to helping other non-profits by providing financial contributions is at it again. It’s also an organization made up of all women, who not only support others but also each other.

The group, 100 Women Who Care, has a simple concept. Made up of 100 women (actually it’s closer to 140 now), each member gives $100 four times a year, totaling more than $10,00 every quarter, to “invest in the power of the human spirit,” said Suha Costy, who is the founder of the Northville chapter.

The idea is to leverage many small gifts into a large one, to provide a greater impact towards the organization receiving that quarter’s contribution. Members nominate a 501(c)3 nonprofit local charity, and three are picked at random. The organizations are given 3-5 minutes to give a presentation to the group, describing their needs, and how the donation will benefit them. After taking a vote, one cause is chosen, and a special check delivery presentation will take place. Additionally, the recipient will be encouraged to report on the progress and lifechanging differences that the contribution has made, at the next quarter’s meeting.

Lisa Wiseley and Amy Walsh are the co-founders, who joined with Costy in the beginning. They all spent endless time and money with several charities, but not feeling like they were making a big impact. Knowing there was more they could and should do, Costy told them about 100 Men Who Care, after seeing a positive reaction from her husband Del, who had recently joined the Rochester chapter.

“So we got together and realized how easy it would be to gather like-minded friends to do the same thing in Northville. Many of us have families, jobs and responsibilities that make

Amy Walsh (from left), Suha Costy, and Lisa Wiseley (far right) from 100 Women Who Care write out the check to Rachelle Vartanian, founder of The Living & Learning Enrichment Center.

it difficult to donate our time, or maybe want to help, but not sure how,” Costy said.

At their first meeting, they were pleasantly surprised with the great turnout, all through word of mouth.

“The chance to leverage the positive energy and camaraderie of 100 women with a sincere purpose to give back is quite compelling and rewarding,” Costy said. “We realized how powerful such a small city really is when it comes together.”

In their four years, the group has raised $232,900, and with the help of the Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation, they’ve also been able to receive a $5,000 match for the past four charities.

This quarter’s donation recipient is Rachelle Vartanian, the founder of The Living & Learning Enrichment Center in Northville. She took her 3-5 minutes to talk about when her son was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome when he was three years old, and how she turned that concern into motivation, to create a space for not only her son, but for other families with children afflicted with autism.

She was already passionate about helping these underserved kids and families, having a degree in teaching for the emotionally impaired. Vartanian was still looking for more but it just wasn’t available at that time. She had many concerns, not the least of which is the 90 percent unemployment rate of adults who are living on the autism spectrum.

“I kept thinking they’re not going be able to live independently if they’re not working, and none of them are working,” Vartanian said. “So I quit my job, sold my home and downsized our lives.”

And the Living & Learning Enrichment Center came to life, providing services and programs for those on the spectrum and other related challenges. The organization has gained so many kids that they outgrew their space … twice. Last year, they were able to purchase the former Massey Estate, located at 801 Griswold. Vartanian and her team have thought of it all, utilizing the space for initiatives such as a lavender garden, a llama farm, a greenhouse, and even a space for the parents -- the 24/7 caregivers -- to be able to relax and take care of themselves while their kids are in their own programs.

They’ve been able to expand into more programs to provide for these kids’ future, such as Mod Market, a creative writing group, a farm, and much more. Located in downtown Northville at 150 Mary Alexander Court, Mod Market serves as a place where Living & Learning clients can learn job skills, and also sell artisan products they’ve created. All with the goal of creating jobs, and providing an independent lifestyle.

Vartanian took Costy, Wiseley and Walsh on a tour of the estate last month, showcasing the progress they’ve made in just one year. She proudly described the plans for every inch of the space, making sure to get the most out of it. Additionally, she shared how some spaces, such as using the beautiful acreage for wedding rentals, to bring in funds, as well as create jobs for her clients.

Vartanian said the funds from 100 Women Who Care will be used to provide free peer support, programs, services and referrals. More information on the organization, their progress, and even events, can be found on their website at www. livingandlearningcenter.org.

It is exactly the kind of story that the members of 100 Women Who Care are inspired by and the reason they started the group.

“At every meeting, we are so touched by the stories and the amazing work that these charities are doing. It is heartwarming and inspiring to be around these women who give so much of their time to help and do the work and bring awareness to wonderful causes,” Wisely said.

In addition to raising money, 100 Women Who Care are also working hard to bring awareness to the needs of these organizations, many of which are right here in Northville. They are always looking to gain new members, and encourage the community to check out their website to join, or just to keep up to date on the organizations being served by 100 Women Who Care.

“I would love for the community to know that we want to invite more women to join us. If we can increase the number of our members, we can make an even bigger impact. It’s as simple as that,” Wisely added.

For more information about 100 Women Who Care, please visit their website at http://100w omenwhocarenorthville.weebly. com.

In June of 2019, 100 Women Who Care donated more than $14,000 for the opening of Mod Market, which is operated by the Living & Learning Center.

Dishin’ With Denise

Denise Jenkins is a member of the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Tipping Point Theatre. An avid writer and proponent of the arts, she is also plugged into what’s happening in Northville. Contact her at denisemjenkins@aol.com.

Celebrating Flip Flops, Friends and Fathers

There is a celebration assigned to every day. You can find books and calendars that tell you all the different daily observances. June 1st was National Go Barefoot Day. This year Father’s Day is June 20th. That date changes every year. Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, is a holiday that commemorates the emancipation of those who had been enslaved in the United States. June 8th is Best Friends Day.

And of course, we celebrate graduates every day in June. Congratulations to the Class of 2021 – you rode the biggest roller coaster in history and survived. God bless you all.

The Marquis Theatre is offering a great way to announce and celebrate those special events in your

life. The big, beautiful marquis overhanging Main Street is available to tell the town your story in a few short words. It is available on request, and based on availability. The message can be up for three days. The poster on the theater building has a QR code to click on to get more details. In my humble opinion, this concept is a great way to “dish.”

Speaking of short on words…the Arts & Acts festival kicks off on June 18 and the authors from the 2020 Short on Words

competition will be honored.

The winners were notified last year and prizes were distributed, but it just wasn’t the same. There was no reception and no readings. This year the contest was put on hold, but aspiring writers were invited to “Write Me A Picture” of how the pandemic touched their lives. On Friday, June 18 at 7 p.m. the 2020 authors will be recognized at the Northville Art House. Some will have a chance to read their entry. The locations of all the photos used in the contest will be unveiled and we will have a sneak peak of one or two photo selections for the Short on Words 2022 competition.

The entries from “Write Me A Picture” have been put in a commemorative booklet. A limited supply will be available that night for a donation to the Northville Art House, which puts on Arts and Acts. The event is open to the public. For more information, visit northvillearthouse.org.

Get ready to celebrate

freedom! It’s great to know that the 4th of July parade returns to downtown Northville. But there are changes. First and foremost – it’s going to be on Monday, July 5th – the official holiday this year. The entries will be streamlined and judging is suspended. There will be no emcees and there’s a new route. Look for the perfect spot for your chair along Cady

Street from Griswold heading west to Wing, north on Wing to Main continuing west to the OLV parking lot. I can’t wait to see how soon chairs will be placed along this new route. For the record, chairs usually show up on Main Street up to three days before the parade. Contact the Northville Chamber of Commerce for more information.

The weather is warming up and I am so excited to know that one of my favorite businesses in downtown

Northville is still there. In order to wear my flip-flops proudly a pedicure was in order recently. It was great to see the chairs all filled up at Northville Nail Boutique on Main Street. I got my mani and pedi, caught up with some neighbors and friends plus felt the thrill of the young women getting ready for prom. Owner Youth (pronounced and known by all as U-It) should be proud of her perseverance and her team. They are a great group. Get ready for flip-flops by calling (248) 449-8890.

Denise and Carla Seit

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and father figures

out there. Always know you are important influencers. I am proud to be my father’s daughter each and every day. I’m sure there were days along the way he had his doubts. And one friendaversary shout out to my best girlfriend since June 14, 19??, when we were 15 years old, Carla Seit. Thanks for being there always. She’s one of the reasons I live in Northville.

Jamey Kramer

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