Lunch & Learn

16th Annual Veterans’ Summit

ATTENTION MILITARY VETERANS, SPOUSES AND FAMILIES!
Local Impact Alliance presents the 16^th Annual Veterans’ Summit

Join us for this free event as experts from Legal Help for Veterans share how veteran benefits are changing. Hear speakers Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone and veteran law expert, Kristina Derro, Esq. share information and practical ways to navigate the current benefits landscape. Information will be shared at 11:30 with questions to follow. Find resources and make connections for veterans and their families.

Lunch is provided!

Details:

Wednesday, September 24, 2025
11:30-1:30
Westland City Hall Ballroom
36300 Warren Rd., Westland

This is a FREE event, however, we ask that you register.

This event is part of the Local Impact Alliance's "Lunch & Learn" program.

About Our Speakers:

general carol ann fausone 250x313

Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone
Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC

Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone (Ret.) served her country for 36 years. She served as the Assistant Adjutant General of Veterans Affairs for the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs of the State of Michigan advocating for Veterans from 2003-2011.

General Fausone served as the Assistant for Mobilization and Reserve Affairs from 2001-2005 working directly with the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, Force Health Protection, and Readiness. Serving in this capacity, she assisted in developing and implementing programs, policies, and operations for Reserve Affairs.

General Fausone graduated from the University of Michigan School of Nursing in 1975 and in 1977 received her commission in the United States Air Force as a medical officer. She served on active duty in various nursing positions and in late 1981 transferred to the Michigan Air National Guard. In 1983 and 1995, she completed a Master of Science in Administration and a Master of Science in Nursing from Madonna University in Livonia, Michigan.

General Fausone has written over 25 Veterans Disability EBooks for Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC since 2013. In 2021, General Fausone co-authored "Impact on Health from Exposures: Case Examples from Military Eras and Guide for Clinical Practice - Practical Guide for Managing the Health of Veterans After War/Conflict Exposure: Case Examples from Recent Events" published in the Journal of Nursing Practice. She partnered with the University of Michigan School of Nursing to create 360 Virtual Education, a series of immersive videos created to support healthcare providers when they are caring for military veterans in a variety of healthcare settings to address health inequities and give nursing students the tools to engage in culturally competent clinical practice.

Carol Ann Fausone continues serving by “Taking Care of Our American Heroes and their Families” to obtain the benefits they deserve.

Derro Kristina L Headshot

Kristina L. Derro, Esq.
Legal Help for Veterans, PLLC

Kristina L. Derro concentrates her practice primarily on veterans' disability matters before the VA and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims. Kristina utilizes her Master’s degree in social work, Bachelor’s in psychology, and previous history of working with individuals suffering from mental health disorders by handling mental health disability claims before the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Kristina's litigation experience allows her to pursue cases involving federal tort claims against the VA. Prior to joining the law firm, she worked as a social worker with economically disadvantaged populations suffering from mental health disorders. She is a 2006 graduate of Wayne State University Law School and has both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Michigan.

Kristina takes great pride in her impact on our clients' lives with her work at Legal Help For Veterans, PLLC.

Published in Lunch & Learn

Cutting Edge Composting in Canton

Composting 101

In a country where over 1 billion tons of food is wasted each year, it’s heart-wrenching to realize that less than 5% of residential waste is composted. Yet, there is hope! As landfill space becomes more scarce, food composting is one of the simplest and most impactful actions people can take to reduce the amount of food ending up in landfills, keep waste hauling rates low, and also produce beneficial compost for their gardens.

In a move toward sustainability, in 2023, Canton Township launched a pilot residential food composting program. Two years later, this initiative has flourished, successfully diverting several hundred thousand pounds of food waste from nearly 1,000 homes. Canton Township is also one of a handful of Michigan communities conducting a system-wide analysis of its food waste - looking at sources like restaurants, health facilities, schools, government offices, and residences to better understand the issue and to better develop solutions. This study should be completed by the summer and help Canton Township develop a community-wide composting strategy.

Want to learn more? Get an update on some of the early findings? Learn about future strategies? Then please join us on February 12th at 11:30 am for our next Lunch & Learn at Canton's Municipal Building. Danielle Todd from Make Food, Not Waste will update us on the progress of Canton's system-wide study; and Mike Logan and Jenna MacDonald from Michigan Consulting & Environmental will talk about the successes and challenges with Canton's residential program.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about Canton's cutting-edge composting efforts and how you can get involved!

Details:

Wednesday, February 12, 2025 - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Canton Township Administration Building - main floor board room
(1150 Canton Center Rd., Canton, MI)

This is a FREE event, however, we ask that you register.

This event is part of the Local Impact Alliance's "Lunch & Learn" program.
Please feel free to bring your lunch.

Published in Lunch & Learn

The Healing Power of Music - Lunch & Learn

Join us for an unforgettable musical hour that promises to be both inspiring and transformative as we delve into the incredible work of Lost Voices.

Mike Ball’s group of professional singer-songwriters utilize their gifts to bring hope and healing to young survivors of abuse, neglect, and violence, crafting a safe haven for expression through therapeutic songwriting interventions.

Lost Voices has made a significant impact across various facilities in Michigan, including Vista Maria, Wedgwood Christian Services, Oakland Children’s Village, and the Methodist Children’s Home Society, empowering countless teens to reclaim their voices and share their stories.

With Mike and his dedicated team, thousands of kids have discovered the strength within themselves to confront their traumas and express their deepest feelings through original songs in a non-judgmental atmosphere.

It’s an opportunity not to be missed—come and witness the magic of music that fosters healing and connection in our community!

Want to learn more about Lost Voices? Click here to visit their website.

Details:

Wednesday, January 29, 2025 - 11:30-12:30 pm

Canton Township Administration Building - main floor board room

1150 Canton Center Rd., Canton, MI

This is a FREE event, however, we ask that you reg ister.

This event is part of the Local Impact Alliance's "Lunch & Learn" program.

About Our Speakers:

Mike Ball
Executive Director, Lost Voices

Mike Ball is an author, an Erma Bombeck award-winning humor columnist, a singer-songwriter, and a former world champion water skier. He’s also the founder and Executive Director of Lost Voices. Mike was named a 2023 CNN Hero for his nearly two decades of work with these kids.

Gretchen Pleuss
Associate Director, Lost Voices

Gretchen Pleuss first started combining her passions for music and community outreach at 12 years old, when she played gigs at the local bakery to raise money for charities whose missions she supported. As a professional singer-songwriter, she has worked with nonprofit organizations like Music on a Mission and The Music Settlement to write songs with military veterans and facilitate songwriting courses for teens. At Hands Across the Water, she supervised visitations between parents and their children in foster care and became interested in helping heal generational trauma.

Click here to register.

Published in Lunch & Learn

Navigating Grief - Lunch & Learn

Grief is a universal life experience that we all share. However, the way in which we experience it is unique to each person and each relationship lost. From husbands to wives, children to parents, grandparents, siblings, and friends, loss affects EVERYONE.

Whether you are impacted by the death of a loved one and now grieving, supporting a loved one through the grief journey, or professionally serving bereaved individuals, there is a wonderful free resource that can help support the unique needs of those needing support, connection, education, and a safe place to share their story.

Jennifer Frush, Executive Director of New Hope Center for Grief Support will be joining us to share the services and impact this local gem is having on residents experiencing grief. Joining Jennifer is Brandi Kloostra, founder of Telephone of the Wind. Brandi will share her vision for creating this memorial experience.

Want to learn more?

Join us Wednesday, April 24th to learn more about the MI Right to Read initiative at this FREE "lunch and learn" event.

Details:

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 - 11:30-1:00 pm

Canton Township Administration Building - main floor board room

1150 Canton Center Rd., Canton, MI

This is a FREE event, however, we ask that you register.

This event is part of the Local Impact Alliance's "Lunch & Learn" program.

About Our Speakers:

Jennifer Frush
Executive Director, New Hope Center for Grief Support

Jennifer came to New Hope after the loss of her dad in 2013. Compelled by New Hope’s mission to bring hope, healing and new beginnings to those impacted by the death of a loved one, she wanted to honor her dad and continue her healing by walking with those in grief. To do this, Jennifer began volunteering with New Hope in 2013.

In 2020, Jennifer accepted the role of Executive Director, not knowing a global pandemic would soon hit our nation, and her programs and services would be called upon to lean in and support after so much loss.

As a grief support expert, Jennifer has consulted with many schools and organizations. She has participated in multiple media interviews for local radio/TV shows and publications. Jennifer participates in several community councils and groups. She also leads facilitator training using an evidence-based peer support model and empowers those impacted by loss to find ways to transform the pain of loss into healing and helping others.

Brandi Kloostra
Founder, Telephone of the Wind

Five years ago, Brandi Kloostra decided to create The Telephone of the Wind Directory website and put the first Telephone of the Wind up in Plymouth, MI, in honor of her father. Her inspiration came from The Wind Phone in Japan. She knew her family and many others would benefit if she replicated this healing experience locally. Since then, she's helped hundreds of people create wind phones in their community, and it has become a powerful source of healing and joy for those who discover it.

Brandi's life mission is to spread happiness and uplift others. She is passionate about lifting others in their time of need and was recently compelled to lead the PORCH organization, which is focused on Providing Others Renewed Confidence and Hope. The PORCH initiative aims to combat "an epidemic of loneliness" among seniors through weekly phone calls, home visits, and community programs. She has also made a significant impact in the Canton community through her Be Great Be You initiative and The Inspiration Forest at the local school. Her work has brought joy and inspiration to many.

Published in Lunch & Learn

15th Veterans Summit - Lunch & Learn

15th Annual Veterans' Summit - Lunch & Learn

Wednesday, September 18, 2024

11:30-1:00

Westland City Hall

36300 Warren Rd., Westland MI 48185

FREE!

Join us for this informative discussion centered around navigating veteran benefits. Topics include:

# Care givers benefits

# Survivors benefits

# PACT Act

Presented by Local Impact Alliance and Legal Help For Veterans, PLLC

Our Speakers:

Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone (Retd)

General Fausone has been a nurse for over 40 years. She served her country for 36 years and retired in 2011. She now owns The Veterans Advocate, LLC that consults for businesses in matters related to VA health care, education and programs.

Kristina Derro Veterans Legal Expert

Kristina L. Derro is a graduate of Wayne State University Law School and has both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Michigan.

A boxed lunch will be provided to all who attend, sponsored by Demmer Ford and Jacob Matthews Jewelers.

Register

Published in Lunch & Learn

Local Impact Alliance's Lunch & Learn - Champion the right to read

Another invigorating discussion at Local Impact Alliance's Lunch & Learn held at Canton Township Building.

The topic - Champion the right to read presented by Debbie Mikula, Executive Director of Michigan Library Association.

The event was well attended and audience had a chance to ask questions. The Lunch & Learn series by Local Impact Alliance provides the community a safe platform to learn and engage.

Local Impact Alliance holds Lunch & Learn once a month and holds them at the communities of Plymouth, Canton and Westland. We try to bring topics and speakers from all walks of life.

This is provided absolutely free and we appreciate our speakers also to do this public service without charging us anything.

If you have a topic or speaker in mind , please reach out to Beth Meade at 734-495-1200.

Here are the pictures from today's event. If you attended this event in person, the presentation and recording will be sent to you at the email you provided.

To watch the video of the discussion now please Click Here

Learn more about Lunch & Learn by clicking the link below.

https://localimpactalliance.org/lunch-learn

Published in Lunch & Learn

Champion the Right to Read - Lunch & Learn

Since 1891, the Michigan Library Association has led the advancement of all libraries through advocacy, education and engagement. Throughout their history, the association continues to serve as champions of access and they stand strong to protect the right to read, and promote intellectual freedom as a core value of the library profession and a basic right in our democratic society.

Their goal through the MI Right to Read (www.mirighttoread.com) initiative is to protect Michiganders’ right to read by proposing pro-active legislation that protects First Amendment Rights, opposing attempts to ban books from Michigan libraries; educate the public about the right to read; and ensure that librarians across Michigan will be entrusted to continue to do their jobs and serve the needs of all individuals and communities.

Learn more about the MI Right to Read initiative at this Lunch and Learn event.

Want to learn more?

Join us Wednesday, April 24th to learn more about the MI Right to Read initiative at this FREE "lunch and learn" event.

Details:

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 - 11:30-12:30 pm

Canton Township Administration Building - main floor board room

(1150 Canton Center Rd., Canton, MI)

This is a FREE event, however, we ask that you register.

This event is part of the Local Impact Alliance's "Lunch & Learn" program.

About Our Speaker:

Debbie Mikula, Executive Director

Michigan Library Association

Since June 2019, Debbie has served as the Michigan Library Association’s Executive Director. She places a high priority on any organization or project that creates a sense of place, showcases a community’s authentic heritage, and contributes to the economic prosperity of a region. Libraries are no exception.

She is a passionate advocate of arts and culture in the state and on a national basis – having led the Arts Council of Greater Lansing, ArtServe Michigan, Michigan Association of Community Arts Agencies, and the League of Historic American Theatres.

Click here to register

Published in Lunch & Learn

Plymouth Canton Literacy Council - Lunch & Learn

A great presentation by Community Literacy Council at the Plymouth District Library for the Lunch & Learn hosted by Local Impact Alliance.

Andrea Hug and Joyce Silagy of PCLC presented great facts, kept the audience engaged and answered the question. The tutors of this organization are truly making an impact in our community.

Learn more about Plymouth Canton Literacy Council - https://www.plymouthcantonliteracy.org/

Community Foundation of Plymouth is an affiliate of Local Impact Alliance.

Published in Lunch & Learn

Help Change Lives With the Plymouth Canton Literacy Council

Did you know that our local community has an amazing group of people who gather at community libraries to work with residents interested in honing their English language skills?

For nearly 40 years, the Plymouth Canton Community Literacy Council has been training patient volunteers with a love of people and sense of humor to work with our ESL residents to help them feel more confident with their reading, writing and conversational skills.

If you are looking for an amazing volunteer opportunity or if you would like to learn more about the classes offered through the Literacy Council, we hope you will register for this informal discussion.

Details:

Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - 11:30-12:30 pm

Plymouth District Library

(223 S. Main Street, Plymouth, MI)

This is a FREE event, however, we ask that you register.

This event is part of the Local Impact Alliance's "Lunch & Learn" program.

Bring your lunch and feed your mind.

Click Here to Register

About Our Speakers:

Andrea Hug became the Executive Director of the Community Literacy Council in 2017. She received her B.A. from Albion College in Economics and Communications and her M.A. from EMU in Education. She taught at Livonia Public Schools and substitute taught at P-CCS. She served on the board of P-CCS Parent Council for four years.

When Andrea is not helping English language learners with their conversational English language goals, she enjoys volunteering at the Humane Society of Huron Valley.

Joyce Silagy has over 30 years of experience as a teacher. Her experience with Dearborn Public Schools was primarily in adult education where she taught business classes. Joyce served as Community Education Manager and Supervisor of Career and Technical

Education for Southfield Public Schools.

In 2006, Joyce became a volunteer tutor for the Plymouth Canton Literacy Council; and in 2011 helped create the ESL outreach program for Connection Church where she teaches students and facilitates tutors.

Published in Lunch & Learn

How You Can Help Struggling Youth - Growth Works

A parents', grandparents', teachers' and counselors' introduction to local program for at-risk youth

When a child is acting out, showing signs of at-risk behavior, experimenting with drugs and alcohol, where can a parent turn? For Wayne Country residents, they can turn to the Youth Assistance and Diversion Program - a service of Growth Works.

This unique program provides an opportunity for a child to improve decision-making, take responsibility for their actions, and gain tools to navigate life.

The Growth Works team works with youth ages 11-17.5 to support young people and their families. The goal is to be a positive adult figure and meet each kid where they're at. The team members feel this is an opportunity to plant seeds for future growth.

Whether you're a parent, teacher, counselor or concerned citizen, we invite you to join us the EVENING of February 13 to learn more about how we can help our young people be the best version of themselves.

About Our Speakers ...

Laura Reiners

Growth Works Community Relations Director

Laura is responsible for sharing the mission and services of Growth Works to communities across Western Wayne County. She works collaboratively with nonprofits, school districts, municipalities and other community organizations to support youth and families in need.

TBMills

Tiffany Borchardt-Mills - Client Services Supervisor

Tiffany oversees all of the day-to-day management of the Youth Assistance Program, working with her team to coordinate services. She has been instrumental in the growth of the program over the past five years, bringing these services to youth and families across Western Wayne County.

SWilliams

Shannon Williams - YAP Coordinator

Shannon is often the first person youth and families interact with as they enter the Youth Assistance Program. She coordinates and conducts all assessments to determine eligibility for the program; and ensure youth and families are a good fit.