NEGC HOLD ITS 43rd ANNUAL MEETING

DETROIT, MI--Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick was the keynote speaker at Northeast Guidance Center’s (NEGC) 43rd Annual Meeting on Thursday, November 2, 2006, at the Detroit Yacht Club, on Belle Isle in Detroit. Her theme was “Team Work; the achievements of an organization are the results of the combined effort of each individual.” She commended NEGC on its efforts to combat mental illness for more than 43 years and its new literacy and family support program, the Family Life Center at the Samaritan Center. Congresswoman Kilpatrick is spearheading a bill’s passage through the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate to provide a federal appropriation of $150,000 for the center located in her district.

NEGC’s annual meeting honors individuals and organizations with significant contributions to community mental health, to NEGC or others. The following awards were presented: Joseph Young, Sr. Leadership Award to City of Detroit, Chief of Police, Ella Bully-Cummings; Barbara Wicking Knight Philanthropy Award to Francine Pegues, Director of Marketing & Regional Sales, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan; Eli Z. Rubin Service Award to Deborah Dubay, President, Assistance League to the Northeast Guidance Center; and Consumer of the Year to William Henderson.

Ella Bully-Cummings, City of Detroit, Chief of Police, received the Joseph Young, Sr. Leadership Award named in memory for the late State Representative Joseph Young, Sr., who was a visible and deeply committed advocate and supporter for community-based mental health services. The award recognizes individuals or organizations who have significantly advanced the cause, through advocacy, legislative support and governmental activities on behalf of Northeast Guidance Center, and other mental health agency or organization. The award was presented In recognition of her outstanding leadership in working to bridge the gaps in services for Detroit’s homeless and persistent mentally ill population by supporting NEGC’s Community and Police Partnership Advocacy (CAPPA) and the implementation of Operation Helping Hand. Chief Bully-Cummings is held in high esteem for her efforts and commitment to the City of Detroit and the Detroit Police Department in addressing the issues of homelessness and mental illness.

Francine Pegues, Director of Marketing & Regional Sales, Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Michigan received the Barbara Wicking Knight Philanthropy Award named in memory of the founder of the Assistance League to the Northeast Guidance Center. The award recognizes individuals or organizations that have made significant, financial or in-kind gifts in support of Northeast Guidance Center and its community service programs. Pegues continuously provides time and her talent to increase awareness of mental health through advocacy. Last year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan supported the “I Like Me”, self esteem, art and poetry contest for Detroit area elementary and middle school students by hosting an awards ceremony for the children and their parents at the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Pegues is commended for her service and philanthropy in support of mental health and to the community.

Deborah Dubay, President, Assistance League to the Northeast Guidance Center received the Eli Z. Rubin Service Award, named after NEGC’s first full-time executive director. The award recognizes individuals who have made significant, unique gifts of volunteer time and talent in support of the agency. Dubay has served in the following capacities: Chair of the League’s annual fund raiser, Art on The Point; President Vice President for Projects and Membership; President Elect and several annual committees. She is the current 2007-06 President and dedicates her time and talents to supporting services offered at Northeast Guidance Center through the ALNEGC. Dubay’s countless volunteer hours to the League and NEGC earned her the nomination for the 2006 Eli Rubin Service Award. “Her attitude, perseverance and love for life have earned her the respect and administration of friends and professional colleagues,” said Mary Wolking, ALNEGC past president.

Consumer of the Year Award was presented to William Henderson. Annually consumers nominate a peer for their personal achievements. Henderson received the distinction of being selected by his peers for his support, thoughtfulness and work towards his recovery. “Through his daily contributions to the Motor City Clubhouse, a psychosocial rehabilitation program funded by the Detroit Wayne County Mental Health Agency, he garners the respect and admiration of his peers,” said Cheryl Coleman, NEGC Executive Director.

NEGC held its election of officers for 2006-07: President Tim Grajewski, Executive Director of Oasis Detroit; Vice President Laydell Wyatt, Vice President, Marketing Online Publications; Treasurer Michael Breen, Vice President of Behavioral Medicine Services; Secretary Rev. Patrick Gahagen, Pastor of Immanuel Lutheran Church; and Member at Large Raymond Carey, Partner, Foley Lardner Associates. Retiring Board Members are President Christopher Buck, Secretary Dimitris Bitzarakis, Vice President Nellie B. LaGarde and Assistance League Former President Helen Clarren. Newly elected board members included; Anthony Adams, Deputy Mayor, City of Detroit; Linda C. Allen, President of Clarity Enterprises; Alfred Bowden, President, Travelers Childcare Services; Debra Dubay, President, ALNEGC; Tamiko McKenzie, Daphne W. Ntiri, Ph.D., Professor, Wayne State University; Peggy Trewn, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Eastern Michigan University; and Virgil Williams.

Since 1963, NEGC has been committed to innovative, community-based services to children, adults and their families – promoting total wellness with an emphasis on mental health. Located on Detroit’s far eastside and its neighboring communities, it provides high quality care to children and their families and to chronic mentally ill adults to help them achieve maximal independence and health. NEGC has grown into a comprehensive behavioral health care organization providing outreach, prevention, mental health and substance abuse services to over 5,000 individuals annually.

[photogallery/photo00000041/real.htm]