Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Vista Maria


I had the privilege of attending the annual recognition breakfast and public meeting for Vista Maria at the lovely Dearborn Inn last week. Led by CEO Angela Aufdemberge (left in photo), Vista Maria’s mission is “To heal victimized girls and women with best-practice treatment programs designed to meet their unique needs while restoring vulnerable children and families within Michigan.” Every visit to Vista Maria or a Vista Maria event is an inspiration. The love of the staff for their clients is palpable and the support for their efforts by volunteer leaders is impressive and long-lasting. 

Growing up on the west side of Detroit, I was familiar with the intimidating presence of Vista Maria on West Warren in Dearborn Heights, but it wasn’t until I walked inside the fortress that I could really “see” Vista Maria. For that introduction, I have client and friend Patricia Nemeth (right in photo) to thank. Pat, a founding partner of employment law firm Nemeth Burwell, is the Vice Chair of the Vista Maria board and has been volunteering her time with the organization for more than ten years.  Before Angela Aufdemberge, Pat introduced me to Vista Maria’s then CEO, Cameron Hosner, who is now applying his dynamic CEO talents to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan Foundation. What a privilege to interact with leaders like Cam, Pat and Angela. They remind us all in their own subtle way that we have a responsibility to contribute our time, talent and financial resources to Southeast Michigan’s non-profit community, which plays such a critical role in meeting our duty as a society. 

Do you have a non-profit organization that you support? If not, why not? If yes, thank you.

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