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40 years after founding Seedlings, Debra Bonde says "that's a wrap."

On the day before Thanksgiving, at a gathering in the offices of Seedlings, the announcement was made that it was a great time to celebrate!

After forty years of passionate work from Debra Bonde, it was time for an official gathering before she started her well-earned retirement. Friends, volunteers, and staff gathered at Seedlings to honor this moment as she, as well as Seedlings, starts a new chapter, Seedlings 2.0!

It was a gathering to thank once again, Debra, for her leadership, empathy, and unwavering belief in making the world a better place—one braille book at a time. They wished her all the best in this next chapter of her own journey.

The sentiments were universal throughout the conference room at Seedlings, "You’ll always be a cherished part of the Seedlings family!"

Debra Bonde responded with "That's a wrap! I am so thankful for the honor of running Seedlings and for being able to help so many children learn to read & love to read for 40 beautiful years! My heartfelt thanks to all of the wonderful people who made that possible!"

Welcome to the newest Mi Work Matters

Employment Ambassador Leadership Program addition.

Welcome Marissa Marzec!

Ambassador Marissa currently serves as a Cashier and Barista at Anastasia and Katie’s Coffee Shop & Café, being one of the founding team members. She takes great pride in her work, living by the philosophy, "Be kind to everyone you meet, and always treat others how you would want to be treated."

Jane Muszynski is seeking individuals like Marissa who are eager to share their stories and inspire others with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.

About the Mi Work Matters Employment Ambassador/Leadership Program:

The Mi Work Matters Employment Ambassador/Leadership Program enables Mi Work Matters to assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in altering public perception, bolstering the coffee shop's financial health, and training and employing more individuals with I/DD as community leaders.

You can invite the Ambassadors to your company, service organization or clubs:

Jane Muszynski is coordinating with companies, service organizations, and clubs interested in having the Ambassadors discuss the program's benefits, their learnings, and how they have profited from participating.

Organizations that have hosted presentations by the Ambassadors include Garfield Community School in Livonia, Livonia Rotary Noon Club, Livonia Jaycees, and Barton Malow.

FridayMusings, in collaboration with the Mi Work Matters Employment Ambassador/Leadership Program, poses the question, "Who wants to join this roster of organizations that exemplify inclusivity through their support of this initiative?"

Explore the impactful work they're undertaking and the value they're contributing! For details on the Ambassadors and to arrange this enlightening and inspiring presentation for your company, service club, or organization, please reach out to Jane Muszynski at Jane.Muszynski@miworkmatters.org.

A new Fisher House to provide lodging for Veteran families at no cost.

What a great holiday present in support of our Veterans

A new Fisher House was dedicated at the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center by Medical Center Director Chris W. Cauley and President of Fisher House Foundation David A. Coker.

Representatives Rashida Tlaib and Debbie Dingell also shared remarks about the Fisher House located at the medical center, which is named after Dingell’s deceased husband Rep. John D. Dingell.

The new Fisher House will join the other Michigan Fisher House already serving Veterans in Ann Arbor.

The 13,000+ sq. ft. Fisher House will provide lodging for Veteran families at no cost, allowing them to be close to their loved ones while they receive medical care. At full occupancy, this home away from home will provide possible total savings of more than $875,000 in lodging costs per year.

The Holiday Happenings in Livonia are ever-expanding, with new traditions being introduced daily and annually. Ho. Ho. Ho.