2024 UPLIFT OUR YOUTH FOUNDATION EVENT
We would like to take a moment to thank our partners for sponsoring our 22nd Annual Grant Awards & Fund Raising Dinner. Your support and partnership will play a key role in the success of our event, and we appreciate your participation!
22nd Annual Grant Awards & Fund Raising Dinner Thursday, November 14, 2024
Serving most recently as the Senior Vice President, Regional Hospitals providing system oversight for the Health System’s small and rural community hospitals; Vice President Post-Acute Care Services providing overall direction for the operations and strategic development for Sparrow Specialty Hospital and Community Care Services (Home Care, Hospice, Palliative Care, Durable Medical Equipment, Retail Pharmacy, and Outpatient Wound Services). In addition, she was responsible for the development of strategic partnerships with external post-acute care community providers to ensure a seamless transition of care throughout the system; and served as President, Sparrow Specialty Hospital which is a long-term acute care hospital which was developed and opened under CarterRobertson’s leadership. Ms. Carter-Robertson is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives and currently serves as the Regent for Michigan and Northwest Ohio for the College. Ms. Carter-Robertson received her bachelor’s degree in science from University of Notre Dame and a master’s degree in health administration from St. Louis University. In addition, Carter-Robertson periodically serves as an adjunct professor at the University of Michigan Flint Campus through the Department of Public Health and Health Sciences. On a personal level, Carter-Robertson also enjoys traveling, baking, and supporting her husband in ministry and missionary work
2024 UOYF SPEAKER
Kira Carter-Robertson
Ms. Carter-Robertson’s tenure at Sparrow Health System has spanned 24 years in a variety of roles. She currently serves as Chief Operating Officer for University of Michigan Health-Sparrow
Carter-Robertson got her start with Sparrow as an Administrative Fellow and quicky transitioned to serve as the Senior Strategist for the Health System before transitioning into key leadership roles across the system to include:
2024 YOUTH ADVOCATE
ANGEL TAYLOR
Ms. Angel began serving her community in her mother’s community group in 1975. At that time the group was called Models Incorporated, led by The Queen Mother Dr. Lee Taylor herself. This youth group grew to become what is now called the Reading Readiness Youth Program. It has now been passed on to Ms. Angel.
As the youngest sibling of Heather and Justin Taylor, Ms. Angel often traveled with them in her youth and was their greatest cheerleaders. Their parents kept them all very involved and active. She was with her father Tom Taylor while he was a staple football coach in the Eastside Community and one of the winningest Pop Warner League coaches in the 70's & 80's youth football. As a young girl, Ms. Angel was also a sidekick tag-along with her mother spending most of the time in church, singing or in school activities.
Ms. Angel's life of service journey began with a full ride scholarship musical arts to Albion College after high school. Although she has a natural talent in singing and landed several stage roles in local plays, she later began an interest in early childhood care. She had new found passion in cultivation and enhancing the lives of young people. The quest was fulfilled as she worked with the youth at the Black Child and Family Institute under the Direction of Barbara Mason, Ernie Boone, and other notable Directors. Ms. Angel expanded her youth involvement in the church, where she currently presides over the Youth Ministry. Ms. Angel is also the Youth Advisor and Spiritual Counselor for the WWW Community Dance group. She is a lifetime member of the Lansing Branch NAACP and also served from 2020- 2023 as the ACT-SO Lead Youth Mentor. Ms. Angel was passionate about coaching and mentoring the young NAACP youth members. She landed the duty of escorting the young candidates to the National ACT-SO oratorical competition in Atlantic City, NJ. Bringing home a winner. You can't image where she finds the time, but Ms. Angels portfolio also includes daycare for her God Children, all seven of them. And if all of that doesn't say enough about her selfless volunteerism, she has now expanded her services to target our precious Seniors Citizens. She facilitates the Reading Readiness Youth Program Monday thru Thursday for over 50 youth, and then dedicates Fridays for the ones with wisdom, the senior citizens. A class called A³55+ all about keeping the seniors active. She provides interactive classes where the seniors sit down and participate in low impact exercises, group activities, bible story blogs to stimulate the brain and much, much more! Then she has the overflow youth come and serve the seniors too. Do you know a community Senior that wants to get involved? Call Ms. Angel!
While Ms. Angel majored in early childhood education her passion for community covers babies, kids, middle schooler, teenagers, highschoolers, troubled, insubordinate, lonely, misunderstood, challenged, skilled, smart youth, you named it. She creates and adjust to try and include them all.
She has two children of her own and one granddaughter. All of whom also lovingly call her Ms. Angel.
Ms. Angel has been evolving the Reading Readiness Youth Program since it was passed over to her and runs the program at Christ’s Kingdom Builders Church for over the past 13 years. This community program provides educational assistance, daily food and free clothing, instructional reading and problem solving, interactive training, life skills, foreign language, physical fitness, and a safe-space for expressions to over 50 youth daily.
The Reading Readiness program is a program which survives solely on the contributions, donations and sponsorship of parents, and the community. Ms. Angels Reading Readiness first objective for the students is to love God, themselves, their families and their communities.
The program also educates the youth and their families on helping to bridge the gap between summer and fall schoolwork so students do not lose the information they have learned during the active school year. The program also teaches youth extended bible background, sign & foreign language, dance, respect for self and adults, writing and grammar.
The program has a pretty good success rate, as it continues to increase in numbers every year.
Ms. Angel currently serves as the Worship Leader, at Christ’s Kingdom Builders International Church where Pastor Christopher Maxie & Co-Pastor Debra Maxie serve.
Ms. Angel holds the trust and repertoire of both parents and youth. Every year the parents insist on returning their youth to Ms. Angel up until they age out. Parents rave about the program and unequivocally see the growth in the child and enjoys the village environment created for them. Ms. Angel has a noteworthy statement that resounds with all the kids. No lies, no bullying, no stealing, no mess. Be the kid your mother or father expects.
While achieving academically, Callan also participates in other extracurricular activities. Through her involvement with the Youth Advisory Council (YAC) at the Capital Region Community Foundation, Callan consistently demonstrates exceptional leadership, dedication, and a strong commitment to community service. She actively contributes valuable insights during discussions, showing a remarkable ability to think critically and creatively. Callan’s enthusiasm for making a positive impact on our region is truly inspiring. It is with pride that we highlight Callan’s recent selection to join the Michigan Community Foundation’s Youth Project (MCFYP). This prestigious opportunity speaks volumes about Callan’s future leadership potential and her outstanding influence on the field of philanthropy. The leader of this organization speaks with assurance that she will excel in this new role and continue to make significant contributions to not only our community, but others around the state. One of Callan’s most impressive qualities is her unwavering dedication to any task she undertakes. Whether it’s organizing events, leading group discussions, or collaborating with peers, she approaches everything with a high level of professionalism and determination. Callan’s excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively in a team make her a valuable asset in any setting. Her positive attitude, coupled with her willingness to take on challenges, sets her apart as a standout individual. As she progresses beyond her sophomore status, there is no doubt that Callan Maxwell will continue to excel in her academic and extracurricular pursuits. She is an outstanding student and an exceptional young leader who is destined for success.
SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE
CALLAN MAXWELL , Waverly High School
Callan Maxwell is an honor sophomore student at Waverly High School. She holds a 4.0 GPA while garnering honors as Academic Letter for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement at Waverly High School, October 2023 and National Junior Honor Society (Inducted 2022). She is described as a motivated and enthusiastic Computer Science and Marketing student with a high level of proficiency in multiple programming languages, and active involvement in extracurricular computer science and STEM activities. She seeks to leverage her skills and experiences by contributing to various projects.
SPOTLIGHT ON EXCELLENCE
LARRY DAWSON, J. W. Sexton High School
Larry Dawson is an honor sophomore at J. W. Sexton High School with a 3.8 GPA 2022- 2026. He received the certificate of high achievement at Sexton. While maintaining high academic standing, he is CEO/Owner of Spanky’s Sweet Treats from 2021 to present. His entrepreneur spirit finds him creating an exciting customer driven menu while honing his customer relation skills. He shows a keen interest in becoming more business savvy in his Budgeting, Time Management, Creative Thinking Leadership Problem-Solving, Computer Literacy classes. Larry has developing Project Management Tools and strong Communication skills. He describes himself as an innovative and responsible scholar who is passionate about mentorship and being a role model to the youth in his community. The Unit Director at The Boys and Girls Club of Lansing has worked with Larry Dawon III for for the past 7 years. He speaks highly of Larry’s positive energy and his overall participation as a club member, Junior staff, and Peer leader. In these capacities he has always gone above and beyond my expectation. Larry has been through a lot the past few years with battling his sickle cell and the loss of his father and his spirit has still remained unwavering and joyful. Larry’s commitment to coming to The Club and being a role model for the younger members has consistently demonstrated his leadership as well as his pride. He is always ready and willing to help in any capacity. He is the epitome of a determined, resilient, intelligent, hardworking young man. Larry volunteered for years with the hope that once of age he would be able to call himself an employee at The Club he loves so much. There have been many occasions where he has taken the initiative to step up and diffuse conflicting situations between club members effortlessly. His great rapport with club members is largely to the fact that he is a great listener and always hears everyone’s side before offering his opinion. As a Junior Staff employee, Larry has stayed punctual, diligent, and has maintained a strong work ethic. Along with those qualities, I think Larry’s upbeat, kind, and loving personality in addition to his willingness to offer creative suggestions that could improve or strengthen any project or activity in which he’s participating has taken him far as a staff. He is a genuinely caring kid, very dependable, and willing to go beyond the call of duty to make sure he gets the job done, and as a result he was previously awarded Junior Youth of the Year. Overall, Larry has been an amazing club member and an asset to The Boys and Girls Club of Lansing
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Eastside Community Action Center - $4,500
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Lansing Art Gallery - $4,000
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Carol J. Greer Community Learning Center – $3,000
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Kids Repair Program – $2,200
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U.S. Naval Sea Cadets – $1,250
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Lansing Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation
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Kids Repair Program
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KDL Foundation
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Cristo Rey Community Center
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Eastside Community Center
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Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
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Capital Area College Access
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Big Brother ,Big Sister, Michigan Capital Region, Increasing School-based matches – $5,000
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Capital Area United Way, College Access Network, FAFSA Flocked 2022 – $3000
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Lansing Art Gallery & Education Center., Art Encounters – $4000
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Les Meres et’ Debutantes Club of Greater Lansing Alumni Association , Health and Wellness – $2500
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Grit Glam and Guts Programming – $2,000
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Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center/Art Encounters – $2,000
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Carol Greer Learning Center/School Support Program – $2,000
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Building Child And Family Initiatives Stem Ahead Camp – $2,000
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Capital United Way Capital Area Access Network/FAFSA Flocked – $2,000
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Michigan Dyslexia Institute – $2,500
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Kids Turning Corners – $2,500
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Kids Repair Program – $1,500
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Building Child And Family Initiatives – $2,500
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Womens Center Of Greater Lansing – $2,500
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Lansing Art Gallery And Education Center – $3,000
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Lansing Spartans Youth Org. – $500
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Kids Turning Corners, Inc. – $2,500
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Building Child & Family Initiatives – $2,250
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Capital Area Literacy Coalition – $2,000
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Churches of Greater Lansing – $2,500
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Lansing Art Gallery, Inc – $1000
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Beekman Therapeutic Riding Center – $1,500
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The Turning Point of Lansing – $2,250
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St. Stephens Church Carol Greer Community -
Learning Center – $1,000
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Kids Turning Corners, Inc – $2000
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Building Child & Family Initiatives – $1500
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Village Summit – $2500
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Michigan Coalition to Prevent Gun Violence – $2000
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Eastside Community Center – $2000
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Lansing Art Gallery, Inc – $1000
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Gridiron Summer Institute – $1000
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Building Child & Family Initiatives – $2,000
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Beekman Therapeutic Riding Center – $2,000
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Eastside Community Action Center – $1,600
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Kids Repair Program – $1,400
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The Carol J. Greer Community Center – $3,000
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Boys & Girls Club of Lansing – $2,000
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Child and Family Services of Michigan, Inc. – $2,500
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Kids Repair Program – $1,200
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Kendon Elementary School – $2,000
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New Mount Calvary Baptist Church – $2,300
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Beekman Therapeutic Riding Center – $1,400
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Child and Family Services of Michigan, Inc. – $1,000
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Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan – $1,400
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ITEC – $1,000
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Kids Repair Program – $1,200
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Lansing Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation, Inc. – $2,000
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St Stephen’s Community Church – $2,000
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Kids Repair Program – $1,000
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St. Stephen’s Community Church – $1,000
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The Turning Point of Lansing – $2,500
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Child and Family Services of Michigan, Inc. – $500
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Highfields, Inc. – $2,500
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Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Epsilon Tau Sigma – $2,000
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Lansing College Access Network – $1,000
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Beekman Therapeutic Riding Center – $1,000
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Southside Community Coalition – $1,000
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The Turning Point of Lansing – $1,500
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Kids Repair Program – $750
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New Mount Calvary Baptist Church – $1,000
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Reach Studio Art Center – $750
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Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan – $1,000
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Capital Area Literacy Coalition – $1,000
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Northwest Lansing Health Communities Initiative – $1,000
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St. Stephen’s Community Church – $1,200
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Highfields, Inc. – $1,200
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Dream and Vision Manifested – $1,000
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Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity – $1,500
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Black Child & Family Institute – $2,000
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Boys and Girls Clubs of Lansing – $2,000
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Eastside Community Action Center – $1,100
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Beekman Therapeutic Riding Center – $1,500
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D.A.N.C.E, Inc.
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(Developing & Nurturing Community Empowerment) – $1,800
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Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region – $1,000
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Eastside Community Action Center – $1,200
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Closing the Digital Gap – $500 Black Child & Family Institute – $2,000
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Capital Area Golf for Youth, Inc. – $1,000
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Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity ETS Chapter Educational Fund – $1,000
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Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity ETS Chapter Educational Fund – $1,500
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St. Stephen’s Community Church – Community Outreach Center – $1,500
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Antioch Cares Community Development Corp. – $500
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Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region – $1,000
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The Turning Point Lansing – $1,500
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Lansing Kappa Alpha Psi Foundation – $1,500
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Northwest Initiative – $1,500
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Black Child & Family Institute – $1,500
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Beekman Therapeutic Riding Center – $500
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Worship Without Words – $1,500
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Beekman Therapeutic Riding Center – $1,500
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Worship Without Words – $2,000
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Antioch Cares Community Development Corp. – $1,000
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Big Brothers Big Sisters Michigan Capital Region – $1,500
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Ele’s Place – $1,500
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Boys & Girls Club of Lansing – $2,500
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Black Child & Family Institute – $3,500
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MI Foundation for Education Leadership – $1,000
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Inspirational Ministries – $1,500
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Gateway Community Services – $2,000.00
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Westside YMCA – $2,000.00
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Past Award Recipients
22nd Annual Grant Awards & Fund Raising Dinner Thursday, November 14, 2024
The Board of Directors of the Uplift Our Youth Foundation Cordially invites you to attend our 22nd Annual Grant Awards and Fund Raising Dinner
AC Marriott HOTEL LANSING UNIVERSITY AREA
6:00 p.m.
Doors open ~ 6:00pm Program ~ 6:30pm Dinner ~ 7:00pm
Honorary Co-Chair $150 per person (1 Dinner Reservation & Program Acknowledgment)
Dinner Reservation Only $100.00 per person