The organization Faith in Action has provided food, shelter assistance, and other basic services to low income families in Chelsea and Dexter for decades. With the coronavirus pandemic ongoing, the organization has had to work extra hard. Faith in Action executive director Sheri Montoye joined WEMU's David Fair to share the stories of adapting to ever-changing circumstances and why there is inspiration to be found through fostering relationships through service work.
WEMU has partnered with the United Way of Washtenaw Countyto explore the people, organizations, and institutions creating opportunity and equity in our area. And, as part of this ongoing series, you’ll also hear from the people benefiting and growing from the investments being made in the areas of our community where there are gaps in available services. It is a community voice. It is 'Washtenaw United.'
ABOUT SHERI MONTOYE:
-- Lived in Washtenaw County for 23 years and in Chelsea for 15 years with her family.
-- Grew up in Monroe, MI on a farm.
-- Executive Director of Faith in Action since April 2019
-- Previous roles:
- MSU Extension, 4-H Program Coordinator in Washtenaw County (2014-2019, and 1997-2002)
- 4-H Agent for MSU Extension in Cass County (1995-1997) working with youth and building life skills through 4-H programming.
- St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, Chelsea: Coordinated Healthy Communities Walking Program (2010- 2014).
- Bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in Family and Community Services
-- Currently working on a Master’s in Public Health (at George Washington University Milken School of Public Health Online) with the goal of improving health communication strategies for everyday life.
RESOURCES:
UWWC STATEMENT:
Since 1982, Faith in Action (FIA) has provided emergency and support services for the low income population of the Chelsea and Dexter school districts, including food, clothing, seasonal support programs (school backpacks, Christmas meals and gifts, Easter baskets), case management, housing and utilities support, emergency health cost payment, and a wide variety of referrals. As the only full scale safety net charity organization in the area, FIA continues to serve as the link between the human service related needs of western Washtenaw County and the wider Continuum of Care across the county.
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— David Fair is the WEMU News Director and host of Morning Edition on WEMU. You can contact David at734.487.3363, on twitter @DavidFairWEMU, or email him at dfair@emich.edu
