New program to give support to military
Three senators introduced a program to provide families of deployed military personnel with information on financial, emotional and spiritual support available in Michigan communities.Operation Adopt-A-Family has enlisted local organizations, such as the Michigan Sheriffs' Association and The Salvation Army. The groups are designed to help families in need.
In a written statement, Sen. Valde Garcia, R-Howell, said "As a member of Michigan's National Guard, my wife and I know first hand what it is like to receive orders for deployment."
Garcia introduced the operation Thursday, along with Sen. Michelle McManus, R-Lake Leelanau, and Sen. Laura Toy, R-Livonia.
"Operation Adopt-A-Family has been designed to help our military personnel focus on protecting the United States while Michigan focuses on the needs of their families," Garcia said.
Organizations willing to participate in the program should contact their state legislators.
Legislation to develop services center, trails
The bill would partner the State Administrative Board with Marquette County to sell 460-acres of Sands Township land to the Teaching Family Homes of Upper Michigan.
The group will develop the land to include residential and rehabilitative services, along with public hiking and bicycling trails.
Teaching Family Homes, the largest child welfare organization in the Upper Peninsula, is a nonprofit organization that assists children and family in crisis.
"(Prusi's) efforts will save us thousands of dollars in these tough economic times. But even more important than saving thousands of dollars, this agreement will help save the kids under our care," Chris Myers, CEO of the family homes organization, said in a written statement.
