VOLUNTEER!

... if you really need me to share some reasons why you ought to volunteer!:

• It will make you feel good about yourself and humanity.

• It will look good on a resume.

• It improves the greater community around you.

• It's a networking opportunity.

• You can meet peers and other potential friends.

• Good karma!

• You could find a possible talent or interest.

The History of Pontiac...

On March 15, 1861 the city of Pontiac was born. Over time, by 1909, General Motors purchased several automotive manufacturers and Pontiac became a GM town. Pontiac grew and was successful very quickly, due to the abundant natural resources and new automotive industry established. The city became appealing to the eyes of professional people such as doctors and lawyers. It was a center of industry. As the industry grew, so did the city. Those who worked for GM soon relocated to Pontiac as well.

During the depression in the 1930s, Pontiac suffered a setback like many other cities, a slow down in retail business in the downtown area. Between the 60s and 70s, construction began in attempt to revitalize and rebuild the city. But, on August 30, 1971, an explosion destroyed 10 school buses as part of a protest against court-ordered desegregation of the Pontiac schools.

Although there were plans to rebuild the city, and new buildings and such were born from that, Pontiac has since struggled to rise to the place it was once in of success. The poverty rate is on the rise and there are, unfortunately, many single parent homes with very low income. Not many people have higher education also, causing high unemployment rates. So, this generation seems to not have very much to look forward to.

"Go Bald and Win?"

You might be wondering about the title, “Go Bald and Win.” Well, in Pontiac Michigan there is a wonderful facility called, “The Baldwin Center.” It is there that a group of employees and volunteers develop programs and gather goods/supplies for individuals who need assistance with day care, food, housing, tutoring. clothing etc.

The Baldwin Center opened its doors in 1981. It came about when the pastors of the, now church next door, decided they needed to help the city of Pontiac. On December 15, 1982, the Family Kitchen opened. It’s there that they served meals to people who needed it. They have served over 50,000 meals since. In 1983 an emergency shelter program began. In 1987, the day care was initiated. Later in 91’ the Baldwin Center started to purchase property to help run programs geared towards youth; this included tutoring. Later came the homeless shower and breakfast program, followed shortly after by the opening of the Baldwin Early Learning Center.

Since then all of the programs have been established and people are getting the help they need. With the automotive careers being eliminated, Pontiac has severely depleted. With the help of the Baldwin Center, people are getting essentials they need to help themselves and their families survive. With volunteers, the center can service more people in less time. So do the right thing....Go to the Bald--- and Win!!

Get up, Get out! Go BALD and WIN!

In high school, I was an avid volunteer. I averaged over 200 hours of community service each year. I involved myself in almost every organization that came my way. I did it because I loved it. It made me feel great. There was something about giving back to my community that improved my self worth. It was rewarding in itself.


My hard work and dedication to volunteering did not go unnoticed. In addition to having decent grades and being involved in other extra curricular activities, the volunteer work built up my resume. My first four years of college were paid for!

Once I got into college I began to slack a little. I stopped volunteering as frequently. Life happened. I had my daughter and she became the most important part of my life. But recently I noticed that there seemed to be a piece of me missing.

My sister came to me one day and told me about St. Baldrick's Foundation. She jokingly told me I could be a hero and shave my head in solidarity for children going through cancer treatment. I told her I would but she never would. A month later- we were both bald!


Just like the good ol' days, I became engrossed with this organization and the local event. I committed to shaving my head early on Fox 2 news, to raise awareness of the event. I organized a Fitness Boot Camp session to raise funds for research. I made it my personal mission to help make this event a success.

I was not disappointed. My team raised over $2,000, the Romeo event over $120,000! Prior to shaving I did not consider all that it meant to shave my head. I was like sweet less shampoo! And awesome, I can sleep in instead of straightening it. I figured it was a win, win and for a great cause.


I was quite overwhelmed with others' responses. I have had numerous cancer survivor's and their loved ones, reach out to me and thank me for shaving my head. They have shared their stories and truly made me appreciate all the little things in life. Shaving my head is the second greatest thing I have ever done.

You don't have to shave your head to be a hero! It was the right fit for me. It was a great way for me to make a difference in a limited amount of time.
I suggest, Christmas in Action based in Oakland County. They spend one weekend of the year restoring neighborhoods and making a difference for those in need. Take one Saturday and do something great! If the personal satisfaction is not enough for you, think of how great it will look on your resume.


Another way to get involved locally is through the Baldwin Center in Pontiac. I recently had an opportunity to volunteer there. You could volunteer for a few hours or take your ideas to help this great grass roots organization that is serving a community in need.


Step outside of your shell. Give back. Make it a great day!