MEDF is a 501(c)(3) Michigan nonprofit corporation. Established by the Detroit Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., its mission is to transform lives and communities by supporting initiatives in metropolitan Detroit that promote education and economic development. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $400,000 in scholarships and grants.1992

Passing on our passion for philanthropy since

Trustees Committed to Providing More Grants and ScholarshipsNew Board Focused on Fundraising

The beginning of 2014 not only marked the beginning of a new year, but it also ushered in a new board of trustees and new officers for the Minerva Education and Development Foundation (MEDF). Newly elected members were recently sworn in, and all trustees renewed their commitment to ensuring the foundation’s continued success.

“The board exceeded the fundraising goal we set for ourselves last year,” said Marion E. Binion, president. “The Fund Development Committee has issued another challenge, and we are confident we will meet this year’s goal.”

Because of last year’s accomplishment, the foundation, an all-volunteer organization, awarded nearly $25,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations making a positive impact in metropolitan Detroit and scholarships to college students determined to use their degrees to make a difference. This year, the board wants to give even more.

“We receive many outstanding proposals from nonprofits doing great work in Detroit and the surrounding community,” said Binion. “By focusing on our fundraising, we hope to surpass previous efforts so that we can provide funding to more organizations and ensure that women, youth, seniors, and families get the assistance and support they need.”

In addition to its annual Century and Millennium Club campaign, MEDF is sponsoring the Take 4 Mega Raffle with support from Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. - Detroit Alumnae Chapter. Proceeds from ticket sales will help fund the foundation’s grant-making efforts and administrative and operational expenses. Tickets for the raffle are $5 and will be available until the end of May. Supporters can win several cash prizes ranging from $100 to $2,000. The drawing is Saturday, June 7. For more information, visit the MEDF website or talk to a trustee.

MINERVA EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

IMPRESSIONSDocumenting the Impact of Our Philanthropic Footprint

Winter 2014

MEDF recently presented nearly $11,000 in scholarship awards to 12 students attending colleges and universities in Michigan. Students were honored for their commitment to academic excellence and to community service.

The foundation has nine scholarship funds, established and supported by generous donors. Book, merit, and need-based scholarships are available to students who represent a variety of categories, including single mothers, educational administration or leadership students, and individuals who have overcome obstacles.

Latasha Thompson, recipient of the Dr. Bernice Morton Scholarship, which is designated for black students in Wayne State University’s (WSU) College of Nursing, said the award was a blessing.

“It is helping me get through this last semester without worrying about how I am going to pay my tuition,” she said. “And, it put me in a position where I can graduate.”

Thompson, who wants to be a labor and delivery nurse, said earning her degree will help her make a difference in the community.

“I want to work in an underserved area with high rates of premature birth or low weight babies and educate women about risk factors and how they can prevent this from happening.”

She was inspired by Morton, whom she met at the awards ceremony. Morton is a founding member of MEDF, WSU alumna, and associate professor emeritus of the WSU College of Nursing, where she served as the first affirmative action officer and the first black department chair.

“It was an honor to meet and talk to her [Morton] and something I will never forget. She told me to keep moving forward and not to stop.”

Tia Robertson, a student studying biological science at WSU, said the Dr. Bernadine Denning Scholarship--a renewable, four-year award for black females who maintain a 3.0 grade point average and demonstrate financial need—alleviated some of her financial worries.

“Being a returning student is challenging,” she said. “The scholarship allowed me to take an extra course. It also helped me take care of other things I needed to do this semester.“

Robertson, who was recently accepted into the Honors College, is interested in helping conduct diabetes research; both of her parents and a younger cousin have the disease.

“I have seen some of the lasting effects it has had on my parents’ health and how it affects youth. I want

to assist with raising awareness and finding a cure.” J. Gabriel Ware, a journalism major with a 4.0 at

Wayne County Community College, is thankful for the foundation’s support.

“I am grateful that MEDF is helping students in financial need further their education,” he said. “The scholarship helped me pay for my books, get back and forth to school—I catch the bus, and cover expenses I was worried I wouldn’t be able to cover. It put me at ease because I can focus on my studies and continue to keep my grades up instead of worrying about how I am going to pay for my education.”

Ware, who hopes to one day write for print or broadcast media, said the scholarship has inspired him to pay it forward.

“I have been given scholarships to further my education, and I would like to do the same thing to help younger people who need it. When someone gives to you, you can’t help but want to give back—to keep the cycle moving.”

2014 Scholarships AvailableCollege students who live or attend school in Wayne, Oakland, or Macomb counties are encouraged to apply for one of MEDF’s scholarships. Applications are available on the MEDF website. The deadline is April 30.

Top Photo: WCCCD Scholarship recipient J. Gabriel Ware (2nd from right) is congratulated by MEDF Grants Committee Chair Margaret Tucker (l), MEDF President Marion Binion (r), and his girlfriend, Kendra Flournoy (2nd from left). Bottom Photo: Dr. Bernice Morton (l) shares a moment with Latasha Thompson (r).

Scholarships Ease Students‘ Burdens, Inspire Them to Serve

MEDF Fund Development Committee Chair Gloria Butler Miller, who had a successful 36-year career in sales, knows how to build relationships and seal the deal. One of MEDF’s founding trustees, she is passionate about the foundation and creating a legacy of black philanthropy in Detroit. She also understands MEDF’s mission and money are tied together.

"We deeply appreciate our donors and their contributions, which are essential to our mission,” she said. “No money, no mission."

Butler Miller issued a challenge to the 26 trustees: get 10 people you know to join the Century Club. She sent trustees reminders and motivational messages by email. She and her committee created a toolkit that included sample letters, examples of what to say to prospects, and tips for maintaining donor relationships.

“I had to lead by example,” she said. “I was the chief cheerleader for my fellow trustees, and I wanted all of us to meet and exceed our goals.”

When the board reviewed its fundraising activity, trustees discovered they had surpassed their goal, doubling their efforts from the previous year. Butler Miller said she was filled with joy and pride.

“I knew the board could do it,” she said. “I gave them ideas, but the trustees did the hard work of convincing donors.”

In recognition of her outstanding leadership, Butler Miller was named Trustee of the Year.

“I was stunned to be given such a prestigious honor,” said Butler Miller. “I also felt appreciated. It is the best feeling in the world to know that your colleagues appreciate your efforts. I am grateful.”

Mothers get more than free diapers when they are referred to Helping Operations for People Empowerment (HOPE). They also learn how to become better, more loving parents.

HOPE, a Detroit faith-based nonprofit, hosts a 12-week, mandatory “Parenting with Love” class for women participating in its diaper program.  Mothers between the ages of 14 and 30—and primarily from the Central/North End and Southwest Detroit communities— enjoy breakfast and explore topics such as discipline, communication, and Christian parenting principles.

HOPE, originally a part of the prison ministry led by Rev. Samuel Spruill at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church in Detroit, became a 501(c)(3) organization three years ago. While the church is a partner, HOPE must raise funds to support its programs. Office manager Ramona Lawrence said MEDF’s support will allow HOPE to resume the parenting class this spring.

“We didn’t have a class in the fall because of the lack of funding. The grant was right on time,” she said. “Lack of transportation cannot be used as an excuse for not attending class. Now we can pay for the gas to get women to and from class.”

Lawrence said participants also receive help with searching for jobs, resume writing, and interviewing. The goal is to help women become self-sufficient.

“We want these mothers to become effective parents and viable adults and to live on their own,” she said. “One young woman benefitted from the diaper program and class. She got an interview and used our clothes closet. When she got that job, we cried happy tears together.”

The Parenting with Love program is creating better parents and improving women’s lives. It also shows women the impact they can have on others’ lives.

Lawrence said, “Three women said they learned so much that they volunteered for the rest of the year. They shared their experiences with the next group of mothers. That is a good testimony.”

MEDF trustees Marion Binion (l), Margaret Tucker (2nd from right), and Gwendolyn Prater (r) present grant award to HOPE’s office manager Ramona Lawrence (c) and “Parenting with Love” instructor Amanda Johnson (2nd from left).

Parenting with Love Gives Women Help and Hope

Gloria Butler Miller Named Trustee of the Year

MEDF President Marion Binion (l) presents the Trustee of the Year Award to Gloria Butler Miller (r).

Board of TrusteesOfficersMarion E. Binion, PresidentRene A. Kelly, Vice President—ProgramsFelecia J. Baker, Vice President—OperationsBrigitte Johnson, TreasurerChristi Frazier, Assistant TreasurerGwendolyn Prater, Financial SecretaryJacqueline Hill, Corresponding SecretaryAlicia M. Nails, Recording SecretaryLarmender Davis, Asst. Recording SecretaryLois Bingham, Immediate Past President

TrusteesInez AllenGloria Butler MillerFaire D. CarterRobin ColeTerri HendersonKristina HendrixKatrenia L. Hosea-FlaniganDeborah Hunter-HarvillMarcia A. JacksonLaneice JonesPamela McClainJenice C. Mitchell FordPatricia Taylor-EubanksPaulette ThomasMargaret E. TuckerPatricia WalkerTracy A. Walker

Newsletter ContributorsEditor/Writer:Tracy A. WalkerCopy Editors: Marion E. Binion Gloria Butler Miller Larmender Davis Katrenia L. Hosea-Flanigan Rene A. KellyPhotography: Deborah Kent

Public Relations CommitteeTracy A. Walker, ChairRobin Cole, Co-ChairLarmender DavisChristi FrazierKatrenia L. Hosea-FlaniganRene A. KellyAlicia M. Nails

Minerva Education and Development FoundationP.O. Box 21655Detroit, MI 48221313.438.MEDF (6333)E-mail: info@medf.netWebsite: www.medf.net

Thank You to Our 2013 Donors!Millennium Club ($1,000+)Robin ColeJohnie M. GilmoreAlma GreerSarah Moore

Century Club ($100-999)Jeanette M. AbrahamFloyd AllenInez S. AllenBarbara A. AndersonSheila L. AnthonyEdna ArringtonAlda AshfordBank of AmericaBernestine Bailey-ThorntonFelecia J. BakerGloria A. BennettDaisy BentonLois E. BinghamMarion E. Binion*Delma L. BoyceLaShawn Boyce WareLinda Bradfield*Patricia BrandenbergIzetta Bright*Carolyn BriscoeVivian BrownKathryn Bryant HarrisonKerry BuffingtonDorothy BurrellGloria Butler Miller*Georgia CambellMarie Carithers KempFaire D. CarterOra CarterJuanita C. ChambersVirginia ClayFrances Clemmons*Robin ColeEsther M. ColemanBarbara R. CoulterLarmender DavisLyndon DavisMildred DavisParalee Day*Yolanda Day*Dedicated Dental Services, PCFannie Dennis

Frances DokesNorma Dotson SalesBetty EstersLaverne EthridgeMary FarmerJennifer R. FullerJessye Verona FranklinChristi FrazierBrenda GardnerBrenda C. GatlinJulie A. GibsonRegina GibsonElaine GilbertLeslie L. GillespieMarcia GoffneyJudith GoodmanCarol GossBeverly A. GrayMargaret E. Hall KeyesYvonne T. HackettEarlene J. HallAusterine HambrickJonnie Hamilton*Martha HannaKaren HarrisonDiann HatcherJoyce Hayes GilesVera HeidelbergTerrie HendersonKristina HendrixRudolph HendrixMargaret A. HigdonJacqueline Hill*Stephanie HobsonKatrenia Hosea-Flanigan*Willie HowardShirley A. HugheyTeola P. HunterDeborah Hunter-HarvillGloria Jackson*Judith JacksonLaronda D. JacksonMarcia A. JacksonRose JacksonAngela JamesClara M. JenkinsMarlo Jenkins RencherBrigitte A. JohnsonCheryl Y. JohnsonJohnnie JohnsonKalimah JohnsonKathryn Johnson*Nancy Johnson MayesSallie Johnson

Sheila C. JohnsonTanisha JohnsonJadé Marie JonesJewel JonesLaneice JonesMattie Jones JohnsonCharlene Jones MitchellShirley KaiglerRene A. KellyDeborah KentMargaret Keyes HowardAudrey E. KiddJohnetta LackeySaundra LambLee Joy LeeM.L. Lockhart-WallsShirley Ann LusbyAllison MartinJoAnna MastenAlthea H. MastersonLinda McAllisterPamela McClainDella McGraw GoodwinFlorene McMurtryJoann MillerJenice Mitchell FordHelen MonroeSarah MoorePamela MorganBernice MortonMildred Morton CrossVeronia MurffAlicia M. Nails“New Horizon” - Lambda Psi ChapterClarice L. Ogilvie PoseyPamela OsborneMalika PennShani PennGranada L. PetersonNicole PhilandoMildred PittsJacqueline Pitts-WashingtonJean S. PorterGwendolyn PraterJoan PriceRoshunda PriceReather QuinnVeronica Ray LindseyCharlotte RebeleinPortia L. RobersonClaudia RobertsFrances RussellLillie A. Saddler

Geraldine B. SandersCynthia ScottCamila E. ShamleyJosephine SimsKathleen E. SmithTanya SmithAngelika Smith-JonesCassandra SpratlingFaye R. TateNutrena TateIris TaylorDenise Thames JacksonMichele ThomasJoni Thrower-GrundyMargaret TuckerJana Tumpkin-McQueenPhyllis S. TurnerLorraine TylerPatricia WalkerTracy A. WalkerAlbert WardLizzie WashingtonMarsha WatkinsAlethea WellsRuthie E. WileyHendrean WilliamsSharon WilsonIrma Wise

Memorial & Scholarship Fund DonorsTyra ButlerDoris ChavisSylvia FoxCecile GreenEdythe Hayden FrileyEllis HayesThe Lackey FamilyMary LeeSylvia MaddoxDenise Page HoodBetty PayneMichelle PuryearPatricia Taylor-EubanksAnice UpshawElaine WilliamsMarian Williams-Chatman

*Also a memorial and/or scholarship fund donor

www.facebook.com/medfdetroit

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The Century Club Campaign is an annual fundraising drive to solicit $100 donations to help fund grants to nonprofit organizations in metro Detroit that provide arts and culture, educational, and economic development initiatives as well as leadership programs for women and girls. Funds also support the foundation’s administrative and operational expenses.

When you become a member, you help MEDF ensure children, families, and seniors in our community have access to programs that promote personal and professional growth, independence, and positive self-expression. Contributions are tax-deductible and can be made until December 31, 2014. Donate online at www.medf.net, talk to a trustee, or call 313.438.MEDF (6333).

Join the 2014 Century Club