Young Leaders Lead in Tough Times

During these tough times the idea of giving and helping could seem like a challenge for any entrepreneur, but for the owners of Pakmode Publications "it's all in a day's work."

Young co-owners - Tim Adkins; VP of Marketing; Bilal Saeed, President; and Dave Thomas, VP of Sales and Events - are making their mark on the Ypsilanti Community. The graduates of Eastern Michigan University remain dedicated to accomplishing their business goals, while taking the time to give back.

"The best thing about being in business for ourselves is that we can give back to our community," said Saeed.

The men oversee emYou! The Magazine, which is geared toward highlighting positive aspects of EMU and provides students with a source of entertainment and information to help them navigate college life. In addition, they publish the College Survival Guide to offer solutions on topics college students are concerned about: renting options, local eateries, places to hangout, shop, and of course, ways to save! Their guide has quickly caught the attention of other college campuses who now subscribe.

Recently, the trio embarked on initiating a benefit for SOS Community Services. They are producing 2009-2010 emYou! The Calendar. So far they selected twenty-five of the most talented co-eds and are polling supporters to select the final twelve candidates. A percentage of the calendar's proceeds will go to SOS to help homeless families.

Click here to learn more information about emYou! The Calendar.

Magnificent Medical Students Clean for SOS Kids!

The University of Michigan medical students gathered bright and early on Saturday morning. They weren’t at the hospital or equipped with there traditional white coats, stethoscopes or even scalpels. Instead, the group stood in front of SOS Time for Tots daycare center wearing jeans and t-shirts—ready to clean. There allies—washcloths, brooms, and disinfectant spray.

“I think it’s a nice opportunity to help and for medical students to volunteer in a non-medical way,” said Zach Sawaya, first year medical student. It’s neat to get out and build something, and use other skills.”

The group of 7 students spent the day cleaning and organizing the outside children’s play area, as well as the basement. In addition, the medical students generously donated funds to purchase cleaning supplies and a canopy for the children’s play area.

“I know a lot of people like to go to exotic locations to volunteer,” said Kaisa Bundyra, fourth year medical student. “But I think it’s important to give back to local areas that you get to see and grow over the years.”

These medical students understood the importance of what they were giving back to the community thanks to Jatera Maing, Time for Tots Supervisor, who explained how the center works with homeless children throughout Washtenaw County.

Maureen Connelly, a fourth year medical student, reflected after Maing finished the tour of the daycare center: “You see someone in the ER and want to give them resources. So it’s nice to know about a place like this because you only have so much time with a patient.”

Jatera Maing said that she and the staff were gratefully for the group’s volunteer work, and most importantly the kids would have a safer and cleaner place to play.

To see pictures of this volunteer project visit the SOS Facebook Fan Page.

Clouds Don’t Stop the Bright Smiles on Ypsilanti Pride Day!

The skies were grey, covered with clouds, which hid the sun. As the wind blew harder, and temperature turned cool it looked as though it could rain at any minute. But all that dreary weather didn’t stop Girl Scout Troop #40656 from volunteering for SOS and showing their Ypsilanti Pride!

“I don’t want girl scouts who just do arts and crafts,” said Julie Fisher, Troop Leader. “I want them to understand that they can make a difference in their community.”

Julie Fisher is a dedicated supporter of SOS, and when she learned about Ypsilanti Pride day she knew exactly where she wanted her troop to volunteer. “SOS is near and dear to my heart, said Fisher.” She decided her troop could plant flowers and help garden at the SOS Crisis Center.

Fisher explained that she and her co-leaders, Liz Haas and Kelly Kowatch, told friends and family members about the project and got an overwhelming response. They received numerous donations and were able to get flowers, soil, and gardening tools for the project.

“You all have quite the reputation in the community,” Fisher laughed. “It’s nice to do things so close to home; that helps people right here in our community. Hopefully we’re raising kids that will continue to help.”

***Girl Scouts Sound-Off on Their SOS Volunteer Experience***

“I really like helping other people that are in need, and without this (SOS) house I don’t know what homeless people would do.” ~ Karina, 11 years old

“I like gardening and I feel good that I’m actually helping out the community.” ~ Marcella, 13 years old

***To see more pictures from the day visit the

SOS Facebook Fan Page***

Perry Children's Development Center Gives Big!

With one click of the mouse, thousands of volunteers received a heartfelt reminder of the community needs in the VolunteErNews titled, “Got Milk?” But for Sharine Buddin, Principle of Perry Children’s Development Center, it wasn’t just a reminder; it was a call to action.

Buddin read the VolunteErNews and all she could do was reach for the Kleenex and ponder a way she could help. Many of the children who visit the SOS Crisis Center to receive food attend this school, said the Principle.

As Buddin and the Parent Advisory Board began preparing for this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week, they began to think of new ways to honor the teachers. “Every year we do something for the teachers, whether it’s getting them a coffee mug or a little trinket, but this year we wanted to do something different,” Buddin explained. “The staff really brought up the idea and when I heard it I said, ‘I know where and who we can give to.’”

As a result, all of the funds that were normally used to purchase a gift for teachers and staff were donated to SOS Community Services. The $400 donation will go to the SOS Emergency Food Program to help feed hungry families and children.

Thanks Perry Children’s Development Center!

Honor Your Mom With A Gift That Keeps Giving

There’s still time….checkout SOS Mother’s Day Cards.

This Mother’s Day you can help give those families the necessities they need by purchasing an SOS Mother’s Day card for a donation of $25 or more.

Select a beautifully designed 8.5 x 5.5 card that has information about SOS and include your own personal message to your mom. Don’t worry about delivering the card because SOS will take care of everything!

Visit, www.soscs.org, to place your order today and your card will be delivered.

Take advantage of this special opportunity to show your love and appreciation to your mom and honor her by donating to a worthy cause. All proceeds from the cards will help SOS to continue to respond with care to families in need.

For more information or questions please call Kate Zellers, Development Associate, at katez@soscs.org.

Concordia University Art Students Host SOS Empty Bowls Fundraiser!

Join SOS at it’s annual Empty Bowls Fundraiser on Wednesday, April 15. Concordia University art students—in partnership with Baron Glassworks, Rovin Ceramics and Thrivent Financial for Lutherans—are hosting Empty Bowls from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Sidetrack Bar and Grill (on the side of Frenchie’s), 56 E. Cross St. in Ypsilanti.

For a $10 donation, individuals can enjoy soup bread or crackers, receive a handcrafted bowl, and mingle with young artists and community members. All proceeds will be donated to support the SOS Emergency Food Pantry.

For more information, email chelseac@soscs.org or call 734.484.9900.

Homeless Teen Holds On to His Dreams

Homelessness is on the rise with all the home foreclosures and job losses happening around the country. The population segment that is truly feeling the pressure is the youth. Families with children are filling shelters; people who have never experienced homelessness are enduring the heartache and turmoil.

Recently, ABC World News featured a newscast chronicling the life of one homeless teen. For the last 3 months, this young man has lived in a shelter with his two younger siblings and mother. Despite the challenges he has remained successful at school, recently receiving a scholarship for college, and played on his high school basketball team who made it to the state championship.

Resiliency, determination, and hope are keeping this teen focused on his dreams. To hear his story click here.