Sarah Jean spoke to us about Raising a Mixed Family during Racially Charged Times.

Sarah Jean (not providing her last name as she is protecting the anonymity of her adopted children) has 7 children, She and her husband, Joe, became foster parents in 2017 and have adopted 4 of the 5 they fostered (the fifth returning to their family).  All four are black and Sarah Jean and her family are white.

The tiring process of adopting foster children, although needed, has its ups and downs.  She noted many ways to support foster families, such as county “foster closets” that will accept donations of money, clothing, and toys to help offset the cost of taking in these children.  Also, donations of memberships to places like the Zoo or Greenfield Village and of your time (babysitting, lawn cutting) are greatly appreciated.

Her family are advocates of Black Lives Matter. She understands that all lives matter but believes that these words defeat the purpose of Black Lives Matter and that black lives need a little extra help at this time. 

Sarah Jean asks that we all take a moment to reflect on racial assumptions we make and to try to be anti-racist.  This would require getting to know someone of a different color and experiencing different cultures.  Only by doing this will the healing process begin.

Sarah Jean’s 12 year old son, Jeremiah, told the Club that he appreciates living with people who don’t look like him but that love and respect each other.

On August 12th we recognized the 2020 Frank Sladen Scholarship winners.

Three scholarship winners from GP North and three from GP South.  Mark Weber, the committee chair, introduced each student and read snippets of their school counselor’s recommendations.  He bypassed the students’ accomplishments because they were too numerous to mention.

From GP North:

Clare Loch – described as dedicated to everything and helping to bring the community together, Clare will be attending Wayne State and would like a career in theatre.

Mariah Loper – described as selfless and a decision maker, Mariah will be attending Michigan State and would like a career in politics.

Emee Simpson – described as someone with volunteerism at her heart, she has taught dance to children with a range of disabilities (Emme was unable to attend).

From GP South:

Will Glasser – described as diligent and a champion for the underdog, Will will be attending Michigan.  He is unsure of his major but would like a career in the medical field.

John Blake – described as one who gives to the community, John is in a 4-5-year paid apprenticeship program to become a residential wireman with Union 51 in Warren.

Claire Sheeren – living with a sister with an illness, Claire has run two very successful fundraisers for Mott Hospital.  She will be attending Wheaton College, pursuing an applied mathematics degree with a minor in music.