The Friends of Oakland Family Services

The Friends of Oakland Family Services is a dynamic group of women who have become agency ambassadors in the community and share our mission of helping children and families in need.  They give their time, energy and talents to sponsor fundraising events and provide volunteers for programs they have created at the agency.

Some of our Friends activities include:

Back-To-School
The Back-To-School program provides approximately 350 children with new backpacks and the necessary supplies to help jumpstart their academic year.  Imagine the number of notebooks, pens and pencils, glue sticks, etc. used to make this happen!  Volunteers shop, sort and then stock each backpack with love and care.  Children feel prepared and positive about entering school, and parents are at ease knowing their kids are starting off on the right foot.
   

Thanksgiving Baskets
Each November, Thanksgiving dinners with all the “holiday fixings” are provided for 100 of Oakland Family Services’ client families with the greatest need.  The Friends supply the turkey, dressing, pie and all the appropriate sides packed in a re-usable tote just before “Turkey Day”.  For the families in this program, the stress of the holidays no longer includes “How can I buy groceries?”  Thanksgiving Baskets have become a favorite with Friends volunteers, who have been very creative in finding donors for their food drives.

Adopt-A-Family
Since 1985, Oakland Family Services has helped families who face financial difficulties to make the holidays a little brighter for their loved ones, especially the children.  Our Adopt-A-Family program is an opportunity for families and businesses to experience the joys of giving at this special time of year.  Adopt-A-Family recipients are not wishing for expensive items or frivolous keepsakes.  Rather, they are hoping for simple gifts that can bring a smile to a child’s face or keep them warm in the winter’s cold.

The Friends of Oakland Family Services along with local teenagers fulfilling community service hours assist individuals and corporations in unloading and checking in hundreds of wrapped gifts and packages over a two-day period.  Both staff and clients are overwhelmed by the generosity of our community.

Last year through the kindness of individuals, businesses and community groups, more than 150 families had a holiday to remember thanks to Oakland Family Services’ Adopt-A-Family program!

Foster Care Holiday Party
‘Tis the season for Friends as we join in the festivities with our foster care families.  Each year, agency staff receives a wish list from each family, which is then given to our volunteer “Santa’s Helpers”.  A gift is purchased for each child, wrapped, and placed in Santa’s bag before making a guest appearance for our families at their Holiday Party.  Year after year, this party has been a wonderful success for the Friends, staff, and most importantly, the children.

Fundraising, Fundraising, Fundraising
Enthusiastic volunteers work throughout the year on a major fundraising event.  Friends organize the Fall Event, which may include a silent and/or live auction, themed entertainment, and a night of glitz and glam that’s second to none.

Volunteer opportunities for these activities are endless! If you would like to become a Friend of Oakland Family Services, the only requirement is a sense of volunteer spirit and a commitment to helping others! For questions, or to join the fun, please call Mary Simonelli, at 248.858.7766 ext 222, or click here to download a membership form.
FRIENDS ADVISORY BOARD

Chairman
Dee Wright-Masilotti

Julie A. Beals
Susan Butkovich
Christine C. Cooke
Maureen T. D’Avanzo
Lynn Ferron
Judy Gardner
Sylvia Hagenlocker
Brigitte Harris

Elise F. Hayes
Cynthia D. Johnson
Linda Juracek-Lipa
Gail Kelley
Mary Beth MacGuidwin
Kathy G. Martin
Karen May
Susan C. O'Brien


Cindy Ostrowski
Katie A. Prior
Gayle A. Roberts
Mary L. Scharff
Joanne Ulnick
Donna H. Young
Amy S. Zimmer