Recognizing Alison Foreman's Service to the City of Ypsilanti

Floor Speech

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Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Alison Foreman, President and CEO of the Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels (YMOW) program, as she closes out 10 years in Ypsilanti, MI and prepares to take her expertise to Mobile Wheels of Toledo. Her lifelong dedication to serving those in need is worthy of commendation.

Alison began non-profit work shortly after graduating from Eastern Michigan University, where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Juvenile Justice coupled with a Masters's in Public Administration. She joined YMOW in 2013 as the program's first full-time Executive Director, getting involved at a time when the organization was struggling to make ends meet. As one of her initial tasks, Alison was challenged to raise $25,000 during her first year. She delivered above and beyond what was asked of her, and the program flourished as a result. In recognition for her steadfast efforts, Alison was named President and CEO in 2021. As she celebrates her 10th anniversary with YMOW, the group now operates on a $1.8 million annual budget and has expanded to offer a full suite of services that benefit over 400 local seniors and homebound adults each year. Her team credits her with reviving an organization struggling to make ends meet, adding that she has worked tirelessly to realize YMOW's vision of ``a community where every senior feels nourished, valued, and supported.'' In caring for some of Ypsilanti's most vulnerable citizens, Alison has done a tremendous job at strengthening and nourishing her community.

In addition to her laudable efforts at YMOW, Alison has made many other significant contributions to our Ypsilanti home. Over the years, she has dedicated herself to various local non-profits as both a volunteer and an employee, most notably the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Book Industry Charitable Foundation. Alison has been an active member in a plethora of local organizations, serving on the boards of the Ypsilanti Area Community Fund, the Washtenaw Leaders Advisory, SOS Community Services, and her alma mater's MPA Advisory Group, among others. She is also a founding member of the Say Yes to Seniors Initiative, part of the Ypsilanti Kiwanis Club, and a Washtenaw County grant reviewer. Alison's devotion to alleviating Ypsilanti's great diversity of needs is inspirational, and I am proud to have such a selfless individual leading our local community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Alison Foreman for her decade of dedication to serving the Ypsilanti area as she wraps up her tenure at the helm of the Ypsilanti Meals on Wheels program. Alison has worked tirelessly to benefit her local community and has made significant contributions to improving the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors. We thank her for her tremendous work and wish her all the best as she embarks upon her next endeavor.

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