Don Jennings Nominees

[Lee Trucks]

The Manistee County Democrats are blessed with two admirable and highly qualified nominees for the 2021 Don Jennings Award - Mary Trucks and Shirley Madden. Both have exhibited dedication to social and racial just for their entire lives.  That being said, I am writing this message in favor of Mary Trucks.

Mary grew, 1 of 10 children, on a farm in segregationist Mississippi. She remembers walking past the new "white" school to the Possum School which was for the African Americans in the community. Awareness of injustice came early.

After her father died, the family moved north to Detroit and eventually settled in Baldwin where Mary attended Baldwin Community Schools. After a short return to Detroit she married returned to Lake County where the family settled.

Mary almost immediately became involved in community affairs and after a few years she was hired as the executive director of FiveCAP, Inc. a four county community action agency. The Agency at the time was approaching bankruptcy and struggling to provide services. At her direction, the agency has returned to solvency and owns Offices, Head  Start Classrooms and housing,  nutrition and a variety of other services for low income and minorities Manistee, Mason, Lake and Newaygo Counties. 

FiveCAP currently operates seven Head Start centers as well as operating Early Childhood Education for toddlers 0-3 years of age as well as providing programs for low income parents in all areas.

Weatherization services are provided to promote health and save energy and money. FiveCAP also owns senior and low income housing developments in Mason and Lake Counties.

As well as a variety of nutrition programs FiveCAP also provides - 

• Emergency Food & Shelter Program - EFSP (formerly known as FEMA)  - a program for serving low-income individuals who have a documented need for help paying energy / utility costs and assistance with food and shelter
• Walk for Warmth  - February fundraising event to provide funding for utility assistance to residents not served by other programs. The agency holds Also an Annual Golf for Warmth to help raise funds for Walk for Warmth.  
• State Emergency Funds  - designed to assist income eligible applicants with home ownership, relocation, or utility costs
• FiveCAP, Inc. & WKLA / WKZC Toys for Tots / Gifts for Teens Program 
• EITC; Tax Assistance  -  free tax preparation  by certified staff OFFERED MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY - CALL FOR AN APPOINTMENT. 
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)  - washers / dryers to households with children
• Community Services Block Grant (CSBG)  - Relocation Services; Home Ownership; Heat & Utility Services
• Advocacy

Mary has worked tirelessly with the Idlewild community to bring back the once thriving resort and restore the pride in its heritage.

In addition, she has raised three children all of whom have gone to spread the social, economic and racial values absorbed from their mother's example.

Mary has not been active in the politics because her participation is limited by the Hatch Act and her determination to support all people in need regardless of their politics.

Mary has been a leader in community action on the state and national levels. It's time here local community recognized her for the decades of service.

I don't think I can give any better endorsement than to quote what her daughter said in a recent interview.

"My mother is a constant and source of inspiration.  She has dedicated her life to serving communities and people living below the poverty line. Given all the curve balls the last 12 months has thrown, it has been extremely encouraging to watch her adapt and grow while remaining creative and proactive in her pursuits and relentless activism.  She was recently appointed to chair the SOCIAL and Racial Justice Taskforce for Michigan's State Bureau and State Association. Even after over 44 years of service, her passion for social justice is unwavering. She is no doubt an inspiration." Toni Trucks