My City January 2022

The Disability Network Founded over three decades ago, TDN has been advocating for the disabled com- munity in Greater Flint and around the country. e organization was started by Mike Zelley, father of TDN CEO Luke Zelley, after he attended a meeting of the Genesee County Handicapped Alliance in 1992. Of the 60 people in the room, only two (including himself ) identiŠed as disabled. He thought that the disabled community should have more robust representation in the county. Since that time, TDN helps an average of 10,000 people each year through local program- ming and another 100,000 throughout the nation via government policy changes for which they fought and advocated.

Desert Angels, Inc.

is volunteer faith min- istry was founded by Louise Downs Blain, of Linden, and has been sending a “Miracle Box” to military service person- nel for the last 20 years. Blain said she attended the funeral for a young Michigan soldier named PFC Joseph ( Joe) A. Miracle, who gave his life for his country on July 5, 2007. “On my way home from the funeral, God put it on my heart to name our boxes ‘Miracle Boxes’ after Joe,” she said. Among the many snacks, treats and personal care items, each box contains a photo of Joe, a bit of informa- tion about his life and service, a note of encouraging words, a prayer cloth and a U.S. šag. ®

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