Mary Merwin Voice for Children Award
Mary L. Merwin, 1946-2015, was an active member of the community serving as the Director of Grand Traverse/Leelanau Adult Mental Health Agency and volunteering with HIV/Wellness Networks, Third Level Crisis Center, Early Childhood Development Agency’s, Asthma Coalitions and a variety of other causes.
To honor her outstanding efforts in the community the Great Start Collaborative created the Mary Merwin Voice for Children Award to award a member of the community who has over time provided outstanding leadership, a unique focus, and a call to action in the field of early childhood.
Past Winners include:
John Rockwood (Munson)
Kathy Kundrat (NWMCAA)
Deanna Kelly (GTCHD)
Sally Hanley (Community Volunteer – GT Baby Pantry)
Jen Ritter (MMC/Community Agency/Safe Kids)
Joan Shirilla (IMH Advocate/Volunteer for IMH TC)
Jim Rowlett (Community member/Volunteer/PRI)
Sue Peters (Munson) 2017
Sue Bolde (Children’s Advocacy Center) 2018
Barb Keelan (5toONE Neighborhood Center @ Lake Ann United Methodist Church) 2019
Sharon Workman (Born to Read Founder) 2020
Be on the lookout in 2021 to nominated another outstanding member of the community!
