Downriver Today

State Representative Jamie Thompson has successfully passed House Resolution 38, which designates March 11 as Community Volunteer Day in Michigan. This resolution aims to honor the many volunteers across the state who dedicate their time and resources to assist vulnerable citizens. A particular focus is given to Yatooma’s Foundation For The Kids, a non-profit organization that supports families with children who have lost one or both parents.

Yatooma’s Foundation for The Kids was established on March 11, 2003, in memory of Manuel S. Yatooma, a father of four who was tragically murdered ten years earlier. "No one can replace a lost parent," Thompson stated. "But we are extremely thankful for these groups and their hardworking staffs who go out of their way to minimize the hurt, bring tenderness to tragedy and help pave the way for positive futures for kids."

Thompson shared her personal connection to this cause by mentioning her role as a legal guardian to three grandchildren after her daughter's death in a motorcycle accident in 2021. She emphasized the importance of organizations like Yatooma's Foundation in supporting families during difficult times: “These groups have helped support young people and families like ours in times of immense need, and we are truly grateful.”

The resolution comes at a time when approximately six million children in the United States will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18, representing about one in every thirteen children nationwide.

Rep. Thompson is currently serving her second term representing Michigan's 28th House District, which includes areas within Wayne County and Monroe County.