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Messages of Support

50th Anniversary Congratulatory Messages

A Message from Governor Gretchen Whitmer

It is an honor as governor of Michigan to congratulate Common Ground on 50 years of service to the community.

I am truly grateful for all your service in the past five decades. Your organization has helped many Michiganders and provided them with necessary resources during times of crisis. I would especially like to thank you for your leadership and dedication to operating the Michigan Crisis and Access Line (MiCAL). Your efforts are greatly appreciated in ensuring the health and well-being of Michiganders in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Again, on behalf of the State of Michigan, I want to congratulate you on your 50th anniversary and for making a positive impact on the lives of countless residents in our state. I hope that you will continue to move individuals and families from crisis to hope.

— Gretchen Whitmer
Governor of Michigan
see full letter here

Sheriff Mike Bouchard

A Message from Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard

On behalf of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, it is my distinct honor to congratulate Common Ground on 50 years of exemplary service to the community. It is a milestone in which you should take great pride.

As a current member of the Common Ground Advisory Board, and as a volunteer dating back to the early 1970s, when the organization was in its infancy, I have seen first-hand the important work done in and for the community.
Operating around the clock, Common Ground is an invaluable lifeline for young people, adults, and families, instilling hope during crisis. The Sheriff’s Office has enjoyed a decades-long partnership with Common Ground that
that provides alternatives to incarceration through innovative diversionary programming. Your professional staff stands ready at a moment’s notice to assist and support those experiencing emotional stress.

With more than 80,000 people utilizing services annually — either through the 24-hour crisis line, or in-person visits – Common Ground continues to solidify their value within our community.
Additionally, adapting to the ever-changing landscape of a global pandemic serves as testament to you and your dedicated staff and volunteers alike. I am proud to be associated with Common Ground,
and wish you continued success in your next 50 years.

—  Sheriff Michael J. Bouchard, C.H.P.P.
Oakland County
see full letter here

Additional Messages from Community Leaders

Founded in 1971 by a group of students, parents, and community leaders concerned about the rise in substance abuse and suicide, Common Ground operates today as a 24/7 crisis center dedicated to helping youth, adults, and families in crisis throughout Oakland County. Each year, over 80,000 Oakland community residents utilize Common Ground’s 16 programs, ranging from support groups to legal clinics, which aim to help community members in need. [This] celebration is a wonderful opportunity to recognize the incredibly significant and meaningful work of Common Ground on behalf of the Oakland County community.

— Senator Gary Peters
U.S. Senator of Michigan

On behalf of the Oakland County Sixth Circuit Court Family Division Bench, we would like to extend our congratulations to Common Ground on its 50th anniversary. The wide range of services offered by Common Ground truly helps our Oakland County families and children navigate crisis. In turn, we would not be able to assist families in our role as jurists without the assistance from frontline organizations like Common Ground sharing in our collective passion to serve this community. We applaud Common Ground on its anniversary and look forward to its continued success.

— Honorable Jacob Cunningham
Circuit Court Judge

On behalf of all of us at HOPE, we extend our heartiest congratulations to Common Ground in recognition of your golden anniversary celebrating 50 glorious years of success. Common Ground has always been at the top of the list, providing impactful, quality services that save and change lives.  All of us are enriched by your work. Happy 50th Anniversary to all of our friends and colleagues at Common Ground! 

— Elizabeth Kelly
Hope Warming Center

Congratulations on 50 years of positively impacting our community, Common Ground! My office and residents of the 26th House district thank you for your dedication to the empowerment of youths, adults and families in crisis. Whether it be through your 24/7 Resource and Crisis Helpline, Growth & Healing Support Group, or one of the many additional services you provide, we have all benefitted from Common Ground in some way! It is with great admiration and deep appreciation for your exemplary service and tireless commitment that we commend and congratulate Common Ground on 50 years of service! 

— State Representative Jim Ellison
District 26

The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network congratulates Common Ground on its 50 years of service to the people it serves and its community. DWIHN is proud to share the same mission and vision of hope, recovery and resiliency and is honored to share in this celebration with such a compassionate and exemplary organization.   

— Tiffany M. Devin, Director of Communications
Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network

“As State Senator for Michigan’s 13th State Senate District, I want to congratulate and thank Common Ground for their 50 years of service to our community.  The work Common Ground has done over these last 50 years is extraordinary, striving to create lasting positive change in young people’s lives and being a steadfast resource for those who are experiencing a crisis and or need help.  Common Ground is an organization that stands for what we all should be, a source of empowerment, collaboration, innovation, diversity, and inclusivity. Again, thank you and congratulations to Common Ground and their staff for creating such positive and impactful organization in our community. “ 

— Mallory McMorrow, State Senator
13th Senate District of Michigan

On this occasion of your 50th anniversary, please accept our heartfelt congratulations and recognition for Common Ground’s important mission to empower and support adolescents and young adults who are in crisis. Your programs are a lifeline for individuals and families in need of real-time assistance, and also ongoing support and connection to programs that instill resilience, self-esteem, hope and courage. Your efforts to leverage mentors and volunteers to provide a helping hand through no-cost programs and support groups is an important ingredient to your success. Best wishes on your continued positive impact in our communities. 

— Paul Loffreda, Market President 
Blue Cross Complete of Michigan 

Everybody needs a friend to lean on during tough times. Common Ground has been that trusted friend to youth, adults and families in crisis over the past 50 years.  Common Ground’s full range of assistance programs and resources provide a light to guide people during tough times, match needs with services, help teach new skills, support trauma recovery, and provide a pathway to new hope and stability.  Common Ground is an amazing and valued friend and a highly regarded community resource.  Congratulations on this golden anniversary milestone and many thanks to the team who makes it all happen. 

— David T. Woodward, Chairman 
   Oakland County Board of Commissioners 

Congratulations to Common Ground on your 50th Anniversary!  I first connected to Common Ground after we lost our daughter to suicide.  After our loss, we established the Ride 2 End Suicide fundraiser, to support  Common Ground in their mission to help people move from crisis to hope. Over the last six years I have been constantly impressed by Common Ground’s scope of services and commitment to helping others. I speak for the entire Ride 2 End Suicide Team when I say, we are honored to be a part of celebrating this milestone! We look forward to many more years of your positive impact in the community, and helping others find their smiles. 

— Terri and Lou Jozefiak

I would like of offer my congratulations to the entire team of Common Ground on its 50th Anniversary! For 50 years, Common Ground has done a fabulous job of quietly living out the second greatest commandment each and every day and in the process has transformed thousands of Oakland County families and children. I offer my prayers and best wishes as Common Ground embarks on its second half-century of serving our community.

— Jack Krasula, President
Trustinus

I would like to extend my sincerest congratulations to Common Ground as the organization celebrates its 50th Anniversary. Since being founded in 1971, Common Ground has provided critical support to Oakland County youth, adults and families in crisis. Over the last 50 years, it has grown and adapted its programs to meet the most urgent needs of our community, and now serves tens of thousands of our most vulnerable residents ever year. We all owe the organization and the dedicated people who work there a deep debt of gratitude. It is an honor recognize this milestone anniversary. Thank you for the incredibly important work you and your staff do every day.  

— Penny Luebs, County Commissioner, District #16
Oakland County Board of Commissioners

On behalf of Ascension Eastwood Behavioral HealthI am pleased to recognize and thank the board, leaders and associates of Common Ground as you celebrate your 50th anniversary.Since Eastwood’s inception in 1970, we have been partnering with Common Ground in making an impact on the most poor and vulnerable within OaklandCounty. Over the decades, we have learned to trust that Common Ground will always be there as a safety net for those everyone in crisis. We have come to rely on your services and a 24/7 safety line for those with no support or resources, and in particular our vulnerable youth.In reality, I know it has taken a tremendous amount of hard work, persistent dedication and community partnerships to build and sustain a network of services for 50 years.As one of your community partners, we recognize and commend Common Ground for maintaining a reliable and highly respected organization.We are honored to take this moment to shine a light on your leaders and associates, and to thank you for the countless lives saved and for all of those who have benefited from your services.Best wishes as you celebrate this milestone, and many more to come.

— Steven Candela, Director
Ascension Eastwood Behavioral Health