You are a remarkable woman, Parent of the Year -- Eileen Whalen
Descriptions of Eileen:
- “Selfless mother, leader, teacher, confidant, friend and role model to many”
-
- “There is a ripple effect that surrounds her: she makes people smile and encourages people to give to others who then make people smile and encourage people to give to others, and again, and again.”
-
- “She has artfully cultivated wonderful relationships between Michael and his sisters while integrating him into the fabric of their family activities. She knows and practices the parenting balance of loving Mike without hovering over him.”
-
- “Eileen is an exceptional lady, with exceptional ideas that strive to involve exceptional people” and she has dedicated herself to ensuring that her son, Michael and other young adults lead purposeful, engaging lives involving service to others.
In her search for options available to people with multiple impairments after high school, she found few possibilities and knew she would have to start something new.
- Worked with friends to start ConnectUs and in 2008 it became an official non-profit organization.
-
- ConnectUs provides quality day programming for severely multiply involved, wheelchair-bound adults and makes social and educational connections for its members and student interns and volunteers.
-
- ConnectUs is based on the belief that everyone has something to offer, and the needs of one can be an opportunity for another. They make the connection happen.
-
- Eileen is currently in the process of piloting meaningful programming activities through Cooke School in Northville while working to secure a building and funding for the organization.