Honoree calls out to African American men for more mentors

Detroit – May 25, 2006 — As an executive who put himself through college washing dishes under the guidance and encouragement of his older brother Ronnie, Randy Walker knows the importance of mentoring. The Southfield resident and HAP vice president selflessly gives his time to mentoring children, devoting more than 4,000 hours to go-carting, sporting events, tutoring, museum visits and providing unconditional love and a listening ear.

Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and First Gentleman Daniel Granholm Mulhern presented Walker with a prestigious 2006 Governor’s Service Award for his outstanding mentoring activities.

“Randy generously gives his time and talent to benefit others,” says Fran Parker, president and CEO of HAP. “He makes a difference one person at a time. In addition to mentoring youth in the community, his motivating and uplifting words have guided several young HAP employees on their career paths.”

Walker was honored with the Outstanding Mentor Award, which is presented to an individual who has made a significant difference in a child’s life through mentoring. Through his volunteer service, Walker has made a difference in the lives of many at-risk African Americans youth – keeping them in school, out of trouble and on a path toward college and professional success.

Through Big Brothers Big Sisters, Walker has taken a young African American boy under his wing for the past seven years. Walker also has mentored another young man through his work with the University of Detroit High School. The boy has lived with Walker and his family for the past four years.

Over the years, Walker involved both boys in family activities with his own children, such as sporting events, movies and family weekend get-a-ways. Walker stressed the importance of education, and exposed the boys to cultural experiences, volunteer work, business meetings and public speaking. As a result of his involvement, both boys plan to attend college this fall and to get involved in community service.

Walker is the Vice President of 100 Black Men of Greater Detroit and former chairman of the organization’s mentoring committee. Under Walker’s leadership, the organization embarked on several programs that match young men with nurturing mentors. Through his tireless devotion, Walker led the Project 100 program, which united 35 kids in need with mentors from 100 Black Men. Walker’s mentoring chairmanship has now been taken over by Anton Chastang, one of Walker’s mentees and a HAP employee.

Walker’s vision is to get more African American men to become mentors. “There are not enough men stepping up to be mentors,” says Walker. “Everyone sees the value, but people need to come forward. It’s not hard to be a mentor. Just be yourself.”

The Governor's Service Awards are given annually to individuals, businesses and organizations to acknowledge their commitment to solving community issues through volunteerism.

“Volunteers are truly the heroes of our state,” says Governor Granholm. “They give unselfishly of their time and talent and ask for nothing in return. We owe them a debt of gratitude for all they do and the Governor’s Service Awards are just one small way we can say thank you.”

The Michigan Community Service Commission received nearly 200 nominations from friends, relatives, and colleagues to pay tribute to individuals and organizations they feel exemplify the spirit of volunteer service. An objective peer review panel and the Michigan Community Service Commission Board of Commissioners selected the winners in eight categories.

About HAP
Headquartered in Detroit, HAP is a nonprofit health plan serving 570,000 members and a subsidiary of the Henry Ford Health System, one of the nation’s leading regional health care systems. HAP serves companies of all sizes—from large national groups to small groups—through an expansive product portfolio, including: the flagship HMO, PPOs, experience-rated, fully insured and self-funded products, and high-deductible health plans with compatible health savings accounts. HAP’s Medicare Advantage HMO and Alliance Medicare PPO plans offer individuals and employers affordable premiums and outstanding benefits.

About the Michigan Community Service Commission
The Michigan Community Service Commission provides vision and resources to strengthen communities through volunteerism. In 2005-06, the MCSC is granting more than .8 million in federal funds to local communities for volunteer programs and activities. The MCSC’s signature programs are AmeriCorps, Learn and Serve, Mentor Michigan, Volunteer Investment Grants, and Governor’s Service Awards.

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CONTACT:
Liz Manasse
Health Alliance Plan
(248) 443-1072
emanasse@hap.org