PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Jamie Thompson (fourth from left), of Brownstown, presented a tribute to members of Yatooma’s Foundation for the Kids on Tuesday, March 11 at the state Capitol in Lansing. Foundation Directors Norman and Nicole Yatooma (holding tributes), Andrea Yatooma (third from left) and Dr. Marlana Geha (third from right), as well as Norman and Nicole’s four daughters, joined Thompson as guests for House session.

An approved resolution from Thompson, House Resolution 38, declared March 11 as Community Volunteer Day in the state of Michigan. As part of recognizing the countless volunteers in Michigan who dedicate their time and generosity to helping our most vulnerable citizens and fellow community members, the resolution honors Yatooma’s Foundation For The Kids, a non-profit organization that provides guidance, stability and financial assistance to families with children who have lost one or both parents.

Yatooma’s Foundation for The Kids was founded on March 11, 2003, to honor the memory of the late Manuel S. Yatooma, a loving father of four who was tragically murdered 10 years prior.

“No one can replace a lost parent. 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 said. “This incredible work and the work of all volunteers throughout our state deserves our gratitude.

“My husband and I are legal guardians to three of our four grandchildren after our daughter tragically passed away in a motorcycle accident in 2021. We know firsthand how difficult, emotional and mentally taxing it can be for children to lose a parent, and sadly this happens every day across our state and our country. These groups have helped support young people and families like ours in times of immense need, and we are truly grateful.”

An estimated 6 million children in the United States will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the age of 18 – a number that makes up roughly one in 13 children across the country.

Thompson is in her second term serving the 28^th House District, representing residents in Brownstown Township, Flat Rock, Rockwood, Woodhaven and parts of Taylor in Wayne County, as well as Berlin Township and Frenchtown Township in Monroe County.