How can we best help Flint?
Plante Moran has been a part of the Flint business community since our merger with BKR Dupuis & Ryden 11 years ago. So when the lead-tainted water crisis came to light, we were struck by the gravity of the situation. Although our business address is a few miles down the road in Flint Township, this is a community we are very much a part of — a city where we serve clients and where some of our staff and their families live.
We immediately formed a team to determine how we could best help.
Looking longer term, the pressing need to help the city’s children strikes deeply in our hearts.
Like many others who are determined to assist, our first thought was to send water. However, our Flint office team members learned from discussions with our nonprofit clients in Flint, and our staff members that live in the city, that the most critical needs and concerns of the residents of Flint are varied. For example, while many agencies are distributing bottled water and filters inside the city, there are needs for water in larger containers. In addition, some agencies need volunteers to help distribute the water — particularly to the elderly — and to attend to the mounting recyclables. Our Flint staff is looking into ways to assist with these needs and others.
Looking longer term, the pressing need to help the city’s children strikes deeply in our hearts. Exposure to lead poisoning and the developmental difficulties that may result is not a one-year or two-year problem. It’s something that will have ramifications for years to come.
That’s why the firm and many of our partners and staff have targeted our donation to a coalition of groups focused specifically on Flint children and their needs. Our donation will go to the Flint Child Health & Development Fund, which was established by the Community Foundation of Greater Flint to aid children affected by the water crisis. Several community organizations, including the Mott Children’s Health Center, the United Way of Genesee County, and Hurley Children’s Hospital are participating in this fund and will advise on grants issued.
Thanks to all who have donated time and money to assist with this terrible tragedy.
