Hannan Center

As part of WDET’s program of community outreach, Detroit Public Radio’s Mike Blank and the Hannan House have been collecting and producing oral histories from senior citizens throughout the region. This collection focuses on Seniors’ contribution to communities through volunteering.

Jon Villa retired in 1983 and he didn’t have a hobby, didn’t want to watch television, but made a promise to go to Southwest Detroit to help out. Now volunteering is Villa’s hobby. He started his path of volunteer work with Latin Americans for Social and Economic Development and has served as a member of the board of directors for The American Red Cross.

As part of WDET’s program of community outreach, Detroit Public Radio’s Mike Blank and the Hannan House have been collecting and producing oral histories from senior citizens throughout the region. This collection focuses on Seniors’ contribution to communities through volunteering.

Susetta McCree is a true Detroit native. She aspires to help out in the city in which she was born, grew up, and attended school. She has had several volunteering roles throughout her time spent in the city, including serving as a director of volunteers at the Rehabilitation Institute. Although volunteering is one aspect of helping out Detroit, McCree feels that there are other things that can be done and implemented to help clean up neighborhoods and combat drug problems—specifically on the Westside.

As part of WDET’s program of community outreach, Detroit Public Radio’s Mike Blank and the Hannan House have been collecting and producing oral histories from senior citizens throughout the region. This collection focuses on Seniors’ contribution to communities through volunteering.

Dorothy Kispert… with the exception of a few years in Africa… has lived in Detroit her entire life. After a successful career in child development, Kispert focused on volunteering. Working with numerous organizations… including the Detroit Zoo, the United Way and her church’s nursing home outreach program… Dorothy Kispert can personally attest to the power of personal connections through volunteering.

As part of WDET’s program of community outreach, Detroit Public Radio’s Mike Blank and the Hannan House have been collecting and producing oral histories from senior citizens throughout the region. This collection focuses on Seniors’ contribution to communities through volunteering.

Norris Tuner is a life-long resident of Detroit. Throughout his life volunteering has been a constant. In additions to his duties as a deacon for his church… Norris donates his time to Hospice as a volunteer coordinator. Mr. Turner says volunteering runs deep in his family.

As part of WDET’s program of community outreach, producer Mike Blank and the Hannan House have been collecting and producing oral histories from senior citizens throughout the region. This collection focuses on Seniors’ contribution to communities through volunteering.

Detroiter Betty Lawson is a born volunteer. She has contributed her time and energy for more than 70 years to many organizations including the Red Cross, the A.A.R.P., and her church. Lawson considers volunteering is an essential for the community.

As part of WDET’s program of community outreach, producer Mike Blank and the Hannan House have been collecting and producing oral histories from senior citizens throughout the region. This collection focuses on Seniors’ contribution to communities through volunteering.

Since her retirement… lifelong Detroit resident Ms. Patricia Carter has selflessly dedicated her time and energy to the city. She volunteers with Detroit Center for Aging, Focus Hope, and Habitat for Humanity… just to name a few. Carter is a tireless advocate for her Westside community and says her volunteerism began with a simple phone call.