MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Superior Health Foundation’s annual spring grants were celebrated tonight, but it also marked a special sendoff for the foundation executive director Jim LaJoie.
“I will put a button on a 19-year career in healthcare philanthropy a week from Friday, it has been an amazing journey,” commented LaJoie.
Wednesday evening marked the annual spring grant celebration through the Superior Health Foundation, awarding over $205,000 in spring grants, indigent care grants, and equipment and pilot project grants. The evening was also the last grant celebration Executive Director Jim LaJoie will take part in.
“I’m excited about my next chapter in my life, but by the same token it’s difficult, everyone has a time in their life where it’s time to step away and my time is now and I’m excited about the future the next chapter and what that’s going to lead to,” commented LaJoie.
LaJoie has been building SHF since its inception in 2012, awarding organizations focused on behavioral and therapeutic services to pediatric mental health.
One recipient recognized tonight was Northern Lights Child Advocacy, receiving over 24 thousand. It’s a center focused on trauma-informed, child-centered spaces for children to share their story in a safe environment. Executive Director Sarah Zyburt, along with her board, will secure the first child center space in the nation with what’s called iRecord technology.
“It’s a neutral process where we use open-ended, non-leading questions and we allow the child to talk about what happened to them, which is really the first step in healing,” commented Sarah Zyburt.
“This is a tremendous organization that is doing just great work,” continued LaJoie.
LaJoie was also presented with the Humanitarian Award during the evening for his continued efforts in bettering UP healthcare. LaJoie mentioned that although a lot of work has been done, there is a new chapter of healthcare impact surely on the way.
“Way beyond when I’m done it’s going to continue cause we’re in a great position, with a great staff and great board of directors and the future is incredibly bright,” commented LaJoie.
