THAW’s Team Drives Mighty Mission
Director of Outreach Sherrelyn McAboy and Utility Assistance Center Manager Brandi Turner, are two team members who lead THAW’s work with compassion and empathy.
Sherrelyn joined the team over a decade ago. Brandi joined just last year onboarding at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. Though their tenure is different, their hearts for service are the same.
The Outreach Department and Utility Assistance Center work closely to ensure that clients have their essential needs met through programs and services. Sherrelyn and Brandi work for heat and work for hope.
“I want people to receive quality service when they contact THAW for their utility relief needs,” said Brandi.
Sherrelyn, who builds and maintains strong relationships with utility companies, agencies, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, and other community organizations says, “Whatever it is people need, we do our best to service them. It’s not just about paying bills but providing wraparound services that will help people live, restore their dignity and self-worth by normalizing the need for help,” said Sherelyn.
THAW’s team members help reduce the shame associated with needing help and encourage people to apply for relief during the crisis. Brandi said, “It’s not easy for people to communicate a need. We discover that there are underlying issues like the need for food or prescriptions. It’s not just about energy. It’s about helping people to sustain and get to a pathway of sufficiency.”
If you tuned in to THAW’s Annual Gift of Warmth Telethon in partnership with Channel 4 Local News, you may have heard more about Brandi’s story. “Many years ago, I was a recipient of THAW. I was a single mom, raising three kids with very minimal support. The one thing that you don’t want is for your kids to be in the cold or the dark, especially during the winter months. I reached out to THAW, and they helped me. That stuck with me. Being in front of that representative on that day, they left me with my dignity. I was a person, not just a case for them. I felt cared for. Coming back many years later to help people who may be experiencing what I experienced, or in a similar situation is so powerful. That’s why I drive the mission. That’s why I never lose sight of how important this work is,” said Brandi.
Brandi champions for every person who calls THAW in need of support, including LaToyia, a single mother of two school-aged sons living in Detroit. Access to utilities is always essential, but especially during a Michigan winter. With the pandemic’s ongoing risks and her sons virtually learning, Latoyia’s family is spending more time at home than ever before.
THAW provided utility relief for LaToyia’s family, ensuring that they had electricity and water, essentials in keeping them warm and healthy.
Kevin also shared his story with Channel 4 Local News about his son, who has special needs and uses medical equipment that requires electricity.
The increased electric use inevitably increased household bills. His family fell behind on payments. THAW intervened, stepped in the gap, and supported Kevin’s family to ensure that utility and medical needs were met. He called it, “a very, very good blessing.” THAW literally helps to save lives.
LaToyia and Kevin’s stories are just two examples of how people can easily find themselves experiencing energy insecurity. THAW’s success in empowering and stabilizing Michigan families like theirs is primarily due to the team, including Sherrelyn and Brandi, who work hard to provide much-needed services. THAW’s success is also due to the continued support of generous donors and supporters. With your help, we can continue to change the lives of Michigan residents and families. Needs are significant and will increase this winter season, but so are the hearts for service. So is the generosity.
Return to Winter 2021 THAW newsletter.
