20 Stories of Impact

Marc Jeffries has always believed that it is every citizen’s responsibility to do his best to make a positive difference in his community. After 36 years of demanding work in a variety of roles providing automotive braking systems to Tier 1 automotive suppliers, Jeffries retired. Now was his time, he thought, to engage in activities to help build a better community. The community was struggling with substance abuse, and he saw the harm that it was doing, particularly among young people. It was then that he decided to join his local prevention in West Bloomfield. That was 13 years ago. 

Three years later, he joined the Board of the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities, believing that the work that was occurring in the then six participating coalitions could be grown, enhanced, and expanded by working together and coordinating their efforts. In Jeffries’ time on the Board, and with Julie Brenner at the helm, the community coalition members have grown from six to 21 and the scope and impact of the Alliance’s programming has greatly increased. There is no doubt in Jeffries’ mind that the Alliance and its coalitions are making a positive difference in the lives of the people they serve. By doing so, he believes that the communities are becoming better places to live and raise families.

Says Jeffries, “The Alliance has deeply committed professionals doing great work to make a true difference. As a business organization capable of funding coalition support, the real difference in communities is made by the dedicated Alliance team and the coalitions in the work they do every day. Both Julie (CEO) and Mary Ann (coalition technical assistance) are excellent in their roles.”

Three years removed from his role as the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Alliance, Marc still feels satisfaction in the way the Alliance is making communities better. “It’s great to see the organization continue to expand its connections, gain more support for its programming, and help the coalitions in their daily work. My profession might have been braking systems, but my passion was the Alliance.”