20 Stories of Impact

A recent conversation with a former student reminded Madison Heights Community Coalition (MHCC) Executive Director Kimberly Heisler of the lasting impression her work can have. 

Although she did not immediately recognize him, the student, now an adult, told her that he remembers their conversations when he was in middle school and the impact it had on him. He struggled in middle school; however, having someone safe to talk to and who believed in him was meaningful and life-lasting. For Heisler, hearing this student look back and specifically cite the work of the Coalition was affirmation of the positive difference they make daily in students’ lives. It also encouraged her to seek new programs and resources for younger people in the community. 

Heisler, who has been MHCC Executive Director since 2016, says that the Coalition has been able to grow with the support of the Alliance and key stakeholders including the current MHCC President  Rickey Busler. She has worked closely for the past six years with Busler, who shares her enthusiasm and commitment to providing programs that empower Madison Heights students to make positive life choices. Working together, they recently launched a new form of support for students, the Youth Wellness Council.  

“Everything we do is for the youth in our community, and having a Youth Wellness Council has been our goal for a couple of years now,” says Heisler. “We now have two groups of students eager to participate —one middle school and one high school group.” 

Having a partnership with the Alliance, Busler says, has provided MHCC a roadmap to becoming and being a valuable and impactful asset to the community. Without the Alliance, he says, “We would not have the educational resources, guidance or informational events within our community. All of these are critical to the success of our coalition.”  

Heisler and Busler both send their congratulations to the Alliance on its 20th Anniversary. “We are better because of the Alliance and are thankful for the networking, guidance, financial support, and endless resources,” says Heisler. “Thank you for all you do, and congrats on this huge milestone of 20 years!”