Tom Stowell’s job is part of his life mission.
Now, the lifelong Brandon Township resident who says he is lucky to have a job that matches his goals in life has taken a step up. Stowell was promoted to executive director of emergency services at Lighthouse of Oakland County last month.
‘I’m very happy,? says Stowell. ‘At first I wasn’t even sure I wanted to apply for the position.?
Stowell was interim executive director for nine months. In the position, he is in charge of administration, fundraising and grant writing and he oversees the daily operations of program services benefitting families in need for both the Lighthouse Pontiac and Clarkston offices. He also maintains positive relations with Lighthouse clients, donors, volunteers and board members.
Stowell first joined the Lighthouse family as a volunteer in 1985. Four years later he was hired by Lighthouse as its assistant director. During his 18-year employment with the Oakland County non-profit agency he has held a variety of positions, including chief operating officer for 10 years prior to his most recent promotion.
Stowell says the organization is an advocate for people in crisis situations.
‘We help them problem solve, connect to other agencies and help them when they’re overwhelmed,? he said. ‘We’re not just writing a check, we work with folks in crisis situations.?
A program called Kids Cafe provides after school enrichment for kids at risk, with a hot, nutritious meal each day and help with homework. Stowell says many students come into the program failing, but end up making it to the honor roll.
There are support groups for parenting and adults going back to school, as well as programs for frail, homebound seniors that provide fresh foods and vegetables and transportation to medical appointments. A new housing program helps move chronically homeless individuals off the street and into housing.
‘We recently moved a woman who had lived in a box for seven years to an apartment and helped her reconnect to her family who thought she was gone,? said Stowell. ‘This person will need (long-term) help.?
Stowell has a staff of 10-12 and what he calls a huge number of volunteers.
‘We couldn’t do what we do without volunteers in all of those areas,? he says. ‘We give people hope. Once you have hope, you can do many things. Without hope, what do you have? People need to be heard. Sometimes we just listen.?
Lighthouse is always in need of volunteers and right now they are also in need of food for the food pantry. Stowell notes that during the holiday season, the organization receives a huge amount of food that carries them through the first four to five months of the next year, but right around this time, food starts to run low.
To help as a volunteer or to donate food to Lighthouse of Oakland County, call Stowell at (248) 920-6060, ext. 2202.