Lynette Dowler, president of the DTE Energy Foundation and vice president of Public Affairs at DTE Energy, is the recipient of LACASA’s State of Michigan Changemaker Award. This announcement is made in tandem with the nonprofit’s 40th anniversary celebration.
“On behalf of abuse victims and survivors throughout Michigan, we are honored to recognize the contributions of Lynette Dowler and the DTE Foundation,” said LACASA President & CEO Bobette Schrandt.
“Not only has the foundation supported the mission and work of our agency, its forward-looking actions ensured the safety and shelter of abuse victims and their children who were forced to flee their homes in fear for their lives,” Schrandt said. “COVID-19 created immense challenges for organizations that provide emergency services for victims of interpersonal violence, making this funding more crucial than ever.”
The DTE Foundation, under Dowler’s leadership, made a $1 million commitment to all 45 shelters funded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) in 2020, less than a year after the Foundation awarded $400,000 in grants to domestic violence shelters funded by MDHHS in 2019. Grants of $10,000 or more were awarded to safe havens across the state based on bed count.
“LACASA, along with domestic violence agencies throughout our state, are essential to the safety and well-being of abuse victims and their families,” said Lynette Dowler, president of the DTE Energy Foundation. “Strong, vibrant communities begin in the home. The statistics show it’s likely that some of our very own friends, family members and colleagues are victims of abuse. Their stories often go untold, but we will continue to use our resources and influence to bring conversations about domestic violence to light, reduce the stigma associated with discussing this epidemic and speak loudly and passionately on behalf of those whose voices are often unheard.
“I’m honored to be the recipient of LACASA’s State of Michigan Changemaker Award on behalf of the DTE Foundation’s continual support of Michigan’s domestic violence shelters.”
In addition to her work with the Foundation, Dowler leads and manages all DTE Energy corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs, including volunteerism and community outreach programs. She reviews and directs grants to more than 300 nonprofit organizations across Michigan, and ensures that all nonprofit investments create maximum statewide impact.
LACASA received a $17,000 grant from the Foundation in 2020. The funding helped offset the cost of hoteling and meals for victims and their children when LACASA’s Crisis Shelter was filled to capacity during COVID-19. The grant also helped cover expenses related to LACASA’s 24-hour emergency services.
The award was presented at LACASA’s 40th anniversary celebration on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, at Waldenwoods Banquet & Conference Center in Howell, Mich. The retro 80s-themed event,Electric Avenue, commemorated four decades of the agency’s history.
