Jeanne Fowler: A Difference Maker In The Community

ROSEVILLE (WWJ) - Jeanne Fowler is the founder of Big Family of Michigan, a Macomb County organization dedicated to helping foster kids.

Fowler and a younger brother were placed in a foster home and then returned to the care of their birth mother, where they were both abused and her brother was beaten to death.

There are over 20,000 children in foster care in Michigan, and Fowler has made it her mission to make sure these kids receive the little things in life.

"People don't realize how much it costs inside when they are moved from place to place," Fowler told WWJ Newsradio 950's Marie Osborne. "We help the foster parents ... by taking (the children) to Tigers games and Lions games. We buy schools supplies ... We have a birthday in a bag program, so that the children will have a birthday. It's amazing how many children still don't get birthdays."

Fowler said Big Family also works to educate the public on how to spot child abuse and make an effort to speak up if they see that a child is in danger.

"Don't wait til the TV crew shows up and shows that the child is dead and say, 'I always thought something was wrong over there.'  Then why didn't you pick up the phone, because that child didn't have to die. That child didn't have to suffer," Fowler said.

This time of year the Big Family is packed with gifts to make sure each foster child and other at risk kids get something at Christmas.

Jeanie Fowler is WWJ Newsradio 950's Difference Maker for the month of December.

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Do you know someone in your community that has made a difference to benefit others? WWJ Newsradio 950 is seeking out individuals who are making a difference, big or small - people who have inspired positive change and those who have made an impact in the community.

Each month, WWJ will honor a person as the Difference Maker in the Community.  This person will be highlighted on-air and on cbsdetroit.com for their positive contributions.  All monthly Difference Makers will be invited to join at a special luncheon in the spring of 2013 to recognize the positive contributions.

Click here to nominate someone you know.

WWJ Newsradio 950 Difference Maker in the Community program is presented by Baker Tilly Accountants and Advisors and sponsored in part by Family Heating, Cooling & Electrical.