| 
The Biography
of Mary Adams-Powers, Founder of MHCF
Place of Birth
Born in Warren and raised in Manistee, MI. Now living in Grand Rapids
since 1988.
Family
Raised her daughter Erika, who is now in her 20's, as a single parent.
Years of
Industry Experience
Began performing on stage at the age of 4. Speaks to groups as small
as 8 and fundraisers as large as 300. Her presentation to Congress
in Washington, D.C. has been one of the highlights of her speaking
career.
Other Experience
As a single mother she worked as a food server for many years. She
also enjoyed being an office manager and customer service professional,
but never cared for the "cubicle " atmosphere. Using her
cosmetology degree, she took advantage of being a buyer in the holistic
health industry in the 90 's. She has also been a camp counselor
and started her own business as a swimming instructor while stationed
in the Philippines.
Community
Involvement
Mary is a "visionary." She started by brainstorming a
fund-raiser during her junior year called "Save our Schools."
She also participated in all sports activities, was Homecoming Queen
1974, and had the lead role in her school play. Her involvement
in support groups, Auxiliary Director for the first Walk to Emmaus,
Grand Rapids Opportunities for Women, Safe Haven Ministries, Social
Concerns and Poverty Initiative committees is her way of giving
back to the community.
Accomplishments
Mary has also raised a wonderful daughter as a single parent. Her
college education focused on business management/communications.
In 1996, she founded the MI Hepatitis C Foundation and continues
to serve as CEO of this non-profit organization. Her "real"
job as Director of Employment Ministries at First United Methodist
Church, serves the homeless and underemployed. She is also a consultant
for retail stores in the health food industry. Her sense of accomplishment
comes from her growing number of friends and "family."
She has a tremendous feeling of satisfaction watching people grow
in knowledge, education, and self-awareness, knowing she was of
some assistance to them.
Hobbies
"I love to fish! I love to travel and go 'exploring'. I enjoy
reading autobiographies and humorous movies. Music moves me to sing
in the car and I love to walk my dog 'Maisee'. My hidden love is
garage sales."
Her Start
In Business
Mary has been a hard worker all her life. Growing up in a small
town and working on the family cherry orchard instilled a good work
ethic in her. After her Hepatitis C diagnosis, she needed to tailor
her hours to self-care. She was also helping take care of her mother
at the time, who died in 1998 of liver failure from Hepatitis C.
She saw a need in the community and she jumped in!
Areas of
Employment
"Anything related to health and wellness, chronic illness,
recovery from addiction, domestic violence, poverty and homelessness."
The Typical
Work Week
"It has changed so much over the years. What used to be a 40+
work week with pay has changed. I consistently work my job at the
church, and consulting. I tailor my speaking engagements around
my family, church, and volunteering."
The Job
Likes
"I like the philosophy I have been taught - God first, family
second, and work/career third. I also like the ability to create
my own destiny."
The 10 Year
Goal
"My ambition is to be a part time educator/speaker. I would
like to expand the poverty initiative program at church. I hope
to be a paid employee of the Michigan Hepatitis C Foundation and
have the groundwork laid for "Maisees Place." I would
like to start a business that will have travel capabilities for
retirement. Best of all I will live in Michigan during the summer
and Maui in the winter."
Dreams do
come true!
“Everyone has the power for greatness, not for fame, but greatness,
because greatness is determined by service” - Martin Luther
King Jr.
|
