The Michigan EJCC

“Coordination and collaboration are critical for improved service delivery.” – State of Michigan Plan on Aging, 2014-2016

In the period from 2007 to 2014 two Governors, a Governor’s Task Force, and a diverse group of professionals and seniors recognized the need to create an entity that would serve as a voice for elder abuse victims in Michigan. In 2015 and 2016 a group of seniors, professionals, and state officials worked to develop the Michigan Elder Justice Coordinating Council (MEJCC) to meet this need.

On October 1, 2016 the MEJCC became an entity located at Elder Law of Michigan, Inc. MEJCC’s role focuses on domains such as elder abuse research, education, training, advocacy, and communication. The MEJCC works with community partners from across Michigan to complete its mission of serving as a voice for elder abuse victims.

Our Mission

The MEJCC shall establish and provide leadership to achieve a vision for the state of comprehensive, coordinated, innovative, and effective response to all forms of elder abuse. It shall support a variety of activities to promote elder justice including research, direct services, education and advocacy, and coordination efforts.

Our Founding

The Michigan Elder Justice Coordinating Council was made possible by funding from the Michigan Aging and Adult Services Agency to develop and implement an ongoing state level presence/oversight stakeholder body for elder abuse efforts. The following people and agencies assisted in the development of this program and recommendations.

2016 MEJCC DEVELOPMENT TEAM

Dawn Jacobs
Aging and Adult Services Agency
Phil Hart
Saginaw County Sheriff Department


Ryan Painter, Esq.
Prosecuting Attorney Association Of Michigan
Jackie MacKinnon, Esq. (Retired)
Michigan Supreme Court


Dr. Tom Jankowski, Ph.D.
Wayne State University
Nancy Kropiewnicki
Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan


Dakima Jackson
The Senior Alliance
Kelly Winn
Disability Network Oakland & Macomb


Ron Tatro
Elder Law of Michigan, Inc.
Rachel Richards
Adult Protective Services


2015 ELDER JUSTICE TASK FORCE MEMBERS

Dawne Velianoff
Aging and Adult Services Agency
Dawn Jacobs
Aging and Adult Services Agency


April Crumby
Lakeshore Legal Services
Diane Shovely
Comerica Bank


Alison Hirschel, Esq.
Michigan Elder Justice Initiative
Jackie MacKinnon, Esq. (Retired)
Michigan Supreme Court


Dr. Carolyn Pickering, Ph.D.
MSU – School of Nursing
Jennifer Fopma
SAFE Place


Lt. Cherie Ballor
Lansing Police Department
Katy Graham, Esq.
Elder Law and Advocacy Center


Cynthia Farrell
Adult Protective Services
Laurie Parker
Capital Area Center for Independent Living


Lynne McCollum
Consumers Energy
Mark Pierce
Capital Area Center for Independent Living


Laura Sutter
Area Agency on Aging – Region 3C
Detective Michelle Bryant
Lansing Police Department


Rod Hassinger, Esq.
Hillsdale County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney
Phil Hart
Saginaw County Sheriff Department


Dr. Tom Jankowski, Ph.D.
WSU – Institute of Gerontology
Tom Wenzel, Esq. (Retired)
Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office


Hollis Turnham, Esq.
Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute
Joe Evans
Senior Community Member


Ryan Painter, Esq.
Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan
Jill Moulton
Tri-County Office on Aging


Ron Tatro
Elder Law of Michigan, Inc.
Rachel Richards
Adult Protective Services