“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 JacobsAging and Adult Services Agency | Phil HartSaginaw 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 KropiewnickiArea Agency on Aging of Western Michigan |
| Dakima JacksonThe Senior Alliance | Kelly WinnDisability Network Oakland & Macomb |
| Ron TatroElder Law of Michigan, Inc. | Rachel RichardsAdult Protective Services |
2015 ELDER JUSTICE TASK FORCE MEMBERS
| Dawne VelianoffAging and Adult Services Agency | Dawn JacobsAging and Adult Services Agency |
| April CrumbyLakeshore Legal Services | Diane ShovelyComerica 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 FopmaSAFE Place |
| Lt. Cherie BallorLansing Police Department | Katy Graham, Esq.Elder Law and Advocacy Center |
| Cynthia FarrellAdult Protective Services | Laurie ParkerCapital Area Center for Independent Living |
| Lynne McCollumConsumers Energy | Mark PierceCapital Area Center for Independent Living |
| Laura SutterArea Agency on Aging – Region 3C | Detective Michelle BryantLansing 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 EvansSenior Community Member |
| Ryan Painter, Esq.Prosecuting Attorneys Association of Michigan | Jill MoultonTri-County Office on Aging |
| Ron TatroElder Law of Michigan, Inc. | Rachel RichardsAdult Protective Services |