Alison House in Delta Township, an apartment community managed by Lutheran Social Services of Michigan  for adults with physical disabilities, has received a $1,000 grant from the Eaton County Community Foundation, a sub-fund of the Capital Region Community Foundation, to install steel kick plates. “Most of our residents at Alison House use some type of mobility assistance, such as wheelchairs, scooters or walkers,” said Manager Jessica Cage. “Since the building opened in 2007, the apartment walls and doors have sustained significant damage from wheelchairs and other mobility aids. The steel plates will help us protect the building and keep the apartments looking good.” The grant was approved on March 29. The plates will be installed in June. Schneider Sheet Metal Supply is custom making the plates to fit the doors and walls at Alison House.

Lutheran Social Services was recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense as a Patriotic Employer "for contributing to national security and protecting liberty and freedom by supporting employee participation in America's National Guard and Reserve force." Jessica Cage, manager of Alison House in Lansing, said until recently, only employees who served in the Guard or Reserves could nominate an employer. When the process was extended to spouses, Jessica, whose husband, Jamil, is serving with the National Guard in Afghanistan, nominated Lutheran Social Services. Jessica and Jay Gilbert, director of Housing Services, accepted an award certificate from Rhea Pruett (at left in photo), command chief warrant officer for the Michigan Army National Guard.