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August 13, 1938-February 7, 2002 Children, the poor and many others whose voices are sometimes lost in our political process, lost a friend on February 7, 2002, with the passing of Edward J. Overstreet, Associate Executive Director of Holy Cross Children’s Services (formerly Boysville of Michigan). Edward joined Boysville in 1967, as a teacher, principal and later became the Executive Director. In 1975, Edward became the Associate Executive Director responsible for advocating for children, the poor and others who were not able to effectively utilize the political process. While he at times challenged politics and politicians, he was a champion of the political process and felt that most had dedicated their lives to better the world in which we live. Edward was actively involved in developing and leading children’s advocacy groups at the local, state and federal levels. He served on several Wayne County (Detroit, Michigan area) advocacy panels and task forces, including an appointment to the Citizens for Wayne County Youth committee. Governor James Blanchard appointed Edward to the Michigan Juvenile Justice Committee in 1983, and re-appointed him in 1986. He was a Board Member of the Michigan Federation of Private Child and Family Agencies for eighteen years, serving four years as Board President. Edward served twelve years as a Board Member of the Michigan Association of Children’s Alliances, serving as Board President for two terms. He was a founding member of the Michigan Home-Based Family Service Association dedicated to advocacy and training in family, home-based supports and alternatives to out-of-home care. He also held membership in the National Association of Social Workers, The Children’s Defense Fund, Bread for the World, FEDPAC, and the Child Welfare League of America. Edward earned his Bachelor’s degree from St. Edward’s University in Austin, Texas. He earned a Masters of Education degree from Sienna Heights College in Adrian, Michigan, and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Throughout his career he was a popular workshop and university lecturer, combining humor with a disarming honesty and directness in challenging those things and people he saw as keeping children and the poor from getting the help that they needed. He was an Adjunct Professor at the School of Social Work at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. One of Edward’s favorite posters described the feelings of despair of children and others in need----“Dear Lord be good to me. The sea is so wide and my boat is so small.” Edward J. Overstreet dedicated his life to helping others get the help that they needed to make that sea a little more manageable with whatever gifts God had given them. He also challenged all of us to honor our responsibility to lend a helping hand to those in need. Edward made a lasting impact in the lives of thousands he never met and the many others whose lives were enriched by having him as a friend and colleague. This Center honors his memory and legacy of excellence in service to vulnerable children and families in need. |
| In Association with Boysville of Michigan |
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