10 Within 10 Recognition

Brooke Gow is the Executive Director for the Family Service Agency (FSA) of Mid-Michigan. FSA is a non-profit social service agency that has been serving the community since 1945, providing services to improve the lives of individuals, families, and the elderly. Under Gow’s leadership, the agency serves more than 7,000 clients annually in Genesee, Lapeer and Shiawassee counties.

Brooke is defined as a “go getter” by co-workers and mentors. Her drive, passion and intelligence shined in class where she showed intense engagement and leadership in discussions, pushing other students to see the complexity and spirit of the issues being discussed. She has always had the desire to make a difference and aspired to be in a position where she could positively impact the lives of those around her. Gow also fundraises through numerous platforms for both client and organizational needs. Through strategic planning and assessment, she develops and implements services to meet the needs within the community.

Gow provides internship opportunities for CMU Family Studies students at FSA, where they gain experience while making a difference in people’s lives.

Current city and state: Flint, MI

Current job title and employer:  Executive Director at Family Service Agency of Mid-Michigan

What is happening in your life today that you didn't expect when you were named one of the 10 within 10?

I gave birth to my third daughter, Maven.

This year, for the first time in over 10 years, I expanded our organization's programs. I wrote two successful grants, which allowed us to start two brand-new programs for Seniors in Genesee County.

One program is a senior medical transport program with a liaison. This program picks seniors up at their homes, takes them to their appointments, stays with them through the appointment, and then can take them to the pharmacy or grocery store afterward. Further, the grant allowed our organization to purchase two vehicles for the program -- a small SUV and a vehicle with a wheelchair lift. This is to promote accessibility for seniors with ambulation limitations. This program was designed to increase access to healthcare for seniors, boost longevity, and protect their right to aging in place. It launched on April 1, 2023, and we have serviced nearly 100 seniors already in the program, and it averages ten rides per week.

The other program is a visual and hearing program. This is a non-medical program that promotes accessibility in the visual and hearing loss community. It is administered by an MSW who provides social and emotional support, group therapy, technology and gadget access, counseling support for those struggling with their recent impairments, and education on how to navigate their new world. This program also launched on April 1, 2023, and has since served nearly 50 individuals in the community.

Both programs were pilots, which have been so successful our funder renewed our grant for three more years. When you think of CMU today, what word comes to mind?