Westland, MI -  Westland Mayor William R. Wild is rolling out a new initiative that aims to instill compassion into the community as a whole through each individual resident. The Mayor's "Compassionate City" initiative is one that aspires to promote good will between citizens, transcending race, religion, creed and economic differences.

"Westland has programs in place to enhance our City in so many different ways. Mission Green is in place to encourage our community to incorporate environmentally friendly practices. Passport to a Healthy City is a campaign that promotes healthy and active lifestyles," explains Mayor Wild. "We are  now putting in the third piece to the puzzle, and that is building awareness around, and promoting all of the wonderful things that individuals and our community are doing to help others."

How do you instill compassion? Mayor Wild's administration believes that building a compassionate city starts with building connections, helping others and getting to know your neighbors.

"I have heard people say numerous times "Things aren't like they used to be," referring to people knowing their neighbors, caring about their neighbors, lending a helping hand when needed, and overall, exhibiting more compassion towards others. If we want the type of community of days gone by, we have the ability to create it," said Barbara Marcum, Westland's Director of Senior Resources. 

To kick off the Compassionate City initiative the Mayor will be bringing community members together for their first meeting tonight Tuesday, March 18 at 6:30 p.m.  The meeting will be an opportunity to determine what resources are available to those in need with in the community. In the future, the City, with the help of local schools, civic organizations and volunteer programs, will reach out to residents with more volunteering opportunities, community events and projects to help people in the Westland community and beyond. In the mean time, the Mayor, City Council members, City Department heads and staff will all be working on the small gestures that can make a big difference and they are asking residents to do the same.

"The small things we do every day, the common courtesies we show others, concern and gestures of kindness go a long way toward molding our community into something that reflects an ideal.  A helping hand is the only thing it takes to touch the life of another," Marcum adds.

For more information, contact Aubrey Berman, Administrative Secretary, at (734) 467-3200.

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