Longtime Resident Receives Champions of Youth Award

Many residents of Berkley and Huntington Woods recognize Betty Smith from baseball games,  church, the , Red Hat Society events and even  market, but Oakland County Youth Assistance recently recognized Smith for her work in the community.

The volunteer organization presented the longtime Berkley resident with its 2009 Champions of Youth Award in honor of her giving spirit. The award recognizes Smith for 39 years of service with Berkley-Huntington Woods Youth Assistance, a nonprofit that specializes in building character in community youths through volunteerism. 

Steve Fairman, director of  and co-board member for Berkley-Huntington Woods Youth Assistance, said the award could not have gone to a better person. "She is a wonderful, energetic community volunteer," Fairman said. "She is really effective in her role within the program."

Smith is especially known for her work within the Adopt-a-Camper program, for which she helped raise $13,000 to send 73 local kids to summer camp last year. 

During her acceptance speech Nov. 19, she shared one of her most memorable moments as a camp chairperson: While awaiting the birth of her grandchild at a local hospital, she was approached by a previous camper, who thanked her for sending him to camp and shared that it was his most memorable summer. Moments like those are what make her work rewarding, Smith said.

"Being involved in recreation has been very dear to my heart," she said.

In 1972, Smith was referred to Oakland County Youth Assistance to help establish a chapter in Berkley and her involvement has yet to stop.

"Her community is something she envelops," said co-worker Catherine Womack. "She makes it the best it can be, especially for kids and families."

Smith also is a co-chairperson for the Berkley-Huntington Woods Youth Assistance mentor and family education programs and the Youth Recognition Awards. 

"She is an amazing person," Womack said. "She is beyond words."

Yet, humble is a word synonymous with Smith. Fairman said he finds Smith's selflessness admirable. "Everything she does is below the radar," he said. "She is concerned with the best interest of everyone else."

Smith and her husband, Lyle, have lived in Berkley for 58 years. "We feel in love with Berkley," she said. "We dedicated our lives to do the best for our town."

That she has. In addition to her work with Youth Assistance, her community resume is extensive.  Smith is on the Berkley Parks & Recreation advisory board and the Red Hats Society recreation board.  She is also a retiree of the , where she worked with the Head Start program.

Although Smith is at her busiest during the spring and summer months with camp paperwork, she encourages community involvement year round. "I am already getting camp applications," Smith said witha laugh.

Berkley-Huntington Woods Youth Assistance welcomes volunteers to help with fundraisers or on the mentor, Youth Recognition Award or family education committees. Call Berkley-Huntington Woods Youth Assistance at 248-837-8102 to volunteer.

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