1991
Bio:
Joe Kozo was once a member of the Boys and Girls Club in his youth. Today, he is the executive director. Under his guidance, Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan has become one of the most highly respected and largest groups in the country. The Clubs have received many awards for program excellence from its national organization. Through his effort, the Southeastern Michigan Clubs have expanded and improved services for the more than 7,000 Metro-area children served. The six Clubs’ locations offer an alternative to the streets and much more. More than half of these children come from single-parent homes and many live in poverty.
Kozo learned at an early age that the Clubs were a place to grow, learn and have fun. Just as the Clubs have made a big difference in his life, Kozo works hard to make a difference in the lives of children every day. He has worked to strengthen academic achievement through homework sessions, as well as providing computer instruction, career exploration and counseling for the children. Through sports and other recreational activities Club members learn about nutrition, hygiene, fitness and sportsmanship. The overall goals are to build children’s self-esteem, confidence and respect for others, as well as develop healthy attitudes about life and morality. It is Kozo’s dedication and caring for the children that makes the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan the successful organization it is today.
Kozo’s contributions to the Boys and Girls Clubs have been recognized with many awards and honors. In 1972, he received the Heart and Soul Award – the Boys Club’s highest honor. In 1978, he was selected by his peers throughout the country as the most outstanding Boys Clubs executive. He was named Professional of the Year in 1987 by the Boys Clubs of America’s National Alumni Association as Alumnus of the year and United Community Services Executive of the Year.
A resident of Birmingham, Kozo and his wife, Eileen have one daughter, Karen Kozo Parker.
Award was presented at the Works of Mercy Dinner April 25, 1991 by Maureen A. Fay, O.P., President, University of Detroit Mercy and Richard B. Kughn, Chairman of the UDM Board of Trustees and President of Kughn Enterprises.