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Foster Care Orientation on Zoom
April 12, 2025 @ 9:30 am - 10:30 am
Free
Michael Alm
Sr. Director, Facilities, Health & Safety
Born in Detroit and raised in a family that was nearly all employed by the auto industry with strong Christian values. He attended the Center for Creative Studies and Oakland University, pursing a degree in Business Management, while working in the retail field, managing an office supply chain store.
Mike made a career change by entering the construction field where he found a strong interest. He owned and operated a small renovation firm while doing volunteer work at Boysville of Michigan. In 2002 he was recruited by Boysville of Michigan, now Holy Cross Services as Facilities Manager in the Metro Detroit Area. His role has evolved from daily operations to now overseeing the full agency handling all facilities aspects as the Chief Facilities and Safety Officer. He has responsibilities over all HCS locations including Samaritan Center which is the nation’s largest community center, where he serves as Board Secretary. Mike is married to his wife of 33 years and together raised two children who are now young adults with their own careers. Mike has served as Elder in the Presbyterian Church using his background in construction to support facilities needs of the church. Mike has a dedicated interest to help others, particularly through his work supporting underserved children and those struggling with addictions.
Joy at work: I find that knowing our Agency provides others with an opportunity to succeed is very rewarding. When I hear a story about one of our clients being successful in the community, it encourages us knowing that we are part of their success. These events are what drive me each day.
Joy at home: My family time is a major part of my life. Getting together with my children and grand children for a weekend camping trip or having Sunday dinner at home are events that I enjoy the most. The times that we spend together are priceless to me.
Contact: malm@hccsnet.org
Maria Madaj
Director, Child Welfare
I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Masters in Leadership & Public Administration emphasizing in Human Services. After graduating with my undergraduate degree, I started my professional career with Holy Cross Services, AKA Boysville of Michigan. Then is when I met my mentor who had a profound effect on the trajectory of my career and realized that my purpose was to provide the same mentorship to those serving our children and families. Since, I have served in multiple roles with Holy Cross Services and have spent most of my years assisting in leading the way of the expansion of community-based programming. In addition, I have been a member of the Quality & Compliance team and now acting Director of Residential & Family Healing.
Joy at work: There are so many things that bring me joy at work despite the long hours we tend to work, secondary trauma we experience as well as the sadness and sorrow we see every day. I work with a group of people who are resilient, kind, hardworking and committed to making the lives of others better.
Joy at home: I am blessed that God has given me the life I have. My grandparents, mother and other close family members have helped shape who I am, and I am so thankful to have them. As most people know, my dogs bring me joy as does the time I have been fortunate to spend in the woods hunting, rock picking and working in my yard.
Contact: mmadaj@hccsnet.org
Jeff Howe
Director, Training & Professional Development
Jeff Howe earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree of Education from Columbia International University in Columbia, SC. He has served as a teacher and school administrator in South Carolina, Michigan, and Haiti. He has served with Holy Cross Services since June 2006.
Jeff is filled with joy as students strive for and experience success in school. He strives daily to help students gain confidence within a school setting and reach toward their future with a positive mindset.
Joy at work: I am filled with joy as students strive for and experience success in school. It is amazing to see students gain confidence within a school setting and reach toward their future with a positive mindset.
Joy at home: I enjoy spending time with my kids and helping them grow to become a better person each day. We especially enjoy soccer, karate, backpacking adventures and rodeos.
Contact: jhowe@hccsnet.org
Beverly Frick
Sr. Director, Quality & Compliance
Bev holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Saginaw Valley State University and a master’s in Counseling from Central Michigan University. She came to Holy Cross 30 years ago as an intern and has been with us ever since. She has served as a Treatment Specialist, Family Therapist, Program Coordinator, Manager and Director. Her current role is Quality & Compliance Director/Recipient Rights Officer for the agency.
Joy at work: Bev has experienced so many things that bring her joy at work. She works with amazing people who are kind, caring and extremely dedicated. Being blessed with the opportunity to be a part of helping change someone’s life in a positive way brings her tremendous joy!
Joy at home: Spending time with family and cooking bring her joy at home. Bev has 6 sisters and a very large close family with 2 adult children of my own. She enjoys walking and going on vacations with her husband!
Contact: bfrick@hccsnet.org
Shelbi Frayer
CEO / PResident
Shelbi Frayer is an accomplished public sector executive and financial strategist known for stabilizing organizations, leading large cross-functional teams, and delivering transformative fiscal solutions. With more than 20 years of leadership experience spanning municipal government, education systems, state agencies, and private consulting, she has built a reputation for turning around complex financial environments and driving long-term organizational health.
Before becoming the CEO, Shelbi worked at New Hope Community Center (our homeless shelter in Lansing) and found fulfillment in serving those in need. It has become a major driving force in her life and inspired her to join the Holy Cross team.
Previously, Shelbi served as the Deputy Mayor for the City of Lansing, overseeing 13 departments and more than 1,000 employees. In this role, she led major development initiatives, including bond projects, and a new city hall facility. Prior to working in Lansing, she served as Chief Financial Officer for the City of Flint. Her work resulted in securing $220M in state funding to address the City’s insolvent pension system, preventing bankruptcy and restoring solvency.
Shelbi holds a Master’s degree in Administration from Central Michigan University and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and Administration from Northwood University.
Favorite quote: “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.”
Dr. Seuss, The Lorax