LYNNE CHRISTIANO

Lynne Christiano demonstrates the heart and passion of a community volunteer. She has never been one to shy away from hard work and responsibility; however, Christiano has a special commitment to helping make life better for the women and children in her community.

Christiano is one of the founding members of 100 Women Strong and a long-time co-chair of the Steering Committee. She was also one of four key volunteers involved with the re-organization effort in 2002-2003 to ensure the survival of 100 Women Strong, as it continues its mission to assist women in Berrien County.

In addition to her volunteer service to 100 Women Strong, Christiano is also an active member of many other nonprofit organizations. She has been on the Board of Directors of the Readiness Center since 1995, the WCA for 6 years, two terms as President, and a member of the Women’s Service League since 1992, where she served as President for two terms and Treasurer for two terms. Christiano has been an active Board Member for the Krasl Art Center and a member of the Center’s Fair Core Committee. She serves with the United Way Day of Caring, American Heart Association, Twin City Players and the Harbor Habitat for Humanity, where she served as Family Advocate for Jimmy Carter Work Project in 2005.

Through Hospice at Home, Christiano has been trained as a Grief Facilitator, and she volunteers at Lory’s Place. There, she works with youth who have suffered the loss of a significant person in their life. Christiano has also recently joined the Foster Care Review Board for Berrien and Cass Counties.

Service is a lifestyle for Christiano. The staff members of the various nonprofits she works with look at her service as an integral part of their organization. Her volunteering allows them to free up other resources for additional projects. Christiano is admired by those she works with because of her dedication, organization skills and compassionate attitude. As a result of her extraordinary community service, Christiano has been nominated for numerous awards and was chosen as the 2005 Margaret B. Upton Volunteer of the Year award for Berrien County Michigan.