Written by Tanya Terry
Featured photo: Dr. Darcele Robinson. Photos courtesy of Dr. Robinson
Dr. Darcele Marie Cole-Robinson, of Flint, will be honored at the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards for their commitment to volunteerism, service or philanthropy on Nov. 14, at the Detroit Opera House. Robinson is one of only 38 individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations who will be bestowed with the honor this year. She is one of only five nominees to be honored with the National Service Impact Award.
Cole-Robinson told the Courier she was “ecstatic” about being selected for the award.
“I actually couldn’t believe that I was nominated,” she said.
According to Cole-Robinson, she was in such a state of disbelief, she deleted several emails informing her of her being selected.
“There was another email sent out after the fourth time, and my husband said: ‘Why don’t you just open it?’” Robinson explained. “I finally opened it, and it was like: ‘Joy Austin is happy we have your nominated.’ Then, I was like: ‘Wait a minute. This is real!”
Cole-Robinson said Austin is her former supervisor from AmeriCorps, which Cole-Robinson served for five years. Cole-Robinson knew Austin was working for the governor.
“So, I emailed them and said: “I’m sorry. I thought this was fraudulent! This is my first time regarding the Governor’s Award. Apparently, a couple people nominated me for what I do in the community.”
Cole-Robinson is Chief Executive Officer and a co-founder and CEO with her husband Kenneth Robinson Sr. for Donations with Love.
Dr. Darcele Marie Cole-Robinson with her husband Kenneth Robinson Sr.
Their goals for DWLF has been striving for the prevention and intervention of substance, grief and loss of all types, human trafficking, vaping and suicide prevention.
Cole-Robinson said each of these areas is close to her heart because she has seen each area affect other people and cause struggle and challenge in their lives.
She stated: “I educated myself so I could educate others where they can rehabilitate and get their lives together. So, I help the majority of the underserved in Flint, Michigan and Genesee County.”
Cole-Robinson feels great knowing her tireless efforts have made a difference in the lives of countless individuals.
“We’ve been doing this over 10 years,” she added.
Cole-Robinson is also an active board member for Genesee County Prevention Coalition, which provides leadership and collaborate efforts in mental health and substance use disorder prevention in order to impact primary behavioral health problem at the community level.
In addition, Cole-Robinson has demonstrated commitment making positive impact for Serenity House, which provides substance use and co-occurring disorder support for men and women in Lapeer and Genesee counties.
“This award is not just Donation With Love Foundation’s. It belongs to every individual who has contributed to our journey. Unwavering dedication inspires us to contribute and continue serving with love and integrity. I extend my gratitude to all our volunteers, our generous donors, those that collaborate with us as partners and our board members who guide us and give us a vision to shape our plan. We will cherish this honor as we press forward, driven by our passion to our mission, our motto and our vision. I thank the governor and those who nominated Donations With Love for this distinguished recognition. We are proud to serve in Genesee County, and we look forward to continuing to collaborate.”
To learn more about the 2024 Governor’s Service Awards and its winners, visit https://www.michigan.gov/leo/boards-comms-councils/mcsc/gov-serv-awards/2024-governors-service-award-winners.
For more information on Donations With Love, visit www.donationswithlove.com.
