1. OUR MISSION
To promote, through collaboration, a healthy community free of substance abuse for youth
and those who live in, work in or visit Royal Oak.
April 8, 2015
To whom it may concern:
I am writing this letter of recommendation for Kevin Gibson. I came to know Kevin when he applied for an
internship with the Royal Oak Community Coalition (ROCC), where I serve as the Executive Director. The
ROCC works with the community to curb illegal access and reduce use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs
through evidence-based strategies. As a graduate student from Oakland University, Kevin’s educational
experience and eagerness to learn, was a valuable part of our team. He was selected over eight other candidates
and served as our lead intern for the fall semester, from August through December 2014.
Throughout his internship, his primary role was to reinvigorate a project that had been on hold until a person
was found having the right skills, talent and knowledge base to execute its development. The project, ‘One
Night of Indulgence’, is an awareness campaign geared towards teens and their families. The purpose of the
campaign is to educate and inform young people about the life-long, legal, social and financial ramifications of
drug and alcohol convictions by minors. Kevin established a work plan, did an incredible amount of research
and created a detailed document that has the potential to be used on a county and statewide level to advocate for
social change.
.
When Kevin met with 44th District Court, the Probation Director he was extremely impressed with the results
and detail of his work and the ethical and professional matter of which he presented the material. Because of
his presentation the district court agreed to work with the ROCC to advance the project.
Additionally, Kevin met with the Royal Oak High School Media Digital Production instructor. He was excited
about Kevin’s ideas and invited him to facilitate two teen focus groups, with the goal of creating Public Service
Announcements (PSA’s) to convey the gravity of those legal, social and financial consequences to their peers.
Six out of the eight PSAs created, were showcased at the 2015 Student Film Festival.
At the conclusion of Kevin’s internship, he introduced the campaign to15 state wide youth directors
representing agencies throughout Michigan. They were very pleased with the quality of the campaign and have
added this project to their 2015 annual goals. The advancement of this project has also been recognized by a
State of Michigan Department of Community Mental Health Evaluator who seeks to work on behalf of the
ROCC to help spearhead a state wide advocacy campaign.
It has been our sincere pleasure to work with Kevin. He is dedicated, smart and I predict he will be a welcomed
asset to any work team or organization he pursues.
Sincerely,
Diane Dovico, Executive Director
Royal Oak Community Coalition
1500 N. Stephenson Hwy
Royal Oak, Michigan 48067
248-546-7622
ddovico@royaloakcommunitycoalition.com
www.romi.gov/rocc