As Joe Wauldron prepares to step down as president of Clarkston Area Youth Assistance, he said ‘it’s been quite a journey.?
‘Even though the economy has been struck hard by the recession, our volunteers, sponsors, community residents, and area businesses have offered their time and resources and have allowed CAYA to reach goals and make a difference in the lives of the youth and families we serve,? Wauldron said.
He joined CAYA in 2006 and was made president in 2007.
After moving from Royal Oak to Independence Township in 2005, his wife told him to find something to do.
‘I came across youth assistance and thought, ‘hey I might try this, it’s something I’ve done before,?? he said. ‘I went to a few meetings. Before I knew it, I’m on the executive board and the next year I became president.?
Through sponsors, contributions, and fundraisers, CAYA continues programs such as Mentors Plus, After School tutoring, Family Education, Camp, Youth Recognition, and Skill Building.
‘I think the youth assistance helps kids and what they’re going through today. I really feel sorry for some of these kids that are going through school, the economy the way it is,? he said. ‘It’s hurting families, dividing them and even some cases breaking up families. That’s one reason I like doing what I’m doing.?
When he first joined CAYA he was told ‘it’s the best kept secret in Clarkston,? he said.
‘My thing as president was to get that name out there,? he said. ‘One way or the other I was going to get that name out there.?
Wauldron feels he accomplished that goal by using Clarkston Public Access Center (CPAC) as well as word of mouth at Independence and Springfield township board meetings, and just talking with a lot of people.
‘I don’t think it’s the best kept secret anymore,? he said. ‘I think enough people know about it, but you still have to keep on plugging it.?
His other goal as president was to make sure the budget was ‘well funded? when he left.
‘It is in good shape,? Wauldron said. ‘I think we have a little bit more funds then when I first started.?
Wauldron is also a member of Optimist Club, Rotary Club, Mentors Plus for youth assistance, Farmers Market, and Independence Township Planning Commission.
He was born and raised in Detroit, met his wife Bev and married her in 1970. Their daughter Jill and son-in-law Chris, along with their grandchildren Evan, 6, and Ryan, 5, also live in Independence Township.
Joe was a former financial auditor, as well as owner of Interior Design Company in the 1970s. He also owned an ‘all supply? company, which he sold to another company and became their vice president of purchasing.
‘I’m looking to do something else,? he said. ‘Now that I’m retired, I need to find something else to bring some money into my pocket, but don’t know what I’m going to do yet.?