Wayne State University - School of Social Work

Office of Admissions and Student Services

4756 Cass Avenue,
Detroit, MI 48202

Matthew Cunningham, MSW

YMCA of Metro Detroit
1401 Broadway Street
Suite #3A
Detroit, MI 48226

Dear WSU SSW admission staff,

My name is Matthew Cunningham and Im a program coordinator with the YMCA of Metro
Detroit. Im contacting you to recommend you accept an intern with our program, Amber
Thomas, into the Wayne State University MSW program.
Amber has operated in two capacities with our program: She has worked with our Camp
Phoenix program and with the I Rise Family Empowerment Program. Camp Phoenix is a
summer learning loss prevention program. It is a summer school disguised as a summer
camp as we provide the children with many fun and hands on activities as well as field trips.
The program I run is called the I Rise Family Empowerment Program. We work with families
who have children in YMCA childcare programs that fall in the income gap. Our goal is to
provide opportunities for families to become more financially independent. Ambers role with
Camp Phoenix was to serve as a community resources specialist for families struggling to
meet their basic needs. Ambers role with I Rise has been to join in our recruitment efforts
of eligible families and designing our childrens programming at our monthly family events.
What has been most impressive about Amber is her proactivity. Ive never had to remind
her or, quite honestly, check-in when Ive given her a task. She always starts and
completes her tasks in a very comprehensive manner. This has NOT been the case with
interns in the past.
Amber has a true passion for social justice and developing youth. She has expressed
interest in working with at-risk children within an educational setting. She has a gift for
working patiently with children while prioritizing making a meaningful connection with them.
She has done a wonderful job connecting with children in our program and reinforcing
positive behaviors while making it clear with them what the boundaries are.
Im encouraged to see that while we have so many social workers retiring in the field,
students like Amber give me confidence that well be able to carry the torch and work
towards meeting basic needs of our most vulnerable populations.
I highly recommend you consider Amber as a candidate for the WSU MSW program. If you
have any questions, please contact me at 313-422-5589 or
mcunningham@ymcadetroit.org.
Best,
Matthew Cunningham, MSW