MANCELONA — A Mancelona woman was recognized for her leadership within school and community during a surprise ceremony held in her honor.
Crystal Williams is a long-time volunteer, and the founder of Grandma’s Place, a free store for students at North Central Academy School in Mancelona.
In 2022, Williams created Grandma’s Place to serve students in need of food, clothing, hygiene items, school supplies and other essentials.
She encourages the students, their parents, and community members to become involved with the project, which has grown to serve the needs of others beyond the students.
At the celebration at NCA, Williams was honored by Building Hope as the 2025 recipient of the Shellie-Ann Braswell “Shine Brighter” award, which recognizes charter school volunteers who lead with love, service, and impact. NCA students prepared notes, cards and thank-you messages to present to Williams during the event last month.
Building Hope’s website identifies Williams’ efforts as having created a ripple effect, rallying parent engagement, driving fundraising, and fostering a school culture rooted in care and compassion.
She exemplifies every pillar of the Shine Brighter Award: measurable impact, leadership with integrity, program sustainability, and deep community support, the article states.
Along with the $5,000 award that Williams received, NCA was presented with a school-wide monetary award, Building Hope stated.
A commercial refrigerator was donated to Grandma’s Place to expand her capacity to serve the community and school.
“My hope is that be being there to help those in need, and show the students how to give of themselves with no expectations in return, that we may build a stronger community for our future,” Williams said. “If even one child looks back one day and remembers what has been done for them and their peers, that they may in turn be compelled to give of themselves and continue setting the example, my mission will be fulfilled.”
Williams believes that by being nominated for the award, students are witnessing the good being done within their school and community.
“I am blessed knowing that the students may carry on helping others for years to come,” she said.
Building Hope is a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing educational opportunities for K-12 students.