Get to know your neighbor …

Who she is: The Rev. Sharon Buttry

Background: Buttry is a native of Columbus, Ohio and went to school in Chicago. She has a degree in divinity and social work. Buttry has been connected to Hamtramck since 1996, starting out at the former Friendship House on Caniff.

She is married to Dan, a global consultant on peace and conflict resolution, and they have two sons and a daughter.

Known for: Buttry is a grant writer and social worker at Acts 29, located at 12101 Jos. Campau. The organization offers a variety of programs for the needy and is focusing on providing vocational training for youths and those returning back into society from prison.

Buttry, 56 (“I got a new speed limit” she said of turning one year older) also chairs the steering committee of the local Weed and Seed group. That group is being funded by a $1 million federal grant to create block clubs and help prepare residents to fight crime and make their neighborhoods safe.

“It’s a positive intervention to help kids and families be safe in our city,” she said.

Busy, busy: We caught up with Buttry on Tuesday, helping families sign up for lead testing for their kids at Friendship House on Conant. Buttry got a grant through Wayne County to set up a series of testing spots.

Lead poisoning is serious business in old cities like Hamtramck. Most of the houses were painted with lead-based paint years ago and as the old layers of paint flake off, they pose a danger to young children who mistake the flakes for potato chips. Lead can cause a host of health problems for kids and slow their learning potential.

Her passion: Kids. “God has been good to me. I just want to give back to the next generation.”