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It Takes a Village: Charles Thomas, Renaissance Man

It’s often said it takes a village to raise a child but the same can be said about an independent, nonprofit news organization. Over the next two weeks we’ll introduce or in some cases re-introduce the people who make Watershed Voice what it is today.

Where would Watershed Voice be without Charles Thomas? The definition of a 21st century renaissance man, Charles is a licensed psychotherapist, a published author, a columnist for not one but two local publications, a member of our board of directors, and a loving husband and father. The guy has it all, and we’re lucky he’s on our team.

Learn more about Mr. Thomas below and consider supporting his work with a donation.

Full Name: Charles D. Thomas

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Occupation: Psychotherapist 

Your connection to the City of Three Rivers and/or St. Joseph County (Including how long you’ve lived or previously lived here): While I currently live in Portage, I lived in Three Rivers for 12 years, and my daughter is a former student of the Three Rivers Public Schools.  TR will always have a special place in my heart and I have many happy memories of my time there.

Tell us a little bit about yourself: I work as a mental health professional and write for Watershed Voice and the Three Rivers Commercial-News. I have a daughter who has also written for WV. In addition to serving on the board of the Watershed Voice, I also serve on the board of the Portage Parks Foundation and own a small psychotherapy practice.   

Why is this project important to you: Watershed Voice is an important part of the Three Rivers community.  It provides a voice to those who would not otherwise have one in addition to providing local news and information. Watershed Voice is also a place for local artists to share their work. There isn’t another publication like it in the entire region and I’m proud to be a part of it.

Author

Alek Haak-Frost is the executive editor, publisher, and founder of Watershed Voice, and a graduate of Central Michigan University. Prior to establishing WSV in 2020, he wrote for a number of publications including The Midland Daily News and The Morning Sun, and served as managing editor of the Three Rivers Commercial-News for the better part of three years.

In 2022, Haak-Frost won the Public Service Award and Outstanding Coverage Award at the LION Local Journalism Awards in Austin, Texas. He was a finalist for the LION Public Service Award again in 2023.

A NOTE FROM OUR EDITOR

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