‘Sir Stephen’ of Corktown

Many people know that Steve Yokich was an advocate for social justice. Few know that his work earned him a knighthood.

“Sir” Stephen didn’t slay dragons, but he did help rescue damsels and others in distress by supporting many charitable causes and founding one of his own, the Community Caring Program, that provides scholarships for disadvantaged children.

Much of his work centered around Detroit’s Corktown neighborhood, where his grandparents grew up.

“He wanted every kid to have a shot at their ultimate potential, through education,” explained Father Russ Kohler, Pastor of Corktown’s Holy Trinity Church, and a Community Caring Board member. “He insisted that the program’s scholarships go from grade school all the way through university. That’s very unusual to see somebody interested at every level, even if (the kids) just needed back-to-school clothing, proper coats and boots.”

It was Kohler, not the Queen of England, who “knighted” Yokich, during a fund-raising event, using a long sword.

“When Steve saw the sword he went in the opposite direction, thinking he was going to get his head cut off or something,” recalled Holy Trinity administrator Grace Caruana, with a laugh. “What it was is that Father Russ made him a Knight of Corktown” in honor of Yokich’s family roots and community service.

Yokich also supported the church’s annual fund-raising golf event.

“The union’s always been involved with our Monsignor Kern golf outing,” Caruana said. “When Steve came in as president, he gave us a push in getting that golf outing really going. Before, it wasn’t as big as it is now. There’s over 300 golfers who come to that.” The golf outing supports programs such as a free medical clinic and a variety of programs to help the homeless.

Detroit’s Capuchin Soup Kitchen, which feeds and clothes the homeless, was another of Yokich’s favorite programs.

“He was very encouraging and always wanted to know how things were going and how could (the UAW) keep helping and supporting” the program, recalled Father Lloyd Thiel, Chairperson of Development for the Capuchin Ministries.

Yokich’s personal support included serving as co-chair of the Soup Kitchen’s fund-raising dinner.

UAW members also benefited from Yokich’s support of the Soup Kitchen.

“We recognized that there were times when the union was on strike or there was some difficulty and we tried to provide in some special ways for those folks,” Thiel said.
Yokich didn’t seek publicity for his good works.

“Steve was very private,” said Kohler. “He didn’t want personal credit. He’d spotlight the (Community Caring Program) board or the teachers who were reviewing scholarship application forms.

“He was so pleased to see that endowment fund growing so we could give more and reach more children each year. It was a joy working with him.”