Hero Story

For going on eight years, Geronimo Lerma III has been helping those in need start organizations from the ground up. He has served thousands of people throughout the State of Michigan, including veterans who are homeless and in need. The time and dedication he has shown has been outstanding and is an inspiration to so many. Geronimo puts the needs of those in need first and foremost before his own. In 2021, Footprints of Michigan was awarded the Greater Lansing Nonprofit of the Year award. Mr. Lerma has sacrificed his employment, leaving his job of 13 years to run this organization not receiving a payroll check. He has made sacrifices others would never do. Recently, it had come out that he had been living in his office for three years so that he could run the organization on the funding they had. Everyday, his team of volunteers help those Michiganders who are struggling from Detroit to Marquette. I strongly feel just looking at the accomplishments he has made--not just in our city, but throughout the state--is remarkable. Helping everyone no matter if they are a single parent, to a veteran, to seniors, the power of giving one pair of shoes he has taken to a higher level. Simply look at the social media pages or website and you will see the impact he has had with this organization. He does all this while not receiving a dime and to top it off, he is fighting his own health battle of kidney disease. Geronimo is on dialysis three times a week and it does not slow him down.