Events & Photos
Homeless Awareness Week
Champion of the Cause John Roxberry and Richard Mott of Community Care Services.
Working side-by-side and supporting one another in the fight to end area homelessness, the Out-Wayne County Homeless Services Coalition hosted it's first-ever recognition and awards ceremony in honor of Homeless Awareness Week 2005.
Homeless Awareness Week is a nationwide initiative dedicated to increasing public awareness about those who are experiencing homelessness around the country, as well as right here in our own community. Domestic violence, job loss, mental illness, health problems, economic instability, natural disaster, substance abuse and unaffordable housing are all common causes of homelessness. If faced with one or more of these issues, most American households are just two paychecks away from becoming homeless.
Spirit of Achievement Award Recipient Mark Hardy and Sam Jenkins from the Veteran's Haven.
The Homelessness Happens luncheon was held on November 18, 2006 at the Wayne County Community College Downriver Campus, and provided member organizations with an opportunity to recognize the contributions of partners and the achievements of clients. Champion of the Cause awards honored those who work and volunteer their time to further the Coalition's mission. Client achievement was recognized with the Spirit of Achievement Award.
2006 Awardees Spirit of Achievement Awardees:
Mark Hardy nominated by Veteran's Haven
Mark Hardy is a post Vietnam Air force Sergeant who served his country for four years, and was in charge of long distance military communications. After returning to civilian life Mark married and was living the life of the average man making ends meet when sadly his marriage dissolved and he became unemployed. Daily stressors such as financial losses, lack of transportation, family support, and the loss of his wife and home took Mark down a path of depression. "I didn't care anymore," stated Mark when asked about this time in his life. Mark become homeless and sought out area organizations he thought could offer him a helping hand. Mark spent time in and out of shelters and relocated to the Westside of Detroit where beds were more plentiful. Mark worked odd jobs here and there utilizing the public transportation system which he says was unreliable and impeded his ability to maintain steady employment. On nights when shelter beds weren't available, Mark says he slept outside near Hart Plaza. As time progressed he began to loose contact with his family and friends. Mark continued to live the life of a homeless person, but contrary to the stereotype, Mark never had problems with substance abuse or mental illness. Mark says it was his stay in the rotating shelter Chrisnet that lead him to Veteran's Haven where he says he began his journey back into society. Vet's Haven provided Mark with everything he needed to focus on turning his life around. Within four months of entering the program, Mark found work as a maintenance worker. He began running a self esteem class for other program participants and became an instructor for the weekly AA meetings. Mark also has re-established his credit, has undergone extensive dental work, paid off past debts, and most importantly he has regained his self esteem and a sense of family. Throughout his tenure in the Veteran's Haven program Mark never received a single infraction or write up, and as a result completed all requirements to graduate out of the program and mov e on with his life. Mark recently reunited with his childhood sweetheart and will soon be relocating to Key Largo, Florida where a job awaits and plans to re-enter college are also in the works.
Dawn Sawaya nominated by Mom's Miracle Home
Dawn Saways has been faced with a number of obstacles and challenges that seemed insurmountable for most of her life. Growing up in a world filled with extreme childhood traumas and abuses, Dawn began experimenting with drugs and alcohol at a very early age. Throughout her childhood and into adulthood Dawn also lived with an undiagnosed mental disorder. Hopelessness and severe depression, coupled with a lack of love and family support, Dawn spent many years in and out of hospitals and institutions just trying to survive. "The only relationships I had in my life involved drugs and alcohol," Dawn explained. Dawn would eventually become homeless and although she says that she made many attempts for many years to get clean, she was finally able to begin her real journey to recovery in January of 2005 when she entered Mom's Miracle Home. Dawn is now a resident at Mom's, a transitional housing program for women in recovery. As a resident at Mom's, Dawn receives intensive outpatient therapy and individual therapy sessions that provide her with the proper support, treatment and medications to address her mental illness issues. She is also working on developing coping skills for her anxiety and is learning how to increase her self-esteem while gaining a new appreciation for life. Dawn is attending classes to obtain her GED and is employed part-time through a work experience program. Dawn has maintained her sobriety for approximately 9 months and says this is the first time she feels that the people in her life truly believe in her and care enough to stand by her.
Paul Bowles nominated by Community Care Services
Paul Bowles grew up in South Bronx, New York and moved to Detroit at the age of ten. He attended school in the City of Detroit, and was the first non-commissioned officer in the Jr. ROTC to lead two squads. A Master Sergeant at Mumford High, Paul was also a motivational speaker, musician and natural performer. A product of a dysfunctional and often abusive home, Paul began his long-term battle with substance abuse at the age of fourteen which would lead him down a very rough and turbulent path and eventually to homelessness. Paul also would live with an undiagnosed mental illness for most of his life that would lead him in and out of shelters, hospitals, and institutions for eighteen years. Paul spent most of his time sleeping in abandoned houses, at bus stops, and on Belle Isle in Detroit. Paul stated "I used to eat at soup kitchens, or I would find random food in containers and on grills in people's backyards late at night."
Paul's involvement with the Community Care Services Homeless Resource Team and Faith Recovery has allowed him the opportunity to make significant strides in his recovery. He has been clean for thirteen months and now considers himself an active member of his community. Paul is diligent about taking the medications necessary to treat his mental illness and participating in the counseling that will maintain his stability both mentally and emotionally. Paul chairs AA and NA meetings, is studying a new spiritual approach to the 12-step recovery program, and is an officer of "Keeping It Real" ministries where he teaches bible study on a weekly basis.
Margaret & Jimmy Byrd nominated by Westland Housing
Married for thirteen years, Margaret and Jimmy Byrd are hardworking, resourceful and proud parents of two wonderful sons, ages seven and nine and a half. Thanks in part to the Westland Housing Family Self-Sufficiency Program, the Byrds have been able to overcome significant obstacles and reach many of their financial and life goals. The couple began working with Westland F.S.S. Program in 2001. At that time the family was living in a low-income apartment and Mr. Byrd's Social Security benefits were their only income. When management at the apartment complex where they were living opted to change the rental units into Section 8 housing the family found they were eligible for the housing subsidy. Soon the Byrds would become involved in the F.S.S. Program, which changed the future and course of their lives. The program assisted the family with case management services, helped them save money, taught them how to budget, and re-establish their credit history. The Family Self Sufficiency Program helped the family save $7500.00 over a five-year period. During that time Jimmy found and still maintains full-time employment for Absopure and Margaret is working full time hours at a Kroger super market. With support from their case manager Tonya Oncza the family has more than doubled their annual income, furthered their education, gained the skills necessary to manage their finances, and have moved into a new home in a safer, better neighborhood. "We feel we are in a much better place. We had to work hard to get what we have now and continue to work hard for our kids. We hope that they will have something when they get older and we can help them be financially stable as well," says Margaret.
2006 Champion of the Cause Awardees:
John Roxberry nominated by Community Care Services
Mr. John Roxberry has devoted his life's work to helping people battling substance abuse and mental illness conditions. An impressive background and unwavering commitment to those he serves, John began his journey in 1997 working as an attendant in a detoxification unit and continues his career as an outpatient substance abuse therapist in community-based mental health agencies. In 1987, John earned his Bachelors Degree in Secondary Education and later a Masters in Guidance and Counseling from Eastern Michigan University. John has created and implemented a number of programs including Daybreak, which continues to serve as a model for an intensive outpatient therapy program still in operation today. John also assisted in the development and implementation of MCOIT, a nationally recognized program designed to help dually diagnosed persons exiting the prison system hoping to re-adjust to life in the community. Mr. Roxberry has incorporated his expertise in substance abuse therapy and recovery to help homeless individuals achieve a better way of life. A dedicated advocate, John feels strongly about treating those he counsels with dignity and respect. "I feel very honored to be able to work with these individuals. As professionals we give and we receive through quality and humanness," Mr. Roxberry stated. John is now a Substance Abuse Therapist at Mariners Inn, located in the Cass Corridor of Detroit.
James Kozniascki nomincated by Community Care Services
The Homeless Resource Team at Community Care Services called on area landlords to take a chance on people with a history of substance abuse and mental illness, but had no luck until Mr. James "K" signed on. Mr. K was the first area Property Manager willing to work with and house the homeless population in Wayne County. Dedicated to the community at large, James utilizes his background in Public Administration and real estate to build and rehabilitate homes for low income households. Mr. K is a very understanding and cooperative man, willing to give people a second and even third chance at establishing a life for themselves and their families. To ensure that his tenants are comfortable and satisfied in their homes, Mr. K handles difficult situations with his tenants with great care but has not allowed these experiences to deter him from continuing to offer a helping hand. James feels deeply that some people just need a little extra attention and that in some cases going the extra mile can make the world of difference in making someone feel important.
"Everyone is a human being. Just because their down and out you can't give up," says James. "You have to ride it out with them".
Reverend Ruby Beneteau nominated by Lighthouse Ministries
Pastor Ruby Beneteau has a heart with endless empathy and passion for helping the homeless and the needy. Pastor Beneteau says that growing up in an extremely poor neighborhood on the Westside of Detroit with her parents and three siblings, gave her a real-life lesson on what going "hungry" and "without" really means. Ruby says she remembers not having heat or hot water as a child and what hunger pains from going days without food felt like. After she and husband Stan married, the couple struggled and sought help from local churches to provide for their two sons. Ruby says things turned around when she devoted her life to God. Her husband Stan would find a good paying job and the couple began opening their door to the homeless, neglected, and abused children in their community. At one time Ruby says there were approximately 78 people living and eating in her home on a daily basis. With the help of her husband Stan's salary and the little money that the people in her home would contribute, the household managed to run and supply food to feed all that came to the door. "I remember Stan giving half of what was on his plate to feed someone who showed up at dinnertime. We just did what we felt was right at the time," stated Pastor Beneteau when asked how she lived daily with 78 strangers in her home. People referred to their home as "The Lighthouse" which was symbolic of the light at the door that always stayed on. Eventually the Pastor at the couple's church Full Gospel Temple would offer them a room in which to operate their program. That room has grown many times over the past 11 years and now operates as a food pantry and soup kitchen, supplies clothing and furniture and as a warming center during the coldest winter months. In these many years of helping those who need it most, Pastor Beneteau has never been compensated for her time and says that she will continue to do so until God says its time to stop.
Kenvin Murphy nominated by Wayne-Metropolitan Community Action Agency
Mr. Murphy started working with Wayne-Metropolitan Community Action Agency as a landlord four years ago. Mr. Murphy and his wife Shelly are natives of Metro Detroit and currently own several rental properties within the area. Mr. Murphy is being recognized for his upstanding and honest approach to assisting Wayne-Metro clients with housing. Mr. Murphy provides a clean, safe living environment that clients can be proud of and live comfortably in.
Mr. Murphy not only has taken on the role as landlord making improvements inside the homes, but also assisted a family in need with household items such as towels, linens, beds, pots and pans and a variety of other items which helped them to settle in and complete their home. Mr. Murphy and his daughter personally delivered the items to the family. He further states that he has found that the tenants from Wayne-Metro's program have kept his houses in good shape and he plans to continue working with the agency because he feels it's a good fit for him and his properties.
"I wish Lottie would take more of my houses and place her clients in them", says Mr. Murphy.
Sue Pherson nominated by Redford Township
Sue Pherson's dedication and drive to assist Redford Township's low-income residents is endless. As the Director of the Redford Interfaith Relief, Sue and her team of volunteers work to ensure that the people who come to them for help have access to services and resources that will help them during their greatest times of need. From life's basic necessities like food and clothing to credit guidance and financial assistance, the 175 families who come to Redford Interfaith each month are always given the very best that Sue and her staff have to offer. Redford Interfaith Relief is a collective effort of member churches striving to meet the ever- growing and changing needs of low-income families and individuals in their community. As the program Director, Sue is tireless in her efforts to make the most of every opportunity to build relationships and share resources with area community services providers. Under Sue's leadership Redford Interfaith Relief has become a model example of the kind of positive impact a first-rate human and community service provider can have in the lives of the people and the community it serves.
Dr. Tibebu Alemayehu nominated by Neighborhood Legal Services
Dr. Tibebu Alemayehu has played many roles in assisting homeless and impoverished people through his expertise in disaster relief and crisis counseling throughout the United States and Africa, specifically Kenya, his home country of Ethiopia, as well as Ghana, Tanzania, and Uganda. Dr. Alemayehu was present during the 1984 drought in Africa that affected nearly one million people. Dr. Alemayehu was instrumental in rescuing two hundred and fifty children orphaned during the drought and helping to build a Center that provided them housing and education. Over half of the children finished high school and went on to college. In honor of Dr. Alemayehu's devotion and long-term care a quarter of the students took his last name as their own. In 1987, Dr. Alemayehu and his family moved to the United States he says because of the endless potential in this county and Canada to raise funds and awareness for those in need throughout the world. He has continued to travel overseas to deliver food, supplies and a message of hope during the most critical times when disasters have crippled or wiped out entire villages and settlements. Currently Dr. Alemayehu is assisting 115 Hurricane Katrina victims that have relocated to the Detroit area through the "Village of Hope" at the Ramada Inn in Southfield, Howard Johnson in Sterling Heights and other scattered sites. Dr. Alemayehu's says his many experiences in dealing with those who have faced unimaginable trauma have allowed him to recognize the need to focus on every aspect of a person. "Addressing the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the person is crucial when trying to resolve issues of homelessness and the only way this will happen," Dr. Alemayehu says, " is through leadership".
Additional Pictures
Spirit of Achievement Award Recipient Dawn Sawaya and Debbie Tancier from Mom's Miracle Home
Champion of the Cause Reverend Ruby Beneteau, husband Sam and Linda Miller from the Lighthouse Ministries
Champion of the Cause Kevin Murphy and Lottie Bigalball from Wayne-Metropolitan Community Action Agency
Spirit of Achievement Award Recipients Margaret and Jimmy Byrd and Tonya Oncza from Westland Housing
Champion of the Cause Sue Pherson and Debbie Break from Redford Township
Champion of the Cause Dr. Tibebu Alemayehu and Carol Watts from Neighborhood Legal Services
Champion of the Cause James Kozniascki and Wilma Beck and Richard Mott from Community Care Services