CHN Network News, 5th Edition
October 2004
Success, Friendship & Gratitude –A Message from CHN President Marc Craig
Introducing the New CHN "Friends and Family" Program In Memoriam – Robert "Bobby" Morehart SUCCESS STORY: Kenneth Chase – From Foster Care to Independence SUCCESS STORY: Thomasina McCroy – Mother with Special Needs Child Buys First Home Please Meet CHN Resource Manager Chuck Bratton Welcome CHN Accounting Manager Lynda Leibrock
Success, Friendship & Gratitude –
A Message from CHN President Marc Craig
Welcome to the Fifth Edition of Network News. We have prepared some very interesting material for you in this expanded issue and that is what I want to talk about. You will find two very different but equally inspiring success stories on pages 3 and 4. One story is about the growth toward independence of a courageous young man in our Leasing Assistance Program. Another article highlights the struggles and accomplishments of a mother of five in our Homeownership Program. In my view, these stories are what it is all about. It is certainly why I get up each day with renewed energy and commitment to continue our work. As you will see in each story, a team effort comprised of many agencies and programs, including Community Housing Network, contributed to help each person succeed. Taking that thought further, it is the team effort of the many individuals and organizations that offer all sorts of support to Community Housing Network that helps us to succeed.
I believe deeply that without your support, these consumer success stories would not be happening. So how do we best work together to inspire an ever increasing number of such success stories? How can we take our team effort to the next level? In this issue, you will learn about a new program that will allow you to become an even closer part of the CHN circle of Friends and Family. We have been looking forward to launching this idea for some time and I hope you will be as excited about it as I am.
I also want to thank many of you who have recently offered CHN your financial support, including Jerome Bielak, Safa Dawisha, Jon Fox in honor of Americans for International Aid & Adoption, Flagstar Bank, and the Women's Council of Realtors. I also want to announce that CHN has received our first charitable gift annuity from Mr. & Mrs. Paul Ilg. We are exceptionally grateful for their generosity. Finally, I cannot thank the HOMES Coalition enough for their contributions from proceeds of their annual fundraising events. I urge you to attend the upcoming HOMES Coalition Banquet about which you can find details on page 5.
Introducing the New CHN
"Friends and Family" Program
As Vice-President of Community Housing Network, I have been working for some time with President Marc Craig and the dedicated members of our fundraising committee to come up with a plan that will afford all of our supporters the opportunity to be more connected to our growing organization. And so, with this issue of Network News, we are introducing a new program that will allow you to do just that. Please welcome into your hearts the new Community Housing Network Friends and Family Program.
What inspired us to introduce this new opportunity? We have known for some time that people want to be more involved with CHN. Many people have asked how they can become members of our growing organization. So often when we are meeting with individuals and families we are asked the question, "What do we owe you for your services?" or "How can I become a member or buy into this organization?" We have always responded that as a non-profit organization we accept donations. However, it seemed as if people wanted more. It seemed as if many wanted to become members of our CHN family.
As a Friends and Family member you will receive special benefits in addition to receiving our newsletter. And most importantly, your membership will help Community Housing Network to expand affordable housing opportunities for persons with disabilities. You can view the benefits included in each Friends and Family membership opportunity below:
PALS
Contribution up to $100
Benefits
Annual Subscription to Newsletter
Gift of Appreciation
BUDDIES
Contribution of $100 - $500
Benefits
Annual Subscription to Newsletter
Gift of Appreciation
Special Updates from Marc
DEVOTEES
Contribution of $500 - $1,000
Benefits
Annual Subscription to Newsletter
Gift of Appreciation
Special Updates from Marc
Invitation to Annual CHN Recognition Dinner
"FAMILY"
Contribution of Over $1,000
Benefits
Annual Subscription to Newsletter
Gift of Appreciation
Special Updates from Marc
Invitation to Annual CHN Recognition Dinner
Attend Special "Family" Events
In addition, we want to recognize the contributions and support we will receive from organizations, corporations, groups, agencies and coalitions. For example, CHN has been honored to receive funds raised at the annual HOMES Coalition dinner and auction event. We have also received generous donations from Charity Motors, Flagstar Bank, MCAR and Perfect Floors. Going forward, we plan on including our supporters at the organizational level by designating them as our COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS. Like individual Friends and Family members, our Community Champions will receive a variety of benefits with their memberships.
Of course, every dollar counts to provide our very best to the persons with disabilities we serve. A PALS membership of up to $100.00 can keep someone from being evicted. A BUDDIES membership of up to $500 can sponsor additional Independent Living Club activities for a year. A Devotees membership of up to $1,000 can help support expanded activities of the Housing Resource Center for a year. A Family membership of over $1,000 can help someone living with disability purchase their own home.
I am excited about the progress CHN is making toward creating affordable housing for persons with disabilities. I hope you share in this excitement and will consider joining the circle of our Friends and Family. As with past contributions, you may still make your tax deductible membership donations in honor of or in memory of a loved one. Please contact me at 248-928-0111 for additional information about our Friends and Family Membership program.
Thank you,
Dawn Pischel, CHN Vice-President
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a valued and respected participant in our Leasing Assistance Program. Robert "Bobby" Morehart spent most of his thirty-eight years courageously facing the multiple challenges associated with his disability. For the past year Robert shared a Royal Oak apartment with his roommate, who is also in the Leasing Assistance Program. The two friends worked hard to achieve self-determination and made many advancements in achieving independence. Bobby loved sports and formerly worked at the Beefcarver Restaurant. He is survived by his extraordinarily supportive mother, Doris R. Morehart of Royal Oak, four siblings, and many nieces and nephews. We will miss you, Robert.
SUCCESS STORY: Kenneth Chase
From Foster Care to Independence
Ken Chase is an active, engaging thirty-eight year old man who is successfully living with mental illness and developmental disability. He has come a very long way from living in a foster care home. The first thing you see in his new Royal Oak apartment is an enormous poster of Spiderman. Ken is very proud of that poster. He saved the money he makes from working at the Holiday Market to purchase it.
After leaving foster care, Ken moved to the Detroit area where he lived with relatives and entered the New Horizons vocational program. He started doing piecework and later moved on to a more challenging position at the Holiday Market in Royal Oak. Unfortunately, Ken began having problems after he moved into a small apartment by himself. Luckily, that was the time Brett Sutton from MORC and Kirsten Elliott from Community Housing Network entered his life. Ken says, "I couldn't believe it, these people were on my side." Brett recalls, "Around December of last year I heard from one of Ken's co-workers at Holiday Market, who is a MORC consumer. He had concerns that Ken was going through some difficult times and asked if I could check in on him. I caught up with Ken and realized he was very scared and was seeing some things in his mind that didn't make a lot of sense. He had been hospitalized, he had missed a lot of work, and he had stopped paying some bills. He was behind on his rent and had received an eviction notice. At that time I gave Ken the number for the MORC intake department and directed him to the CHN Leasing Assistance Program." Kirsten Elliott at CHN informed Ken that he would qualify for their Leasing Assistance Program, which assists homeless persons with disabilities. The HUD sponsored program provides supportive services to help sustain independent living and will pay up to 70% of the monthly rent, depending on income.
Ken's new apartment is in a great location and is at least twice the size of his former place. He can walk to work and he lives right across the street from his best friend & co-worker, Carl. Brett says that Ken must take a lot of the credit for getting his life back on track because he follows through with his medication and treatment. Ken also enjoys home entertainment and has worked hard to acquire a very nice set up. With independence comes responsibility and Ken has grown to demonstrate that trait. Brett and Ken talk about budgets and accountability a lot. Ken has learned how to take care of his apartment which is neat and clean. He pays all his bills on time and saves any remaining money for future purchases. Brett says the staff at Holiday Market have been exceptionally supportive of Ken and are incredibly helpful people. The store owner, Tom Violante, is also Ken's new landlord. Brett shares that Ken's aunt has been a good advocate and has stuck by Ken through good times and bad. Ken added, "I love my Aunt Val and Uncle Rick. I visit them and my aunt is a great cook. She cooks nothing but homemade. My uncle is very supportive of me. He says, 'Ken, you can do anything you want now. " "
Ken is also very resourceful and independent when getting around the community. He goes on many outings by himself or with his supports person. One of Ken's most exciting memories was when he went to a concert and obtained a poster and autograph from everyone in the Dokken rock group. He was actually invited to get on the tour bus and meet the members of the group. Ken also enjoys going to the food court at the Somerset Collection and visiting Oakland mall. One of Kens social goals is to meet a nice lady and have a pleasant relationship. He declared with much exuberance, "I have my job, I have my place and next - a woman! " His MORC supports provider, Mary Beth, visits a couple times each week for a total of 8 or 9 hours a week. They go on outings in the community for half the time. The other half is spent working around the apartment.
All Ken's new neighbors have been supportive. When Ken moved in, everyone came down and met him with open arms. They are always offering to help, and in turn Ken does the same for them. Ken's outgoing personality and overall appreciation of life has allowed him to make a big turnaround. Thanks to his MORC supports and the CHN Leasing Assistance Program, Ken can continue to enjoy life in his new apartment and in the community.
SUCCESS STORY: Thomasina McCroy
Mother with Special Needs Child Buys First Home
When you meet Thomasina McCroy for the first time you notice the unwavering twinkle in her eyes. You also become aware of her peaceful demeanor in the midst of much activity. Thomasina is a full-time student and the mother of five lively children, ranging in age from 10 months to 13 years. Being solely responsible for a large family and the demands of caring for a special needs child might overwhelm many women. But Thomasina manages to keep on track with the help of her faith and support from a variety of organizations, including Community Housing Network.
Seven year old Destine was born with Cerebral Palsy and Hydrocephalus. She requires constant care and must use a wheelchair. While Destine is non-verbal, she communicates through her eyes which can sparkle like her smile. She receives services from MORC and attends a special school. Each day is a challenge for Destine and her family.
Thomasina has worked hard to create a better life for herself and her children. Three years ago she moved herself and the kids to Pontiac, after leaving a domestic violence situation in Detroit. She slowly began to build a more stable and peaceful life with help of services from HAVEN. "It's hard for me to talk about it (the domestic violence), but I can say it made me stronger. I'm not ashamed of it now because I realize I was a victim and not the cause." After making that huge transition, this courageous mother enrolled in a full-time program at Baker College. She will soon complete her Associates degree and is proud to be on the Deans List. The guidance and support the family has received from HAVEN, MORC, the Lighthouse and Community Housing Network has inspired Thomasina to prepare for work in the human services field. She plans on earning a Bachelor's degree at Baker in that area. Because she loves children, Thomasina would like to work with kids and troubled teens. A little over a month ago one of Thomasina's dreams came true. The family moved into their very own home on a quiet street in Pontiac. The neat three bedroom ranch offers much more space than their former small apartment. A nice size yard and a clean, dry basement provide additional areas for the kids to play. Soon a ramp for Destiny's wheelchair will be installed.
Thomasina was referred to the CHN Homeownership Program by The Lighthouse. She took homeownership classes, completed a lot of paperwork, and had to write a letter telling why she wanted to own a home. She feels homeownership is important because it is something she can give to her children. Down payment assistance from CHN and specially arranged financing keeps her monthly mortgage payment close to the amount she paid for rent. However, new responsibilities have come with homeownership. Thomasina now has to put money aside for home maintenance expenses. "I am cutting my own grass and that is different for me", she laughed.
The actual purchase process started with CHN at the end of May. However, it took Thomasina nearly a year of effort to qualify for homeownership. "I found people like to work with you if you are trying to help yourself and that is what I am doing", she proudly confided. Her goals are to complete college, to help all her children with their educations, to maintain services for Destine, and to become stronger in her faith. Of course she would also like to find the time and money to decorate her new home a bit!
Thomasina thinks her story is somewhat sad, but it is really a story of determination, courage, and hope. She feels her success is due to her strong faith and the persistence she demonstrates each day. "When people ask me how do I do it I tell them I don't really take the credit. It is my faith that gives me the strength to continue on each day. " She also gives her older girls, Brittany and Ebony, a lot of recognition. "They help a lot with Destiny, getting her ready for school, feeding her at night, and sitting with her. If you leave her she will start to cry so they help with that. And they make good grades in school. They are just really good girls. " It appears the girls are following in their mother's footsteps. The family's new home is truly a symbol of the good life Thomasina is working to achieve.
Please Meet CHN Resource Manager
Chuck Bratton
CHN welcomes Chuck Bratton, who recently joined CHN as a new resource manager. Chuck has worked with persons with disabilities for 22 years as a direct care worker, as a group home manager, and as a MORC supports coordinator. He has an Associates degree in Social Work and a Bachelors degree in Management of Health Care Services. Chuck sees the direction of his work at CHN meshing with his personal mission and values. He has three numbers displayed on the wall of his new office: 30 - 3 - 1. This reminds him that one can live without food for 30 days, one can live without water for 3 days, but one can only live without shelter for one day.
When not on the job, Chuck enjoys spending time with his family and being involved with activities at his church. Volunteering is also a big part of Chuck's life. He just returned from a mission trip in Wisconsin where he helped build new homes on a Chippewa Indian reservation. He also raises funds for the Good Fellows. Chuck doesn't like to take much praise for his volunteer activities. "I feel like the only way I can take care of myself is by helping others. I have a wonderful chance to do that here at CHN."
Welcome CHN Accounting Manager
Lynda Leibrock
Lynda Leibrock recently joined the CHN team as the organization's accounting manager. She has an extensive background in accounting and worked for United Cerebral Palsy for five years. It was there that she gained valuable experience in the non-profit accounting sector. Prior to her time at UCP, Lynda worked for fifteen years as a financial consultant. Now she handles all the CHN accounting, including the month- end closings, and the monitoring of funds and cash flow.
Lynda feels that working at CHN helps her make a worthwhile contribution and goes hand in hand with her strong faith. "Even though I don't work directly with the people that we serve, I can still make a difference in someone's life by working for an organization like CHN. Everyone is passionate about what they do here and they take their work very seriously. I am very excited about being at CHN."
When not at work, Lynda's most passionate hobby is gardening. As a master gardener, she attended classes through Michigan State University Extension Services and now enjoys teaching gardening in her community.