Over 200 persons who have moved from despair and despondency to stability, sense of belonging and marketable skills are celebrating their changed lives on Friday August 25 from 11am-1pm at 3606 East Forest Detroit. These men and women are publicly declaring their readiness and willingness to make meaningful contributions to metro Detroit, having completed various life-changing programs at Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.
“When I came to DRMM on May 5 2016, I was tired and needed help… And look at me now. God is good,” enthused Toni Smith, who had undergone treatment at a DRMM facility. Another graduate, Deonna Wilson, observed: “I feel very blessed to have been a part of DRMM; the guidance and spiritual support were more than I deserved or expected. I give thanks to God for the women of this program.”
Smith, Wilson and many others would be presented with certificates of achievement at the free admission event to be attended by their friends, family and professional support network as well as elected officials and community leaders.
Speakers include Free Press Columnist Mitch Albom, while U.S. Senior Senator Debbie Stabenow, Congressman John Conyers, Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones, Highland Park Mayor Hubert Yopp, Ford Motor Company’s Lisa Willis, and Rainbow Push’s John Graves are among confirmed co-chairs.
The ceremony will also feature surprise home presentation to two families by DRMM President Dr. Chad Audi, a job fair, DRMM Choir, free lunch and presentation of the 2017 Pillar Awards to 7 achievers, including 3 teenagers who have proven to be exemplary advocates for the homeless – Caleb White of Caleb White Project, Robby Eimers of The Eimers Foundation and Rudy Washington IV of Rudy’s Sock Drive & No Bully Zone. Other recipients are Detroit News Columnist Bankole Thompson, Channel 4 News Anchor Rhonda Walker, Third Circuit Court Judge Qiana Denise Lillard, and Gordon Food Service.
“Many of our graduates are already employed but we are also hosting a job fair for those who aren’t,” noted President Audi, adding that the event is his 108-year-old nonprofit’s way of showing the power of community in helping the less fortunate.