DRMM Chief Operating Officer Dr. Barbara Willis Earns Ph. D.

Posted in: In the News

July
27

Today, we come together to commemorate a truly exceptional individual whose journey has been one of unwavering dedication, relentless pursuit of knowledge, and remarkable achievements. It is with immense joy and deep admiration that we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Barbara Willis on her recent graduation from Restoration Theological Seminary in Atlanta, Georgia.

 

On July 8, 2023, Barbara proudly received her Doctorate degree of Religious Philosophy in Christian Counseling, marking a significant milestone in her life. We celebrate not only the academic accomplishment itself but also the incredible character and unwavering commitment that Barbara has demonstrated throughout her journey.

 

As many of you know, Barbara has served as the Chief Operating Officer of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries for over 15 years. Her remarkable ability to balance the demands of her role with the pursuit of higher education is a testament to her unyielding determination and unshakable drive. Regardless of her busy schedule and the passing of time, Barbara’s passion for learning and her desire to make a positive impact never wavered.

Today, we not only acknowledge Barbara’s tremendous academic success but also the profound impact she has made on the lives of individuals and communities. Her deep compassion, unwavering empathy, and steadfast belief in the power of Christian counseling have transformed countless lives. Barbara’s remarkable journey serves as a shining example, reminding us that age should never hinder us from pursuing our dreams and that with resilience and determination, we can overcome any obstacle.

 

As friends, coworkers, and members of the big family, we have been fortunate to witness firsthand Barbara’s dedication to her work, her unwavering faith, and her steadfast commitment to her family. She has inspired us all with her resilience and has become an incredible source of motivation and encouragement. Barbara’s accomplishments remind us that education is a lifelong pursuit, and her unwavering belief in the potential within each of us fuels our own aspirations for greatness.

As we join in the celebration, let us take a moment to reflect on the impact Barbara has had on our lives and the community at large. Her leadership, expertise, and compassionate heart have brought light into the darkest corners, providing hope, healing, and guidance to those in need. Barbara’s achievements are a testament to her selflessness and her unwavering dedication to serving others.

 

Please join us in congratulating Barbara Willis on this momentous milestone. Let us express our gratitude for her remarkable achievements, her unwavering faith, and her compassionate spirit. As she embarks on this new chapter as a Doctor of Religious Philosophy in Christian Counseling, let us offer our support, encouragement, and well wishes.

 

Barbara, your achievements inspire us to reach for the stars, to persevere in the face of challenges, and to make a positive difference in the lives of others. We are truly grateful for your presence in our lives and the impact you continue to make.

Once again, congratulations, Barbara Willis, on this well-deserved honor. Together, let us celebrate your remarkable accomplishments and the legacy you have built.

 

With heartfelt admiration and warmest congratulations,

 

Chad Audi

 

“Getting It Right” Program Helps with Re-entry After Prison

Posted in: Newsletters, Stories

July
19

“I REALLY FEEL LIKE I’M DOING GOD’S WORK.”

“I’ve had guys call me on Saturday night, 12 o’clock at night, literally crying because they need somebody to talk to,” says Vince King.

After serving 21 years of a life sentence in prison, Vince’s remaining sentence was commuted by President Barack Obama in 2016. Since then, he’s been using the skills and experiences of the life-transforming program he created while incarcerated to help ex-convicts in his hometown of Detroit. Today, Vince is a mentor and the Program Director of the “Getting It Right” program at Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.

He told us, “Re-entry is something that I was doing on the inside for years, even before I got out. So, when the Mission had this opportunity for the mentoring program… it was kind of a no-brainer.”

“Getting It Right” helps men and women overcome the challenges of re-entry after serving their sentences. Vince knows firsthand what it’s like to make mistakes and take the wrong path. This led him to a drug distribution and firearm conviction. That’s why he’s well-equipped to help those facing similar obstacles.

Describing the Mission’s program, Vince says, “We have an in-reach meeting two weeks before they get out, and I talk to them about our available services. When they get out, I match them with a mentor, and we provide case management and connections to lots and lots of resources.”

From late night phone calls from a disheartened mentee to legal paperwork that helped one of our men obtain a social security ID, mentors are there to help Detroit’s men and women as they face uncertainty. “What we literally try to do is help a person create a second chance at life,” says Vince. It’s just one of the many ways your donations help provide resources and support that give our struggling neighbors a chance at a better life. Thank you for caring!

Help change lives. Give today at DRMM.ORG.

Read more inspirational stories from the Summer 2023 Newsletter.

Mission of helping the homeless has driven Chad Audi for 26 years

Posted in: In the News

July
5

From Crain’s Detroit

July 05, 2023 05:45 AM

DETROIT RESCUE MISSION MINISTRIES: Chad Audi, president and CEO of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, a Lebanon native, came to the U.S. in 1991, landing in Oklahoma City to attend college. He moved to Michigan after a couple of semesters and earned a master’s degree in corporate and international finance from Walsh College. It was the late ’90s, and Audi, 54, was offered a good-paying job at a Dearborn auto supplier. But in the end, he turned it down to make half as much working at Detroit Rescue Mission; 26 years later, he’s still at the nonprofit and wouldn’t do anything else. The conversation below has been edited for length and clarity.

You were offered a job at the former automotive supplier Standard Products right out of college, right? How did you wind up at Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries?

A friend of mine called me to come in to help with DRMM’s audits because my background is in finance. So I started helping them, and I found there were a lot of problems at that time. I started volunteering every day from like seven o’clock in the morning until around 10, 11 at night. I caught the attention of the president at that time, and he asked me if I wanted to work for him. And my first answer, naturally, was that he cannot afford me. He asked me to sit down and listen to one of the testimonials of one of the individuals who was graduating from the DRMM at that time. She was a special education teacher with a master’s degree. And then she was describing how her life took a downturn and she got introduced to drugs, and then how she went to many drug rehab places, but it was like a revolving door until she came to Detroit Rescue Mission. That day, she was celebrating the first time in 20 years of her addiction being sober for over a year. She actually broke my heart. I told Don (DeVos) I’d like to work for you, but knowing the circumstances, it’s going to be very hard. My offer with Standard was about $82,000. And I started with Detroit Rescue Mission, after a lot of negotiation, at $27,000 as director of financial analysis.

What made you choose the nonprofit path and lower pay?

This is because my dad also got involved. I wanted a minimum of $33,000 to cover my expenses. So my dad offered me $6,000 to close the gap in my salary. He thought that this is a good environment, and he believed, knowing me as his son, that I care for others and felt that there was an opportunity that I could help and grow the organization. He did not have to pay part of my salary (though), because the person who was heading up finance at that time, (who) was making $41,000 was diagnosed with cancer, and she passed away. So I slid into her position after being here three months. See, that’s how God works in mysterious ways. I keep joking to my dad that he should have given me the $6,000.

What was happening at DRMM at the time?
They were having payless days for the employees because they had too many expenses and not enough revenue. And there was not good management. They didn’t even have a financial policy and procedures in place. They were just acting in good faith as good people, but not (doing) basic, real basic financial application, according to all the rules and regulations. They hired staff for those grants, (and) when the grant ended, they did not transfer the staff to another grant. They just kept paying them even though they’re not working. To present a financial solvency plan took me about two years. We had to clean the slate and start over again, and that put us in a very good position. So we moved up from having at that time, about 18,000 donors, (to), within five years about 95,000 donors, 65,000 who were actual active donors (giving) at least twice a year. Right now our database is about 130,000, and I have about 85,000 active donors. When I first came in the organization (revenue) was $4.7 million. Today it is $23 million.

You have taken the organization into some new programmatic areas, right?

So the organization was known to do shelters. Our idea was (for) most people who come to our shelter we should find a real permanent solution to their situation and not to keep them in the shelter. So we applied for and we got transitional housing money and started moving people from the shelter to transitional housing, where we offered them case management, job training, job placement (and goal-setting) to help them get back on their feet. So naturally, we also needed to expand our inpatient treatment program and our outpatient programs (for) returning citizens, job training veterans’ services, dual diagnosis services — meaning people with mental health as well as substance abuse — and then a lot of youth programs. We take kids to our camp in Howell, and then for the kids who are with their mothers, while they’re going to treatment, we send them to school and we do prevention and intervention programs for them. Prior to COVID, we did a lot of basketball, aquatic teams for the youth and we’ll take them to track and we take them to compete on a national level. We also do educational services (and) entrepreneurial services. It was all in Detroit and then we expanded (with another shelter) to Highland Park. Then we moved to Roseville, to Mount Clemens, (and) recently in Wyandotte. Any place we think that there is need for help we go and help. We actually are right now the only food bank in Macomb County. So we provide food boxes to seniors and to people who are in need.

Are you seeing increased need in Macomb County?

Unfortunately, there is a lot of need in Macomb County. There is a new immigrant population moving to Macomb County, especially Mt. Clemens and the Clinton Township area. They’re not really very well established, so they need a lot of help. And then we have a growing number of senior population who will also need some help. We don’t know about the homeless status, but we think there are some. But we don’t know of shelters (that) are operating. We know that there are veterans who are in need in that area, and there’s not enough services. I think Macomb needs way more services than it’s provided. A lot of people are coming to us. We try to help as much as we can, but the need is there.

What’s next?

Right now, we think that there’s a big need on respite care all over the place. We’re still in initial talks with Siena Healthcare who wants to give us another (fifth) building in St. Clair Shores. They have closed their center there that used to be called St. Mary’s, and we are negotiating with them as we speak to see if we can open it as a respite care center and a daycare center for the seniors.

That’s a similar model to what you’re attempting to do in Livonia in another building donated by Sienna?

Yes. That will be an outpatient program for behavioral health and respite care for seniors so a family can drop off their loved one for 15 days if they want to take a break or a vacation. My approach has been we need to continue to have a fluid organization that we can change (with) what the community needs. We have to be there to provide services as long as we have the resources and the expertise. (But) I don’t do anything if I cannot sustain. I have to find the funding, the expertise to provide the program and the actual location. If I don’t have the three components, I would not go because there’s going to be a failure.

Ok, tell me about something you do for fun outside of work.

Well, you know, the truth is, this is something me and my wife were debating about because apparently, I’m not doing a lot. Last year, I worked 365 days of the year, literally, and I didn’t have time to do anything. But now I’m working on some fun. So the only fun I have right now is to look at the reports of my two older kids who are graduating, one with a 4.0 from Michigan, one with a 3.8. That’s the satisfaction that I see when I look at. That’s the fun right now.

So you need to find a hobby. Do you want people to send you ideas?
I’m trying! We live on a golf course but I don’t do golf. People are encouraging me to start going down. It’s just across (from) the house. I’ll tell you something that I’ve been doing for the last couple of months, and I think that’s a good start. I am an early riser. So like five o’clock I’m up. So I walk every morning and as I’m walking, I see the sun rising. So I take a picture of the sun every morning. One day there’s haze. One day it’s clear. We’ll see if I can stick with it.

Sherri Welch
By Sherri Welch

Sherri Welch is a senior reporter for Crain’s Detroit Business covering nonprofits, philanthropy, higher education and arts and culture. Before joining Crain’s in 2003, she covered automotive suppliers and tire makers for Crain’s Rubber & Plastics News.

Farewell Dr. Peggy Richardson

Posted in: In the News, Latest News

June
2

The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries bids farewell and best wishes to our longtime Medical Director Dr. Peggy Richardson who recently retired!
In her 21 year career with DRMM she created our SAY Detroit Clinic with Dr. Chad Audi, realizing her vision of a place where those struggling could receive medical services without fear of judgment, without worrying about losing their children, and without the pain of facing insurmountable medical bills.
Other contributions include creating a weight loss clinic nutrition nutation plan for our clients and also working tireless during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure that the forgotten and vulnerable among us were taken care of.
As we say goodbye to our beloved Dr. Richardson, we do so with a heavy heart, but also with immense gratitude for her selfless service and relentless pursuit of a better, more equitable world. The void she leaves at The Mission is immense, but the legacy she leaves behind will continue to inspire us to carry on with the same passion and determination.

Embracing Mental Health: Nurturing Compassion, Inspiring Recovery

Posted in: From Dr. Chad Audi

May
22

Dear friends, supporters, and partners.

Mental Health Awareness Month, an initiative that shines as a beacon of hope in the fog of adversity. With Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries (DRMM) as your companion, this occasion extends far beyond the pages of a calendar—it echoes a unified call for compassion, an invitation to unveil the often-veiled struggle millions endure every day. Embarking on this profound journey, we’ll delve into the intricate landscape of mental health, armed with empowering statistics and illuminating research. United in our mission, we aspire to craft a haven where unwavering support and boundless empathy illuminate the path towards recovery.

For more than 114 years, the DRMM has been an emblem of service and hope in our community. Each day, we stand tall in our commitment, serving more than 2,200 individuals and providing over 4,500 meals. Our community is vast and diverse, encompassing the mentally challenged, substance abusers, homeless, veterans, returning citizens, the unemployed, seniors, and youth. Our mission goes beyond basic needs—we strive to help each person reclaim their strength, to find their footing and step confidently into a brighter future.

Mental health issues are silent storms that do not discriminate, touching all facets of society and often resulting in homelessness, unemployment, or even criminal activity. In the face of these challenges, we have made it our moral duty at DRMM to extend relentless, empathetic support, reinforcing everyone’s rightful place within the societal tapestry.

Unraveling the threads of mental health problems uncovers a multifaceted web of causes. Genetic predispositions, imbalances in brain chemistry, and hormonal changes serve as biological catalysts that increase the risk of mental health disorders (Sullivan et al., 2018; Howard et al., 2019). Environmental influences like traumatic childhood experiences, socio-economic conditions, and social isolation are equally profound contributors (Felitti et al., 1998; Bor et al., 2014). Lifestyle and behavioral elements like substance misuse, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and sleep deprivation fan the flames of these mental health challenges (Kessler et al., 2009; McElroy et al., 2019).

Yet, as the dawn follows the darkest night, hope endures. Our collective empathy and dedication at DRMM can seed transformative initiatives. We’ve recently heralded a significant stride towards comprehensive care by launching a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC). This clinic embodies the seamless integration of behavioral health care and primary care, addressing the community’s needs in a holistic manner.

We advocate for open, stigma-free dialogues about mental health in our communities, fostering acceptance, understanding, and camaraderie, thus replacing the shadow of stigma with a radiant aura of empathy. Prioritizing the accessibility and affordability of mental health services, we tirelessly champion affordable mental health care, enhanced insurance coverage, and the expansion of community mental health centers, aiming to deliver therapeutic care to every corner of society. Through structured living programs, we provide stability and support, crafting safe spaces for individuals navigating mental health conditions. Our rehabilitation programs aim to reconstruct lives piece by piece, offering emotional support, life skills, and vocational training.

As we navigate this significant juncture, we invite you to join us at DRMM in upholding the torches of empathy, understanding, and kindness. Let’s break the chains of stigma, champion effective treatments, and build inclusive communities. In doing so, we empower individuals to transcend their struggles, evolving from merely surviving to thriving as valued members of our society. Let’s stand unified, extending caring hands, and make every day a commitment to mental health. We have the power to make a difference, and the time to start is now. Embark on this journey with us, today!

Chad Audi President and CEO Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries

 

DRMM is a 114-year-old organization that gives much needed hope and help to the homeless, jobless, drug-addicted and afflicted of southeast Michigan. For more information, please visit https://drmm.org or call 313-993-4700.