Vice President of Treatment Programs Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries
Congratulations to DRMM’s VP of Programs Darlene Owens for being selected as one of Crain’s Detroit Business 2023 Notable Leaders in Behavioral Health!
These behavioral health experts are executives, allied health workers, physicians, social workers and other professionals who provide high-quality, whole-person care by collaborating with governments, health care agencies and other nonprofits. They work with integrated care teams to provide services to people with issues related to mental health, substance use and developmental disabilities. And they advocate within industry groups and local and state government and support their communities through volunteerism.
“(Darlene Owens) has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in the behavioral health field. Her unwavering dedication to improving patient outcomes and promoting mental health awareness has made a significant impact in the lives of countless individuals,” said DRMM President and CEO Chad Audi, M.D.
Audi credits Owens’ leadership and “invaluable guidance” to DRMM’s ability to provide recovery housing, re-entry and substance use treatment.
Owens, who manages 65 employees and a $10 million budget, implemented regular evidence-based training to help staff deal with complex client needs and integrated substance use disorder and co-occurring disorder care with primary care providers. She also established the nonprofit’s East
Residential Alternative to Prison program that provides clients in the tri-county area with comprehensive treatment plans that include employment readiness and skills training along with medical care.
Moreover, Owens advocates for voting rights and volunteers at the Salvation Army. She is also a member of the National Notary Association and Wayne County’s Third Circuit Adult Drug Treatment Court team.
How should we react to people who are homeless? It’s an issue facing more and more Americans, as the problem keeps swelling, particularly in our cities.
One reaction is to run from the word. Using “homeless,’’ or specifically “the homeless,” has been assailed by activists as insensitive. Alternative suggestions range from “the unhoused” to “the unsheltered” to “urban campers” or even “curbside community.”
Stop. The word is not the problem. And debating it is a diversion from the serious issue it represents, and how we are — or aren’t — responding to it.
One major response is fear. People see a homeless person, they cross the street. They avoid. If that person is screaming, muttering or threatening passersby, the fear increases.
There’s nothing good about either of those outcomes.
Hard to find the right response
Another reaction to homelessness is compassion. This is the driving force behind the countless shelters, rehab programs, outreach groups and faith-based initiatives across the nation that help homeless people find their way to a better and healthier existence.
Thus makeshift tents, open-air drug use, even urination or defecation is tolerated in areas that were previously devoid of such issues. Sometimes, these homeless encampments spring up near expensive homes that owners purchased in the hopes of living in a “nice” neighborhood. To complain however, is to be branded a bigot or a privileged ogre.
Cynicism is also a common response to homelessness. “These people don’t want to work” or “if you give them money, they’ll just buy drugs or alcohol.” Such sentiments make people walk past men sleeping in the street, or drive past women begging on a corner with a cardboard sign.
Jimmy Doom, actor, writer, and bartender gives money to his friend Anthony who experienced homelessness in Hamtramak on January 19, 2023. Jimmy formed a friendship with Anthony and helps him when he can.
Meanwhile at our southern border, a record number of migrants crossed last week with the expiration of Title 42, and, almost by definition, none of them have homes. Consequently, many are living in the streets of border cities like El Paso, Texas, leaving the permanent residents angry and resentful.
How about we begin with “understanding”? I don’t mean understanding as a euphemism for embracing homelessness. I mean understanding as in who are these people, and what is causing their status?
Sherylle Garner 56, of Detroit works as a case manager at the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Mack warming center on November 21, 20221.
So I asked Chad first to break down the homeless population, and how they got that way.
“I would estimate around 50% are dealing with mental health issues,” he said. “About 30% are homeless due to drug and alcohol abuse. And about 20% are homeless due to an economic setback.”
While there are, of course, crossovers, the easiest segment to help, Audi said, is the smallest one. Those who became homeless due to a job loss or a workplace issue often just need a stopgap to get back on their feet. A brief stretch in shelter. A retraining program.
The hardest group to help is the largest segment: those with mental health issues.
“I would break this group in two,” Audi said, “those with moderate issues who can function well if their medication is prescribed and taken, and those with severe issues who may require to be in institutions.”
Audi laments that the government does not invest nearly enough in the mental health area. Instead, he said, it tends to want to build housing and more housing.
But housing people who “are not ready to be homeowners” often fails, Audi said, and ultimately results with those people back in the street.
Getting to the root of the issue
Audi also confirms that there is a chunk of the homeless population that does not want help, no matter what is offered.
“The chronically homeless often won’t go anyplace where you have control or rules. They usually are dealing with some mental health issues, or they don’t want to be told they can’t use drugs or alcohol. They don’t want a structured environment.”
The challenge is to help those who are open to help, with programs that address the core problems.
For many years, I have attended The DRMM’s “graduation” ceremonies, where those who have completed treatment and training programs, often taking up to two years, are given diplomas and celebrated for the work they put in to get back on their feet.
Temporary housing enabled them to improve, and readied them for a job and independence.
Katie Oswald hands out sandwiches in the homeless encampment known as “The Zone” in Phoenix, AZ on May 8, 2023. She does it with thoughts of her son who had lived in “The Zone”.
But such programs take time and money. And willing participants. Not every homeless person fits that bill. People need to be honest about that. Just as we need to be honest that homelessness is not a one-size-fits-all issue. People become homeless for various reasons. And certain solutions makes sense in one case, but not in another.
Ultimately, a society’s response to the homeless issue will depend on its viewpoint. In California, where housing prices are astronomical, some have taken to opening parking lots all night to allow those who don’t have housing to live in their cars.Some folks think this is brilliant. Others, like Audi, believe it perpetuates the problem.
“We have to stand up for the truth. The truth is a homeless person usually has issues that made them homeless. No one is saying homeless people are bad people, or second-class citizens. But most do have issues.
“Our job is to change government policies so we can attract homeless citizens to programs where they can get help and get a safe place to go. Where they can get back on their feet.”
What’s your response to a homeless person? Hopefully, before cynicism, anger, violence or misplaced over-compassion, it starts with understanding who that person is sleeping in the street, or lying on a bench, or begging on a corner, and what brought them there.
If we’re not realistic about the problem, we can’t expect much from our solutions.
As we gather to honor the women who have so profoundly shaped our lives on this Mother’s Day, let us take a moment to reflect on the incredible strength, dedication, and unconditional love that defines motherhood.
The journey of a mother is one of deep sacrifice, steadfast devotion, and a love that knows no bounds. Our mothers are our greatest protectors, our fiercest advocates, and our first teachers. They are the ones who cradle us through the night, guide us through life’s trials, and love us even when we falter.
However, as we rightfully celebrate the joy and beauty of motherhood, let us not forget the mothers who are facing immense struggles each day. Mothers who, through no fault of their own, have become victims of life’s harsh circumstances. Whether it be domestic violence, substance abuse, mental health issues, job loss, or the heart-wrenching loss of a loved one, these mothers carry the weight of the world on their shoulders.
Let’s not forget the widows, the grandmothers, the women who have endured the unimaginable pain of losing a child. These women, too, deserve our recognition, our compassion, and our unwavering support.
Today, we stand together as a community, committed to uplifting these mothers, to bringing a smile back to their faces, and reminding them of the strength and resilience they possess. They deserve the best, they deserve a chance to rebuild, and they deserve to be celebrated.
At Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, we are humbled to serve over 2200 individuals daily, two thirds of whom are women and children. We are here to listen, to understand, and to give unconditionally, without judgment or expectation.
This Mother’s Day let’s all come together to honor every mother, from every walk of life. Let’s show them the same selfless love and support they have shown us. Let’s give them the recognition they so richly deserve and let’s work tirelessly to ensure that all mothers, no matter their circumstances, can experience the joy of this special day.
Remember, it’s in our hands to make a difference. As we celebrate, let’s also extend our hands in service, ensuring every mother’s heart is filled with hope and every face graced with a smile.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the incredible women out there. Your strength, your courage, and your love inspire us every day.
With love and respect,
Chad Audi
Dr. Chad Audi has been the president and CEO of America’s largest rescue mission, the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, since 2004. An expert in finance and leadership, he is credited with bringing all-round growth and expansion to the 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.
The Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries partnered with the Inkster Task Force, Unity in the Community, City of Inkster and Mayor Patrick Wimberly, the Inkster Police Department, and Wayne County Sheriff Raphael for Inkster’s 2nd Annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 8, 2023 at the Booker T. Dozier Recreation Center. DRMM donated over 1000 Easter baskets and toys to the event which also included a marshmallow drop.
Thank you to our donors, community partners and staff for their support.
DRMM received a $25,000 donation from our partner SAY Detroit raised from their 11th annual SAY Detroit Radiothon. They distributed $1.8 million to 34 local charities (including DRMM) at a ceremony held on April 4th.
“This is one of the best days each and every year,” Mitch Albom, co-founder said. “Helping other like-minded nonprofits in our region who help others is very meaningful and we know the money will be put to good use in their respective operations.”
Our own CEO Dr. Chad Audi started Say Detroit in partnership with Mitch Albom in 2006 and is a current board member. SAY Detroit as an organization that focuses on providing a better life for individuals who are or may have struggled with health, housing or food insecurity.
The donation will benefit Genesis House II Shelter for Women.
2023 Radiothon Distribution Charity Recipients:
The Avalon Village, $5,000;
Better Together, $50,000;
Bing Youth Institute, $5,000;
Boys Hope Girls Hope of Detroit, $7,500;
Building Better Men, $15,000;
Cass Community Social Services, $25,000;
Detroit Dream Scholars fund at the College for Creative Studies, $45,000;
COTS Detroit’s Bright Beginnings, $12,500;
D2N, $7,500;
Detroit Culture Youth Company, $5,000;
Detroit Hives, $7,000;
Detroit Recovery Project, $5,000;
Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries Genesis House II, $25,000;
*Faith Tabernacle Choir/A Hole in the Roof Foundation, $5,000;
*Full Count Foundation, $10,000;
Humble Design, $15,000;
Hugs from Heaven, $15,000;
*Jive Turkeys Detroit, $5,000;
LA SED, Inc., $15,000;
Michigan Veterans Foundation, $15,000;
Mi-Cycle, $50,000;
Mother Batie’s Kitchen/United Sisters of Charity, $10,000;
North Star Reach, $5,000;
Notes for Notes, $10,000;
Parker Village, $7,500;
*Peace Players Detroit, $5,000;
SASHA Center, $15,000;
SAY Detroit Family Health Clinic, $100,000;
SAY Detroit Play Center at Lipke Park, $800,000;
SAY Detroit Tomorrow Fund, $355,000;
*TeMaTe Institute for Black Dance and Culture, $2,500;
*Urban Innovators, $5,000;
*Volleyball Elite, $10,000;
*Wayne County Neighborhood Legal Services, $10,000;
When Curtis Borders was released on parole in 1984, he was a long way from the man he would become. After failing a drug test, with nowhere else to turn, he arrived at the steps of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries.
“I had used drugs for over 20 years. I was sick and tired of that lifestyle, but I really didn’t know how to change,” he says.
After a year at our Mission, he completed his Bible studies and discovered a new path for his life. He recalls, “I was growing with leaps and bounds. I was seeing something in me that I liked that I never allowed myself to really see when I was an addict.”
Curtis’ time at our Mission sparked a powerful transformation. Today, he’s sober and has served as a pastor for over 20 years. “God and my family are my life. It’s just awesome when you surrender yourself and your will over to a power greater than you,” he says.
At 73 years old, Pastor Curtis continues to pay it forward by working as a chaplain at our Mission. His life is a living testament to the power of renewal and restoration. “I just thank God for the privilege of being a part of Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries because it has really helped me.”
As you celebrate Easter this year, I hope you will keep our residents in your heart and in your prayers. Remember, each person who walks through our doors has amazing potential, just like Pastor Curtis Borders.
“I’m a giver today. Years ago, I was a taker, but I give today,” he says as he describes why he believes it’s so important to keep supporting the men, women, and children who come to our Mission. “There are so many who don’t have what they need. And as a giver, it’s all right to open up your heart. That’s why you give…because you have a heart of compassion.”
This Easter, consider giving someone like Pastor Curtis Borders the gift of renewal and purpose. Every success story starts with a hot meal that only costs $2.37!
