2-1-1 On The Go! update.

Hello readers and encouragers!!



Thanks to everyone who has stopped us on the street, engaged with us in the elevator, at meetings, and anywhere else where United Way staff congregates to ask us how 2-1-1 On The Go! is going. It's great to see everyone's excitement for the ways in which United Way is making a difference in our own backyard!


Just to give you a quick update, Nick and I had our first day out with all the technology set up. We were able to access the Refer database via our laptops attached to the trunk mounts (which look/work great by the way!) and refer individuals in person. We just took one of the cars out so there would be less going on and we could better ease into providing information in-person. I think I speak for both Nick and myself when I say that it is NOTHING like referring in the call center. It's a whole different world out there. The car itself attracted so much attention that before too long we had a group of people asking us questions and trying to get referrals; all at the same time. Before too long things started to calm down a little and we were able to provide referrals a little easier.


Our focus right now is on visiting the different agencies that are hopefully collaborating with us, so that when we send somebody to that agency, we will be able to tell them what the process is like, what kind of services they offer, etc. We feel it's important to experience these agencies for ourselves rather than blindly referring people to them. So for the time being we won't be out on the streets as often, though we are continually brainstorming and meeting with different people to help us make this initiative the best it can possibly be for our much valued homeless community.

Thanks to all who've sacrificed time to speak with us, raise concerns, and help us find solutions to the anticipated issues of this project. We beg you all to stay engaged with us, and give us your input as we continue to creatively search for solutions to the issues in our beloved Detroit.

A real call to action for Leadership Next

Read: A rough headline today

I would be interested in "what was in the news" when these questions were asked of these young people. Plant closings? Strikes? Government shut downs? Those stories even get an optimist like me down about our state and region when I hear them. Who doesn't want to run from that pile of headlines? What if Brogan had asked the same questions of the same 600 18-24 year-olds on the very morning after the night that Ordonez hit his series-winning home run in Comerica Park last fall? Would the numbers would've been different? I bet.

Although Crain's does a great job of publicizing MI and DET's successes, I think that a simple historical comparison piece might also be nice sometimes to add some actual historical perspective. A lifetime resident of our city just told me that during the 1981-1982 timeframe, MI's unemployment was closer to 13% - almost double our current numbers (in any given month). The same was true in the very late 1950s when G. Mennen Williams was the governor of Michigan (this was during the last "Michigan government shutdown") -- and that was when mortgage rates of 12% were the average.

Were the late 1950s "Happy Days" (like on the sitcom)? Or were those the real "bad (economic) times" in our state/city? On the numbers alone, the answer becomes rhetorical.

I have an old friend who is a transplant to Chicago and can't wait to return "to buy an undervalued house in a neighborhood that we never could have afforded when we were growing up (in Michigan)". He (Mr. Chicago) is asking me about jobs here. Apparently that is what a daily, 2 hour, 25 mile commute to work will do to you. And that is one way.


Kevin A. S. Fanning, Esq.
Clark Hill PLC
Leadership Next member

Seeking the Willing

"How did you get so involved in community," Leslie Murphy--one of the regions most impactful civic volunteers-- was asked. She replied, "follow your passion and just start walking down the path of volunteering."


(Leslie Murphy)

Follow your passion.

Don't stand still and wait for it to come to you. Reach out---start walking down the path of involvement. Move from being a spectator to a participant.

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Last Saturday morning Jeff Love, President of Baker College, and I spoke to 150 Baker College students about leadership, the health and human service sector, and the huge transition in leadership that will take place over the next ten years: 600,000 executive's in the US will retire from the non-profit sector. Who is prepared to lead non-profit organizations in a 2.0 world?

They asked, "how do we get those jobs that are becoming available?"


(Jeff Love)

Follow your passion.

Don't stand still and expect the organization to create the great job for you. Create your own plan of action. Be the author of your work. Develop the skills inside the organization and outside the organization. Don't be a spectator in an organization. Become a full participant.

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About 20 individuals from United Way's Leadership Next --- next generation leaders in SE Michigan --- met with Tony Earley-- Chairman of DTE for an informal dialogue on leadership last night.

"It seems to me that those who have successful careers and lives are people who get involved. I have been involved with community for over 35 years, and it is through that involvement, that I have learned new skills and met some of the best people", Tony reflected.

"Identify what you are interested in ..... and just start getting yourself involved."


(Tony Earley)

Find your passion.

Don't stand still. Start looking for others that are involved in that passion as well. Be curious. Seek to understand. Start helping. Don't wait for an organization to come to you. Rather, become a participant by making the first step.

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Matching retirees with jobs for the public good is a feature in today's New York Times. After a 20 - 30 year career, many retirees are taking their skills and applying them to his or her passions. The retirement model isn't go and play golf in a retirement community. Rather, it is go and take your skills to make a difference. Sometimes for pay. Other times as a volunteer.

Regardless, the pattern is emerging.



Follow your passion.

Don't wait for the next chapter of your life to be prescribed by someone else. Go write your new story ---- the story you always wanted to write. Don't be a spectator of watching others connect their talents to advancing the common good. Become a participant.

How?

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Five steps to getting involved:

1. Identify what you would like to become involved with. What do you want to make a difference on? What would get you out of bed in the morning with a bounce in your step. Get clear about what skills you most want to utilize.

2. Identify organizations that are doing work in that area by calling United Way's 211. We can help you create your contact list.

3. Call the president of those organizations and ask for a 1/2 hour meeting to learn more about the issue you care about and the organization's work. Any CEO worth his/her weight in salt will welcome such a visitor.

4. Ask the CEO to identify other networks that are doing similar work that you could contact.

5. After a few visits, you will begin to see opportunities to help. Make a suggestion to others on how you would like to help. Before long, you will move from looking from the outside to knowing and having relationships with others that share your passion. Just take the first step. It might not be a perfect match right away ---- but over time --- you will find the fit that makes sense for you.

Thanks for reading. Pass it on.

United Way, the Detroit Lions, and the American Heart Association Help Youth Get Fit at the 9TH Annual Hometown Huddle on Tuesday, October 23

Press Release

MEDIA CONTACTS:
The Detroit Lions: United Way for Southeastern Michigan:
Kim Doverspike, (810) 602-1140 Cara I. Belton, 313-226-9484 or 313-520-8454
Laura L. Rodwan, 313-226-9484 or 313-477-2750

Kids from Local Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan to Benefit

DETROIT, Oct. 18, 2007—United Way for Southeastern Michigan is teaming up with the Detroit Lions, the American Heart Association and the Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan for the 9th Annual Hometown Huddle to be held on Tuesday, Oct. 23, from 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm at the Dick and Sandy Dauch Campus, home of the new NFL/Youth Education Town - Boys & Girls Club, located at 16500 Tireman Street in Detroit. The Lions long-standing association with Hometown Huddle is one of the longest-running and most visible charitable collaborations of its kind. Detroit Lions players, volunteers and local area youth will build a $65,000 fitness trail project.

The National Football League, in partnership with the American Heart Association, has also created “What Moves U,” a national campaign to inspire kids to become more physically active.

"The NFL and the Lions have enjoyed a rewarding relationship with United Way for more than three decades,” said Tim Pendell, Detroit Lions Senior Director of Community Affairs. “We are excited about this opportunity to bring together our long-standing partners to promote the importance of physical education among our community’s youth.”

Detroit is one of 32 cities participating in Hometown Huddle. Once a year, NFL teams join forces with United Way for a national day of community service. NFL players from each of the 32 teams put down their shoulder pads and pick up a paintbrush, a box of canned goods or a spatula to lend a hand to members of their communities.

Spearheading the Detroit Lions efforts in this year’s Hometown Huddle is defensive tackle Shaun Rogers and many of his teammates from the defensive line. Rogers, the Lions’ 340-pound, two-time Pro Bowl standout, organized his linemates to help defray the expenses of the fitness trail. The tentative list of fellow defensive linemen joining Rogers in the fitness trail construction on Tuesday will be Ikaika Alama-Francis, Shaun Cody, Jared DeVries, Langston Moore, Cory Redding, Salomon Solano and Dewayne White. Other Lions tentatively scheduled to attend Tuesday are running backs Jon Bradley and T.J. Duckett, wide receivers Ron Bellamy and Mike Furrey, offensive tackle George Foster and Blaine Saipaia, punter Nick Harris, linebacker Alex Lewis, and quarterback Dan Orlovsky

In Detroit, this year’s project involves the completion of a fitness trail that features ten individual stations, including: leg-stretch, chin-up, step-up, balance beam, knee-raise, sit-up, high jump, spring-up, push-up and hand walk. The trail surrounds the Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Athletic Field, located at the Gardenview Estates, a Detroit Housing Commission – HUD major redevelopment initiative (at the intersections of Joy, Tireman and the Southfield Freeway) in Detroit.

“Boys and Girls Club of Southeastern Michigan is very grateful to all of our partners for their commitment and support in offering Detroit youth a positive, healthy opportunity to improve their health, well-being and future lifestyle,” said Len Krichko, President and CEO.

“We know that kids today are not getting enough physical and outdoor activity. United Way is proud to participate in this project that specifically addresses that basic need,” said Michael J. Brennan, president & CEO, United Way for Southeastern Michigan. “This is a win-win partnership between organizations that are committed to mentoring and developing youth, and it is a tremendous example of what can be accomplished when we all work together.”

For more information, contact or visit www.uwsem.org.

# # #

United Way for Southeastern Michigan mobilizes the caring power of Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties to improve lives in measurable and lasting ways throughout the region. The organization is led by a diverse group of volunteers from business, labor, government, human services, education and the community. United Way provides opportunities to invest in the metropolitan Detroit community through its annual Torch Drive and is a leader in convening partners to impact local residents each year by increasing economic self-sufficiency, protecting children and youth at risk, strengthening families, empowering neighborhoods and communities, and promoting health and wellness. Additional information is available at www.uwsem.org.

The American Heart Association is the largest voluntary health organization fighting heart disease, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases in local communities throughout America. These diseases devastate millions of people of all ages and claim nearly 950,000 lives a year.

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2-1-1 On The Go! speaks with Little Foot, James and Rob

Hello again readers and encouragers!

On Tuesday John and I headed out onto the streets again, but this time with a most welcomed guest: Mike Brennan. He decided to carve out a couple hours in the afternoon to come experience 2-1-1 On The Go! firsthand. Within minutes of parking the car, we were already engrossed in conversations with Detroiters in all types of life situations. One of the people we ran into is an interesting character who goes by "Little Foot". In the course of our various homeless outreach events last summer, John and I talked with Little Foot on a regular basis, so it was somewhat nostalgic to see him. He says he's a rapper, and that he works "for the people". Since this past summer, Little Foot has got himself into Section 8 housing, and is no longer subject to the rigors of street life, not that it ever affected his jubilant disposition anyway. Still though, it was great to know he was on the upward swing and has a warm place to lay his head.

As we talked with him on the corner of Woodward and Willis, Mike and I asked him about life on the streets and he was (as usual) more than willing to indulge us. With the utmost animation, Little Foot quickly slipped into the role of reporter as he discerned the situation of each woman and man in sight. He gave us his take on how to tell when someone is using drugs, and when they actually need help to get on their feet. He pointed to people panhandling and laid out for Mike and I his prediction of what would happen in the next few moments. With stunning accuracy he was able to predetermine who would give them money, and what direction people would head once they got the money. Although he'd seen it a thousand times, he still appeared to be disappointed when people would beg for money to get drugs. Some of the people Little Foot pointed out as "users" were very obvious. Their faces were thin, hands were shaky, and they were highly recognizable to John and I as staples of the street community. Others were less obvious; well-groomed and prideful. Because the physical signs weren't always accurate, Little Foot reinforced the idea that each person, whether on the street or in the office, is unique and has their own story. He knows these people, he was recently among them. He's got a leg to stand on now, and we want to help get more people into that position.

Mike, John, and I eventually made our way off of the corner of Woodward and Willis, and headed south. We made a decent loop of the Midtown area, hitting MLK and Cass along the way. While out on the journey, we spoke with several people in dire circumstances. We listened to their stories as they poured out their hearts, and we recommended the resources of 2-1-1 as often as possible. If you haven't yet read Mike's email about James, a hurting, repentant man at the beginning of another tough battle, I would encourage you to do so. With that, I'm going to hand it over to John. Thanks for your support.

Hello all!

As Nick pointed out, it was a pleasure to have Mike Brennan get down in the trenches with us for a couple of hours. I really feel that with each time we go out, we are growing in the area of discernment. It gets a little bit easier to figure out who really needs help, and who is just telling us what we want to hear. We are learning to have patience with those that aren't ready to get the help that we feel they need, and we are excited to help those that just need that extra push! There are a lot of people out there who have some pretty incredible stories, one of which is a man I spent some time with named Rob.

Rob came up to me excited about the Rack card and referrals that Nick gave him, and assured me that he would be calling these agencies and using 2-1-1. It didn't take anything on my part for Rob to begin spilling his life story to me. All I had to do was be ready to listen, and I'm glad that I did. Rob is sort of the encourager/big brother of his area. If you read Mikes email about James, he is the guy that is fixing the brakes on James' van. He is a mechanic and makes some money here and there by fixing cars for people that would otherwise pay a lot more at a repair shop. Rob has lived the typical life of someone struggling on the streets, and has since left that lifestyle behind. He has spent some considerable time in prison for, from what I gather, robbing a bank. He has been addicted to drugs and alcohol and "by the grace of God" he so joyfully proclaimed, he was able to receive the strength to stand up on his own two feet, and leave that life behind! Amazingly, he didn't kick his addiction by going to any substance abuse treatment centers. He basically just quit on his own, by making a decision to that he didn't want to live that way anymore. Rob spoke very passionately to me about the importance of helping yourself instead of waiting for handouts. He also expressed his passion for seeing those around him get their lives together. He encourages those around him to follow his lead, and take ownership of their own lives, which I think is just what the homeless community needs. Rob is not homeless, in fact he obtained permission from the city to live in a small shack that he built for himself in an open area behind the apartment building where we met James and some others. When people give him money, he goes to the grocery store and buys meat and things to cook on the grill that he owns. He hands out meals to those that chip in a buck or two, and even slips some food to those who hoped to get a free meal.

The thing that is so inspiring to me about Rob is that he is the perfect example of someone who has taken a look at his life, didn't like what he saw, and took the necessary steps to changing his situation. He spoke of the people on the street that know they need help, but decide to just remain helpless and just lay down and die. He hopes to see those people pull themselves together and take the initiative to getting what they really want out of life, but keeps them at a distance so that he doesn't fall into that lifestyle himself. Rob expressed his excitement about 2-1-1 On The Go! and seemed to think that he would be able to use our services. We are looking forward to helping more people like Rob who just need a hand getting stable in life.

We are hoping to get more pictures up regularly in these blog posts. I will do my best to make sure you all can put some faces to the names we will talk about in future posts.

Until next week, thanks for all your support and encouragement and if you see us out on the street, come say hi!

The Launch of 2-1-1 On the Go!

Well, we've officially launched the much awaited homeless initiative; 2-1-1 On the Go! The cars are here, they're extremely noticeable, and they're equipped with all the tools necessary to serve our homeless community! If you haven't gotten a chance to see the cars, either Nick or myself will be glad to show them to you. Otherwise, you can't miss them, so I'm sure at some point you'll see us around.

Friday, October 5th was our official launch, and we used it as a day to feel out the new initiative, and sort of get our bearings. We talked to about 15 people. Some were homeless, some were not. Some were looking for a job, and others were struggling with addictions to various substances. Others still had basic needs for which we were able to provide resources.

I personally had a great experience with one person, whose name I think was Murill. At least that's how he was pronouncing it. Murill was pretty aggressive when Nick and I first approached, demanding $5 from us, and telling us he needed to get some food. At that point Nick went to talk to another man standing nearby, and I sat down beside Murill. He wasn't very receptive to the resources I provided him with for food and shelter. He told me he really just wanted McDonalds instead.

I should probably add here that it is extremely difficult for Nick and I to resist helping these people directly, though we have to keep reminding each other that if word gets out that we're purchasing lunches for people, they will get the wrong idea of what 2-1-1 is about. It would also hinder the whole empowerment issue that we are trying to encourage through 2-1-1, and 2-1-1 On the Go.

With that said, I reminded him that these agencies are a temporary fix and are not meant to be gourmet meals. It was around this time that I think he started to warm up to me, and it wasn't long before he was telling me all about his past, and his current struggles with substance abuse. He had been to jail and while in jail his father and his brother both died. He was still holding onto some guilt about the death, and that he couldn't be there to say goodbye.

He told me of his aspirations in getting a job and getting his life back in order, but the thing that was holding him back was fear. He was afraid of success, as well as failure. He also had an attachment to the streets that he didn't want to let go of. I think that when someone has been on the streets living under their own rules, and giving in to their addictions and just letting the problems of life happen to them, they get further and further into their circumstances and the thought of getting better would seem increasingly more impossible.

Murill obviously just needed someone to talk to. He expressed to me that he just needed an outlet, someone to just listen to him, and he told me that he was really glad that I sat down next to him and just let him vent. I don't think that Murill is quite ready to change his ways, but I think I was able to encourage him in the right direction, and maybe offer him a bit of hope.

The thing that Nick and I need to keep reminding ourselves is that the people we're reaching out to may NEVER get the help that they need. They may very well continue down the wrong road and possibly even die in their struggles. But that doesn't mean they aren't worth our time, our love, and the hope that we are able to provide through 2-1-1 and the United Way.

There are other stories I could share and I would love to sit at my desk and blog all day long, but I will leave it at that and pass the keyboard onto Nick to give you some insight into his experiences thus far.


Well, hello readers and encouragers!

As John already stated, we are underway in this exciting project of bringing the 2-1-1 call center to the streets of Detroit. We've already encountered people in all types of life situations. Some people stopped to talk with us that have no apparent need of the 2-1-1 available services. Overall, the energy is good and the community's interest is piqued.

While out on Friday, as John was talking to Murill, I spoke with a gentleman named Henry. He was in his mid-50s and homeless. He said he had Multiple Sirosis, which, given my limited medical knowledge, left me dumbfounded. His right arm was wrapped in bandages and his hand seemed to quiver. As we sat and talked, he opened up about his family and the loss of his brothers. It seems his mother and sisters are his only remaining family, and they don't want to take him in. Without knowing their reasons, it's tough to judge whether that is in fact as cruel as it appears. Either way, he was in need of shelter. So, with the information John mentioned, I walked him through the directions to the Detroit Rescue Mission, which was the nearest available shelter. Henry was confident of his ability to find it. We continued to talk about his life situation and he was extremely candid about his continued struggle for hope. He felt abandoned, lonely, and listless. The best I could do was hear him out and encourage Henry to seek shelter and food for the night. The small step of getting to the Detroit Rescue Mission will certainly not ease the many woes of his heart, but it will give him a safe place to consider a direction to move in. While I cannot know whether Henry actually went to the DRM on Friday, I can be confident that many of the people we will speak with in days to come will be in similar situations.

It was surprising how few people we talked to in half a day's time. It certainly wasn't for lack of homeless people. Many of we Detroiters know exactly where to go to find double-digit congregations of homeless folks. The reason it took so long was actually the openness of the men and women we talked to. Hearing the hopes, fears, and struggles of any one person would take a lifetime, and homeless people are no exception. And, this step is critical. It is through this investment of time and emotion into hearing the stories of the hurting people of Detroit that we will see success stories in the course of this project. John and I are fully on-board with UWSEM's mission to mobilize the caring power of Metro Detroit; starting with us.

Thanks for taking the time read this blog and encourage us. We've been overwhelmed by the reception we've received so far. If you have any specific questions for us, just send an email, as we're likely to be out on the streets!

Our Inclusion Problem

Detroit vs Suburbs. Oakland vs. Macomb. Black vs. White. Young vs. Old. Union vs. Management. Republican vs. Democrat. You vs. me. And the list goes on.

Read the papers. Talk to others. The common consensus – us vs. them, them vs. us.

Leadership Next members have been doing a lot of brainstorming lately; a lot of discussing and a lot of learning. A common theme binding this brainstorming, these discussions, this learning: a need for inclusive leadership in Southeast Michigan.

Leadership that recognizes and appreciates differences; but strives for consensus and the common good of all in the region, not petty political, geographic or corporate interests. Leadership that unites, not divides. Leadership that presents, accepts and implements long term solutions to systemic problems; and leadership that has the guts to build bridges across communities, races, special interests and generations.

Promoting and encouraging a culture of inclusive leadership in Southeast Michigan, and doing so requires more than brainstorming, talking and learning. It requires strategy, partnerships, knowledge, engagement, courage.

Over the next year, Leadership Next will deep dive into the world of inclusive leadership. It will share examples of inclusive leadership that is working in the region; will offer opportunities for members to refine leadership skills; and it will promote inclusive leadership through leading by example. Humility and action will be key. Look for partnerships, events, initiatives and opportunities to further this theme.

Matt Clayson,
Chair of Leadership Next

"I'm heading to jail tonight"

"I am heading to the jail tonight," James said to me. He had to report to the jail by the end of the day --- a warrant had been issued because he missed a critical meeting with his parole officer and didn't meet some of his requirements. He works sporadically --- a general laborer on construction sites. He can earn about $200 a week. A hundred goes for rent each week, $50 for child support and he lives on the rest. That is, if he earns the $200.

James history is complicated. Married once and had a son. Got himself in trouble with the law and found himself in prison. Made some other poor choices that kept him in prison for 12 years. Today, he has some work clothes, a pair of boots, a leather jacket, pots and pans and an old van that currently has no brakes.

James is bi-polar and currently has no access to medication. If he isn't working, he is figuring out just how to survive. His friend, who stood nearby in the vacant lot, told James he was going to watch over his van and work on his brakes while he was in prison. James thought he would be back anywhere from 10 - 90 days.

James would be the first to tell you he made some bad decisions. He doesn't want anyone to view him as a victim. He isn't bitter. He wasn't asking for money. But his reality and story is not an isolated one.

James was the last person I met yesterday. I spent the afternoon with two of United Way's 211 associates, John and Nick, listening to and linking community resources with individuals who are homeless or just on the edge.

The time was spent hearing the stories of several individuals who find a way to survive without a permanent address and lifting up on "on ramp" to help. Many were not aware of 211 --- a network of over 7,000 services in SE Michigan. Identifying the barriers buster help is the work that the 211 associates are on. They are mobile resource centers --- feet on the street and wheels on the ground--- connecting helping networks to eliminate barriers for individuals.

There is not enough room to write all the thoughts that cross my mind as I reflect on the afternoon....but suffice to say....the issue of homelessness is complicated. Every individual has a story --- their own journey.

I was struck by a quote I read last night from Nelson Mandela: "Massive poverty and obscene inequality are such terrible scourges of our times -- times in which the world boasts breathtaking advances in science, technology, industry and wealth accumulation -- that they have to rank alongside slavery and apartheid as social evils."

As we left James, we suggested that as soon as he gets out of jail, he should call 211. James pulled a pocket bible out and said, "I am going to write that in here. They can't take this away from me when I go in." He opened the front cover and wrote down --- "211 Nick".

I recognize society does not have much compassion for individuals like James: prison, mental illness, and a collection of bad decisions. The term homeless and working poor are terms that do not illicit wide response. But, when you move from a term to the person, a different light is placed upon the circumstance.

Today's response to these issues is not so dissimilar to 40 -50 years ago. Shelter, bed, food, and some other services. As a leader to an organization that carries in its mission the words "mobilize" and "improve lives", we must seek different ways to address complex social issues. That is our work at United Way-- to find the willing that want to create powerful solutions to complex issues that can improve lives ---- like James.

If you would like to join our 211 Associates on their journey in seeking new solutions, just let me know. We can arrange for you to walk along with them.

Thanks for reading. Pass it on.