Winter 2013- Home Ownership in the 21st Century

KHOP Homes

New and rehabbed homes are available for purchase through the Kalamazoo Homeownership Opportunities Program (KHOP). KHOP provides down payment assistance to buyers who earn below 120% of area median income. Those below 50% may qualify for larger subsidies. For more information, visit www.kalamazoolandbank.org and click on Home Ownership

Kalamazoo County Land Bank Authority 229 East Michigan Avenue, Suite 340 Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007 269.762.6191

Contents What’s Inside 6 Youth In Action Things to do When 8 10 Facing Foreclosure 14

Feature Story

Making Places to Come Home To

Selling 17 Home Strategies

20 Meet The Pastor MULTI-CULTURAL NEWS SOURCE

Volume 01, Issue 08

Rob Oakleaf of

Founders Arlene & James Washington (2005-2010) Your Community, Your Voice Publisher Season Press LLC (2010-) Editor-In-Chief

Sonya Bernard-Hollins Graphic Design Fortitude Graphic Design Webmaster

Geoffrey Brege Contributing Writer

Jeff Leonard Contributing Photographer

Brittany Glanton, intern

Cover Photo: Jonathan Bradford, President and CEO of Inner City Christian Federation.

Photo by Brittany Glanton www.comvoicesonline.com WINTER 2013 |

Ministry with Community story on page 24.

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PUBLISHER’S VOICE

What’s Keeping You From The Dream?

I

Sonya Bernard-Hollins

As we enter 2013 we have more opportunity than our grandparents’ parents could have dreamed of.

What’s keeping many of us from obtaining the American Dream?

This Year Community Voices magazine will highlight The American Dream: • Homeownership • A Health Community • Education and the Arts • Businesses in our Community

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don’t know why my husband and I started laughing upon entering his grandparents’ home during a recent visit, but what we saw caught us off guard. After giving hugs and taking off our coats we noticed among the permanent display of antiques an iPad plugged in next to the washing machine. We couldn’t believe it. Had someone left it there over the holidays?

Surely Grandma, well into her 90s, was not downloading apps and Googling her grandchildren. They still had a rotary dial phone for goodness sakes! Quick investigation revealed it was Grandpa’s, and he had bought it as a Christmas present for himself.

As Grandpa explained what he had learned about Skype and shared photos his daughter recently emailed, we were in shock.

These were the people we came to for advice on life. We learned about real history through their stories. Grandpa often shares how his own great grandfather escaped slavery in Mississippi.

And Grandma talks of how her ancestors sold peanuts during slavery and save enough to purchase their own farm after slavery ended.

Our grandparents’ ancestors faced many challenges on their road toward The American Dream. They wanted to own a nice home, secure a job or own a business, and see that their children received a quality education. In turn, our grandparents caught the vision and moved a bit further than the generation before.

As we enter 2013 we have more opportunities than our grandparents’ parents could have dreamed of. What’s keeping many of us from obtaining The American Dream? We have an African-American president, however, we are bombarded with news of falling off a fiscal cliff, losing our homes to foreclosure, and attempting to hold a job during record-high unemployment.

We have more access to quality foods, however childhood obesity is at an all-time high. There are more educational scholarships than ever, yet the dropout rate continues to rise. There are more opportunities to own businesses, however, many of us are afraid to take a chance.

This year each Community Voices issue will focus on an aspect of The American Dream. We will look at who is living The Dream, how the rest of us can catch hold to The Dream, and what it takes to get there. This issue begins with Homeownership in the 21st Century.

As Grandpa downloads his Wall Street Journal, he continues to see the world turn “on a cloud.” While we face challenges in this economy, there are still more opportunities than ever before…just Skype my grandfather and ask him.

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For the Record- ALBION Airmen

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As many admired the bravery and loyalty of the Tuskegee Airmen in movies such as Red Tails, little know of the men in their own communities who served as who we now

call Tuskegee Airmen. Albion, Michigan is one community that proudly recognizes three of its (now deceased) residents as original Tuskegee Pilot Grover Crumsby, Radio Operator Finis Holt, and Pilot Richard Weatherford.

These men were recruited to be among the first 1,000 African-American military aviators in the U.S. Air Forces.

The college-educated men were trained at a segregated facility at Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. While the Tuskegee Airmen are glorified in movies today, the trail they blazed for future generations was not an easy one. Segregation

and prejudice stifled their potential both in the military and civilian life. They flew more than 1,500 missions during the war, however were not recognized for their role in the war until 2007 when they received the Gold Medal by Congress.

Learn more about these area airmen at: http://www. placepromo.com/aih/people/ weatherford_richard.htm ; learn more about Tuskegee Airmen at: http://en.wikipedia. org/wiki/Tuskegee_Airmen 1- Richard Weatherford-pilot 2-Grover Crumsby-pilot 3- Finis Holt -radio operator

JANUARY 12–APRIL 14 This photographic exhibit showcases the efforts of African Americans on and off the field of battle.

This exhibit is from The National Museum of Nuclear Science & History.

kalamazoomuseum.org 269.373.7990 The Kalamazoo Valley Museum is operated by Kalamazoo Valley Community College and is governed by its Board of Trustees

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inaction

YOUTH 1 3

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Area youth are learning about their communities and making a difference in it. Photos 1 and 2-The new Volunteer Kalamazoo Youth board volunteers at Ministry with Community; 3 and 4-Students of Bible Baptist Church Girl Scouts work with younger scouts.

5 and 6-Students of Cassopolis High School and their Superintendent Tracy Hertsel have lunch at Western Michigan University and pose with their town Chief of Police Frank Williams and John Dunn, president of WMU. Let us know what your youth group is up to. Send images and information to: editor@comvoicesonline. com! Visit www.comvoicesonline.com to see more of these images in our Gallery!

Their future is what we do today.

5 The W.K. Kellogg Foundation has been investing in Michigan communities for more than 80 years.

We are committed to creating an environment of racial equity that results in healthy, educated kids and economically secure families — where all children can thrive.

Learn more at www.wkkf.org/Michigan

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Mikael Lott was first drawn to Kalamazoo College for its academic prestige.

Zena

Blake has found her groove. Transitioning to Kalamazoo College from high school inhorizon Ypsilanti “I’ve had the opportunity to expand my academic both inside and outside the classroom,” saysself-described the Business was aofchallenge for this major from Lake Orion. reserved person. But she met her challenges and team, hasn’tMikael looked back.abroad in A wide receiver head for K’son football studied Now a junior, Mikael says he’s earning more than a degree.

Costa Rica as a sophomore.

The College helped Zena in part by connecting a math aide at Kalamazoo Central High School and as“I’ve a counselor at more a summer algebra camp matured. I’m open-minded and for adaptablePublic to otherSchools people and beliefs,” held he says.

Kalamazoo students on K’s campus.

He internship in marketing.

After herlater to landed peoplea corporate in the community.

She’ s worked as graduation, he plans to pursue an MBA.

“Coming to K is more than just a college decision, it’s a life choice.”

Now a junior math major with an interest in criminal psychology, Zena plans to complete a senior project on the effects, importance, and value of math enrichment programs in Kalamazoo.

More in Four.

More in a Lifetime.

“The people here really make it special,” Zena said about Kalamazoo. www.kzoo.edu “I’ve made good friends.”

More in Four.

More in a lifetime. www.kzoo.edu www.comvoicesonline.com

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THINGS TO DO WHEN FACING

FORECLOSURE

By Sonya Hollins, publisher editor@comvoicesonline.com

Y

ou will always remember the day you signed for your new home. Your keys were your prized possession and you couldn’t wait to invite friends and family over to celebrate.

Whether it was a brand new home custom built just for you, or an older home you came to love, it was yours nonetheless.

Once you moved in and added furniture, plants, and other décor it was just right.

Fast forward Economic hardship has made owning your dream home a nightmare.

You are falling behind on your mortgage and are threatened with FORECLOSURE. Now what?

First of all, you are not alone. More than 10.9 million homes were foreclosed between 2007 and 2011 according to the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL).The Mortgage

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Bankers Association reported that every three months 250,000 new families enter into foreclosure. Could this be avoided? In many cases, yes. A loss in income, health issues that lead to missing work, or an emergency that drains an already depleted budget, are tipping points toward foreclosure. A poll taken

by Freddie Mac/Roper discovered that “more than 6 in 10 homeowners delinquent in their mortgage payments are not aware of services that mortgage lenders can offer” to those with mortgage payment issues.

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And if you live in minority neighborhoods, you may feel the sting of foreclosure even more.

“African Americans and Latinos make up less than 30 percent of the U.S. population, however hold more than half of the $1.9 trillion in the drain on neighboring property value as a result of foreclosure,” says CRL. Foreclosure seems to cut many of us to the core, and while it may hurt, the scar will heal. There is hope.

1.) DON’T IGNORE BANK NOTICES! You may feel you can catch up on your loan, or you are holding out for a job that will bring you current let the bank know your situation ASAP. The longer you go without talking to lenders about your situation the less options you may have to receive assistance.

2.) AVOID SCAMS. There are FREE government-supported programs operated by nonprofit sectors, which provide counseling on behalf of local, state and federal government guidelines. They are there to help. www.makinghomeaffordable.gov is and excellent resource. Also, visit Congressman Fred Upton’s office at (269) 3850039 if you have questions on possible scams or resistance with your lender.

3.) GET AN ADVOCATE ON YOUR SIDE. You are too emotional and connected to the situation. Get an advocate who knows the laws and options available, and will get on the calls to your lender with you. See page 11 for a list of area HUDcertified counselors.

4.) FIND OUT YOUR OPTIONS. There are so many options for those in foreclosure today due to the hardship others have faced along the way. You must know what is available to find out what will work best for you. Do your research.

5.) LEARN THE LINGO. Knowing the foreclosure language will help you decide what solution works best for you in saving your home or walking away.

6.) RESEARCH SECOND MORTGAGE OPTION. See if you can obtain a second smaller mortgage to catch up on your past due balance. Or, if the mortgage company would allow you to move your past-due balance to the end of your loan period. A principle-reduction alternative to reduce the amount you owe on the home also may be an option.

7.) ASK ABOUT A SHORT SALE. This is an agreement between you and the bank to allow you to sell your home for less than it is worth. If you have a loan through Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac going through the Homes Affordable Foreclosure Alternatives may release you from any short sale debt once the house is sold, PLUS provide you with up to $3,000 in relocation assistance.

8.) CONSIDER A DEED-IN-LIEU. This allows you to turn over the title to your home to the mortgage company in exchange for you remaining there as a renter.

9.) GO ONLINE AND SEARCH THE HARDEST HIT FUND. If you have a loan through the Federal Housing Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, or the Veterans Administration, you may be eligible for the Hardest Hit Fund, which provides opportunities for those who are unemployed to qualify for reduced or suspended mortgage payments for 12 months or more. Michigan received $498,605,738 for this fund. Find out more at: www.stepforwardmichigan.org 10.) TRY BEYOND THE SHERIFF SALE. Even if the mortgage company places your home on auction you may still have time to reclaim your home. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are out of the game at this point. A redemption period of six months to a year may allow you to pay the outstanding mortgage balance and fees, to retain your home. www.comvoicesonline.com

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Don’t Spend Money to Cash Your Check Scenario: You just received your check for $300.

You don’t have a bank account because you don’t have a valid license or state identification. You have permission to work as a migrant worker, however, to open an account you need proof of residency or other items you just don’t have.

You go to your neighborhood check-cashing service, payday lender, or pawnshop and pay up to $25 or more in fees to cash the check. After paying for your cell phone, electric or other bills at the same check-cashing service you rack up more fees. The little you have left is then guarded with your life in your wallet or at home where anyone could steal it. What do you do?

STOP THE MADNESS! The Poverty Reduction Initiation (PRI) based in Kalamazoo recently collaborated with area banks to solve this problem through BankOn Kalamazoo. The national BankOn program was unveiled in Kalamazoo County in October 2012 to provide FREE bank accounts, which allow customers to cash checks without fees, and have a safe place to save their money.

According to Patrick Naswell, executive director of PRI, more than 6,000 households in Kalamazoo County do not have checking or savings accounts, and more than 17,000 still use high-fee check cashing services.

He said the benefits of having a checking account are endless, however having an account through a BankOn institution provides perks as they partner with more than a dozen community organizations to provide other needs as well. “Our financial and community partners have done great work in making BankOn Kalamazoo a reality,” Naswell said.

Find out more at: www.bankonkzoo.org, or call 269-615-2001 for more information.

Patrick Naswell 10

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love where you live kalamazoo community Foundation

269.381.4416 kalfound.org

facebook.com/kalfound

@kalfound

Help Through Foreclosure: HUD-Approved Counselors GREENPATH DEBT SOLUTIONS: 888-860-4167, www.greenpath.com, 3 Locations

7127 S. Westnedge Ave., Ste. 5 C, PORTAGE

131 E. Columbia Avenue, Ste. 112 BATTLE CREEK

3210 Eagle Run Dr NE, Ste. 102 GRAND RAPIDS GRAND RAPIDS URBAN LEAGUE: 888-860-4167, 745 Eastern Ave SE, Grand Rapids, www.grurbanleague.org SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY: 800-334-7670, 185 E. Main St., Ste. 200, Benton Harbor, www.smcaa.com NEIGHBORHOODS INC. OF BATTLE CREEK: 269-968-1113, 47 N. Washington Ave., www.nibc.org KALAMAZOO NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSING SERVICES, INC.: 269-385-2916 802 S. Westnedge Ave., www.knhs.org TELAMON CORP.: 269-655-9916, 32849 Red Arrow Hwy, Ste. 200, Paw Paw www.comvoicesonline.com

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You’ve seen them, however you try to act as if you don’t. They are the homeless people on our streets and camped out in the woods in rural areas. While we don’t know their situation, we often assume it was just bad choices, substance abuse, or mental illness that has led to their current state.

The Annie E. Casey Foundation’s Kids Count reported that 25% of children in Michigan and 25% of children in Southwest Michigan live in poverty. Why? Issues such as loss of wages, domestic violence, divorce, changes in the welfare system, and lack of affordable housing and foreclosures play a big role in that according to the National Coalition for the Homeless www.nationalhomless.org.

The organization reports that 41% of the homeless population is made up of families.

The discomfort of not having a stable home environment has many negative implications on youth. Author Robert D. Dietz of the book, “The Social Consequences of Homeownership,” writes children with stable home environments perform better in school, have fewer behavior problems in school and are less likely to become teen parents. Issues with anxiety from change of school or environment lead many students to drop out of school or graduate later in life.

The Kalamazoo Gospel Mission (KGM) in downtown Kalamazoo is seeing a rise in the number of homeless families with children. They are working to help make the often inevitable stay at the KGM a positive one for youth through the use of NOVA. This computer-enhanced program allows students to master basic academic and employment skills.

“We recognize that there are a lot of factors that lead to homelessness, and one of those is education,” states Michael Brown, executive director of KGM. “The economy is becoming more knowledge-based, which means we need to help each of the people we serve and strengthen their educational foundation.

“We recognize that it is not enough to feed, clothe and shelter. It is critical that we address a variety of needs, including setting the stage for vocational meaning,” Brown said.

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Making Home Ownership a Possibility Purchasing a new home is a huge undertaking, especially when you have never done it before.

So in 1985 Kattie Johnson called Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity with her desire to own her own home. The then two-year-old local organization welcomed Johnson with open arms as the second person to purchase a home through their organization’s non-interest loan program.

Today, Johnson is a poster-child of sorts for the organization. Not only was she the first Kalamazoo Habitat homeowner to pay off her home (in 27 years) but, in 2012 she was honored as the first to receive the Habitat Homeowner Partner of the Year award by Habitat for Humanity of Michigan.

“Habitat is about helping people,” said Johnson who moved to Kalamazoo in 1969 from Mississippi. “Had it not been for Habitat, I would not even have a home now. I would recommend it to anyone.”

Johnson remains connected with the Kalamazoo Habitat office as a former board member and current committee member. In exchange for the opportunity Habitat gave her to become a homeowner, she in turns gives back to the community. For the past three years she has held Back to School Bazaars in her yard for hundreds of children with the help of local organizations and businesses.

“That’s my way of giving back,” Johnson said. “Habitat has changed my life.”

This year Kalamazoo Valley Habitat for Humanity, under the leadership of Executive Director Don Jones, will celebrate 30 years of helping more than 250 families own their own homes. The organization will unveil new programs for home improvement efforts throughout the community in the months to come.

Learn more at: www.kalamazoohabitat.org. *Photos: 902 Cobb St. home of Kattie Johnson; The City Commission presented Kattie with a proclamation.

She is pictured with friends, coworkers, and Habitat for Humanity volunteers and staff.

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Making Places to Come Home To Inner City Christian Federation

By Sonya Hollins, publisher Photos by Brittany Glanton, Intern

GRAND RAPIDS (MICH.)- Mary VanHoute was a small child when her family immigrated from Europe and moved into a modest home in the Baxter neighborhood of Grand Rapids, Michigan. At age 79 that had been her only home. On her way to live in a nursing home she asked the deacons of her Christian Reformed Church on Eastern Avenue if they would fix up the home for a needy family.

Five of the churches youngest couples took on the challenge and put their own time and money into the project. It sold for 20 times less than it was worth after the renovations, however, the seeds of that gift continued to grown.

In 1974 that home renovation ministry became known as Inner City Christian Federation (ICCF).

Today ICCF has provided more than 500 homes to families with the mission to provide “housing opportunities and services that encourage family responsibility and independence, thereby helping to build stable communities.” Their theme is, “Making places to come home to,” and the foundation for their work is Jesus Christ.

The organization offers mortgages to families at rates they can afford and in homes ICCF has remodeled with the latest energy efficiencies. In addition, ICCF owns rental properties, emergency shelters, provides foreclosure and debt counseling, and spearheaded a four-block development between Division and LaGrave Avenues from Buckley to Wealthy Streets called Tapestry Square.

Helping people beyond housing has also led to a recent partnership with Kent County Friend of the Court to help fathers delin14

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quent in child support get their life on track for themselves and their children.

“We have all made mistakes in our lives,” said Jonathan Bradford, president and CEO of ICCF since 1981. Bradford, who also was the first president of the Habitat for Humanity Kent County chapter added, “So who are we to judge anyone for a mistake they may have made? Jesus Christ died so our sins could be forgiven. Who are we not to forgive others, and help them have a better life?”

The organization puts their Christian beliefs into action by offering: Respect, Opportunity, and Beauty to those they serve.

Bradford said respecting others by helping them move forward to improve their lives is a key principal to their work. He added that providing opportunity to people, outside their needs, is important to their future. And providing beauty in a person’s living environment is instrumental in mental, spiritual, and physical growth.

Bradford grew up the son of a preacher and even drove a dump truck while in high school---where he learned a lot about life in the wee hours of the morning. He almost crushed a woman to death who had been left for dead in an alley dumpster. His compassion for people spills over into what he and his staff do daily; changing lives.

The mission of ICCF has caught on so well that a $5.5 million campaign in 2004 to restore an old orphanage on Cherry Street (to become their new offices) raised more than that amount and completed the project in 46

months. The building was restored to the original grandeur and received an award from the State of Michigan as the greatest restoration of the terra-cotta -style building in the state.

The Cherry Street (SE) neighborhood surrounding the once abandoned building too has grown to include thriving businesses, and beautifully designed town homes. Revitalization comes with second chances, according to Bradford.

“When homes are restored, a family can take pride in it.

When a family takes pride in their home, others want to improve their homes. When a neighborhood improves, more businesses want to be there; schools want to serve the children there, and that leads to more economic development for the community.”

Jonathan Bradford is the president and CEO of ICCF. He poses here with their beautifully renovated office building located at 920 Cherry St. S.E. in Grand Rapids, Mich. Below is the Tapestry Square project that allowed ICCF to “Weave Commerce and Community.” Photo by Brittany Glanton.

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History of Inner City Christian Federation 1974: A donated home is renovated by local church members the beginnings of ICCF in Grand Rapids, Mich.

1977: Officially incorporated as Inner City Christian Federation.

1981: Jonathan Bradford is named executive director.

1985: Lease/Purchase Program allows families to lease a home prior to

ownership. ICCF hires first home ownership counselor.

1986: ICCF moves into firehouse on 816 Madison SE. 1990: Family Haven opens, providing families with emergency housing.

ICCF purchases two apartment buildings on Madison and begins

its permanent rental program.

1992-1995: ICCF completes Phases I & II of Pleasant-Prospect homes, total of 30

rental duplexes.

1998: Supportive Housing Program offers counseling to families after they

leave Family Haven.

2003: Providence Home Mortgage Inc., a subsidiary owned by ICCF, offers

mortgage products.

2004: ICCF begins building all homes to Energy Star standards.

2007: ICCF’s corporate offices moved to one location at

920 Cherry Street SE. 2009: ICCF staff provides foreclosure intervention to 768 families.

Completes work on 500th home, and celebrates 35th Anniversary.

Mission: ICCF is a nonprofit organization shaped by the belief that everyone deserves safe, clean, affordable housing. This is our response to God’s desire that we seek justice in our communities. ICCF is a reflection of our gratitude for Christ’s saving grace and our desire for others to see His love in action.

Learn more at: www.iccf.org

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I trust that you’re stepping forward with the sort of excited anticipation that always comes with the advent of a new year! But where do we go from here? While our nation still faces many hurdles in the months to come, the U.S. housing market remains one of the bright spots in the economy. Locally, home buyers and sellers continue to benefit from historically low interest rates; an almost 10% reduction in housing inventories, and a more than 24% increase in sales year-over-year through November.

In addition, Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) has made available $3,000-$5,000 in FREE grant money for first-time home buyers--for a limited time only. All of this translates into a simplified equation and catalyst for economic activity and growth for those of you thinking of buying or selling real estate.

One of my favorite mantras is, “Destiny favors the prepared mind.” There has to be, on some level, an orchestrated attempt at success in the sale process.

Our primary goal of an effective marketing strategy is to position a property with a comprehensive, research-based plan of targeted activities. This includes enlisting the efforts of other real estate professionals who have buyer clients, promoting directly to prospective buyers, and developing other activities specific to the unique characteristics of the property.

Another goal of an effective marketing strategy is to understand market value. A market-sensitive pricing strategy can be the key to maximum market exposure and ultimately a satisfactory sale. Pricing too high or too low can cost you time and money.

My team is ready to help you navigate the process and create a plan for transactional SUCCESS! I provide home sellers with the professional experiences and marketing skills to make their property stand out from the competition. Greater interest breeds greater demand. And greater demand often translates into a higher sales price. Let us put our 35 years of Innovation, Service and Leadership to work for you!

Jeff Leonard REALTOR®

Getting Out to Help the People of the Community People’s Church of Kalamazoo is tucked a ways from the road on 1758 N. Tenth St. The large windows welcome much sunlight into the modern-designed structure, and the members welcome everyone with a smile. During the week the church is quiet inside as its members are in action outside volunteering in the community.

People’s Church has contributed to the community as a church and in collaboration with others as: one of the charter churches to form Interfaith Strategy for Action and Advocacy in the Community (I.S.A.A.C.), active proponents in the formation of Kalamazoo County’s KCReady 4s pilot program for preschoolers, funding advocates for Nurse Family Partnership, partners with Lincoln International Studies

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School as student mentors and contributor of funds for classroom supplies. In addition their time, and financial contributions include those to various local agencies, prison release project, and as a provider of more than $20,000 to fund projects to provide microlending funds and domestic violence training for those in Bujumbura, Burundi.

Their efforts were recently recognized with the 2012 Bennett Award for Congregational Action on Human Justice and Social Action. The award, instituted in 1999 by Dr. James R. Bennett honors a congregation that has done exemplary work in social justice. The plaque and $500 cash award were presented

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to Senior Minister Jill McAllister as a testament to the unselfish work the small congregation does to make a big difference in the world around them.

The People’s Church’s Unitarian Universalist roots are a product of the Protestant Reformation in Europe. The Unitarians believe people should look to Jesus and his teachings as an example and in turn live an ethical life, helping others.

Jill McAllister, senior pastor of People’s Church of Kalamazoo (right in photo below) poses with members of her church as they celebrate the presentation of the 2012 Bennett Award for Congregational Action on Human Justice and Social Action.

Community Voices photos.

WHEN I STARTED FEELING DIZZY

AND LIGHT-HEADED,

I SHOULD’VE LISTENED

TO MY HEART. Something wasn’t right. But like many women, I downplayed my symptoms and assumed the stress of my job was getting to me. Or maybe I wasn’t getting enough sleep. Turns out, I had a bad heart valve. And it was only a matter of time before it would give out. That’s when I turned to Bronson. Their cardiac services are rated best in the region, according to HealthGrades® (2012).

After being a patient, I can see why. I was able to go home a few days after having major heart surgery. And in no time, I was back at work and back to my self again. Although now, when my body tries to tell me something, I listen.

bronsonhealth.com/heart www.comvoicesonline.com BRO120016_WomensCardio_C 1

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Meet the Pastor

Pastor Michael Brown’s solely funded by private office is located in a donations is not obligated refurbished fire station to help everyone. However, on North Burdick Street at Brown said they stay firm the opposite the end of the to their mission: Changing block from the Kalamazoo Lives Through the Power I could drink.’ I rolled out Gospel Mission.

His of Christ. computer is boarded with Some of those who of bed and onto my knees. smiling faces of children enter the shelter are I prayed to God that if too young to know the battling substance abuse he would take the taste for alcohol from my exact reasons why I would serve they have to live in the “One plants, one waters, mouth him forever.

That was 80-year-old Christian and one provides the in 1982, and I haven’t homeless shelter at the had a drink since.” increase,” Brown said. tracks of downtown Brown retired from “I understand that the Kalamazoo. the Navy in 1992 “I hate seeing kids increase par t ain’t my and held various have to deal with the depar tment, it’s Gods.” civilian positions wrong choices some before joining the parents make. There Mission. He said it is are some things (parents) problems and are offered rewarding helping people have control over, and the counseling through who want a new lease on kids just shouldn’t have to support groups. Brown suffer because of (parents’) said not everyone accepts life. At the same time he mistakes,” said Brown who the help immediately, faces those who refuse to has served as pastor and and has to have their own change negative behaviors. executive director of the reasons to get their life God however, has revealed Mission since 2003. in order. He knows. When Brown’s purpose. plants, one With the decrease in he first entered the Navy “One waters, and one provides jobs and the foreclosure in 1968 he was known for rate at an historic high the being able to “handle his the increase,” Brown said.

“I understand that the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission liquor.” is seeing double-digit “Then one day I increase part ain’t my increases in the number thought, ‘if I died today, department, it’s Gods.” of homeless families people would remember they serve. The shelter me most of all by how much 20

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A Tasty Victory

There was a cloud of smoke waffling over Allen Chapel A.M.E. Church that caught the noses of passersby. It was the aroma of smoky barbecue being cooked by some of Kalamazoo’s most determined backyard chefs who were representing their area church.

The taste buds of well-fed customers determined the men of Galilee Baptist Church as the winner of the first Annual Grill Masters Competition hosted by Allen Chapel A.M.E. (804 W. North St.) on Sept. 29, 2012.

Pastor Gloria Clark of Allen Chapel congratulated the men during a special onair presentation of the trophy by Buddy Hannah, celebrity radio host of 1560 AM The Touch and column writer for Community Voices magazine.

The winners earned a traveling trophy and a year of bragging rights. Pictured from left are: Buddy Hannah, David Buchanan, Joseph Buchanan, 13; the Rev. Gloria Clark, and George Buchanan.

RETIREMENT Dr. Veta Tucker recently retired as the Founding Director of Kutsche Office of Local History at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Tucker helped cultivate the vision of Dr. Paul Kutsche, a retired anthropology professor who donated the funds to establish the Kutsche Office which began in 2008.

Tucker lead in the initiative to “advance the rich local history resources of West Michigan (Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon

and Allegan) counties for the mutual benefit of communities in the region.” Tucker’s role helped in the creation of the “Through the Lens of Merze Tate” photo exhibit, and the organization of the Center for African American Art and History in Holland, Michigan among many other initiatives.

Dr. Veta Tucker poses here with Dr. Paul Kutsche during her retirement party at Grand Valley State University. -Community Voices photo

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It is said that, whatever breaks your heart is the thing God wants you to help change. For LaShana Jones seeing homeless men, women and children on the streets tugged at her heart. As a college student she didn’t have much money, but, that didn’t stop her. In 2009 she founded the Homeless Relief Campaign Initiative.

“I started the Homeless Relief Campaign Initiative to meet the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the homeless community in Kalamazoo by partnering with local homeless shelters,” said Jones who serves as the executive director of the nonprofit.

“We believe in doing justice, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God. We believe in the commandments of Jesus to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, visit the sick, care for the stranger, and love others as we would love ourselves.”

Above: Todd Sims visits with LaShana Jones during the 2012 Project Connect event which helped thousands with needed services. Left: Beth Myer hands out free hygiene kits. Photo by Brittany Glanton.

Jones has a team of others who share the same passion. Her husband, Clarence serves as board president, Beth Myer is vice president and secretary, Kallista Minor serves as treasurer, Brenda Henry as past president, and Greater Faith Empowerment Center leaders play a role as well.

Jones’ efforts to help the homeless coincide with a 10-year plan to end homelessness in Kalamazoo County by providing resources to homeless individuals as well as building more affordable housing, and preventing eviction. The native of Detroit said not everyone who is homeless has a substance abuse or mental health issue, but that is the perception.

“I grew up in poverty, and realized that there were many people who were like me. My mother was a divorced single parent. My father died when I was 14 years old. I am motivated to help others because of the many people who helped my family when we were in need.”

For more information, visit www.homelesscampaign.org 22

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The top 10 things you need to know when it comes to foreclosure.

(Page 8)

One Grand Rapids organization began with the dedication of five couples.

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4 3 5 2 1 One small Michigan city claims three World War II Tuskegee Airmen as natives.

(Page 7)

A Kalamazoo woman earned the first Michigan Habitat for Humanity Partner of the Year Award.

(Page 13)

Students of Cassopolis had lunch with a university president.

(Page 6)

Real Careers. Real People.

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When it comes to helping the homeless Rob Oakleaf says many have it all wrong.

“People see a homeless person and say, ‘they should get clean, get a job, and then they can get a home and off the streets.’ Well, that’s not the way it works.”

Oakleaf, the executive director of Ministry with Community says their organization operates from the Housing First Model: provide a person a safe place to live, make opportunities for them to get clean (physically and otherwise), and then they will be ready to get a job.

“We treat adults like adults, and not make them feel ashamed,” said Oakleaf of the staff at the one-story agency located at 440 N. Church St. The adult daytime drop-in agency is busting at the seams, however it continues to provide just as many services as a skyscraper enterprise. What started in 1978 as a daytime shelter offering free meals in the basement of North Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo, has grown into providing everything from substance abuse support to job opportunities.

Above: Rob Oakleaf shows the free

lockers provided to its members. InNo address? Homeless members can use the agency’s address. set: Denita Perry, headcook of MWC No place to shower? More than 1,100 showers were provided cooks up fish for lunch. Community Voices photos. through 30-minute of private shower time...with toiletries included!

No place to wash your clothing? Free industrial size washers and dryers cleaned more than 12,000 loads of laundry...detergent included!

No place to store your clothing? Free locked lockers are available for use.

No birth certificate to obtain identification? Ministries staff can help members obtain a free copy.

No hot meal? MWC provides more than 100,000 free hot meals for anyone...no questions asked.

No way to get to work? MWC offers bus tokens and bicycles as transportation assistance to work.

‘If you are homeless, finding resources is a full-time job. We are there to help,” Oakleaf said.

Learn of these and many other services MWC offers at: www.ministrywithcommunity.org.

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