A New Map for His Life – Aaron’s Story
Aaron Halley entered the Mission in 2021. Before that, he had moved to Florida to care for his mother, who died, and Aaron lost his job due to Covid. He began sleeping on the streets, was hospitalized for an extended period, and started using alcohol and drugs to dull the hopelessness that consumed him. A […]
Finding Joy – Trae’s Story
“I find joy in cooking,” says Trae Lee with a broad grin on his face. The men at Project Hope appreciated his delight because while he was in culinary school, they got to enjoy the delicious meals Trae prepared for them every day. Trae’s career in construction in Detroit ended during the Covid pandemic, and […]
A Life Resurrected – Daniel Meeks
Daniel Meeks, a former truck driver, has ridden a bumpy road of addiction and crime, but his life has turned around, and he is helping others who traveled the same path. It all started in 2001 when Daniel, driving his truck, was involved in an accident that left him with a broken back and two […]
The Domino Effect – Cherie’s Story
Cherie Amos-Persson had it all – a loving husband, four healthy children, a nice house, and a career in real estate. But then the dominos started to fall. When her husband passed away of colon cancer, Cherie, in addition to grieving her loss, had to move her family to a different, more affordable area of […]
Beginning a new Life – Mission Accomplished: Trequena (Tiki)
Paying It Forward – Mission Accomplished: Vaida Aleska
The Power of One: Dawn Sipley’s Story
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] One may seem like a small number, but Dawn Sipley knows that the power that number holds is significant. “Your whole life can be changed in one night being left unsheltered,” she confirms. Dawn’s earliest memories included homelessness. Her father was abusive, and both parents struggled with addiction. In nights of rage, Dawn’s father […]
Mayor in the Making — Mission Accomplished: Moliere Dimanche
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Moliere (Moe) Dimanche’s journey from despair to electoral dreams unfolds like a symphony of second chances. The opening notes create a somber tune, echoing his impoverished childhood and the legal entanglements of his youth. His life today, however, crescendos to a remarkable height. Once a guest at the Mission, Moe now aspires to become […]
Mission Kid — Mission Accomplished: Mannie Willis
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] When Mannie thinks of the Mission, he remembers mastering the monkey bars and learning how to play the piano. In 2004, when Mannie was nine years old and moved to the Mission with his family, those activities were some of the biggest moments of his young life. After the instability of evictions and homelessness, […]
Finding Home – Mission Accomplished: Rhonda Jackson
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] Rhonda’s life took a painful turn when she left everything behind for love, only to find herself alone and destitute. With her new husband in jail and her family unable to offer long-term help, Rhonda felt she’d lost all support and love. Eager for some sort of solace, she visited the Mission near the […]