COTS: The Art of Family Podcast

In this conversation, Allah shares his inspiring journey from experiencing homelessness to finding stability and purpose through the support of the Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO). He discusses the importance of community, mentorship, and self-care, emphasizing the role of spirituality and nutrition in his life. Allah highlights the transformative power of hope and connection, encouraging others to prioritize their well-being and support one another in their journeys. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

In this heartfelt episode of The Art of Family, host Rachel sits down with Timothy Moss to explore his powerful journey of resilience, faith, and personal growth. Timothy shares stories from his upbringing in Butler, Alabama, and candidly discusses his experiences with homelessness, including his time at COTS Peggy's Place. Through the challenges of family separation, injury, and job loss, Timothy reflects on how his faith and support system—including his children and the COTS community—helped him persevere. Tune in to hear Timothy's inspiring story of transformation, the importance of humility, and the power of love and patience in overcoming life's obstacles. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

In this episode, Margaret shares her powerful journey with Rachel Minion (from COTS). From experiencing homelessness at Peggy's Place to finding solace in Bible study, Margaret opens up about her struggles with depression and the challenges she faced while trying to rebuild her life after leaving an abusive relationship. Through faith and the support of her church community, she rededicated herself to God, leaving behind her past and embracing a renewed sense of purpose. Margaret's story is a testament to the power of community, faith, and resilience. Listen in to hear how she found hope, support, and a path to stability with the help of COTS and her unwavering faith. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Join us as Shelita recounts her experiences with family trauma, the struggle for secure housing, and the perseverance it took to provide a stable life for her children. From her determination to seek help to the powerful role of COTS in her life, Shelita's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community support. In this episode, we discuss: Shelita's childhood and family dynamics The impact of trauma and the journey towards healing The pivotal moment when Shelita found COTS and began her path to stability The importance of building a strong support system and extended family through COTS Shelita's personal achievements, including financial stability and securing a home The role of Warrior Women Against Poverty in her ongoing journey This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience and potential in every individual and family. Tune in to hear how Shelita's story can inspire and empower others facing similar challenges. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Listen as our guest shares their story of growing up in Detroit, the challenges they faced, and the strength they found in their family and faith. Through overcoming domestic violence, coping with the loss of loved ones, and navigating homelessness, Erica reveals how the community of COTS provided a lifeline. Hear about the pivotal role of supportive coaching and counseling sessions and the profound impact of staff members like Ms. Walker and Ms. Matthews. This episode is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and community support, proving that even in the darkest times, there's always a light to guide you through. Join us for a moving conversation about finding hope, healing, and the courage to move forward. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Host Paige Blessman, Director of Communications at COTS, sits down with Leslie, a lead family service partner at COTS, to delve into her incredible journey of resilience and healing. Leslie opens up about her challenging upbringing in the foster care system, the struggles she faced growing up, and her inspiring journey to find her birth mother after 47 years. Through her story, Leslie demonstrates the power of perseverance, the importance of self-forgiveness, and the incredible strength that comes from healing and self-discovery. This is a story about overcoming adversity, the power of faith, and the unwavering belief that our experiences do not define us but rather shape us into stronger individuals. Tune in to hear Leslie's profound story of finding hope, forgiveness, and a newfound connection with her family. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

In this enlightening conversation, host Corisa Reed (COTS Chief Administrative Officer) sits down with Deja Farr-Lowrey (Emergency Services Administrator), to unpack what paternalism means and how it manifests in our daily lives and work. Together, they explore the harmful stereotypes surrounding poverty and homelessness, challenge the misconceptions about the individuals and families facing these circumstances, and discuss how to foster a more compassionate and collaborative approach to support and empowerment. Deja shares her firsthand experiences and insights from working closely with families at COTS, emphasizing the importance of meeting people where they are, recognizing their inherent strengths, and partnering with them on their journey to stability and success. This episode offers listeners valuable tools and perspectives to recognize and counter paternalistic attitudes in both professional settings and personal relationships. Tune in to learn how you can contribute to shifting these narratives and creating a more equitable and understanding society for all. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

In this heartfelt episode, our host Rachel Minion sits down with Brandi Smith to explore her inspiring journey from homelessness to a stable and thriving life. Brandi shares her emotional story of perseverance and resilience, recounting how she, her boyfriend, and their eight-year-old daughter, Ryan, found themselves homeless and sleeping in their car. With Ryan's asthma flaring up, they sought shelter and were welcomed into COTS, where they received support and compassion from COTS. Earlier this year on Mother's Day, Detroit rapper Tee Grizzley also made a generous donation to COTS that moved Brandy and her family out of the shelter and into their new home! Tune in to her story. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Many THANK YOUS to the incredible team at Comerica Bank for visiting our kids at Peggy's Place! Executive Director Mike Ritchie set aside time to have a special chat with the kids about finance and banking. They were so engaged and had a ton of great questions. Such as where does money come from? How long has Mr. Ritchie been at the bank? How do ATMs work?? Lol Big shoutout also to Hassan Melhem for coordinating this awesome experience, and for the awesome piggy banks and t-shirts the kids loved! Our nonprofit partners make such a difference for the youth we serve. Thankful for your support, Comerica Bank Together, we are Creating Opportunities To Succeed --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Join us for a special edition of The Art of Family podcast as Paige Blessman (COTS Director of Communications) and Lucy Couch (Detroit Pistons Business Development Executive) talk about the collaboration between COTS and the Detroit Pistons. Hear how an intro at a networking event blossomed into a remarkable partnership, resulting in COTS Night at the upcoming Pistons game on March 20th. Learn about the unforgettable experiences planned for the night, the impact of this event, and how you can get involved in supporting Detroit families experiencing homelessness. Tune in for a story of partnership, generosity, and the transformative power of sports and community. Join us at COTS Night, buy your tickets here: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Cots --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

As a current dialysis technician, Amber shares her aspirations of pursuing medical school despite the daunting obstacles of standardized tests and self-doubt. Through her candid reflections, listeners are invited into the complexities of her past, including the loss of her mother and the challenges of caring for her younger brother. Amber's story reveals common misconceptions about homelessness and the importance of compassion and understanding. Her journey from uncertainty to empowerment exemplifies the transformative impact of organizations like COTS, providing not just shelter but a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency. Tune in as Amber's narrative unfolds, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, a glimmer of hope is always waiting to be embraced. Hit play and embark on a journey of heart, hope, and healing. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Get to know Cynthia as she talks with Paige Blessman (Director of Communications at COTS) about her life journey, filled with ups and downs. From her early years growing up with her grandmother to surviving a difficult domestic violence situation and experiencing homelessness, Cynthia shares her story of resilience and growth. She also talks about finding a sense of belonging at COTS, how coaching has positively impacted her life, and common misconceptions about homelessness. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Join us for an insightful conversation between Cheryl P. Johnson (COTS CEO) and Kim Janey (EMPath President and CEO), moderated by Nikki Carbonari (COTS Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships), as they discuss their shared vision for breaking the cycle of poverty for generations and creating meaningful impact. They talk about the power of narratives and preconceived notions, exploring how these elements shape the foundation of their work. They also share what the journey to certification in Mobility Mentoring® looks like. COTS is thrilled to be the 1st organization certified in Mobility Mentoring®, a research-backed economic mobility coaching approach developed by Economic Mobility Pathways - EMPath! Mobility Mentoring® empowers low-income families by offering a participant-centered, holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally competent approach to help individuals achieve their goals, from education and career advancement to financial stability and well-being. This certification is a game-changer in scaling COTS's Passport to Self-Sufficiency™️ model in Detroit. With this certification, COTS is better equipped to support families in their economic journey, strengthen financial decision-making, and gain priority access to EMPath's tools and funding opportunities for research and program expansion. Discover both organizations' long-term goals for empowering families and communities experiencing poverty and homelessness. This conversation sheds light on the journey of organizations like ⁠COTS⁠ and ⁠EMPath⁠, working collaboratively to transform lives and inspire change. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Hear from host Gerald Edwards, leader of the COTS Fatherhood Initiative, who engages in a dynamic conversation with Damarqio Williams, CEO, and founder of Detroit Father LLC. Together, they shed light on their individual fatherhood initiatives, emphasizing the shared mission to empower and support fathers in their respective communities. Damarqio Williams shares the heartfelt origins of Detroit Father LLC, a community he created out of a personal need for a safe and supportive space to discuss the joys and challenges of fatherhood. His journey is one of building a community from the ground up, inspired by the absence of such a resource in his city. The pandemic posed its challenges, but resilience prevailed. Gerald Edwards, on the other hand, discusses the evolution of the COTS Fatherhood Initiative. Recognizing the need to fully incorporate fathers into the equation, this initiative seeks to empower fathers with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to be actively involved in their children's lives. Together, Gerald and Damarqio explore the role of fatherhood across generations, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. They share their experiences from the "Dad-Scussion" sessions, highlighting the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and fostering a no-judgment zone for fathers at all stages of their journey. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Black women face a three-fold higher risk of pregnancy-related death than white women. Doulas are increasingly recognized as vital in addressing disparities and supporting marginalized communities during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Join Angelene Love (Doula) and Aisha Morrell-Ferguson (Chief Development Officer of COTS) for part 2 as they delve into the world of doulas. Tune in to stay current on campaigns for legislative bills regarding reproductive health and find out where to get more information on community resources and doula advocacy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Join hosts Corisa Reed (Executive Assistant to CEO, Cheryl P. Johnson) and Aisha Morrell-Ferguson (Chief Development Officer of COTS) on The Art of Family Podcast as they remind us of the importance of downtime, especially in today's fast-paced world. Discover how COTS prioritizes a break by not scheduling meetings in July, allowing more space and time for everyone's rejuvenation and creativity. Tune in to hear the benefits of taking a step back, getting fresh air, and indulging in hobbies. Aisha and Corisa share personal anecdotes and strategies to overcome burnout and introduce tranquility in everyday life.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Black women face a three-fold higher risk of pregnancy-related death compared to white women. Doulas are increasingly recognized as vital in addressing disparities and supporting marginalized communities during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Join Angelene Love (Doula) and Aisha Morrell-Ferguson (Chief Development Officer of COTS) as they delve into the world of doulas. They discuss doula training, the emotional support doulas provide, the benefits of having a doula during and after pregnancy—especially for BIPOC women, creating personalized birthing experiences, and how doulas work alongside medical professionals. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Our valued partner, Bank of America's Meaghan Madison sits down with COTS Chief Development Officer, Aisha Morrell-Ferguson, to discuss the experience of partnering with Bank of America. The bank has been instrument to bring some of their financial literacy curricula our emergency shelter Peggy's Place. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

COTS CEO, Cheryl P. Johnson, speaks with chefs Jeremy Abbey and John T. Piazza from the juggernaut of Soil2Service, Detroit Institute of Gastronomy and EdibleWOW! magazine. Their conversation covers many topics from the level of participation of women in the culinary industry to the ways COTS and Soil2Service work together to positively impact our community. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Once more Corisa Reed sits down with our esteemed guest, LaTonia Walker to wrap up our exploration of the narratives that exist both within and outside of COTS and how we work to counter negative narratives and improve the ones we work from both as an organization and individuals. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Continuing our exploration of the narratives we found in our review of internal behaviors and attitudes, Corisa Reed speaks with Deja Farr-Lowery regarding the narrative of Paternalism. Corisa and Deja discuss what the narrative of Paternalism is and ways to mitigate its effects. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Continuing COTS' March exploration of narratives, Corissa Reed speaks with Wanda Milledge to define the harmful narrative of Fatalism and look at some tools to mitigate its effects. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

COTS is taking some time during March to examine how we all carry narratives into situations and how they affect how we perceive issues, like poverty. COTS own Corisa Reed and Nikki Carbonari talk about what narratives are and how COTS has been confronting them. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Michigan weather is something else! COTS recorded a podcast with Gerald Edwards facilitating COTS Fatherhood Initiative and Alexis Hloros, a father participating in our initiative. This episode was hosted by our Chief Development Officer, Aisha Morrell-Ferguson. Last week's ice storm forced us to use a different tech and introduced a few audio artifacts. We hope that you listen to this conversation; it was great to get a participating father's perspective and learn a little about where the initiative could head from here. It's hard to see #FamilyFocusedFebruary wrap up, and we hope it has been helpful. Please leave comments and suggestions as we seek to improve Family Focused February next year. #CreatingOpportunitiesToSucceed #COTSat40 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

To close the loop on the podcast portion of our program, at 7p this evening we will release another conversation CEO Cheryl P. Johnson had with Dara Griffin and Kevin Bremond They are leaders of a similar initiative in California and helped Ms. Johnson implement a new narrative for COTS addressing fathers and fatherhood issues confronted within our programs. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

COTS' CEO Cheryl P. Johnson sits down with a 20+-year supporters of COTS Charisse Harper and her father, Benjamin Franklin Nubia for a discussion on their experiences partnering with COTS. Charisse speaks to the importance of having a father in a child's life while Mr. Nubia describes how his stay at COTS helped to turn his life around. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

COTS' Chief Development Officer, Aisha Morrell-Ferguson, speaks with Dara Griffin from the Fatherhood Initiative in California and Gerald Edwards of COTS about the launch of a community initiative in Detroit supporting fathers dealing with the issues of being a positive family influence. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

COTS' Chief Development Officer, Aisha Morrell-Ferguson, speaks with Dara Griffin from the Fatherhood Initiative in California and Gerald Edwards of COTS about the launch of a community initiative in Detroit supporting fathers dealing with the issues of being a positive family influence. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Janette Phillips of ShareDetroit (sharedetroit.org) stops by the Art of Family studios to talk about the work of the relatively new nonprofit, ShareDetroit, how they work with COTS, and celebrate the worldwide Giving Tuesday movement here in the greater Detroit area. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

We wrap up the conversation with the COTS associates that collaborate with families daily and discuss the impact they facilitate and their day-to-day experience creating opportunities to succeed for Detroit families. Our conversation was deep and long enough that we split it into 2 episodes. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

The COTS associates that collaborate with families daily discuss the impact they facilitate and their day-to-day experience creating opportunities to succeed for Detroit families. Our conversation was deep and long enough that we split it into 2 episodes. Be sure to tune in next week as we wrap up this exploration of the work families engage in with COTS. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

COTS' Chief Development Officer, Aisha Morrell-Ferguson speaks with journalist Rodd Monts and photographer Larry Gardner regarding their long history of working with COTS. Rodd and Larry were instrumental in producing the magazine COTS produced for our 40th anniversary; without them documenting the lives of many of our COTS' families, we wouldn't have been able to complete that project. Thanks to Rodd and Larry and their library of stories. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

COTS CEO Cheryl P. Johnson speaks with COTS Youth Engagement Coach Denise Godfrey about the addition of youth coaching to the Passport to Self-Sufficiency framework and changing career paths to make a positive impact on the world. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

COTS CEO Cheryl P. Johnson speaks to the accomplished photographer, Ethel Rucker. Cheryl and Ethel talk about Ethel's journey through COTS with her family and how she is now a thriving businesswoman working to pass along her entrepreneurial spirit to her children. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

On the eve of our 40th Anniversary celebration, COTS' CEO Cheryl P. Johnson and COTS' Director of Coaching and Engagement LaTonia Walker explore the establishment and evolution of the Passport To Self Sufficiency, the program that sets COTS apart. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

Shameika Richardson speaks to COTS' Rachel Minion about her experiences working through COTS programs, the benefits of the Passport To Self Sufficiency and preparing her daughter's future as a designer and entrepreneur. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

Ms. Julie Howard Miller shares her experiences and philosophies with COTS Chief Development Officer, Aisha Morrell-Ferguson and COTS Corisa Reed. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

This is part 2 of a wide ranging conversation; COTS CEO Cheryl P. Johnson speaks with COTS Development Director Aisha Morrell-Ferguson about COTS mission, philosophy and evolution over our 40 of serving Detroiters in need. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

This is part 1 of a wide ranging conversation; COTS CEO Cheryl P. Johnson speaks with COTS Development Director Aisha Morrell-Ferguson about COTS mission, philosophy and evolution over our 40 of serving Detroiters in need. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

Cheryl talks with Rachel Minion about her movie night pick, Zootopia, as part of our #FamilyFocusedFebruary Series --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

Cheryl talks with Ethel Rucker from Hart Eclectic Photography about her movie night pick, The Little Mermaid, as part of our #FamilyFocusedFebruary Series Ethel's portfolio is on display at: harteclectic.com for more information on #FamilyFocusedFebruary please visit soupcity.org You can find out more about COTS at cotsdetroit.org --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

Cheryl and Corisa chat with Ebony about her movie night pick, Enchanto, as part of our #FamilyFocusedFebruary Series --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

We chat with Cynthia about her movie night pick, Inside Out, as part of our #FamilyFocusedFebruary Series --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

Ethel Rucker is a COTS Passport to Self-Sufficiency(TM) graduate and a budding entrepreneur! Armed with a camera, Ethel shares with Cheryl about her journey to stability, the benefit of coaching and mentorship, and the joy of turning a passion into a purpose. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cotsdetroit/support

COTS: The Art of Family Podcast Episode 2 Guest: Kiko Davis, Founder & President of Don Davis Legacy Foundation For decades COTS has been serving the most vulnerable in our community, the homeless. With shelter, support, and love, COTS has been able to create programs and infrastructures that provide more than a roof; they provide stability and economic mobility. Through tireless leadership by Cheryl “Che’row” P. Johnson and a passionate team of dedicated professionals, COTS tackles the root causes of poverty and works to address what they see as one of the most significant challenges of our generation: intergenerational poverty. In 2017, COTS launched a new campaign - The Art of Family. It is a celebration of the work they have done and a new way to tell truly emotional stories about the families they serve. COTS knows that family is not just whom you were born to. It is who’s there for you when you need it most. The Art of Family Podcast is a unique opportunity to change hearts and minds about what it means to be homeless, what a homeless family looks like, and what a family is. Lead by the charismatic Che’row, prominent Detroiters and COTS families discuss life, hope, challenge, and dreams for the future in what is sure to be an emotional journey of discovery, heartbreak, and love.

COTS: The Art of Family Podcast Episode 1 Guest: Mary Sheffield, Detroit City Councilperson, President Pro Tem For decades COTS has been serving the most vulnerable in our community, the homeless. With shelter, support, and love, COTS has been able to create programs and infrastructures that provide more than a roof; they provide stability and economic mobility. Through tireless leadership by Cheryl “Che’row” P. Johnson and a passionate team of dedicated professionals, COTS tackles the root causes of poverty and works to address what they see as one of the most significant challenges of our generation: intergenerational poverty. In 2017, COTS launched a new campaign - The Art of Family. It is a celebration of the work they have done and a new way to tell truly emotional stories about the families they serve. COTS knows that family is not just whom you were born to. It is who’s there for you when you need it most. The Art of Family Podcast is a unique opportunity to change hearts and minds about what it means to be homeless, what a homeless family looks like, and what a family is. Lead by the charismatic Che’row, prominent Detroiters and COTS families discuss life, hope, challenge, and dreams for the future in what is sure to be an emotional journey of discovery, heartbreak, and love.