Candlelight Vigil 2009

CHM held its 12th Annual Candlelight Vigil to promote awareness of the 5,000 homeless youth on the streets right here in Michigan. The event brought together community members, church organizations, schools, volunteers, supporters, residents and staff who offered hope and prayer.

Guests brought clothing and toiletry donations for our kids. Executive Director, Sam Joseph, welcomed the nearly 400 member audience as extended family of Covenant House.

FOX 2 News Reporter Amy Lange hosted this year’s vigil. She has proven time and again that she is committed to helping our kids, as well as fighting for all the homeless in Detroit. Amy is also on the board of the Homeless Action Network of Detroit (HAND).

We were so proud of all the residents of Covenant House who wanted to participate and volunteer their time at the vigil. The residents helped with everything including set-up, greeting, taking photographs, speaking at the vigil and giving tours to guests at the end of the night.

Michelle, a resident of the Crisis Center, bravely shared the story of her life as well as her journey here at CHM. Her words were very moving and allowed guests to hear a testimony that is very similar to many of our residents. Michelle grew up in an abusive environment and lashed out with destructive behavior. She found her life heading toward a downward spiral that could have led to death. After finding Covenant House she has been able to turn her life around and get the skills she needs to lead a successful life. She recently obtained a job at McDonalds and will be stating college in January.

Jonathan also a resident of the Rights of Passage Transitional Living Program shared a touching poem about facing his past while trying to find his way in life. He spoke about the depression and abandonment he suffered most of his life. Thanks to Covenant House and Jonathan’s newfound positive outlook, Jonathan is attending school and encouraging others at Covenant House to not give up on life.

Kiarra, a Crisis Center resident shared her beautiful voice when she sang Ave Maria by Beyonce Knowles. Kiarra had been fighting a sinus infection and allergies all week but was determined to sing her heart out.

All three featured residents shared with us a part of their story in a different way that touched the entire audience.

Carol Goss from the Skillman Foundation was one of the special guests of the evening. Her desire led her to become a social worker, where she spent almost 20 years working to improve the lives of children and other vulnerable members of society. Carol took a very special and personal interest in the youth we serve and the mission of Covenant House. She and The Skillman Foundation have been very supportive of Covenant House for the past ten years, especially with our education and prevention programs.

Guest speaker, Family Court Judge Cheryl Matthews moved the audience to tears when she spoke about some of the cases that involved children in cruel situations that many of our residents have experienced. Judge Matthews stated that many young people are unable to leave the abusive situations they grew up in and how it sometimes ends tragically, “I can’t help but think they might be alive today if they had found Covenant House.”

Kids come to Covenant House for various reasons and unfortunately more often than not the people that they should be able to count on are abusive. Many of our youth have never experienced the feeling of love or safety in a home.

Anthony, a former Covenant House resident talked about the importance of supporting Covenant House. “I am living proof that this program is a success. I came to Covenant House because I had nowhere to turn. They gave me a chance in life. They helped me with everything. Today, because of Covenant House I am in college, working and have my own place. We need to give back.” Anthony comes to Covenant House every week to volunteer his time and give back. He is currently working on helping our residents get hired at his work.

The crowd proceeded to the bell tower, where they lit candles and circled the tower. Everyone joined together in singing “Amazing Grace,” led by the Hope Community Church Praise Band. This moment was particularly powerful looking around seeing the faces of everyone that supports Covenant House Michigan’s efforts to fight homelessness in Michigan.

Tadar, Jose, Shanaveia and Aysia, students that attend Covenant House’s High Schools recited the Children’s Bill of Rights. “We believe that every child has the right to a loving home and family,” stated Tadar as Aysia rang the bell.

The Vigil Prayer was led by Greg Martin from Clarkston United Methodist Church. The prayer was filled with hope that the other youth still living on the streets will be led by the light of our candles to security and love.

For the residents who have found Covenant House, they are able to receive the love, hope, and safety that they never experienced before, but deserve. We are providing a sanctuary where young people can grow and become successful members of society. We provide them with skills and services such as employment, social skills, and education for them to use throughout their lives.

No person deserves to live on the street. November 19, 2009 will be a night to remember as we all proclaimed to end youth homelessness.
Special thanks to:

Our refreshment sponsor: Tim Hortons

Volunteers:
Hope Community Church Praise Band, Amy Lange, Greg Martin, Carol Goss, Honorable Cheryl A. Matthews, Covenant House Youth, Phi Kappa Theta, Robyn and Jerry Villagrana, Rodney and Megan Golpe, Bill Millard, St. Joseph Youth Group, Heather McKay, Jeff Sherry, Susan Van Assache, Ahmeena Watkins, Toi Allen-Stinnette, Ms. Martinez, Ashley Bukah, Sharp Family, Chelsea Stewart, Cheryl Hollingsworth.

Thanks to Rachel Fallert and Anthony Hugger for helping put on such a successful event.

Thanks to all who donated items in support of our kids:
Henry Ford Community College’s Community Service Club and African American Association held a vigil on their campus. They have committed to helping our kids and continue to raise awareness and donations to support them.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Teens of Detroit, Henry Ford Community College’s Community Service Club and African American Association, Prince of Peace, Trinity Lutheran School, Hope Community Church, St. Joseph, Zeta Phi Beta, St. Fabian, Gabrielle Richard High School, Warren Consolidated Schools, West Warren Bakery, Sweet Dreams, St. Aloysius, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, of Lambda Pi Omega Chapter, Great Redeemer Christian Church, Dearborn Heights Assembly, House of God Church, Zion Chapter Church of Christ Holiness, St. Margaret of Scotland, Job Corps, Laura Lauer, Central Institutional Missionary Baptist Church, Deemette Youth Fraternity Prince Hall Affiliation and all who have joined with us to help our kids.

Thanks to Burton International Art Classes for decorating the beautiful luminary bags that outlined the campus.

And finally, thanks to University of Detroit Dental School for allowing us to use their parking lot.