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Crisis Center Says "Goodbye, Carlos. We will miss you."
February 4, 2009 - 1:19pm
This year marked the end of a decade of service from Carlos Pagan, the Crisis Center Manager. We wish him well as he moves back to his hometown, but will never forget the impact he had on all who knew him.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Carlos came to Michigan for opportunity and growth. The father of four barely knew English when he joined CHM’s Outreach Team, but he never gave up. Carlos was a pillar at CHM. He opened the Crisis Center and framed the program.
Thousands of young people came through the center, and all of them went to Carlos for advice, strength and understanding. He was a surrogate father to many who never knew their own. Whether he was playing basketball with the kids, making his famous BBQ, cracking jokes or having serious conversations about life, there was no denying Carlos’ love for his job, the kids and the CHM family. He was loyal to the mission and our kids.
Being a family man, Carlos knew his time at CHM would eventually come to an end. He has returned to his roots in Puerto Rico to help care for his aging parents. “It’s just not the same without Carlos,” say the kids, the staff, and the visitors. And it never will be... Carlos taught us many valuable lessons. He understood where our kids came from, that they were desperate for love, and that they needed to be in a safe place where it was OK to experience happiness in the midst of great hardships. His philosophy, “If we’ve helped them to smile, we’re halfway there,” will continue to live on at CHM.
Comments
I will never forget my time in CHM
Hello, CHM! Today was the first time that I looked at this site since I left Detroit four months ago. Today was very hard to read this great article because I still can’t believe I am not part of the Crisis Center. I wake up thinking that I have to meet with Cynthia or I have a case review with Mr. Joseph or I have to meet with the residents, etc.
I want to let you know that I pray for all of you every day. I pray for Mr. Joseph so he can lead this great agency the right way like always, and especially for the kids who I will always love. I will always remember the residents, Ashley, Monae, Maurice, Peter, Dannile, Felicia, Sunami, Briana, Brandon and every kid God sent down MLK blvd. I will always remember my co-workers, Cynthia (My Teacher/Sister) , Stef (My Sister), Dany (My Son), Maria Gracia (Mi Comay), Ms. Johnson (who gave me my nickname Clo), Melissa, Norma (Grandma), Many (My teammate), Darden, Ade (My Brother), Andrea, Ms. Smith, Blanca, Marranzini, Mike, John, Kate, Tammy, fat Lola, Denise Shanel, Mr. Evans, Mr. Walker (My Hero), Mr. Johnson, Ms. Cambell, Ms. Douglas (My Mentor), Ms. Peoples, Trisha (My body), Cat, Caroline, Mr. Joseph (My Inspiration), the Board Members and everybody else, I love you all.
Well I need to go but I have to tell you that since I left I realize that the Covenant House Mission is not only a Mission, but today is for me a way of living. The Mission lives in me and I approach every day and every situation with the power of that Mission.
Thanks, and remember that if you put a smile on their face you are half way there.
--Carlos
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