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Our sixth annual Solutions at Sunrise took place:
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
8 - 9 AM
Detroit Masonic Temple
500 Temple Street
Detroit, MI 48201
In 2010, our Solutions at Sunrise event drew 1000 people. Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano, Mayor Dave Bing and members of their executive teams attended the breakfast event on October 6, 2010 at the Masonic Temple in Detroi.
The event featured a keynote address by Southwest Solutions President John Van Camp, and a new film about the organization by Steve Palackdharry, and testimonials by individuals served by the agency.
One of those testimonials was given by Roger DeSchutter, who received a standing ovation after his emotional speech. Roger is a resident of Piquette Square for Veterans and a participant in Detroit GreenWorks Solutions, a job-training program spearheaded by Southwest Solutions.
“Even though your life can fall apart, it can be rebuilt, if you are given a chance and you are willing to make the most of it,” Roger said. “Southwest Solutions gave me that chance, through Piquette and GreenWorks. I can’t thank them enough.” (Read the full text of Roger's speech.)
In his address, John Van Camp recounted some of the accomplishments of the organization, including the opening of Piquette Square this summer, and impressive outcomes in housing, counseling and family literacy programs. John highlighted upcoming projects, including a new integrated health center for underserved families in southwest Detroit slated to open next year.
John also stressed the need for resources and partnerships to enable Southwest Solutions to further its mission of changing lives and building community.
“Southwest Solutions faces a choice,” John said. “We can accept that resources are what they are, and we can't do more; or find the additional resources and partners to do what needs to be done I can tell you this morning: we have made our decision and we are asking you to make yours. I believe that in this room there is enough spirit and generosity – and hope – to make some tremendous progress over the next year in Detroit.”
The eight-minute film shown at the event presented a new vision for the city through interviews with leaders at Southwest Solutions and in the city. It also profiled four individuals served by the organization. The film – called “If not now, then when” – can be seen on the Southwest Solutions’ Facebook page and the Southwest Solutions’ YouTube page.
In addition to Roger, Lizette Brandt gave a testimonial. Lizette participates in our Family Literacy program. (Read the full text of Lizette's speech.)
Monica Navarro, who serves on the Southwest Counseling Solutions' Board, closed the event by speaking about the importance of donating to Southwest Solutions.
"This is not just an investment in Southwest Solutions, it truly is an investment in our own future and in Detroit’s future," Monica said. "And I believe that it is one of the most important investments that any of us can make." (Read the full text of Monica's speech.)
The turnout of 1000 people resulted from the efforts of 114 “table captains” who recruited friends and associates to attend the event. Solutions at Sunrise has grown steadily over its five years.
To learn how you can be a table captain or attend the event, please contact Mary Madigan at mmadigan@swsol.org or 313.297.1371. If you would like to donate to Southwest Solutions, please use our online donation form or contact Bob O’Brien at bobrien@swsol.org or 313.297.1370.
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