2016-2017_PFC_AnnReport_digital

A LETTER FROM
FATHER TIM
STAFF
DEAR FRIENDS:
Not too long ago, I was running up to my office
when I heard shouting coming from the Center
downstairs. Panic arose as I got back to the main
floor and saw a large circle of people huddled
together. But as I got closer to the commotion,
I was relieved to see laughter and dancing. One
voice surfaced above the others. It was Reggie, a
regular guest at the Pope Francis Center for many
years. Reggie, now in his late sixties, had landed on
the street due to mental illness. “Never again!” he
yelled, “Never again.”
In his right hand — held way above his head —
were the keys to his new apartment. When he
finally ran out of breath and with his friends settled
around him, Reggie fell into a chair and said, “I will
never be homeless again.” And he began to sob.
It is the dream that our guests tell us about so often:
Someday, somehow, they will hold their own set of
keys to a place they can call home, never to sleep on
the cold concrete or in doorways again.
There is profound shame among those who find
themselves homeless. We may miss it in their
eyes when we pass them on the street, but no one
feels okay with being homeless — no matter how
profound the mental illness or other challenges they
face. All too often, they feel worthless, unwanted,
expendable, and — worst of all — invisible.
We may not yet be able to help every single guest get
keys to their own place, but we do provide a place they
can feel at home. Because of you, we can offer those in
need the keys of hope and healing, unlocking human
potential by treating every individual as worthy of love
and dignity. Over and over again, I am awestruck by
the goodness of our volunteers and friends who show
such incredible generosity to our brothers and sisters
in need. It is here at the Pope Francis Center where
simple acts of kindness are the keys that transform lives
and unlock the mystery of Jesus of Nazareth and his
unconditional love.
This past year has seen a great increase in the number
of homeless that come to us in need. We have been
able to match this need with a great deal of growth
and development in our ministry. This happened only
because of the generosity of you, our friends and
companions in mission. What a privileged place it is
for me to witness the overwhelming love and concern
for our brothers and sisters experiencing homelessness.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have
handed our guests the keys of compassion and hope.
May God bless you abundantly for your kindness.
Fr. Tim McCabe, SJ,
Executive Director
2
TIM McCABE, SJ
Executive Director
DENNIS WEBER, SJ
Laundry Coordination
MR. BILL BRAZIER
Regional Vice President,
St. Vincent de Paul USA
MR. JAMES T. HEIMBUCH
Counsel, Bodman PLC
MR. FRANK MIGLIAZZO,
Managing Director,
Merrill Lynch Private Bank
MR. EDWARD J. (CHIP) MILLER
Vice Chair Board of Directors,
Invest Detroit
CHRIS HARTHEN
Program Director
MARY McEVOY
Director of Institutional
Advancement
53
JOE ZAKENS
Floor Manager /
Outreach Coordinator
MR. MICHAEL MONAHAN
President, Monahan Enterprises, LLC
MRS. COLLEEN MONAHAN
Civic Volunteer
MR. MARTIN J. MULLOY
Retired Vice President Labor
Relations, Ford Motor Company
MS. NETTIE SEABROOKS
Consultant, Manoogian Foundation
MR. BRAD SIMMONS
Director of Community Outreach,
Ford Motor Company
ANNE BLAKE, PhD
Special Projects Coordinator
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KATE
STONEPAINTER
Nutrition Manager
MR. JOSEPH THIBODEAU
Founder, Joseph H. Thibodeau, P.C.
MR. JOHN TIERNEY
Retired Chairman and CEO,
Chrysler Financial
MR. JAMES TOBIN
Chief Marketing Officer, President,
Magna Asia
MR. MARK VAN FAUSSIEN
Senior Managing Director,
Azimuth Capital Management, LLC