HKS Master Plan for Cass Community Social Services wins People's Choice Award
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HKS, a global architectural firm with offices in Northville, first became involved with Cass in 2016 through the company's Month of Service volunteer initiative. After their initial volunteer effort, they began brainstorming for other ways to engage with Cass. From 2016-2018, HKS staff members donated countless hours from designing a tiny home to assisting in Green Industries to installing kitchens and painting apartments in some of the agency's permanent supportive housing programs.
In 2018, the staff at HKS led by Alex Briseno began conducting research about the neighborhood that surrounds the Cass campus. Spending about a year, it then was pulled into a comprehensive document which can be used as a catalyst for future development decisions, such as land use, parking, alternative transportation and open spaces. Their Master Plan received the 2019 AIA Detroit People's Choice Award in October!
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Rotating Shelter Open and Openings
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Since 1988, the Interfaith Hospitality Ministry of Cass Community has relied on the generosity of places of worship throughout metropolitan Detroit to house up to 54 adult men and women experiencing homeless each night for one week. The week-long commitments run from Saturday to Saturday.
The participants meet at Cass Community’s Scott Building each afternoon for roll call. The agency’s bus transports them to that week’s location, arriving between 4 and 5 p.m. The host group provides dinner and an area within their facility for the guests to sleep - air mattresses and linens are provided by Cass Community. The host is welcome to schedule an after-dinner activity or some form of entertainment. Agency security staff remains on the host’s site during the entire stay.
The next morning, the host serves breakfast on site and provides an individual sack lunch for each guest. The Cass Community bus arrives between 7 and 8 a.m. to pick up the participants.
So far, 25 hosts have committed to participate in the 2019 – 2020 term, which runs from the end of October through mid-April.
However, there are 4 weeks that are still open and need commitments
. Churches of all denominations, synagogues and mosques are invited to serve in these week-long commitments.
If a host is only able to provide sleeping space, Cass Community will make arrangements for the guests’ meals. Or, if a host facility cannot accommodate sleepers, they can come to the Scott Building and provide dinner and breakfast. Places of worship can also donate money that can be used for guests that are staying at another host location to have some form of entertainment, such as an evening of bowling or a visit to a movie theater.
Please consider whether your place of worship can commit to house guests for a week or whether you can serve in another way. Contact Kim Hudolin, Cass Community’s Deputy Director, to get involved or for other information at 313-883-2277, ext 204 or [email protected].
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New Green Industries Product Thanks to the Mission Committee at Robbins United Methodist Church
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Are you looking for a unique present for the holidays? The Green Industries workers are now making single and double wooden rockers thanks to the good people of Robbins UMC. The chairs are smooth and sturdy. They will provide years of relaxation on your porch or deck. They are perfect sitting spots for reading or quieting a child. Plus, you'll be providing employment in Detroit!
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The Cass Free Medical Clinic Needs Your Help Moving to Cass Church
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ELP
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We will be moving the Saturday Clinic into the Cass Church Building on Saturday, November 30, starting at 12:30. As you can imagine, we need all hands on deck due to the volume of equipment, medicines and files. What's more, we need the transition to be quick so as not to miss a Saturday for the patients sake. Hundreds of uninsured men, women and children rely on the medical services provided every week by Dr. George Charles Costea, Nurse Laurie Tonarelli and countless Wayne State University med. students. If you are interested/available, please send an e-mail to [email protected] with your name and contact telephone number. Thank you.
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Are you a member of the DAC? EMPTY BOWLS DETROIT
will be holding a private event there on November 14, starting at 5:30.
The DAC Chef will prepare a selection of delicious soups for the guests to enjoy. Each attendee will take home a bowl as a reminder someone's bowl is always empty. As always, funds raised by Empty Bowls Detroit supports the Cass Food Program.
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The Influence of Former Board Chair Sue Bath Thomasson Continues to Grow
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On Sunday, September 29, we gathered inside the new Sue Bath Thomasson Apartments and Warming Center to thank our supporters and to dedicate the newly renovated building in memory of Sue Bath Thomasson. She had served on the very first Board of Directors and was Chairperson for two years before she rotated off.
She deserves credit for initiating both the annual Golf Outing and the Rochester Holiday Breakfast. Over the years each fundraiser has grown in terms of attendees and dollars raised to support the mission of Cass. Beyond these, Sue had a special place in her heart for our work with homeless women and children. She was the first to volunteer to stock the diaper closet, to staff the Christmas Store, to deliver school supplies and uniforms.
Cliff Bath, Sue's father, gave a moving speech during the Appreciation/Dedication Day ceremony. He spoke about Sue's contributions over the years, the involvement of the Bath Family Foundation and even mentioned that he had been a child of Detroit. (Cliff was born just 1.2 miles away from the new Thomasson building, at Marr Hospital. FYI - The hospital bill for a ten-day stay in 1930 was $64.75 and included the room, dressings, medication and the baby clothes!)
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Above is the information about this year's Rochester Breakfast. We anticipate 400 guests.
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Donate and/or help Cass as you shop....
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