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A Shelter and Treatment Center for the Homeless
SUCCESS STORIES
George
George, a former Mariners Inn resident, faced a setback after 4.5 years of sobriety before finding renewed purpose at Mariners Inn. He realized that being "clean" wasn't the same as being in recovery, leading to his relapse. Through counseling and group sessions, George learned to confront his problems and stay positive in the recovery process. With a newfound commitment to sobriety, George prioritizes being a present father to his two daughters, using each day as an opportunity for growth. Now part of the Extended Residency Program, he embraces the supportive environment of Mariners Inn, where he continues to learn and give back. George stays focused on his recovery journey, enjoying community activities and planning for a brighter future, including further education and strengthening his role as a father.
Clay
Clay P. was referred to the Peer Recovery Program on March 2012 and was assigned to Coach Owens, where they developed his recovery plan. The first goal of his plan was to develop and maintain a foundation of recovery. He has done this by finding a home group and sponsor. The second goal was to reconnect with his family (sisters, children and grandchildren). He participated in regular home visits that resulted in family reunification. The third goal was to address his medical concerns. He has addressed this by maintaining all of his doctor’s appointments and by following the doctor’s orders. Clay has demonstrated an unyielding determination and total commitment to the recovery process. Clay is a positive motivating force for other members of the Recovery Program and well deserving of this spotlight.
Moe
Maurice "Moe" Hunter, a resident in Mariners Inn's Extended Residency (MER) Program, spends his downtime in the art room, crafting mosaic masterpieces. Introduced to drugs and alcohol in his teens, Mr. Hunter battled addiction, eventually finding himself in Mariners Inn in 2005. Though clean for years, a relapse occurred on his 50th birthday. Returning in 2009, he immersed himself in recovery, finding solace and purpose in art therapy. Initially hesitant, he now dedicates late nights to mosaic work, finding it meditative and therapeutic. Through art, Mr. Hunter continues his journey to self-sufficiency and recovery at Mariners Inn.
Kwesi
Kwesi came to Mariners Inn in May 2015. He’s been living independently for over a year now after completing treatment and staying at Mariners Inn as part of the Mariners Inn Extended Residency (MER) program. We sat down and talked with him in January 2020 to see how he’s been doing.
What brought Kwesi to Mariners Inn in 2015 is not unusual; he struggled with heroin addiction for about 10 years. He started his road to recovery as a part of Mariners Inn’s Residential program, and started collecting tools to use as he progressed in his sobriety.
Through MER, Kwesi was able to stay at Mariners Inn until October 2018. While living at Mariners Inn, Kwesi earned his Associates of Arts and Sciences Degree at Wayne County Community College. In 2016, The Detroit Free Press interviewed him for an article about homeless students. He was quoted saying, “It took me eight years to get this degree, but now I’m feeling real good.”
Looking back on his experiences here he said, “It hit me hard. This place helped me build a solid foundation to succeed and be focused.”
Kwesi talked about how Mariners helped him to address all issues including his mental, physical and spiritual health. “This place helped me reconnect with my spirituality,” he emphasized.
Now, Kwesi has his own home and is the Chief Executive Officer of The King's Way Enterprise, a digital marketing company that he started himself.
“Right now I am working on my company every day, doing stuff I love to do, and going to church,” he said. He also serves on a non-profit board and says he likes to cook and cut hair.
“I am constantly learning. I like cooking, helping people, listening to music…I spend a lot of time at Starbucks too,” he said. His favorite music artist is currently Fred Hammond, a gospel singer from Detroit.
He talked about how Mariners Inn helped him raise funds through a partnership with HandUp Detroit to buy a laptop so that he could have the proper tools to start his business.
Kwesi has stayed in touch with Mariners Inn as part of the alumni program, and he recently reached out to give back and volunteer to help other guys who deal with similar issues he has faced.
When asked what motivates him to stay on his path he replied, “Not coming back here; I stay not wanting to go backwards. Also, my family and keeping goals.”
For those struggling with addiction he suggested, “Look at where you’ve been and think about where you want to go; look at what you have and take inventory.” He also talked about gratefulness and practicing daily gratitude.
“It’s OK, don’t stress,” he said. “Definitely go to treatment if you struggle with homelessness or addiction and take advantage of the resources available to you.”
What brought Kwesi to Mariners Inn in 2015 is not unusual; he struggled with heroin addiction for about 10 years. He started his road to recovery as a part of Mariners Inn’s Residential program, and started collecting tools to use as he progressed in his sobriety.
Through MER, Kwesi was able to stay at Mariners Inn until October 2018. While living at Mariners Inn, Kwesi earned his Associates of Arts and Sciences Degree at Wayne County Community College. In 2016, The Detroit Free Press interviewed him for an article about homeless students. He was quoted saying, “It took me eight years to get this degree, but now I’m feeling real good.”
Looking back on his experiences here he said, “It hit me hard. This place helped me build a solid foundation to succeed and be focused.”
Kwesi talked about how Mariners helped him to address all issues including his mental, physical and spiritual health. “This place helped me reconnect with my spirituality,” he emphasized.
Now, Kwesi has his own home and is the Chief Executive Officer of The King's Way Enterprise, a digital marketing company that he started himself.
“Right now I am working on my company every day, doing stuff I love to do, and going to church,” he said. He also serves on a non-profit board and says he likes to cook and cut hair.
“I am constantly learning. I like cooking, helping people, listening to music…I spend a lot of time at Starbucks too,” he said. His favorite music artist is currently Fred Hammond, a gospel singer from Detroit.
He talked about how Mariners Inn helped him raise funds through a partnership with HandUp Detroit to buy a laptop so that he could have the proper tools to start his business.
Kwesi has stayed in touch with Mariners Inn as part of the alumni program, and he recently reached out to give back and volunteer to help other guys who deal with similar issues he has faced.
When asked what motivates him to stay on his path he replied, “Not coming back here; I stay not wanting to go backwards. Also, my family and keeping goals.”
For those struggling with addiction he suggested, “Look at where you’ve been and think about where you want to go; look at what you have and take inventory.” He also talked about gratefulness and practicing daily gratitude.
“It’s OK, don’t stress,” he said. “Definitely go to treatment if you struggle with homelessness or addiction and take advantage of the resources available to you.”
Mike
Michael found himself at the end of a 14-day binge, realizing he was slowly killing himself. Conversations with his sister and brother sparked a desire for change, especially seeing his brother's improved condition during a visit to Mariners Inn. Despite past attempts to overcome addiction, Michael took a chance on Mariners Inn, where he found genuine care and support. Through self-reflection and forgiveness, he embraced lifestyle adjustments and resilience. Now prioritizing family and recovery, he participates in a 90 meetings in 90 days program. With sole custody of his children, Michael looks forward to furthering his education and enjoys listening to music in his spare time.
Jonathan
Jonathan faced years of self-esteem struggles and addiction, compounded by a difficult upbringing and early trauma. After multiple attempts at treatment, it wasn't until a pivotal moment in 2004 that he seriously considered sobriety. Despite setbacks, including battles with cancer, Jonathan found renewed purpose in sharing his story and helping others. His journey led him back to Mariners Inn in January 2020, where he began rebuilding his life. With newfound clarity and determination, Jonathan transitioned to recovery housing and eventually secured his own apartment. He cherishes his role as a grandfather and values the support of his family. Jonathan remains committed to his ongoing recovery journey, embracing each day with humility and gratitude.
Alvin
Alvin, 60, is a testament to transformation. Discovering Mariners Inn in 2013, he found the support needed to turn his life around from homelessness and despair. Through the 90-day program, he underwent detox and reevaluation, despite the initial struggle of navigating negativity. Transitioning to the extended residency program, Alvin thrived in responsibilities like coffee duty and later as house manager. His dedication to God and daily Bible reading fueled his progress, leading to improved mental and physical health. Encouraging others to seek faith and believe in their potential, Alvin emphasizes the importance of wanting to improve to achieve real change. Now living independently, he sees life as freedom and plans to pursue addiction studies while maintaining focus and discipline through continued exercise.
Tajai
"I still had that mentality. I came here angry," said Tajai, a father of four and recent graduate of Mariners Inn.
Growing up without his parents and facing a toxic support system, Tajai struggled with anger and gang associations. "I felt like I didn’t have a soul," he recalled.
Determined to change for his children, he chose to come to Mariners Inn. "I was tired," he said. Here, he learned it was okay to be alone and afraid, confronting his flaws and fears.
"We don’t have to fit this male tough guy role. It's okay to speak about your problems," Tajai shared. With the support of counselors and peers, he learned to love himself and embrace his true identity. "My spirit has more light now."
Tajai urges new participants to take the program seriously. "You cannot do everything on your own." Confident and hopeful, he looks forward to a brighter future.
Growing up without his parents and facing a toxic support system, Tajai struggled with anger and gang associations. "I felt like I didn’t have a soul," he recalled.
Determined to change for his children, he chose to come to Mariners Inn. "I was tired," he said. Here, he learned it was okay to be alone and afraid, confronting his flaws and fears.
"We don’t have to fit this male tough guy role. It's okay to speak about your problems," Tajai shared. With the support of counselors and peers, he learned to love himself and embrace his true identity. "My spirit has more light now."
Tajai urges new participants to take the program seriously. "You cannot do everything on your own." Confident and hopeful, he looks forward to a brighter future.
David
Lawrence
Mark
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