Cots: The Art Of Family Podcast

Join Aisha Morrell-Ferguson (Chief Development Officer), Nikki Carbonari (Executive Director of Impact), and Anthony Eid (Policy & Advocacy Coordinator) as they delve into the state of the agency, exploring the triumphs and challenges faced by families in Detroit. Discover how COTS is making a difference through advocacy, partnerships, and innovative programs like the Passport to Self-Sufficiency and EMDR therapy. Tune in to hear inspiring stories of resilience and discover how you can contribute to creating positive change. 

In this episode, Bianca Robinson shares her inspiring journey from experiencing homelessness to finding stability and support through the COTS community. She discusses her childhood, the challenges she faced, and the pivotal moments that led her to seek help. Bianca highlights the importance of community support, the impact on her daughter, and her long-term goals, including aspirations for homeownership and personal growth. She also addresses misconceptions about homelessness and emphasizes the need for empathy and understanding from the community.

Join us on the Art of Family podcast as we dive into the inspiring journey of Marlene Johnson, a dedicated peer support specialist at COTS. With her lived experience and deep compassion, Marlene walks alongside families, helping them navigate challenges and build towards stability and success. In this episode, we explore the vital role of peer support and the transformative power of community. Tune in to hear Marlene's story and discover how empathy and resilience can pave the way for a brighter future.

The Passport to Self-Sufficiency™ (PTS) framework is at the heart of COTS’ mission to help Detroit families build stability and thrive. In this episode, Paige Blessman, Director of Communications & Engagement, is joined by Nikki Carbonari, Executive Director of Impact, and Laquaia Thomas, a COTS Mobility Coach, to unpack how PTS works in practice.Together, they explore how the framework guides families through five interconnected domains—Family Stability, Finances, Health and Well-Being, Education and Training, and Employment and Income. Listeners will hear real stories from the frontlines, learn how coaching empowers families to set and achieve their own goals, and discover why this decade-old model continues to transform lives.Whether you’re a longtime supporter or new to COTS, this episode offers an inside look at what it takes to break the cycle of poverty for good.

Queen’s journey began in Detroit, where her grandmother’s no-nonsense love set the foundation for resilience. But adulthood brought unexpected challenges—heart attacks, a broken home, and long years without heat or hot water. She never saw herself as “homeless”… until a COTS counselor changed everything.In this deeply personal conversation, Queen shares how pride, perseverance, and the power of community transformed her family’s path. It’s a story of survival, self-discovery, and what happens when someone finally tells you, “You don’t have to do this alone.”

In this episode of The Art of Family, Aisha Morrell-Ferguson engages in a heartfelt conversation with Shana White, founder of Picking Up the Pieces, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families transition from homelessness to stable housing. They discuss Shana's personal journey through homelessness, the inception of her organization, and the various programs designed to support families in need. The conversation highlights the importance of community support, volunteerism, and the impact of creating a nurturing home environment for those overcoming adversity.

In this conversation, Allah shares his inspiring journey from experiencing homelessness to finding stability and purpose through the support of the Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO). He discusses the importance of community, mentorship, and self-care, emphasizing the role of spirituality and nutrition in his life. Allah highlights the transformative power of hope and connection, encouraging others to prioritize their well-being and support one another in their journeys. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

In this heartfelt episode of The Art of Family, host Rachel sits down with Timothy Moss to explore his powerful journey of resilience, faith, and personal growth. Timothy shares stories from his upbringing in Butler, Alabama, and candidly discusses his experiences with homelessness, including his time at COTS Peggy's Place. Through the challenges of family separation, injury, and job loss, Timothy reflects on how his faith and support system—including his children and the COTS community—helped him persevere. Tune in to hear Timothy’s inspiring story of transformation, the importance of humility, and the power of love and patience in overcoming life’s obstacles. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

In this episode, Margaret shares her powerful journey with Rachel Minion (from COTS). From experiencing homelessness at Peggy's Place to finding solace in Bible study, Margaret opens up about her struggles with depression and the challenges she faced while trying to rebuild her life after leaving an abusive relationship. Through faith and the support of her church community, she rededicated herself to God, leaving behind her past and embracing a renewed sense of purpose. Margaret's story is a testament to the power of community, faith, and resilience. Listen in to hear how she found hope, support, and a path to stability with the help of COTS and her unwavering faith. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Join us as Shelita recounts her experiences with family trauma, the struggle for secure housing, and the perseverance it took to provide a stable life for her children. From her determination to seek help to the powerful role of COTS in her life, Shelita's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community support. In this episode, we discuss: Shelita's childhood and family dynamics The impact of trauma and the journey towards healing The pivotal moment when Shelita found COTS and began her path to stability The importance of building a strong support system and extended family through COTS Shelita’s personal achievements, including financial stability and securing a home The role of Warrior Women Against Poverty in her ongoing journey This episode is a powerful reminder of the resilience and potential in every individual and family. Tune in to hear how Shelita’s story can inspire and empower others facing similar challenges. --- Support this podcast: h

Listen as our guest shares their story of growing up in Detroit, the challenges they faced, and the strength they found in their family and faith. Through overcoming domestic violence, coping with the loss of loved ones, and navigating homelessness, Erica reveals how the community of COTS provided a lifeline. Hear about the pivotal role of supportive coaching and counseling sessions and the profound impact of staff members like Ms. Walker and Ms. Matthews. This episode is a testament to the power of faith, perseverance, and community support, proving that even in the darkest times, there's always a light to guide you through. Join us for a moving conversation about finding hope, healing, and the courage to move forward. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Host Paige Blessman, Director of Communications at COTS, sits down with Leslie, a lead family service partner at COTS, to delve into her incredible journey of resilience and healing. Leslie opens up about her challenging upbringing in the foster care system, the struggles she faced growing up, and her inspiring journey to find her birth mother after 47 years. Through her story, Leslie demonstrates the power of perseverance, the importance of self-forgiveness, and the incredible strength that comes from healing and self-discovery. This is a story about overcoming adversity, the power of faith, and the unwavering belief that our experiences do not define us but rather shape us into stronger individuals. Tune in to hear Leslie's profound story of finding hope, forgiveness, and a newfound connection with her family. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

In this enlightening conversation, host Corisa Reed (COTS Chief Administrative Officer) sits down with Deja Farr-Lowrey (Emergency Services Administrator), to unpack what paternalism means and how it manifests in our daily lives and work. Together, they explore the harmful stereotypes surrounding poverty and homelessness, challenge the misconceptions about the individuals and families facing these circumstances, and discuss how to foster a more compassionate and collaborative approach to support and empowerment. Deja shares her firsthand experiences and insights from working closely with families at COTS, emphasizing the importance of meeting people where they are, recognizing their inherent strengths, and partnering with them on their journey to stability and success. This episode offers listeners valuable tools and perspectives to recognize and counter paternalistic attitudes in both professional settings and personal relationships. Tune in to learn how you can contribute to shifting these narratives and cr

In this heartfelt episode, our host Rachel Minion sits down with Brandi Smith to explore her inspiring journey from homelessness to a stable and thriving life. Brandi shares her emotional story of perseverance and resilience, recounting how she, her boyfriend, and their eight-year-old daughter, Ryan, found themselves homeless and sleeping in their car. With Ryan's asthma flaring up, they sought shelter and were welcomed into COTS, where they received support and compassion from COTS. Earlier this year on Mother's Day, Detroit rapper Tee Grizzley also made a generous donation to COTS that moved Brandy and her family out of the shelter and into their new home! Tune in to her story. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Many THANK YOUS to the incredible team at Comerica Bank for visiting our kids at Peggy’s Place! Executive Director Mike Ritchie set aside time to have a special chat with the kids about finance and banking. They were so engaged and had a ton of great questions. Such as where does money come from? How long has Mr. Ritchie been at the bank? How do ATMs work?? Lol Big shoutout also to Hassan Melhem for coordinating this awesome experience, and for the awesome piggy banks and t-shirts the kids loved! Our nonprofit partners make such a difference for the youth we serve. Thankful for your support, Comerica Bank Together, we are Creating Opportunities To Succeed --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Join us for a special edition of The Art of Family podcast as Paige Blessman (COTS Director of Communications) and Lucy Couch (Detroit Pistons Business Development Executive) talk about the collaboration between COTS and the Detroit Pistons. Hear how an intro at a networking event blossomed into a remarkable partnership, resulting in COTS Night at the upcoming Pistons game on March 20th. Learn about the unforgettable experiences planned for the night, the impact of this event, and how you can get involved in supporting Detroit families experiencing homelessness. Tune in for a story of partnership, generosity, and the transformative power of sports and community. Join us at COTS Night, buy your tickets here: https://fevo-enterprise.com/event/Cots --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

As a current dialysis technician, Amber shares her aspirations of pursuing medical school despite the daunting obstacles of standardized tests and self-doubt. Through her candid reflections, listeners are invited into the complexities of her past, including the loss of her mother and the challenges of caring for her younger brother. Amber's story reveals common misconceptions about homelessness and the importance of compassion and understanding. Her journey from uncertainty to empowerment exemplifies the transformative impact of organizations like COTS, providing not just shelter but a pathway to stability and self-sufficiency. Tune in as Amber's narrative unfolds, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, a glimmer of hope is always waiting to be embraced. Hit play and embark on a journey of heart, hope, and healing. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Get to know Cynthia as she talks with Paige Blessman (Director of Communications at COTS) about her life journey, filled with ups and downs. From her early years growing up with her grandmother to surviving a difficult domestic violence situation and experiencing homelessness, Cynthia shares her story of resilience and growth. She also talks about finding a sense of belonging at COTS, how coaching has positively impacted her life, and common misconceptions about homelessness. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Join us for an insightful conversation between Cheryl P. Johnson (COTS CEO) and Kim Janey (EMPath President and CEO), moderated by Nikki Carbonari (COTS Senior Director of Strategic Partnerships), as they discuss their shared vision for breaking the cycle of poverty for generations and creating meaningful impact. They talk about the power of narratives and preconceived notions, exploring how these elements shape the foundation of their work. They also share what the journey to certification in Mobility Mentoring® looks like. COTS is thrilled to be the 1st organization certified in Mobility Mentoring®, a research-backed economic mobility coaching approach developed by Economic Mobility Pathways - EMPath! Mobility Mentoring® empowers low-income families by offering a participant-centered, holistic, trauma-informed, and culturally competent approach to help individuals achieve their goals, from education and career advancement to financial stability and well-being. This certification is a game-changer in scaling

Hear from host Gerald Edwards, leader of the COTS Fatherhood Initiative, who engages in a dynamic conversation with Damarqio Williams, CEO, and founder of Detroit Father LLC. Together, they shed light on their individual fatherhood initiatives, emphasizing the shared mission to empower and support fathers in their respective communities. Damarqio Williams shares the heartfelt origins of Detroit Father LLC, a community he created out of a personal need for a safe and supportive space to discuss the joys and challenges of fatherhood. His journey is one of building a community from the ground up, inspired by the absence of such a resource in his city. The pandemic posed its challenges, but resilience prevailed. Gerald Edwards, on the other hand, discusses the evolution of the COTS Fatherhood Initiative. Recognizing the need to fully incorporate fathers into the equation, this initiative seeks to empower fathers with the knowledge, resources, and support necessary to be actively involved in their children's l