| The following article The Forum and Link, Metro Detroit's Arab Community Newspaper: |
My name is Debra Scott. I'm a 55-year-old Caucasian
woman born and raised in Detroit, Michigan. I met
Evangelist Nedra Lucas in 2004. We struck up a
conversation and from that time to this, seven years later,
I have been a volunteer.
I knew immediately the spirit and love from Evangelist
Lucas was so strong and sincere, that I would work
alongside her whenever she asked. I was impressed
when I found Evangelist Lucas founded The Mission in
2002--without a paid position and strictly relies on the
volunteers, board members, fundraisers and her faith in
Jesus Christ. When I met Evangelist Lucas I was at the
lowest point of my life. I had been rejected by my family
because I married an African American and had a child.
However, I didn't have anyone that I could talk to without
feeling judged or just having someone to fill the void from
all the pain I was suffering. More recently, my daughter
attended the Parenting Enrichment classes that helped
to prepare here for parenthood.
Until Evangelist Lucas began to talk to me about how
prayer works and how prayer can help me to forgive, heal
and let go of my deep pain, I was depressed a lot.
Evangelist Lucas is a humble woman and you would not
know how powerful she is unless you really get to know
her. I wanted to have that same type of spiritual light as I
saw in her; she taught me to stay focused and alert.
Because of her guidance, I was able to deal with things
on a more logical level, more focused and able to think
clearer and handle life's shortcomings.
I have witnessed many individuals healed--both male
and female moved forward under the leadership of
Evangelist Lucas. But, most importantly, because of my
interaction with Evangelist Lucas, I have developed a
personal relationship with Christ that I've never had
before. I'm blessed to say that I was baptised in 2010!
Now, I understand that those who are truly giving up their
lives to help others people by providing support and
spiritual counseling are helping them to help themselves
to become positive and empowered.
Who can operate an organization this long without grants
and with limited resources? Nobody, except those that
God have called. Its unfortunate that a person like
Evangelist Lucas has to endure the many financial
challenges because of her integrity. As it is written in the
Holy Bible, "No weapon formed against us shall be able
to prosper." I've seen it often enough--she just prays,
even when others try to come against her, without any
retaliation. I've learned from her to treat people with love,
respect, and to serve without judgment. Thank you,
Evangelist Lucas--I'm proud to say you gave me hope
and empowerment to help those who are like I once was.
Ms. Debra Scott, The Mission Volunteer March 2011
| "In Recognition and Tribute" |
A Testimony
to the
Power of
Love In Action...
to the
Power of
Love In Action...
My name is Mrs. Debra Stewart and I am writing this Letter of
Testimony to share my experience with knowing Evangelist
Nedra Lucas, Founder/CEO of The Mission Prevention
Education for Children, Youth and Young Adults.
My daughter was a victim of domestic violence. She was the
young woman who was murdered by her boyfriend at the Red
Roof Inn in February, 2007. After my daughter's death I was
devastated and becoming withdrawn. It was through the grief
counseling I received from Evangelist Lucas at The Mission that
helped me to go through this painful time. Evangelist Lucas
prayed with me, let me talk out my anger, frustration and cry as
much as I wanted or needed too. She kept in constant
communication with me to ensure that I was alright, coming
along with my healing process and not slipping into withdrawal.
I was given resources to read on grief and referrals to support
groups for parents who have lost children. She is a very
spiritually led woman of God and I am better off for having met
her at that time in my life.
As I was going through my grief counseling I found out that
Evangelist Lucas had a program in place that helps women
who are victims and survivors of domestic violence. She has cell
phones with 3,000 pre-paid minutes that she gives to her clients.
I have become a supporter of Evangelist Lucas and The
Mission. I will continue in anyway I can to help her to continue to
do the good work she is doing in helping people in the
community .to get the resources and help they need. In addition
to her grief counseling Evangelist Lucas helps people in the
community with paying utility bills, food and clothing.
I am a Federal Police Officer with the Department of Veteran
Affairs. I often refer clients who have been victimized to "The
Mission" for counseling, classes and support.
Evangelist Lucas and The Mission are truly worthy of any and all
support.
Mrs. Dee Spencer, Former Mission Client Feb 2010
| Burdens Are Easier When Shared... |
This fall, September 2011, I found myself homeless.
I took a opportunity as a property manager in an inner-city apartment complex. In place of a paycheck, I was paid with free
rent and utilities. This was a blessing for me. I had exhausted my unemployment, my 401K was almost gone and my
adult children considered my needs to be a burden.
A gang of deviant men known as the "Schoolcraft Gang" chased me away only three weeks after moving into the complex
and beginning the position. It happened on a Sunday morning and it happened at gunpoint. I ran--leaving behind
everything I owned. My distress call to the police went unanswered. My attempt to go into the Northwest District and file an
incident report ended with my getting into an argument with one of the officers at the desk. The police told me all about all
the other cases they had to work on and that looking into my problem involved a process. But, they couldn't help me
immediately or give me any advice about what to do or where to go to live temporarily.
My children listened to my tale of woe and told me all the things I should say to the gang members and what I should tell
the police. But, they didn't invite me to stay with them while I worked this all out.
The Senior Alliance (Wayne) gave me contact info for the Homeless Hotline and the Wayne County Community Action
Agency. I have never heard back from the hotline. Shirley McKee of the Community Action Agency that heads the homeless
network in Out-Wayne County advised me to sleep in my car in the parking lot of a local hospital. She said I would be safe
there because they have security patrolling those parking lots. I learned this was true by spending two nights there before
the security officer told me that if all homeless people stayed in their parking lot there would be no room for the visitors.
I took a opportunity as a property manager in an inner-city apartment complex. In place of a paycheck, I was paid with free
rent and utilities. This was a blessing for me. I had exhausted my unemployment, my 401K was almost gone and my
adult children considered my needs to be a burden.
A gang of deviant men known as the "Schoolcraft Gang" chased me away only three weeks after moving into the complex
and beginning the position. It happened on a Sunday morning and it happened at gunpoint. I ran--leaving behind
everything I owned. My distress call to the police went unanswered. My attempt to go into the Northwest District and file an
incident report ended with my getting into an argument with one of the officers at the desk. The police told me all about all
the other cases they had to work on and that looking into my problem involved a process. But, they couldn't help me
immediately or give me any advice about what to do or where to go to live temporarily.
My children listened to my tale of woe and told me all the things I should say to the gang members and what I should tell
the police. But, they didn't invite me to stay with them while I worked this all out.
The Senior Alliance (Wayne) gave me contact info for the Homeless Hotline and the Wayne County Community Action
Agency. I have never heard back from the hotline. Shirley McKee of the Community Action Agency that heads the homeless
network in Out-Wayne County advised me to sleep in my car in the parking lot of a local hospital. She said I would be safe
there because they have security patrolling those parking lots. I learned this was true by spending two nights there before
the security officer told me that if all homeless people stayed in their parking lot there would be no room for the visitors.
| Doesn't matter what you know... it matters if you care. |
Sleeping in my car which was tucked under some trees at a local park, I discovered there were other people like me. Not
drug addicts, not crazies...just homeless for one reason or another. Mostly unemployed. This didn't bring me a lot of
comfort, although it made me sleep easier in my car. I then called the local Mental Health Network to talk to someone--I
needed to be told how to hang in there. In stead of emotional support, a customer service representative named
"Gloria," gave me information about where shelters were. When I told her I had tried them and that they were all full or
only serviced families (a fact she knew), she became angry with me and told me she was going to find someone else to
help me because I was making her mad. She then hung up on me.
Well, Gloria made me mad. I went to Nedra Lucas to vent. And Ms. Lucas listened. She stopped what she was doing
and she listened. She didn't interrupt as I cried from humiliation and frustration...and loneliness. I had lost my mother
two weeks before becoming homeless and my two best girlfriends had moved out of the State earlier in the year. When I
went to my church for some counseling, my minister didn't even recognize me. His wife was very ill and he had a lot on
his mind. But knowing that everybody was dealing with something did not make me feel any less lonely.
Ms. Lucas also has things to deal with in her life. She has a personal life and runs two organizations. But, she cares so
much for people that she makes the time--day or night. She was there for me during the next 48 hours like no one else
has ever been. She called me to check up on me, she listened no matter how long winded I became, she found housing
for me and offered me her money, she prayed for me. I will always believe it was love and prayer that ended my
incidence of homelessness--not the so-called community services. --Shelia Hamilton Oct 2011
drug addicts, not crazies...just homeless for one reason or another. Mostly unemployed. This didn't bring me a lot of
comfort, although it made me sleep easier in my car. I then called the local Mental Health Network to talk to someone--I
needed to be told how to hang in there. In stead of emotional support, a customer service representative named
"Gloria," gave me information about where shelters were. When I told her I had tried them and that they were all full or
only serviced families (a fact she knew), she became angry with me and told me she was going to find someone else to
help me because I was making her mad. She then hung up on me.
Well, Gloria made me mad. I went to Nedra Lucas to vent. And Ms. Lucas listened. She stopped what she was doing
and she listened. She didn't interrupt as I cried from humiliation and frustration...and loneliness. I had lost my mother
two weeks before becoming homeless and my two best girlfriends had moved out of the State earlier in the year. When I
went to my church for some counseling, my minister didn't even recognize me. His wife was very ill and he had a lot on
his mind. But knowing that everybody was dealing with something did not make me feel any less lonely.
Ms. Lucas also has things to deal with in her life. She has a personal life and runs two organizations. But, she cares so
much for people that she makes the time--day or night. She was there for me during the next 48 hours like no one else
has ever been. She called me to check up on me, she listened no matter how long winded I became, she found housing
for me and offered me her money, she prayed for me. I will always believe it was love and prayer that ended my
incidence of homelessness--not the so-called community services. --Shelia Hamilton Oct 2011
YWCA Interim House
PO Box 21904; Detroit, Ml 48221 (313) 861-5300
www. YWCAdetroit.org
October 18, 2011
Nedra Lucas
The Mission: Prevention Education
15565 Northland Drive, Suite 702W
Southfield, Ml 48075
Dear Ms. Lucas:
Thank you for supporting the women & children of YWCA Interim House.
The clothing, shoes & accessories provided by your organization is greatly
appreciated. Many of our residents were able to find clothing and shoes to
meet their own needs as well as the needs of their children.
As the only domestic violence shelter in the city of Detroit, we rely heavily
on our donors and supporters to help us meet the needs of our residents. So
we are grateful for the support of your organization. We could not do what
we do without you. Again, thank you for supporting the YWCA Interim
House and the women and children we serve.
Sincerely,
Volunteer Coordinator
Volunteer/Resource Coordinator
YWCA Interim House
Nedra Lucas: Woman
On a Mission
By Tina Nelson
Email: tinan@forumandlink.com
Photo by Tina Nelson
Having been a teenage mother and wife, as well as a survivor of domestic
violence, Nedra Lucas understands the needs of troubled families. Lucas
has made it her life's mission to provide hope for others.
Taking her 14 years of human services experience to another level, Lucas
has developed nine social programs and the incorporation of two successful
community-based organizations.
On a Mission
By Tina Nelson
Email: tinan@forumandlink.com
Photo by Tina Nelson
Having been a teenage mother and wife, as well as a survivor of domestic
violence, Nedra Lucas understands the needs of troubled families. Lucas
has made it her life's mission to provide hope for others.
Taking her 14 years of human services experience to another level, Lucas
has developed nine social programs and the incorporation of two successful
community-based organizations.
Her personal life philosophy,
"Hold on to hope" is what keeps
her going and continually
reaching out for ways to help
those that most often can't help
themselves. She is very
passionate about what she does.
"Hold on to hope" is what keeps
her going and continually
reaching out for ways to help
those that most often can't help
themselves. She is very
passionate about what she does.
"My passion is because I was a survivor of domestic violence. So I
understand and I want to help others to be able to go forward and to heal
from it and know that they can live a healthy and productive life," said Lucas.
In 1998 and continuing today, Lucas directs the Health Brings Wealth
(HBW) Program through both Wayne and Oakland County court systems.
Her role with the HBW Program is to provide court-ordered classes and
counseling services for adjudicated youth and families troubled by incidents
of substance abuse and violent crimes. In 2002, Lucas brought her hope
and passion to life. She took her own money and founded "The Mission:
Prevention Education" program. This program is a service to assist families
and individuals that have been victimized by domestic/sexual violence and
crimes. The mission of this "Mission" program is to focus on the healing,
well-being and provide basic needs (i.e., food, shelter and education) for its
clients.
Today "The Mission" is a registered 501(C)3 non-profit that over the past
nine years has successfully provided services to more than 12,000 residents
throughout Metropolitan Detroit. "This mission has not been easy," said
Lucas. "My faith in God has always helped me to continue on what I know I
was put on this earth to do. Help others."
Over the years Lucas has received numerous community awards and has
formed several community partnerships. Every year, starting in September,
they begin preparing for their annual Holiday Food Drive to provide food and
non-perishable items for disadvantaged families. The food donations
collected are packaged and distributed at Thanksgiving and continues right
into Christmas.
To find out how this program can assist you or how you can assist their
mission, call (248) 967-9561. Visit their website: www.mission2hope.org.
understand and I want to help others to be able to go forward and to heal
from it and know that they can live a healthy and productive life," said Lucas.
In 1998 and continuing today, Lucas directs the Health Brings Wealth
(HBW) Program through both Wayne and Oakland County court systems.
Her role with the HBW Program is to provide court-ordered classes and
counseling services for adjudicated youth and families troubled by incidents
of substance abuse and violent crimes. In 2002, Lucas brought her hope
and passion to life. She took her own money and founded "The Mission:
Prevention Education" program. This program is a service to assist families
and individuals that have been victimized by domestic/sexual violence and
crimes. The mission of this "Mission" program is to focus on the healing,
well-being and provide basic needs (i.e., food, shelter and education) for its
clients.
Today "The Mission" is a registered 501(C)3 non-profit that over the past
nine years has successfully provided services to more than 12,000 residents
throughout Metropolitan Detroit. "This mission has not been easy," said
Lucas. "My faith in God has always helped me to continue on what I know I
was put on this earth to do. Help others."
Over the years Lucas has received numerous community awards and has
formed several community partnerships. Every year, starting in September,
they begin preparing for their annual Holiday Food Drive to provide food and
non-perishable items for disadvantaged families. The food donations
collected are packaged and distributed at Thanksgiving and continues right
into Christmas.
To find out how this program can assist you or how you can assist their
mission, call (248) 967-9561. Visit their website: www.mission2hope.org.