About.How it all started and how The Mission has progressed over the years with the help of sponsors, supporters, and special contributors from the community.
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With over 30 years experience working in the field of human services, providing services through area schools and non-profits, Nedra Lucas’ natural abilities and talents have taken many forms: social program developer, writer and curriculum designer, fund developer, life coach and counselor, and spiritual leader. She has personally been responsible for the development of nine social programs and the incorporation of two successful community-based organizations. Her life’s work has been in the interest of children, young adults, and abused women…empowering and impacting the lives of over 14,425 disadvantaged Metro Detroit residents. Mrs. Lucas has been successful in achieving new heights with well-being and healthy human development programs for families by always acting on her personal life philosophy: “Hold on to hope.”
In 1998 Nedra Lucas was contracted by the Detroit Board of Education to work with families who was struggling. Health Brings Wealth School Based Program, (HBW) working within the court system (i.e. 36th District, Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, Oakland County Circuit Court) to provide court-ordered classes and counseling services to adjudicated youth and families troubled by incidents of substance abuse. Mrs. Lucas’ genuine concern for people led her to incorporate the Health Brings Wealth (HBW) in 1999, and to make its services available to additional schools and community organizations in the Tri-County area. The problems and needs of HBW clients were complex and of high-prevalence, however, with Mrs. Lucas recognizing that clients required much more than what was being provided through clinical interventions that spoke of solutions but provided no actual hope.
Having been a teenage mother and wife, as well as a survivor of domestic violence, Nedra Lucas understood the needs of troubled families. Although being a State License social services provider and Licensed Evangelist enabled her to intellectualize what needed to be done, personal experience told her what it would take to help damaged families overcome the cycle and destruction of abuse. In 2002 Mrs. Lucas used her personal funds to found “The Mission: Prevention Education,” a registered 501(C) 3, and targeted its services to assist families and women victimized by domestic violence. Mrs. Lucas structure a three flag program Survival To Arrival, Inspiring Girl’s Hope and Single mothers.
Today, Nedra Lucas serves the community as the Executive Director of The Mission, and continues her work as a Certify Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children of neglect and abuse.The efforts of Nedra Lucas to “hold on to hope” have been supported by an impressive following of area residents representative of all walks of life and professions. Her work has been recognized by both Wayne and Macomb County governments, the Detroit City Council received spirit of Detroit Award and the Detroit Public School Board. According to Mrs. Lucas, the most significant support she receives comes as a result of her being a Licensed Evangelist. Mrs. Lucas and The Mission’s Board of Directors are in the process of expanding services made necessary due to tough economic times resulting in loss jobs or homes in the community. As a result of the organization’s leadership, and its volunteer’s dedication and passion for service, The Mission has received a number of high profile community awards:
In 1998 Nedra Lucas was contracted by the Detroit Board of Education to work with families who was struggling. Health Brings Wealth School Based Program, (HBW) working within the court system (i.e. 36th District, Frank Murphy Hall of Justice, Oakland County Circuit Court) to provide court-ordered classes and counseling services to adjudicated youth and families troubled by incidents of substance abuse. Mrs. Lucas’ genuine concern for people led her to incorporate the Health Brings Wealth (HBW) in 1999, and to make its services available to additional schools and community organizations in the Tri-County area. The problems and needs of HBW clients were complex and of high-prevalence, however, with Mrs. Lucas recognizing that clients required much more than what was being provided through clinical interventions that spoke of solutions but provided no actual hope.
Having been a teenage mother and wife, as well as a survivor of domestic violence, Nedra Lucas understood the needs of troubled families. Although being a State License social services provider and Licensed Evangelist enabled her to intellectualize what needed to be done, personal experience told her what it would take to help damaged families overcome the cycle and destruction of abuse. In 2002 Mrs. Lucas used her personal funds to found “The Mission: Prevention Education,” a registered 501(C) 3, and targeted its services to assist families and women victimized by domestic violence. Mrs. Lucas structure a three flag program Survival To Arrival, Inspiring Girl’s Hope and Single mothers.
Today, Nedra Lucas serves the community as the Executive Director of The Mission, and continues her work as a Certify Court Appointed Special Advocate for Children of neglect and abuse.The efforts of Nedra Lucas to “hold on to hope” have been supported by an impressive following of area residents representative of all walks of life and professions. Her work has been recognized by both Wayne and Macomb County governments, the Detroit City Council received spirit of Detroit Award and the Detroit Public School Board. According to Mrs. Lucas, the most significant support she receives comes as a result of her being a Licensed Evangelist. Mrs. Lucas and The Mission’s Board of Directors are in the process of expanding services made necessary due to tough economic times resulting in loss jobs or homes in the community. As a result of the organization’s leadership, and its volunteer’s dedication and passion for service, The Mission has received a number of high profile community awards:
- Outstanding Services To The Community Award (2015)
- Distinguished Service Award (2012)
- Spirit of Detroit Award (09-2012)
- Outstanding Volunteer Service Award—2010-2011 (05-26-11)
- Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) Outstanding Commitment In the Community (06-24-11)
- Detroit City Council Testimonial Resolution (10-03-2009)
- City of Detroit Special Achievement Award (09-22-2007)
- Wayne County Commissioner’s Women’s History Month Award (2005)
- Wayne County Commissioner’s Exemplary Community Member Award (2004)
- Macomb Foundation Athena Award (2004)
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With over 14 years experience working in the field of human services, providing services through area schools and non-profits, NEDRA LUCAS’ natural abilities and talents have taken many forms: social program developer, writer and curriculum designer, fund developer, life coach and counselor, and spiritual leader. A State Licensed Social Services Provider and Licensed Evangelist, Nedra has personally been responsible for the development of nine social programs and the incorporation of two successful community-based organizations.Her life’s work has been in the interest of children, young adults, and abused women…empowering and impacting the lives of over 12,000 disadvantaged Metro Detroit residents. Nedra has been successful in achieving new heights with well-being and healthy human development programs for families by always acting on her personal life philosophy: “Hold on to hope.” Having been a teenage mother and wife, as well as a survivor of domestic violence, Nedra Lucas understood the needs of troubled families.In 2002, Nedra used her personal funds to found “The Mission: Prevention Education,” a registered 501(c)3, and targeted its services to assist families and individual family members victimized by domestic violence. She has structured The Mission’s programming to focus on the healing and well being of its clients through inner healing and support group interventions, as it provides for their basic needs (food, shelter, and education). Today, Nedra Lucas serves the community as the President and CEO of The Mission, and continues her work as a court-appointed Special Advocate for Children of neglect and abuse, direct counseling for survival of domestic violence and parenting support group. Her work has been recognized by both Wayne and Macomb County governments, and is a recipient of Detroit City Council's Spirit of Detroit Award.
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Nedra Lucas
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Our team is made up of people from all walks of life who have come together for One Mission
Some are doctors, teachers, college students, housewives, retirees, and even police officers. The organization’s network includes and involves local government, faith-based institutions, public and private schools, and community- based organizations and/or groups.
Meet Our Awesome Team!
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Board of Directors
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Advisory Board
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Office Team
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Volunteers
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We could not serve our community without the support we’ve received from our sponsors and supporters. We like to call them “Our Partners”.
Thank you for your support!
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Our Special Contributors
"The Mission Rebranding Project"
In March 2012, Farmington Hills-based creative firm Porter One Design voluntarily re-branded The Mission, and they’re still donating printed design materials to this day! Their design team redid the existing logo, business cards and tri-fold brochures. Using the colors that had become a symbol of the agency, Porter One Design upgraded The Mission’s materials to reflect its unique style and operational focus. The costs for their services has been simply been for The Mission to “keep up the good work.” Many Thanks to Porter One Design!
"A Monthly Donation"
Ms. Rita McClendon has been committed to The Mission Prevention Education in an extraordinary way for over 10 years. Not only has she participated as an in office volunteer team member for eight years, but she generously contributes a monthly monetary donation to help ensure that our organization can continue serving our community. Many Thanks to Rita McClendon!
"The Mission's Website"
Mr. Vishvas Dave generously volunteers his time managing and adding content to The Mission Prevention Education’s Website. The contribution he has made to the organization is immeasurable. We consider him to be more than a valued volunteer. He is truly a wonderful part of our team! Many Thanks to Vishvas Dave!
In March 2012, Farmington Hills-based creative firm Porter One Design voluntarily re-branded The Mission, and they’re still donating printed design materials to this day! Their design team redid the existing logo, business cards and tri-fold brochures. Using the colors that had become a symbol of the agency, Porter One Design upgraded The Mission’s materials to reflect its unique style and operational focus. The costs for their services has been simply been for The Mission to “keep up the good work.” Many Thanks to Porter One Design!
"A Monthly Donation"
Ms. Rita McClendon has been committed to The Mission Prevention Education in an extraordinary way for over 10 years. Not only has she participated as an in office volunteer team member for eight years, but she generously contributes a monthly monetary donation to help ensure that our organization can continue serving our community. Many Thanks to Rita McClendon!
"The Mission's Website"
Mr. Vishvas Dave generously volunteers his time managing and adding content to The Mission Prevention Education’s Website. The contribution he has made to the organization is immeasurable. We consider him to be more than a valued volunteer. He is truly a wonderful part of our team! Many Thanks to Vishvas Dave!
Meet our Sponsors and Supporters!
Funding has been received from a vast range of foundations, and the result is The Mission's sustainability and growth.
Past and current corporate and foundation grantors include:
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Thank you to the Sponsors for all your love and support!
Program Services Impact Data
A recent report released by the Century Foundation on concentrated poverty showed that Wayne County has the second-highest rate of concentrated poverty in the U.S. among the top 100 metro areas. In Detroit, the number of census tracts where more than 40% of people are in poverty more than tripled over the past 15 years, from 51 tracts to 184. Census figures released in September 2015 showed that the city of Detroit has the highest rate of residents in poverty, 39%, among all cities in the U.S. with more than 300,000 residents.
We believe that Detroit's disappointing statistics relative to poverty and literacy will not change significantly until we begin to shift our focus and efforts, at an early age, to one of community and economic empowerment, asset accumulation, financial literacy and small business ownership.
We believe that Detroit's disappointing statistics relative to poverty and literacy will not change significantly until we begin to shift our focus and efforts, at an early age, to one of community and economic empowerment, asset accumulation, financial literacy and small business ownership.
From January 2002 to December 2017 - 14,765 people have received services from The Mission Prevention Education.
The following reflect our impact on the community since 2002.
The following reflect our impact on the community since 2002.
- Parenting Classes/Support Services - (3,672 served)
- 76% women became self-sufficient by securing employment and affordable housing
- Girls Mentoring Program (Inspiring Girl’s Hope Program) - (2,569 served)
- 73% learned the importance of education, financial literacy, academics & etiquette
- Domestic Violence/Support Services - (4,353 served)
- 72% were able to leave their abusive relationship
- Clothing/Food Pantry - (1,179 served)
- Individuals and families received clothing donations
- Holiday Meals and Assistance
- Thanksgiving - Food baskets given to families - (1,744 served)
- Christmas - Food baskets and gift certificates given to families - (1,248 served)
