COTS: The Art of Family Podcast COTS

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 COTS's Passport to Self-Sufficiency™️ model in Detroit. With this certification, COTS is better equipped to support families in their economic journey, strengthen financial decision-making, and gain priority access to EMPath's tools and funding opportunities for research and program expansion.

Discover both organizations' long-term goals for empowering families and communities experiencing poverty and homelessness. This conversation sheds light on the journey of organizations like ⁠COTS⁠ and ⁠EMPath⁠, working collaboratively to transform lives and inspire change.


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

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 lives.

Together, Gerald and Damarqio explore the role of fatherhood across generations, emphasizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. They share their experiences from the "Dad-Scussion" sessions, highlighting the importance of embracing diverse perspectives and fostering a no-judgment zone for fathers at all stages of their journey.


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support

Black women face a three-fold higher risk of pregnancy-related death than white women. Doulas are increasingly recognized as vital in addressing disparities and supporting marginalized communities during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. Join Angelene Love (Doula) and Aisha Morrell-Ferguson (Chief Development Officer of COTS) for part 2 as they delve into the world of doulas.



Tune in to stay current on campaigns for legislative bills regarding reproductive health and find out where to get more information on community resources and doula advocacy.


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/cotsdetroit/support