Zine 15 – Speak Up Magazine

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December 2014 | Issue 6 | $1.00

CHARLOTTE’S
VOICE OF THE
HOMELESS

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“Speak Up for those who cannot speak for
themselves, for the rights of
all who are destitute.”
Proverbs 31:8

Get InvolvedMore than a Magazine

Speak Up Magazine is a 501(c)3 non-profit Volunteers and interns are welcomed for
that gives voice to and offers an income creative areas, such as photography, editing,
opportunity for homeless and vulnerably- teaching, production and design, as well as
housed people. They become micro-business fundraising, social services and more. Please
owners who buy copies of Speak Up for a contact us to help out.
low price and resell them, keeping all the
cash and earning a profit. As a result, these
enterprising street vendors learn to manage
their resources, grow their businesses and Speak Up is Local
change their lives with dignity.
Speak Up is a member of the Unique editions of Speak Up are published
International Network of Street Papers, monthly in Traverse City, MI, and
which connects and supports over 100 Charlotte, NC.
such organizations worldwide. To explore bringing Speak Up to your
region, visit speakupmag.org/local.

This Zine Team Contact

EDITING AND WRITING CLINICS CHARLOTTE OFFICE
Sabrina BP, Peggi Knowe, Matt Shaw, 704-980-9885
Ben Shaw, Nate Casey, Robb Astor, Jena office@speakupmag.org
Aldridge, Harry Griffin, Melissa Sprenkle, 1551 S Mint St, Suite B
Bill Shaw, Mary Pierce, Mickey Grooters, Charlotte, NC 28203
Debbi Shaw, Leah Burnett
TRAVERSE CITY CHAPTER
VISUALS speakuptc.com
Layout, Matt Shaw billshaw@speakupmag.org
Photos, Peggi Knowe & Debbi Shaw

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VENDOR
PROGRAM

Frequently
Asked
Questions

What is a Speak Up vendor?

“Vendor” is the title for the hard-working individuals who distribute Speak Up. Most likely,
they are experiencing homelessness or are vulnerably housed. Your purchase of this magazine
is part of their journey out of poverty. You can learn more at speakupmag.org/vendors.
How does someone become a vendor?

1. Sign up for & come to an interview
3. Attend the training day
4. Sign the Code of Conduct
5. Get 20 free Zines and temporary badge
6. Reinvest and attend weekly meetings
Look for a valid Speak Up badge
What if I give money but don’t take the magazine?

Always take the magazine. This individual is working hard, please don’t make them take a
hand out. Feel free to tip, but always take the product. This gives dignity, not just money.

But I don’t have any cash!

A few smartphone-equipped vendors can accept a credit card payment. For now, the best
option is to plan ahead and bring cash.
How can I help?
Here’s one way: Be a friend to the person that sells the magazine. Sit down with them for coffee,
buy them lunch, get to know them. Keep it simple. Healthy and encouraging relationships are
crucial as people build new community and grow in opportunity and perspective.

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SPEAK UP SNAPSHOT

By Matt Shaw, Executive Director

For nearly three months at the weekly
vendor meetings in Charlotte we have been
reading through Og Mandino’s classic sales
book, “The Greatest Salesman in the World.”
Published in 1968, it sold millions of copies
and continues to win devotees today.
The book opens 2,000 years ago with
the story of a young apprentice who asks
the Greatest Salesman in the World to
share his secret to success. After proving
himself worthy, the young man is given
ten sacred scrolls that will lead him to be-
come “the greatest salesman in the world.”
The ten scrolls, which are titled as procla-
mations, are the ten chapters that make up
the bulk of the book.
The first scroll, “Today I Begin a New
Life,” focuses on the power of habits. “I
will form good habits and become their courage complacency, blame and excuses.
slave.” The reader is instructed to read the Instead, the focus was on steady growth,
first scroll twice daily for 30 days, inter- persistence and taking ownership—with
nalizing, believing it and owning it. The no excuses!
process is to be repeated with each subse- It has been a privilege to read and dis-
quent chapter. cuss the book weekly with the incredible
If that procedure is followed properly, group of people who sell Speak Up. Many
it would take over ten months to read the of them were outright homeless before
entire book. We didn’t do that at Speak Up. joining Speak Up. I have been consistent-
We tackled one scroll per week—which ly impressed by the aptitude and hunger
vendors discussed and personalized with they show for honest self-analysis and
a variety of goals. change.
The next scroll, “I Will Greet This As with most things involving Speak
Day with Love in my Heart,” encourages Up vendors, the lessons learned flow out
a love-centric response to all people and into the community. “I share these scrolls
circumstances, and makes it obvious that with my family,” said one vendor. “My ad-
the book is about much more than just diction support group reads these,” said
increasing sales. It is about living a life of another. And “My life needed this!”
purpose and intentionality—with results Like I said, a privilege.
that flow into the personal and profes-
sional realms. HEY! Check our website for some up-
The process was occasionally challeng- coming events that you don’t want to miss.
ing and pressing. The readings didn’t en- speakupmag.org/events

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[CONTENTS]

5 BEST MOMENT OF MY LIFE Lynn Mendes
6 WORTH THE RISK Peggi Knowe
7 Q & A WITH FRANKLIN WRIGHT Kaitlyn Tokay
8 BENEFITS OF HARDSHIPS Angel Williams
10 I HAVE SURVIVED Lori Denine
11 MY NAME IS A POEM Joshua Caldwell
12 COOL OF THE DAY Vanessa Keith
13 ADVENTURES IN TRANSPORTATION Tony Burns
14 THE ARTIST’S BANE Randy Parcher
16 THE TRUTH ABOUT PRISON Franklin Wright
17 I STILL HOPE Chuck Allen
18 STOP THE SENSELESSNESS Elijah Kelly
20 ENCOURAGING A FRIEND Ruth Hsieh
21 SUM OF EXPERIENCES Tawanna Glass
22 LOSS OF CUSTODY Larry Robinson

The best moment of my entire life
was when I agreed to marry my ex-husband, John. Why? Because the
marriage produced my three beautiful, adult daughters.
One of my daughters was born on April 20, Adolph Hitler’s
birthday. Another daughter was born September 11, the day of the
attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City in 2001. The
third daughter was born in Freehold, New Jersey.
My daughters’ childhood years were normal. They participated in
activities such as band, ice skating, camping and high school/college
volleyball championships. They are all college graduates. One even
has her Ph.D. We are Catholic. All three daughters had, or will have,
fairy-tale weddings, exquisite affairs at the local country club or at
the beach. I expect them to remember their roots and upbringing.
—Lynn Mendes in Charlotte, NC

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[VOLUNTEER VOICE]
WORTH THE RISK

By Peggi Knowe in Charlotte, NC

In 2013, I faced my fears of driving in large an income for the vendors who are
cities and of meeting homeless people and dependent upon Speak Up. It requires a
drove to Charlotte to volunteer at Speak Up lot of hours to provide a writing workshop
Magazine. At the time, Matt Shaw did not for the vendors, type up the stories,
have any volunteers in the office, and he proofread, photograph, design, edit, print,
seemed desperate for help. I didn’t realize and distribute the magazine each month.
then that Speak Up would become like a Thankfully, Speak Up now has many
second home to me. number of interns and volunteers who
The next year, I cleared my schedule so come in to help.
that I could work at Speak Up two days a I have learned so much and made
week. I have now gotten over my fear of many friends here. I really couldn’t ask
driving in Charlotte (at least I don’t have for a better place to volunteer my time. If
white knuckles driving on I-77 anymore), you want to help too, give us a call at (704)
and I truly love the people who come in to 980-9885.
Speak Up. Most of our vendors are either
currently homeless or have been homeless
in the past. They have big hearts and are
willing to sell the magazine on the streets,
no matter the weather, so that they can
make honest money, feel a sense of self
respect and pride, and get off the streets.
It’s so heart warming and rewarding when
our vendors “graduate” to permanent jobs
and places to live.
Working alongside Matt Shaw has
been a privilege. He has the vision
and determination to produce a great
magazine that will continue to provide

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[THIS MONTH’S FEATURED VENDOR]
TALKING WITH FRANKLIN WRIGHT

Interview by Kaitlyn Tokay in Charlotte, NC

WHERE ARE YOU FROM? WHAT IS THE HARDEST THING
I was born and raised in Holland, NY. FOR YOU RIGHT NOW?
Not having my own place.
WHERE ARE YOU LIVING NOW?
Right now, I am living here in Charlotte. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PLACE
It’s working real well. I like it. TO EAT OR HANG OUT?
My favorite place to eat in Charlotte is
BEST CHILDHOOD MEMORY? Jason’s Deli.
The best memory that I have from
growing up was with my grandparents, CAN YOU SHARE A RECENT
my father, and my family. We always ACCOMPALISHMENT?
had good times. Having Christmas and I gave my life back to God.
Thanksgiving with my family was the
best time of my life. WHAT GIVES YOU COMFORT?
My Lord and Savior gives me comfort.
WHO HAS MEANT THE MOST TO
YOU IN YOUR LIFE? WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN
The person that meant most to me in my FIVE YEARS?
life was God. And then Tyler Perry, and In five years, I see myself in my own
then Oprah Winfrey. They are the most church, my own home, and taking care
inspirational people in my life. of the homeless.

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[THE EDUCATION OF ANGEL WILLIAMS]
THE BENEFITS OF HARDSHIPS

By Angel Williams in Charlotte, NC

In this life, we all come from somewhere. were also suffering from mental poverty,
Personally, my former life was one of great and they could not advise me to do better
difficulty and hardships. It pains me to even because, just like me, their worst days
think about my past. Simultaneously, I must were equivalent to their best days. It was
use those former endeavors as tools that will the reality of poverty upon poverty.
motivate me to stay on the right path. My personality was non-existent. I
When I was a nomad, I was in a horrible found laughter to be one of the most
mental state. First and foremost, I could challenging activities to participate in.
not seem to get my thought life organized. Smiling was just as difficult. I possessed
My better thoughts consisted of lowliness. an aura that was extremely unpleasant,
These were thoughts of panhandling so I and I was losing myself more and more
could get money to purchase drugs and to a nomadic life. The reward of such a
alcohol. I thought it was sufficient to sleep life was incarceration. Paradoxically, the
under bridges, on sidewalks, or any other incarceration served as a great blessing
concrete surface. I had grown numb to the in disguise because it helped me regain
reality in which I participated. my mental clarity. With mental clarity, a
My best days in this place of mental person has the ability to envision countless
poverty consisted of warm nights in the forms of prosperity. If one can envision a
men’s shelter, located on South Tryon thing, they can also achieve it. And this
Street in Charlotte. Little did I know that fact brings me to my present stage in life.
these so-called “best days” were actually When I was incarcerated, I began to
my worst days, but my mental poverty search myself. I found a lot of positive
had me believing that I was all right in attributes, but they were being choked out
such a stage. The people that I hung with and annihilated by the negative attributes

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I had accumulated during my street life. a regular facial gesture for me, and my
I realized that I had to cleanse myself aura is more inviting. Needless to say, I am
mentally and spiritually. I did…and that rediscovering myself as each day passes.
process led me to become settled in my The reward of this way of life is more
life. promising than the reward of a nomadic
Now I completely understand the life. Still, I rest thankfully for all of my
significance of an organized thought life. former hardships because those perilous
Today my better thoughts consist of the times have given me great insights and
harvest of my actions which lead me to more wisdom. I also understand that
pursue life cautiously. I no longer think those perilous times have equipped me to
it sufficient to sleep under bridges, on help someone else who may be stuck in my
sidewalks, or any other concrete surface. I former lifestyle. I truly believe that those
am no longer numb to the reality in which experiences will serve as a foundation that
I formerly participated. I will need in order to be an effective force
My best days are no longer in that in other hopeless people’s lives.
place of mental poverty in which I used In the end of it all, I can see the benefit
to dwell. Today I associate with people of my hardships. Someone needs me to
who are mentally and spiritually rich, help them regain their hope as well as
and they serve as my instructors as well their confidence. At the end of the day, we
as my beacons of hope. My personality is all know that I qualify to perform such a
presently more pleasant, but I still have task due to my former life.
room for growth in this area. Laughter
is no longer a challenge; it is becoming
second nature to me. Smiling has become

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[TRUTH]
I HAVE SURVIVED

By Lori Denine in Traverse City, MI

My skin survived the cold with wool: hat, gloves, blankets, sweater, wool in my boots,
socks of wool.

My mind survived by tapping; steady tapping with my two hands.
Left, right, left, right, left, right, three minutes to balance my brain.
Left, right, left, right, left, right.

My self survived harsh words. Barely.
I ran. I walked. I disappeared from the site and the sight where the body with face with
the mouth spoke those harsh words stood.
I have survived.

My entire being, my existence, survived a life-threatening situation.
I remained calm, staged my departure, kept my composure, held a poker face, spoke
good-bye and "Thanks for dinner" gracefully, got in my car and made it to the end of the
driveway all the while under a watchful eye. I turned the corner and drove.

My mind, my body, my soul refused, and still refuse, to be victims. Yet through all
survival, I endure. I accept the fact that it will someday come to an end; hopefully, my
survival energy will be able to rest in peace.

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[BIOGRAPHY]
MY NAME IS A POEM

By Joshua Caldwell in Charlotte, NC

J ustice
O utstanding
S exy and strong
H andsome and helpful
U nstoppable
A ction hero

C ourage
A+ honor roll
L oyalty
D angerous
W restling
E ncourage
L ove
L ives forever

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[MY FOUNDATION]
IN THE COOL OF THE DAY

By Vanessa Keith in Charlotte, NC

I tried to stop worrying and hold on
because I knew that God was with me. I
knew that I could and would survive in
the cool of the day, in the midst of the
storm. I knew there was hope of a better
day. Today, I can see His breath and know
that where there is a will, there is a way.
There is going to be a better day.
Family is so important. It brings me joy
to see the little things, like a child playing.
I pray for the day to see us together again.
It brings a tear to my eye when I can’t see
my children’s faces. Joy in a smile brings
memories of the great times we had.
No one can take that away. I remember
cooking food for family, knowing that
God above brought the day of harvest.
We would reflect on a brighter future
together, never to lose our time and love.
We did not take for granted that what we
had was one in a million. That kind of love
comes from Jesus.
A mother’s love is next to nothing. She
is always loving her children and praying
Sometimes I wish, hope and pray for a for them, asking God to protect them from
better day. Even as I go through my darkest hurt, harm and danger. A mother plants
hour, in the cool of the day, there comes seeds of agape love which is a perfect love.
something to brighten and cheer my day. I There are so many negative powers that
say to myself that I will live to see another try to destroy families. In the cool of the
day. Dark princes give orders to deceive me. day, the Savior comes in to deliver us so
The lies and deceit are great, but I have a we can gather again.
Friend and a Savior who covers me. We have Our Savior gives new, living water
a bond that cannot be broken. He covers me to drink. I find a peaceful attitude now.
with His love, grace and mercy. People have been placed together again.
If I don’t have a piece of bread and Laughter, understanding and spiritual
shelter, His love comes and provides for growth has entered through the door,
me just in the nick of time. He is always something that cannot break down. He
on time. I was crying and being asked brings joy to the sadness and pain. He
some questions during my darkest time— offers new beginnings of family. He leads
after losing a child to the court system us to enjoy the fruit of our labor, a house
and my mother had passed away. I was so of love amidst a world filled with anger
disoriented after losing my housing. I felt and evil. An army of family made by His
hurt and abandoned. People did not try hands. We’re just waiting to see our Lord.
to comfort me but laughed at me instead.
They tried to rub it in my face. In time,
others would encourage me saying, “Have
God fill you.”

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[GETTING AROUND]
ADVENTURES IN TRANSPORTATION

By Tony Burns in Charlotte, NC

Since coming to Charlotte, North Carolina, What I mean is that they sometimes drive
I have learned through observation that excessively fast and then pump the brakes.
transportation is a major factor in its This then causes passengers to fly out of
economic growth. People transport from their seats. Sometimes they even hit their
work, school, etc., either by bus, train, bike, heads against the windows. I’m truly
skateboard or moped. grateful to be able to ride the bus, but I
I have noticed while riding the bus that believe there are some areas that could be
it often gets overcrowded. This, at times, improved.
can be very frustrating, especially if you Another thing that confuses me is
have been working all day and can’t sit the law about not riding bicycles on the
down because there are no seats available. sidewalk. I have noticed “certain” people
Occasionally, there might be some seats riding their bikes on the sidewalks, but
available, but there is someone who nothing is said to them. I also noticed
doesn’t want anyone sitting next to them. someone who was, perhaps, homeless
This can cause more tension due to the fact riding a bike on the sidewalk, and he was
that the bus is already overcrowded. The stopped by the police and given a ticket.
other day, I witnessed an incident on an So the question is, who can and cannot
overcrowded bus. One particular person ride on the sidewalk?
accidentally stepped on someone’s shoes, I hope that this brief article opens
and they were about to fight because of it. your eyes to some of the things being
I also noticed that, oftentimes, the bus overlooked in Charlotte. Please do not
drivers drive as if there are no passengers judge me.
on board. The bus drivers can be reckless.

“BOARDING PASS” by Tony Burns

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[ART]
THE ARTIST’S BANE

By Randy Parcher in Traverse City, MI

Many people ask me many different there is broken glass and where to store
questions about being a homeless artist my work when I’m done with its creation.
working my trade on the street. What kind Next to the cold and water, broken glass is
of things do I have to contend with that the worst.
other artists, who have a place to stay, don’t People ask me where I create my art
have to worry about? Here I will try to find handiwork. How can I find places to work
the words to answer some of the questions. at my achievements? I labor wherever I can
I have to fight with the cold. If it is too find room to toil upon my visions. I work
cold, my markers will chill. I keep them a lot at the library using a table somewhere
as close to my heart and body as possible in the back or on a computer (as some of
so that they will not freeze. My body heat my art is done in digital form), at Brew or
keeps them warm. In cooler weather, water in winter at night in Safe Harbor. The time
from the air we breathe condensates upon in Safe Harbor is when I get a lot of my
everything inside the van and sometimes hand-drawn artwork done. In the warmer
destroys my work. So, we see that the cold months, there are other things to do like
and water are my worst nightmares. Then sell Speak Up zine.

“FORGOTTEN” by Randy Parcher

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“BOTHERS” by Randy Parcher

“WHAT YOU DO UNTO THESE” by Randy Parcher

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[FIRSTHAND]
THE TRUTH ABOUT PRISON

By Franklin Wright in Charlotte, NC

Let me tell you the truth about prison. inmates then feel that they have to pay
Prison is not a place where anyone wants to them money—$100, $200, sometimes
go. The officers treat you like caged animals. $1,000. I know this. This is the truth, and
You get your good ones and bad ones. The God knows that this is the truth. Now the
prison food is no good. The nurses are no world knows the truth.
good. They do not care about the inmates. I’ve been raped in prison, and the
They will let you die. I knew someone who officers did nothing about it. I tried to kill
was very sick, and he died on his bed. It took myself ten times. I went to the hospital
two hours for the nurses to get to his cell three times and stayed seven days all three
after he died. times. The sergeant, captain, lieutenant
Now let me tell you about the bad and doctor do not care about the inmates.
officers. They bring drugs to the inmates, They do not want to give medicine to
and female officers have sex with male inmates. They will take money from an
inmates. Then they say that they were inmate ($20) for a sick call. The FBI needs
raped so they will not lose their jobs. to know the truth about state prisons.
The truth is that the inmates did not rape Trust me, I know.
the nurses or the female officers. The

“PUSH” by Franklin Wright

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[VISION]
I STILL HOPE

By Chuck Allen in Charlotte, NC

I moved to Charlotte nine years ago and
found myself adapting to homelessness. As a
writer, I’ve learned to face my fears through
freelancing with a pen and pad.
When I came to Charlotte, it wasn’t
what I expected, but it had better
transportation than I was used to. For
some odd reason, I felt really shaky about
moving here. My old job felt like a dead
end, and my life was going nowhere. I
lived in a one-bedroom apartment with
no transportation, so getting around was
a little more difficult.
I lived in Spartanburg, SC, during my
high school years and graduated in 1999.
My problems started after I dropped out of
college. I then went to live with my father
and his new wife in a three-bedroom four months. With my last paycheck, I
house on the outskirts of Richmond. I just called a cab and left Spartanburg for
was young and trying to figure out my Charlotte.
next step. I found a job as a busboy and Now, I am faced with chronic
dishwasher. I didn’t save any money. homelessness. I have a lot of friends, but
I liked my job and the people there, but most of them are in the same situation.
I had to walk to work. Sometimes people I try to surround myself with positive
would scream racist remarks to me while people, and I still hope (Romans 15:4) to
I was walking. One afternoon, a motorist surround myself with activities that take
came a little too close and ran me off the care of housing. I write for this magazine
road. He was also shouting racial slurs at and sell the magazines too. I am a member
me. When I arrived at work, I told them of Running Works and Street Soccer 945
what happened. I quit that day. at the Urban Ministry.
After that, I stayed at my father’s house I still hope.
and watched TV all day. Sometimes, I
would watch my little sister. Overall, I
felt alone due to dropping out of college,
having no license, no transportation and
no one to communicate with—just me
and the TV, day in and day out, for about
a month.
When my father decided to drive to
Spartanburg, I went with him. I called
some old college friends and made
arrangements to meet them there. That
turned into partying for two weeks. So
I met up with a high school friend who
let me stay with him while I looked for a
job, an apartment and transportation. I
eventually got a job and then lost it after

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[TRAGEDY]
STOP THE SENSELESSNESS

By Elijah Kelly in Charlotte, NC

In the closing of January, I asked my of a cousin’s funeral in Bennettsville, SC. I
daughter whether she would be in church always ask Cathy about whether or not she
on Sunday, February 1, 2015. Cathy’s will attend church as though I’m actually
answer was that she was not sure because expecting a different answer than “Yes.”

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Cathy teaches Sunday School for the comments because of the nature of his
young people at our church, Greater death (gang-related). I was absolutely
Temple Baptist Church, where the elated listening to all the wonderful things
honorable Brenda Caldwell is our pastor, being said about Muhammed by the
aka “Little Dynamite.” Whether or not young and old alike.
Cathy has other plans, in most cases, it’s My thoughts reflected back on
first and foremost for her to fulfill her the homeless community, myself,
obligation to God, the Sunday School stereotyping, labeling, and racial profiling.
class, and the church. People forget that you never know who
On that given Sunday, I already knew you’re talking to. On MLK day, I had just
that I did not have bus fare to get to left the MLK prayer breakfast, stopped by
church. Nonetheless, I got up and dressed the Urban Ministry Center to check my
as though I had a pocket full of money. mail, and was labeled an “old cowboy just
I’m a firm believer in the saying, “If you looking for another hit.”
take one step, He’ll take two for you.” This The saxophonist, Rev. Quick, and
brings to mind that song with the line, others said this senselessness must stop!
“I’m sold out, my mind’s made up.” Galatians 5:15: “But if you act like wild
Cathy picked me up and asked me if I animals, hurting and harming each other,
wanted to go with them to Bennettsville, then watch out, or you will completely
SC. I told her I would pray about it and destroy one another.” It is written how we
let her know after church. Cathy said, should discern that which is of the Lord
“I’m leaving right after my Sunday School and that which is of the devil. Also, as we
lesson is done.” She never leaves out how know so well, “The devil comes only to
everyone there always asks about me. It’s kill, steal, and destroy.”
been over forty years since I’ve visited My prayers and blessings to all.
Bennettsville. Having said that, I quickly
prayed, and said that, yes, I was on board
as well. To keep me interested, Cathy
and her Aunt Diane boasted of the good
home-cooking sold at the Piggly Wiggly
in Bennettsville, SC. My answer: “Are we
there yet?”
As we traveled east on Highway 74,
we made phone calls and used internet
navigation applications to realize our
destination. As it turned out, my daughter’s
cousin’s funeral was in Hamlet, NC. Upon
arrival, we saw the large number of people
who attended the funeral, counting chairs,
those standing, and those still trying to get
inside. The funeral was for a 29-year-old.
Muhammed Johnson had a going-
home celebration that had us making
statements like, “One would have
thought this person was a politician or a
dignitary or the likes thereof.” We were
very impressed. I’ll be careful with my

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[RELATIONSHIPS]
ENCOURAGING A FRIEND

By Ruth Hsieh in Charlotte, NC

Yesterday I had lunch with my applications. I suggested that he apply
neighbor who lives upstairs from me. for something at Harris Teeter or BI-LO.
His name is “Mario” and he is a Polish He was discouraged and felt he was not
immigrant. He is a very loving, concerned qualified to apply for jobs because of his
person. He drives an old-fashioned Buick. age and race.
He loves and cares for a stray cat. He buys I can relate to his pain and sorrow. I
food for the cat and allows it to stay in his talked and prayed with him. I prayed that
automobile. He shelters the homeless cat. God would open up some avenues for
Mario lost his construction job due to jobs. He is an atheist, so he didn’t believe
an accident. He broke his pelvis. When in the prayer. I will never give up praying
we went to lunch, he looked so weak for him. I know that God would never
and pale. I tried to encourage him to give up on us when we are vulnerable and
focus on recovery and fill out online job in despair.

“THANKS GOD” by Ruth Hseih

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[LIFE]
PEOPLE ARE THE
SUM OF THEIR EXPERIENCES

By Tawanna Glass in Charlotte, NC

The other day, I was having a deep, good spirits. I am also helpful. The only
uncensored conversation with a few other reason that I could give her is that the
people. We were sharing our life experiences, Lord is by my side.
and my sister-in-law looked at me and said, I believe with God by my side, every-
“They say that people are the sum of their thing is a blessing.
experiences. I would like to sit with you and I always have a positive attitude and
hear your story—all of the details.” help people when I have the opportunity.
She said that I seem to have myself all Being able to share my life with other
figured out even though, to me, my life is people wouldn’t be possible without God
in shambles. I don’t show it. I always have by my side.
a smile on my face, am cheerful and in Blessed.

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[FAMILY MATTERS]
LOSS OF CUSTODY

By Larry Robinson in Traverse City, MI

One day, I found
myself living as
a single person Joshua and I had worn out two strollers
traveling here and there while enjoying
each day. I potty trained him, taught him
his colors, numbers, letters and helped him instead of a begin to read. He spent miles upon my
shoulder sharing a strong father-and-son
bond.
His mother had not been all that single parent. interested in raising him, and I did not
care to share her with other men. I had
been her first husband, and she was on her
third marriage when she filed for custody. I lost the custody I lost the father-and-son bond that day
and desired to no longer have a home. It
has taken over 30 years to regain that
desire for a home again, and I can see it in of my son, Joshua. the near future.

Page 23

[GIVING] [OPPORTUNITY]
Many thanks to Speak Up’s sponsors & donors.

TRANSFORMED THE COMMUNITY
CHANGED PERCEPTIONS
GAVE A VOICE
PROMOTED OPPORTUNITY

mullenpublications.com lakeshorecf.com

STARTED A CONVERSATION
SUSTAINED MOMENTUM

Banks Baker, Lauren Beatty, Bissell Family Foundation Fund, Retta Bonner, Jacci Brown,
Marc & Amy Dickmann, James & Sharon Edwards, Phil & Marilyn Felten, Troy P Felten,
Jason & Kristel Finns, Jason & Jill Gilmore, Linda Goss, Harry Griffin, Amy Haley, Yin Han,
Amy Haley, Nikki Godfrey-Hill, Ron Hinckley, Steven Hodgen, Janice B Irvin, Chuck &
Carol Jarrett, Paul & Chrissy Jaselskis, Steve & Peggi Knowe, Lakeshore Christian Fellowship,
Joshua Lewis, Bryan K Lewis, Owen & Lauren Lienhard, Fred Littlejohn, Jovan Matic, Angie
Neal, Mark & Cynthia Penzien, Shannon Presler, Ann Nelson, Bryan Norton, Seth & Haley
McCord, Lea & Cal Queener, Katherine Semmler, Bill & Deborah Shaw, Bruce & Kathy
Simpson, Whitney Skeans, Angela Snyder, Joseph Toth, Urban Outreach, Rise Ward, Harold
Weaver, David & Julia Weissmann, Andrea Zayko

Page 24

Become a Sponsor
Please consider a sponsorship gift today to empower those in need and publicly show your
support for jobs and opportunity in the community. All gifts are tax-deductible.

TRANSFORM THE COMMUNITY / $2,500+

“Sponsored by [Your Name]” printed on the front cover
Full page “Featured Sponsor Q & A” published in next zine
plus everything below
CHANGE PERCEPTIONS / $750 & Up

“Meet the Sponsor” blog post profi ling your organization
plus everything below

GIVE A VOICE / $500 & Up

One line of contact info included with your logo in the zine
Thanked in a video, shared on website and on social media
plus everything below
PROMOTE OPPORTUNITY / $250 & Up

Logo included on sponsor’s page in the zine
Thanked on social media (4,500 fans)
plus everything below
START A CONVERSATION / $100 & Up

Listed in next zine on the sponsor’s page
Identified as a sponsor on Speak Up website

“Speak Up gave me a chance to
create my own future.”

—said by a once-homeless former magazine vendor
who now owns his own moving company