Focus, Collaboration, Learning, Change:
Howard Gray S.J. meets David Kolb.
Working with Detroit's Homeless -
LDI’s Shelter & Home Initiative:
Presented to the Commitment to Justice Conference
John Carroll University – October 13-16, 2006
John Daniels, Director, University of Detroit Mercy Leadership Development
Institute
Mission
The University of Detroit Mercy, a Catholic university in the
Jesuit and Mercy traditions, exists to provide excellent studentcentered undergraduate and graduate education in an urban
context. A UDM education seeks to integrate the intellectual,
spiritual, ethical, and social development of students.
Vision
The University of Detroit Mercy will be recognized as a premier
private university in the Great Lakes region, distinguished by
graduates who lead and serve in their communities
Helping us
continue the
work of
Catherine
McAuley and
Ignatius Loyola
in
compassionate
service to the
poor and
marginalized
Leadership
Development
Institute
by seeing,
feeling,
helping,
and
fostering
lasting
change
What is LDI?



Grew from Student Volunteer Center
Kellogg Grant provided expansion 1995-8
Includes:




Service-Learning (60 courses annually, growing)
Leadership-in-Service (training) program
New in 2004 Learning for a Change program
Sustained through



Information technology
Partnerships
Mission integration
LDI Sustainability

Information technology




Partnerships



Relational, networked database
Website as distribution tool
Assessment standardization
Collaboration with Detroit service/theme/justice
event calendars
“First Partner” identification
Mission Integration


Jesuit and Mercy charisms and processes
Commitment to urban partnerships
Shelter & Home Initiative
Shelter & Home Initiative
 Sources
of the project
 Description of the project
 Pilot Year Progress
 Challenges and discussion
Shelter & Home Initiative
 Sources
of the project
Nouwen’s reflection on the
Baptism of Jesus
 Howard Gray’s reflection on the
Good Samaritan
 Bro Jim Horgan’s Warming Center
 Gerry Stockhausen’s Inauguration
theme “Leadership & Service in
the Community”

Shelter & Home Initiative
 Sources
of the project
Nouwen’s reflection on the
Baptism of Jesus
 Howard Gray’s reflection on the
Good Samaritan
 Bro Jim Horgan’s Warming Center
 Gerry Stockhausen’s Inauguration
theme “Leadership & Service in
the Community”

Time Out . . .
. . . All Thumbs
“Prove yourself a good person.”
Many voices ask for our attention.
“You ought to be
ashamed
of yourself.”
“Nobody really cares
about you”
“Be sure to become
successful, popular,
powerful.”
But underneath all of these
noisy voices
is a still, small voice
that says
“You are my beloved;
my favor rests on you.”
Henri Nouwen
from
Bread for the Journey
Shelter & Home Initiative
 Sources
of the project
Nouwen’s reflection on the
Baptism of Jesus
 Howard Gray’s reflection on the
Good Samaritan
 Bro Jim Horgan’s Warming Center
 Gerry Stockhausen’s Inauguration
theme “Leadership & Service in
the Community”

Howard Gray S.J.’s reflection on the
Good Samaritan



If we really believe that we are
beloved like this, Howard asks,
How would we act?
The Good Samaritan story, he says, is
Jesus telling us how to be HUMAN.
Howard Gray S.J.’s reflection on the
Good Samaritan




Awareness
Awareness
Awareness
Awareness
the person
begins with seeing
of seeing invites feeling
of feeling invites helping
of the situation prompts
to seek fostering change
Shelter & Home Initiative
 Sources
of the project
Nouwen’s reflection on the
Baptism of Jesus
 Howard Gray’s reflection on the
Good Samaritan
 Bro Jim Horgan’s Warming Center
 Gerry Stockhausen’s Inauguration
theme “Leadership & Service in
the Community”

Shelter & Home Initiative
 Sources
of the project
 Description of the project
 Pilot Year Progress
 Challenges and discussion
Helping us
continue the
work of
Catherine
McAuley and
Ignatius Loyola
in
compassionate
service to the
poor and
marginalized
Leadership
Development
Institute
by seeing,
feeling,
helping,
and
fostering
lasting
change
The Good Samaritan: LDI’s model of
Leadership for Social Change
by seeing,
feeling,
helping,
and
fostering
lasting
change
The Good Samaritan: LDI’s model of
Leadership for Social Change
See
He sees
that theFeel
man is beat up
He feels
the man’s pain
Payoff!
Help
HeChange
binds the man’s
wounds
He empowers
the innkeeper;
things are better after he leaves.
The Good Samaritan: LDI’s model of
Leadership for Social Change
Seeing, feeling, and helping
hold us in simple charity,
restrict us simply to service.
Payoff!
Changing things takes
us from charity to
He empowers the innkeeper;JUSTICE,
things are better after he leaves.
from service to
LEADERSHIP.
Change
Leadership & Justice call us all
the way to CHANGE!
6000
How
We create
homeless
do good
urban
people
people
myths
like
on
theabout
streets
us tolerate
homelessness:
of Metro
that?
Detroit.
Myth:
• Children make up about 15% of the homeless
population.
• Families with children is the fastest growing
group of homeless.
• One child in five in the United States lives
below the poverty line.
• Many homeless children are alone and
homeless, either runaways or "throwaways".
Not many children
are homeless.
Myth:
• Due to economic downturns here and
elsewhere, many homeless people have lost
jobs they’d held for decades.
• More and more have completed high school
• Some have attended college and even
graduate school.
• Many of us are a few paychecks away from
homelessness.
The homeless are
uneducated and
unemployable.
Myth:
• Most homeless people are victims.
• Some have suffered from child abuse or
domestic violence.
• Many are without needed mental health
support
• More and more are families, parents having
lost their jobs after years of employment.
• All have lost their homes.
They are to blame for
their own situation.
Time Out . . .
See . . . Feel . . .
Help . . . Change
Increasing our will to end homelessness by learning together
through direct service, shared reflection, collective social analysis,
and persistent support of effective advocacy partnerships
Increasing our will to end homelessness by learning together
through direct service, shared reflection, collective social analysis,
and persistent support of effective advocacy partnerships
University of Detroit Mercy
May 2007
August 2005 -
An introduction and welcome
to University of Detroit Mercy
Leadership Development Institute
Shelter & Home Initiative:
An invitation
to partnership in real change
extended all in Greater Detroit
What makes
Shelter
& Home
Initiative
WORK?
•
•
•
•
FOCUS
COLLABORATION
REAL LEARNING
REAL CHANGE
An introduction and welcome
to University of Detroit Mercy
Leadership Development Institute
Shelter & Home Initiative:
An invitation
to partnership in real change
extended all in Greater Detroit
What makes
Shelter
& Home
Initiative
WORK?
FOCUS
• Confucius said, “The person who
chases one rabbit eats;
the person who chases two rabbits
goes home hungry
• SHI brings our focus to one burning
issue, homelessness
An introduction and welcome
to University of Detroit Mercy
Leadership Development Institute
Shelter & Home Initiative:
An invitation
to partnership in real change
extended all in Greater Detroit
What makes
Shelter
& Home
Initiative
WORK?
COLLABORATION
• LDI joins effective advocacy
groups
• Unmet needs emerge
• LDI engages in response
• Partnerships develop
An introduction and welcome
to University of Detroit Mercy
Leadership Development Institute
Shelter & Home Initiative:
An invitation
to partnership in real change
extended all in Greater Detroit
What makes
Shelter
& Home
Initiative
WORK?
REAL LEARNING
• SHI applies a real learning model –
Kolb’s Learning Cycle,
– which engages all learning
styles
– and a sequence that begins with
direct service experience – like
the Good Samaritan story.
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
What makes
Shelter
& Home
Initiative
WORK?
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
Concrete
Experience
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
Concrete
Experience
Reflective
Observation
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
Concrete
Experience
Reflective
Observation
Abstract Conceptualization
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
Concrete
Experience
Change
Active
Experimentation
Reflective
Observation
Abstract Conceptualization
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
Payoff
New Concrete
Experience, and
so on . . . .
Change
Active
Experimentation
Reflective
Observation
Abstract Conceptualization
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
Using the Shelter & Home Initiative
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
Using the Shelter & Home Initiative
Concrete Experience
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
Using the Shelter & Home Initiative
Concrete Experience
Concentrate September - April on
personal exposure to homeless
persons through direct service
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
Using the Shelter & Home Initiative
Concrete Experience
Concentrate September - April on
personal exposure to homeless
persons through direct service
Reflective Observation
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
Using the Shelter & Home Initiative
Concrete Experience
Concentrate September - April on
personal exposure to homeless
persons through direct service
Reflective Observation
Reflect on these experience in prayer
and worship, reflection programs
following service projects, and
collectively through Homeless Exhibit
Fairs at UDM in December and April
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
Using the Shelter & Home Initiative
Concrete Experience
Concentrate September - April on
personal exposure to homeless
persons through direct service
Reflective Observation
Reflect on these experience in prayer
and worship, reflection programs
following service projects, and
collectively through Homeless Exhibit
Fairs at UDM in December and April
Abstract Conceptualization
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
Using the Shelter & Home Initiative
Concrete Experience
Concentrate September - April on
personal exposure to homeless
persons through direct service
Reflective Observation
Reflect on these experience in prayer
and worship, reflection programs
following service projects, and
collectively through Homeless Exhibit
Fairs at UDM in December and April
Abstract Conceptualization
Social analysis through a January - April Social Analysis Series of
lectures and panel discussions, SHI website-linked materials, and
region-wide programs on the topic
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
Using the Shelter & Home Initiative
Concrete Experience
Concentrate September - April on
personal exposure to homeless
persons through direct service
Active Experimentation
Reflective Observation
Reflect on these experience in prayer
and worship, reflection programs
following service projects, and
collectively through Homeless Exhibit
Fairs at UDM in December and April
Abstract Conceptualization
Social analysis through a January - April Social Analysis Series of
lectures and panel discussions, SHI website-linked materials, and
region-wide programs on the topic
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
Using the Shelter & Home Initiative
Concrete Experience
Concentrate September - April on
personal exposure to homeless
persons through direct service
Change
Active Experimentation
Reflective Observation
Design improvements in school and church
justice teaching, initiate or strengthen community
partnerships, not only for service, but also for real
change through support of Homeless Action
Nework of Detroit (HAND)
Reflect on these experience in prayer
and worship, reflection programs
following service projects, and
collectively through Homeless Exhibit
Fairs at UDM in December and April
Abstract Conceptualization
Social analysis through a January - April Social Analysis Series of
lectures and panel discussions, SHI website-linked materials, and
region-wide programs on the topic
Kolb’s Learning Cycle
Using the Shelter & Home Initiative
Payoff
NEW Concrete Experience
Resulting from experimentation
Change
Active Experimentation
Reflective Observation
Design improvements in school and church
justice teaching, initiate or strengthen community
partnerships, not only for service, but also for real
change through support of Homeless Action
Nework of Detroit (HAND)
Reflect on these experience in prayer
and worship, reflection programs
following service projects, and
collectively through Homeless Exhibit
Fairs at UDM in December and April
Abstract Conceptualization
Social analysis through a January - April Social Analysis Series of
lectures and panel discussions, SHI website-linked materials, and
region-wide programs on the topic
Learning Activities
for the Shelter & Home Initiative
Payoff
Change
Concrete Experience
Concentration
through
Term I on
Encourage
additional
personal exposure to homeless
individual
anddirect
group
direct
persons
through
service
service projects (UDM
partnership is available)
Active Experimentation
Reflective Observation
Design improvements in school and church
justice teaching, initiate or strengthen community
partnerships, not only for service, but also for real
change through support of Homeless Action
Nework of Detroit (HAND)
Reflect on these experience in prayer
and worship, reflection programs
following service projects, and
collectively through Homeless Exhibit
Fairs at UDM in December and April
Abstract Conceptualization
Social analysis through a January - April Social Analysis Series of
lectures and panel discussions, SHI website-linked materials, and
region-wide programs on the topic
Learning Activities
for the Shelter & Home Initiative
Payoff
Change
Concrete Experience
Concentration
through
Term I on
Encourage
additional
personal exposure to homeless
individual
anddirect
group
direct
persons
through
service
service projects (UDM
partnership is available)
Active Experimentation
Design improvements in school and church
justice teaching, initiate or strengthen community
partnerships, not only for service, but also for real
change through support of Homeless Action
Nework of Detroit (HAND)
Reflective Observation
Reflect on these experience in prayer
Plan reflections prior to and
and worship, reflection programs
following
train leaders
in
followingservice;
service projects,
and
facilitating
reflection;
collectively
through
Homelessplan
Exhibit
Fairs
at UDM in Fair
December
and April
Homeless
participation
Abstract Conceptualization
Social analysis through a January - April Social Analysis Series of
lectures and panel discussions, SHI website-linked materials, and
region-wide programs on the topic
Learning Activities
for the Shelter & Home Initiative
Payoff
Change
Concrete Experience
Concentration
through
Term I on
Encourage
additional
personal exposure to homeless
individual
anddirect
group
direct
persons
through
service
service projects (UDM
partnership is available)
Active Experimentation
Design improvements in school and church
justice teaching, initiate or strengthen community
partnerships, not only for service, but also for real
change through support of Homeless Action
Nework of Detroit (HAND)
Reflective Observation
Reflect on these experience in prayer
Plan reflections prior to and
and worship, reflection programs
following
train leaders
in
followingservice;
service projects,
and
facilitating
reflection;
collectively
through
Homelessplan
Exhibit
Fairs
at UDM in Fair
December
and April
Homeless
participation
Abstract Conceptualization
Social analysis through a January - April Social Analysis Series of
More concentrated
during
January
– April,SHI
through
participation
in and
SHI Social
lectures
and panel
discussions,
website-linked
materials,
region-wide programs
on thelocal
topic topical events.
Analysis Series and encouragement
of other
Learning Activities
for the Shelter & Home Initiative
Payoff
Change
Concrete Experience
Concentration
through
Term I on
Encourage
additional
personal exposure to homeless
individual
anddirect
group
direct
persons
through
service
service projects (UDM
partnership is available)
Active Experimentation
Design improvements in school and church
Connect
H.A.N.D
and other
justice
teaching,with
initiate
or strengthen
community
partnerships,
only for service,
but also
for real
advocacynot
partners
at the final
Social
change through support of Homeless Action
AnalysisNework
Seminar;
commit to working
of Detroit (HAND)
with them and supporting their efforts
Reflective Observation
Reflect on these experience in prayer
Plan reflections prior to and
and worship, reflection programs
following
train leaders
in
followingservice;
service projects,
and
facilitating
reflection;
collectively
through
Homelessplan
Exhibit
Fairs
at UDM in Fair
December
and April
Homeless
participation
Abstract Conceptualization
Social analysis through a January - April Social Analysis Series of
More concentrated
during
January
– April,SHI
through
participation
in and
SHI Social
lectures
and panel
discussions,
website-linked
materials,
region-wide programs
on thelocal
topic topical events.
Analysis Series and encouragement
of other
An introduction and welcome
to University of Detroit Mercy
Leadership Development Institute
Shelter & Home Initiative:
An invitation
to partnership in real change
extended all in Greater Detroit
What makes
Shelter
& Home
Initiative
WORK?
REAL CHANGE
SHI goes beyond charitable efforts, to engage
in change
By a strategy of accumulating service
experience and reflection on it
that builds sustainable service partnerships
and results in increased political will to end
homelessness
that feeds efforts of existing advocacy groups
already fighting for an end to
homelessness
Together
We can
come
all the
way…
to Change
Payoff!
…from Homelessness
to Shelter & Home.
Time Out . . .
Can YOU use any of
this at your school?
Shelter & Home Initiative
 Sources
of the project
 Description of the project
 Pilot Year Progress
 Challenges and discussion
Project status: pilot year progress:
FOCUS
Focus is paying returns
• Student accumulated awareness
–
–
•
SIC (Student Journal) articles up from 1 to 8
Service-Learning Class group development
has emerged naturally due to 2 years of
New Student Orientation focus
LDI visibility in community
–
–
Community members are referring
Homelessness resource people to SHI
Appointment to key advocacy & planning
groups
Project status: pilot year progress:
COLLABORATION
Collaboration: partnerships are developing
•
SHI Director elected to HAND (Homeless
Action Network of Detroit Board of Directors
•
SHI Director elected to Detroit 10-Year Plan
Policy Board
•
Alumni are joining as volunteer “Executives-inResidence” due to their interest in SHI
•
Sisters of Mercy have provided two $10,000
grants to support aspects of SHI
Project status: pilot year progress:
REAL LEARNING
•
Kolb Learning Cycle application in planning
year generated current pilot year plan
(we’re learning!)
Mercy Mission Grant for Faculty Development
•
–
–
•
Sharpening the saw – best practice sharing
Service-Learning Partnership development
Community leadership development
–
–
•
10-Year Plan Advocacy committee leadership
Street Count planning and training
Street Count as measurable project
–
–
Developing city-wide engagement models
Using project operations as Service-Learning
components
Project status: pilot year progress:
REAL CHANGE
In the community
•
•
Emergence of Street Count as unmet need
Engagement of grassroots leaders in training
–
–
•
HAND membership meeting workshops
10-Year Planning
Establishment of collaborative strategies
–
–
–
–
Coordinated preparation of Homeless Awareness
Month calendar and press releases
Collaborative planning of SHI/HAND calendars
SHI/HAND/United Way volunteer development for
Street Count
Listserve communication model
Project status: pilot year progress:
REAL CHANGE
In LDI
SHI becomes leadership lab for LIS
•
–
–
•
LIS students use SHI tasks as leadership applications
Kolb model is thus applied to LIS
Community engagement provides LDI with
external leadership engagement and investment
–
–
–
Lasting Advisory relationships emerge
Supporters propose funding opportunities
Executives-in-Residence staff and challenge LDI
development
Project status: pilot year progress:
REAL CHANGE
•
•
•
In the University
SHI is aligned in time with new president’s
“Leadership and Service in the
Community” inauguration theme, pushing
administrative and academic engagement
Shared Governance process is beginning,
and LDI has been integrated into its
Urban Justice Team
LDI reporting has been moved from
Student Affairs to Academic VP/Provost
Shelter & Home Initiative
 Sources
of the project
 Description of the project
 Pilot Year Progress
 Challenges and discussion
Project status: pilot year progress:
CHALLENGES
•
University integration
–
–
–
•
SHI was initiated at grass-roots level, but has
institutional implications
SHI hit the ground in reality as new president was
focusing UDM on “Leadership and Service” in theory
identity with distasteful issues; impact on enrollment,
fund-raising
Continuity
–
–
LDI director continuity and skill-set
SHI was meant as 1st of 4 annual focuses, moving up
Maslow’s heriarchy to hunger, isolation, illiteracy;
Homelessness has made a home in LDI!
Mission
The University of Detroit Mercy, a Catholic university in the
Jesuit and Mercy traditions, exists to provide excellent studentcentered undergraduate and graduate education in an urban
context. A UDM education seeks to integrate the intellectual,
spiritual, ethical, and social development of students.
Vision
The University of Detroit Mercy will be recognized as a premier
private university in the Great Lakes region, distinguished by
graduates who lead and serve in their communities