Detroit Mower Gang Reclaiming Abandoned City Parks

A community group, the Detroit Mower Gang, is taking their urban renewal campaign to Detroit's parks. The group's Motown Mowdown event this Saturday, May 25, will be a 24-hour marathon of freshening up closed and disused city parks. It's the quintessential "grassroots" effort, as the Detroit Free Press aptly called it.Detroit Mower Gang Reclaiming Abandoned City Parks

Thinking Outside the Box to Help Detroit's Homeless

Homelessness and poverty are glaring problems in Detroit. Homeless Action Network Detroit (HAND) says that in 2011, 19,213 people had no place to call home. One forward-thinking student developed a novel way to warm those forced to sleep on the street. She's not the only one thinking outside the box to help Detroiters in need.  Thinking Outside the Box to Help Detroit's Homeless

Living Al-Anon Slogans: Take Care of Yourself, Do What's Best for You

Anxiety and I go back a long way. Fear has been a constant companion, if not a friend. Panic attacks have ruled me and fight-or-flight characterized my behavior. What terrifies me most is possibly displeasing others. I get physically ill if I think I've offended someone or not done enough for them. Consequently, "enabler" and "codependent" were my middle names. When I heard Biblical injunctions to give and serve, I thought it meant always and only me. I thought I had to give away myself. Thanks to 12-step recovery groups like Al-Anon, I use past tense. I am learning to take care of myself so negative feelings don't control me. Here's how.   Living Al-Anon Slogans: Take Care of Yourself, Do What's Best for You 

Inexpensive Mother's Day Gifts Under $10

Mother's Day, the second Sunday of May, often finds loved ones long on love, but short on cash. How can you honor your mother and show her that you care when the pennies already being pinched? Here are dozens of great gift ideas for mom under $10. Moms usually say that it's the thought that counts and you will show mom that you really did choose a thoughtful gift, both by it's quality and frugality. Mothers young and old will enjoy these gifts:  Cheap Mother's Day Gifts Under $10

Give Back to Mother Nature with Easy, Green Earth Day Gardens

Do you love to garden but find yourself cursed with poor yard soil? Or maybe you're one of those unfortunate apartment dwelling green thumbs. Either way, it seems impossible to reconcile a love of gardening with a lack of basic garden essentials. With spring planting, Earth Day and the lure of summer bounty right around the corner, would-be gardeners long to tend plants even more. If you find yourself in this situation, do not abandon hope of gardening. You can have a flourishing garden right on your patio, deck or porch.  Easy, Green Earth Day Gardens

Rapid Rehousing, Homelessness Prevention Programs in Detroit

Many Detroiters struggle with homelessness. Just how big is the problem? Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries says 18,000 people won't have a place to sleep tonight. There are several large shelters but not enough to house that many. And as worthy as emergency shelters are, they're only temporary. Preventing homelessness is the key and that's what "rapid rehousing" is all about. In 2009, President Barack Obama signed American Recovery and Reinvestment which funded the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) administered by the U.S.Department of Housing and Urban Development Homeless Resource Exchange (HUD-HRE). With the ending of that program last December, the need will be greater. Several organizations in Detroit continue that program model: to get people into permanent homes as quickly as possible.Rapid Rehousing, Homelessness Prevention Programs in Detroit

Lenten and Easter Almsgiving Activity

As Catholic homeschoolers education focused around the liturgical year in our family. Holy Week is the pinnacle of the church year. We practice lenten virtues of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, in solidarity with our Lord and in preparation for our Easter celebration. In our homeschool career, we explored many avenues of sacrifice and service. One simple activity became very meaningful. We are fortunate to live near several mission-type sites which provide immediate care and help to those in need. Our church twins with a parish in Haiti. Many Staples outlets gather school supplies. Using these resources we made lenten care kits.Lenten and Easter Activity 

Adult Homeless Shelters, Rescue Missions, Warming Centers in Detroit

According to Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, over 18,000 people are homeless in Detroit. 30 percent of that number are chronically homeless. Most face other issues: abuse, physical disability, mental challenges, addiction, poverty, joblessness and illness. Fortunately, there are agencies to help. Here are rescue missions, homeless shelters and transitional housing programs for adults. Most all provide or connect clients with food, shower and laundry facilities, education, medical needs, counseling, employment and substance abuse treatment.  Adult Homeless Shelters, Rescue Missions, Warming Centers in Detroit

Teaching Children About Lent and Fasting

In the Catholic church, Ash Wednesday kicks off the penitential season of Lent. During Lent, we fast, pray and give alms to the needy, to prepare our hearts for Easter Sunday. Whether you're Catholic or not, there's a lot to be learned from these disciplines, especially for children. Here are tips to teach children about Lenten fasting. This Q-and-A guide will also help non-Catholic children understand what their Catholic classmates are doing and why.  Teaching Children About Lent and Fasting

Attachment Parenting: Bonding with Your Preschool Toddler

 The "attachment parenting" catch phrase has infiltrated common parlance. Speaking as a 25-year attachment parent, I think the term is often misunderstood. I knew a gal who had no kids say she was an attachment parent because she babysat her brother's children occasionally. It isn't part-time; it's a lifelong, all-invasive commitment. Here's how we did it when kids were toddlers and preschool age. I forgot to add this tip--don't stop nursing your toddler just to cave to social pressure. If baby is ready to wean, okay. If not, let her enjoy this bonding time. My kids nursed till they were 2-5 and very healthy physically and emotionally. Attachment Parenting: Bonding with Your Preschool Toddler