Debra Bower: A Difference Maker In The Community
DETROIT (WWJ) - WWJ Newsradio 950's November Difference Maker, Debra Bower, knows all about being a struggling teenager with a baby.
"I was the oldest of 11 children and my mom was a single mother," said Bower. "I was 17 when I had my oldest child."
Bower is the founder of "Sunshine's Always Brighter With A 2nd Chance," a transitional home for homeless women and their children.
Years ago, while working in downtown Detroit, she would see young women wandering the streets — and she knew she had to do something.
"So my cousin had this house over here on the east side of Detroit that was just sitting," she said, "so I took my 401K and all of my savings and came over her and fixed it up, and in 2010 we opened the doors," Bower said.
The home can house eight families — the women referred from courts, police and social workers.
"We have young ladies who had been sleeping in the park with their babies," she said.
The home's small size allows Bowers to give personal care to the women and their families In return, Bowers says each resident is asked to make a commitment to a better life.
"You have to have the heart, desire to want to make the change," she said.
Get more information about the program at this link.
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Do you know someone in your community that has made a difference to benefit others? WWJ Newsradio 950 is seeking out individuals who are making a difference, big or small - people who have inspired positive change and those who have made an impact in the community.
Each month, WWJ will honor a person as the Difference Maker in the Community. This person will be highlighted on-air and on cbsdetroit.com for their positive contributions. All monthly Difference Makers will be invited to join at a special luncheon in the spring of 2013 to recognize the positive contributions. Click here to nominate someone you know. WWJ Newsradio 950 Difference Maker in the Community program is presented by Baker Tilly Accountants and Advisors and sponsored in part by Family Heating, Cooling & Electrical.
