Community Corner

Troy Pastor Named a 2011 Michiganian of the Year

Pastor Kent Clark, CEO of Grace Centers of Hope, received the award in recognition of his work to fight homelessness.

The following information was submitted by Kevin Zywiol/Marx Layne & Company.

The Detroit News has named Pastor Kent W. Clark, CEO of Grace Centers of Hope, a 2011 Michiganian of the Year.  The award is presented annually to individuals whose work or whose avocations have helped make life better for others or have brought special recognition to the state of Michigan.  

Clark, along with nine other men and women in the 2011 class of Michiganians, will receive his award during a ceremonial dinner on June 28 at the DoubleTree Guest Suites - Fort Shelby in Detroit.    

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“I am extremely honored to have been named a 2011 Michiganian of the Year by The Detroit News,” Clark said. “For me, it is most humbling to receive recognition for doing what so many great Americans do everyday and what has made this country the great nation that it is – people helping people."  
 
Clark has been the CEO of Grace Centers of Hope, one of the largest homeless shelters in southeast Michigan, for more than 20 years.  He is one of the most recognized advocates for the homeless, firmly believing that “there are no throwaway people.”  Clark’s vision for transforming the lives of the homeless include programs that have a positive and proactive approach to finding innovative solutions that address challenging social issues.  
 
In the past 10 years, Pastor Clark has launched several life-changing programs, including: the Innovative Learning Center, which allows men and women to earn their GED, learn computer skills, and seek employment opportunities; Little Grace Village, a community revitalization effort that turns properties in Pontiac into safe and affordable housing for those emerging from homelessness; and Hands of Hope Childcare Center, a newly renovated childcare center that employs specially trained staff who work with at-risk children who have suffered trauma or developmental deficiencies as a result of homelessness
 
Since 1978, more than 250 individuals have received The Detroit News’ Michiganian of the Year award that includes a roster of outstanding citizens, athletes, philanthropists, community activists, business leaders and more.  For more information about Grace Centers of Hope, visit www.gracecentersofohope.org.
 
About Grace Centers of Hope
Giving hope to the helpless since 1942, Grace Centers of Hope is considered one of the leading faith-based organizations in Southeastern Michigan, daily confronting issues of homelessness, addiction, poverty, abuse and spiritual emptiness. On any given night, Grace Centers of Hope provides transitional and emergency shelter to 150-200 men, women and children, in addition to serving more than 100,000 meals each year. Grace’s $5.3 million yearly budget is maintained solely through corporate and private donors, exclusive of any government assistance.  To learn more about Grace Centers of Hope or to make a donation, please visit www.gracecentersofhope.org.


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