Second Ebenezer Church, Partners to Provide Critical Resources to Detroiters in Need This Holiday Season

The Holiday season is generally the time of year filled with happiness, joy and cheer. However, the true reality is that for others, the holiday season can be stressful, sad and/or depressing. Not everyone shares this side of their story, but what if your only wish this season, was for a better situation or simply to have your basic needs met? That is what exactly what the HelpHub did for community residents, last week at Second Ebenezer Church, located at 14601 Dequindre Road in Detroit, right off I-75 and McNichols.

Helping others in their time of need, has been the inspiration and the driving force of the Second Ebenezer Church Help Hub Expo. Designed to provide essential resources and services, this expo was open to Detroit, Wayne, Oakland and Macomb County residents. Upon entering, participants were met with an array of community-based organizations, looking to provide their services to everyone who walked through the door.

Tabitha Goodner, CEO of Second Ebenezer Church and Program Director of SEC Health Hub said, "Many of these people we have journeyed with them before and so, that's the difference in our hub. You may come for food assistance and that maybe the entrée but understand, we are here for your whole health and wellness. We are open to the entire community; it is not just for church members."

Bishop Edgar L. Vann is the visionary and community leader behind this event and organization. He is a pastor that believes in the holistic healing of people. Naming it, HelpHub and not HealthHub was intentional. The HelpHub exists to provide those living in the community help in areas like: finances, spirituality, legal, housings, food assistance and etc.

Louise, an eastside Detroit resident, said that after seeing Bishop Vann on the news, she had to attend the event to see what programs were available. "DTE was here, that helped me with lighting, I got my blood pressure taken and found out that was high, overall, the day was enlightening and informative. I think the pastor is doing a really good job, this helps bring the community together without fear."

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the City of Detroit, the Detroit Police Department, Meijer, Forgotten Harvest, Focus: HOPE, Detroit Association of Business Organizations, Choose Healthy Life, Quest Diagnostics and Molina Healthcare, were partners. They took their time to actively engage and listen, while providing knowledgeable information to each and every person. Attendees didn't just leave with pamphlets and brochures but, what truly made the difference was that their concerns were addressed. Leaving them feeling valued, heard and with a smile, this holiday season.

Volunteer and Elder, Nikki Cotton of Second Ebenezer, gave her heartfelt sentiments about the day and what it means to her this holiday season. "It's very important to me because, I am a true advocate for giving back to the community as well as, to helping people who may disenfranchised...just being able to volunteer and not just to come to church on Sunday but to do, the work of the Lord. It just gives joy to my heart to be able to see people benefit from the resources that are available. It warms my heart to be able see people receive what Christmas really means, what Jesus really means, you can see the true work of the church, which is to give back!"

If you are in need of free health exams or any other resouces, you can SEC HelpHub at 866-867-4821 by phone or via email at [email protected].