COTS: The Art of Family Podcast

In Act III of Black Her Stories × COTS , host Michaela Ayers takes us inside the Peterboro Arms Apartments— affordable housing in Detroit's Midtown—for a collage workshop with residents. What unfolds are conversations about the narratives we've internalized about poverty and the radical act of being seen.

In this episode of Black Her Stories , Michaela Ayers takes us inside Peggy's Place , COTS' emergency shelter on Detroit's west side, where she connects with residents about their journies and confronts what she thought she knew about homelessness. Through a collage workshop with mothers living in the shelter, conversations with COTS COO Corisa Reed, social worker LaTonia Walker, and insights from...

Elizabeth Howard grew up navigating instability on Detroit’s east side. When her apartment became overrun with pests and her family was displaced, she didn't just find a shelter—she found an advocate. A COTS staff member didn't hand her a pamphlet; they packed her car and moved her to safety themselves. Now, Elizabeth is in a better position to pay it forward to her children and her commun...

In this episode of Black Her Stories , Michaela shares the story of a creative collaboration with COTS Detroit , a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families experiencing homelessness. Through conversations with COTS leaders, we explore their radical practice of the Month of Imagination —a full month devoted to rest, reflection, and dreaming beyond limits. Together, we uncover how imagination fuel...

Join Rebecca Eaddy (Office Administrator) and Dawn Walker (Director of Accounting) as they sit down with Cheryl P. Johnson (CEO) to reflect on her remarkable 35-year journey at COTS. Cheryl shares insights on leadership, the art of kindness, and the transformative power of purpose. Discover how intentionality, vision, and community impact have shaped her work and continue to guide her vision for t...

In this episode of the Art of Family podcast, we discuss the immediate impact of the government shutdown on Detroit families, particularly focusing on the suspension of SNAP benefits. We explore the severe consequences for families relying on these benefits, the emotional and economic ripple effects, and the urgent need for community support and collaboration. The conversation emphasizes the impor...

In this episode of the Art of Family podcast, Aisha Morrell-Ferguson, Nikki Carbonari, and Anthony Eid discuss the immediate impact of the government shutdown on Detroit families, with a particular focus on the suspension of SNAP benefits. They explore the severe consequences for families relying on these benefits, the emotional and economic ripple effects, and the urgent need for community suppor...

Join us at the COTS Partner Breakfast — a morning of gratitude, connection, and collaboration. Hear how our community partners are coming together to celebrate impact, spark new ideas, and continue building brighter futures for Detroit families.

Join Aisha Morrell-Ferguson (Chief Development Officer), Nikki Carbonari (Executive Director of Impact), and Anthony Eid (Policy & Advocacy Coordinator) as they delve into the state of the agency, exploring the triumphs and challenges faced by families in Detroit. Discover how COTS is making a difference through advocacy, partnerships, and innovative programs like the Passport to Self-Sufficie...

In this episode, Bianca Robinson shares her inspiring journey from experiencing homelessness to finding stability and support through the COTS community. She discusses her childhood, the challenges she faced, and the pivotal moments that led her to seek help. Bianca highlights the importance of community support, the impact on her daughter, and her long-term goals, including aspirations for homeow...

Join us on the Art of Family podcast as we dive into the inspiring journey of Marlene Johnson, a dedicated peer support specialist at COTS. With her lived experience and deep compassion, Marlene walks alongside families, helping them navigate challenges and build towards stability and success. In this episode, we explore the vital role of peer support and the transformative power of community. Tun...

The Passport to Self-Sufficiency™ (PTS) framework is at the heart of COTS’ mission to help Detroit families build stability and thrive. In this episode, Paige Blessman, Director of Communications & Engagement, is joined by Nikki Carbonari , Executive Director of Impact, and Laquaia Thomas , a COTS Mobility Coach, to unpack how PTS works in practice. Together, they explore how the framework gui...

Queen’s journey began in Detroit, where her grandmother’s no-nonsense love set the foundation for resilience. But adulthood brought unexpected challenges—heart attacks, a broken home, and long years without heat or hot water. She never saw herself as “homeless”… until a COTS counselor changed everything. In this deeply personal conversation, Queen shares how pride, perseverance, and the power of c...

In this episode of The Art of Family, Aisha Morrell-Ferguson engages in a heartfelt conversation with Shana White, founder of Picking Up the Pieces, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families transition from homelessness to stable housing. They discuss Shana's personal journey through homelessness, the inception of her organization, and the various programs designed to support families in need....

In this conversation, Allah shares his inspiring journey from experiencing homelessness to finding stability and purpose through the support of the Neighborhood Service Organization (NSO). He discusses the importance of community, mentorship, and self-care, emphasizing the role of spirituality and nutrition in his life. Allah highlights the transformative power of hope and connection, encouraging...

In this heartfelt episode of The Art of Family , host Rachel sits down with Timothy Moss to explore his powerful journey of resilience, faith, and personal growth. Timothy shares stories from his upbringing in Butler, Alabama, and candidly discusses his experiences with homelessness, including his time at COTS Peggy's Place. Through the challenges of family separation, injury, and job loss, Timoth...

In this episode, Margaret shares her powerful journey with Rachel Minion (from COTS). From experiencing homelessness at Peggy's Place to finding solace in Bible study, Margaret opens up about her struggles with depression and the challenges she faced while trying to rebuild her life after leaving an abusive relationship. Through faith and the support of her church community, she rededicated he...

Join us as Shelita recounts her experiences with family trauma, the struggle for secure housing, and the perseverance it took to provide a stable life for her children. From her determination to seek help to the powerful role of COTS in her life, Shelita's story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of community support. In this episode, we discuss: Shelita'...

Listen as our guest shares their story of growing up in Detroit, the challenges they faced, and the strength they found in their family and faith. Through overcoming domestic violence, coping with the loss of loved ones, and navigating homelessness, Erica reveals how the community of COTS provided a lifeline. Hear about the pivotal role of supportive coaching and counseling sessions and the profou...

Host Paige Blessman, Director of Communications at COTS, sits down with Leslie, a lead family service partner at COTS, to delve into her incredible journey of resilience and healing. Leslie opens up about her challenging upbringing in the foster care system, the struggles she faced growing up, and her inspiring journey to find her birth mother after 47 years. Through her story, Leslie demonstrates...

In this enlightening conversation, host Corisa Reed (COTS Chief Administrative Officer) sits down with Deja Farr-Lowrey (Emergency Services Administrator), to unpack what paternalism means and how it manifests in our daily lives and work. Together, they explore the harmful stereotypes surrounding poverty and homelessness, challenge the misconceptions about the individuals and families facing these...

In this heartfelt episode, our host Rachel Minion sits down with Brandi Smith to explore her inspiring journey from homelessness to a stable and thriving life. Brandi shares her emotional story of perseverance and resilience, recounting how she, her boyfriend, and their eight-year-old daughter, Ryan, found themselves homeless and sleeping in their car. With Ryan's asthma flaring up, they sough...

Many THANK YOUS to the incredible team at Comerica Bank for visiting our kids at Peggy’s Place! Executive Director Mike Ritchie set aside time to have a special chat with the kids about finance and banking. They were so engaged and had a ton of great questions. Such as where does money come from? How long has Mr. Ritchie been at the bank? How do ATMs work?? Lol Big shoutout also to Hassan Melhem f...

Join us for a special edition of The Art of Family podcast as Paige Blessman (COTS Director of Communications) and Lucy Couch (Detroit Pistons Business Development Executive) talk about the collaboration between COTS and the Detroit Pistons. Hear how an intro at a networking event blossomed into a remarkable partnership, resulting in COTS Night at the upcoming Pistons game on March 20th. Learn abo...

As a current dialysis technician, Amber shares her aspirations of pursuing medical school despite the daunting obstacles of standardized tests and self-doubt. Through her candid reflections, listeners are invited into the complexities of her past, including the loss of her mother and the challenges of caring for her younger brother. Amber's story reveals common misconceptions about homelessnes...