Board Members

Tracy Blackwell -President — First District Court Probation Officer

Tracy graduated from Indiana University with her Bachelor Degree in Sociology and afterwards earned her Master’s in counseling from Spring Arbor University. Tracy has been employed for the past 9 years as a Probation Officer by The First District Court at The Monroe County Courthouse. Her employment experience has allowed her to work hands on with women caught up in substance abuse and the justice system. Tracy’s experiences have provided her with valuable experience and the ability to identify with the need for early intervention and continuous treatment in order to impact and change the lives of others. While completing her Master Degree program, Tracy interned at Paula’s House and in 2009, she joined the board on a full time basis. Through her educational and work experience, Tracy brings a well-rounded perspective regarding the population and particular issues that affect Paula’s House and its mission.

Cheryl Wassus -Vice President — MPRI ReEntry Liaison

Cheryl received her Bachelor of Arts from Michigan State University. Shortly after, she began working for the Michigan Department of Corrections as a Field Agent, retiring in 2010 after 30 years of service. Presently, Cheryl works as the MPRI Liaison for Monroe County and is committed to providing a comprehensive plan of case management to aide former prisoners in reengaging with their families and within the community. During her employment, Cheryl became one of the first female field agents to be trained in the Gender Specific caseload, which specializes in the needs of women in corrections. Cheryl has served on the board for four years and brings a vast amount of experience, dedication and a passion in working with others to assist women with their pathway out of crisis and into the community through self-sufficiency and workforce development.

Charles A. Londo -Treasurer

Charles attended Northern Michigan University, graduating with his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting with a minor in Economics. To further his studies, Charles attended Central Michigan University where he completed his Master in Public Administration. In addition, Charles attended the John F. Kennedy school of Government Program for Senior Executives in State and Local Government at Harvard University. Although Charles is newly unemployed, he recently served as Administrator/Chief Financial Officer for the County of Monroe, Michigan. Charles’ experience on the board began in September 2010, and he brings 40 years of experience in Accounting, Finance and Budgeting from various municipalities throughout the State of Michigan. Charles sits on the Board of Directors as Vice Chairman for the Monroe County Health Care Board, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity, serving on the Finance Committee, serves on the Board of Directors for Monroe County Community Mental Health Authority Board and lastly, serves as Commissioner Mary O’Neil’s appointee to the Commission on Aging.

Diane Bezeau -Secretary — Monroe Community Mental Health Authority (Retired)

Diane has an Associate’s Degree in general business from Monroe Community College as well as a General Business and Secretarial Certificate from Cleary Business College. Diane comes to Women Empowering Women, Inc. with a past experience in secretarial and fundraising positions. She is also an active member and secretary of the Kiwanis Monroe Floral City and the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

Linda Yarick -Board Member — Salvation Army Harbor Light Therapist

Linda received her Bachelor in Psychology from Lourdes College and her Master Degree in Organizational Leadership from Sienna Heights University. Presently, Linda is a doctoral candidate for Industrial Organizational Psychology from Capella University. For the past nine years, Linda has been employed by The Salvation Army Harbor Light. Linda began her service on the board in July of 2010. In addition, Linda serves as President of Human Performance Consulting, dealing with executive coaching, organizational development and workforce planning for mental health and substance abuse providers. Linda’s educational experience and employment background bring forth a set of skills to the board that are invaluable. Her expertise will allow the board new avenues to explore and aide in bringing forward new ideas for those who are struggling with depression, anxiety, or low self-esteem.

Christopher D. Marriott — Attorney

Chris obtained his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Eastern Michigan in 2001, and then went on to receive his Juris Doctorate from the University of Toledo in May, 2005. Since 2005, Chris has been employed by the law firm of Czeryba & Godfroy in Monroe, Michigan. Much of his law practice is associated with people fighting addiction. Joining the board in September, 2010, Chris is one of our newest members to join; nevertheless he brings with him an understanding of the addiction process and an extensive knowledge of the law.

Tracy L. Gomez, M.A., L.L.P., M.A.B.C. — Monroe Community Mental Health Authority Department Head

Tracy has worked in the mental health and substance abuse field for approximately 18 years. She has a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology and a Master of Arts in Biblical Counseling. Tracy has taught Introduction to Psychology as an adjunct faculty member at Monroe County Community College and worked in Forensic Psychology in Wayne County. Currently, Tracy is a Clinical Department Head at Monroe Community Mental Health Authority. She is a member of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), Michigan Response Association (MRA) and the Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) team in Monroe County. She is a Red Cross Mental Health Disaster volunteer through Wayne County and has been on several disaster occurrences, including New York City, 9-11. Tracy is in her last year of a Doctorate in Psychology degree at Capella University. Her professional experiences help Women Empowering Women move forward in collaborating with other community organizations. Tracy has been a Request for Proposal (RFP) reviewer for Southeast Michigan Community Alliance’s (SEMCA) and she has experience in grant implementation.

Theresa Vasbinder, BSW - Board Member — Federal Food Assistance Program Manager

Theresa acquired her BSW at Spring Arbor University and completed her internship at Michigan Prisoner Reentry Initiative, in Monroe County. She has a history and dedication to serving disadvantaged youth and adults. She has a strong alliance with other countywide agencies and she has experience working with many of the future residents of Paula’s House.

Ty Guthrie — Homeless Representative

Ty is the Homeless Representative for Women Empowering Women, Inc. as he has lived the process of substance abuse and homelessness. Through his life experiences, Ty has developed an insight into the type of services that truly helps the homeless and by shares his many years of personal experience, hopes and concerns with others he hopes to end relapse in both homelessness and substance abuse. Ty is currently the manager for Touchstones Recovery Home for Men in Monroe, MI.

Paula Whitman, Psy.D. -Employee — Executive Director Paula’s House

Paula worked for the Salvation Army Harbor Light in Monroe, MI for 10 years and for another 10 years she was employed at Monroe Community Mental Health Authority. During this time, she witnessed the struggles of many women and the very low success rate for women with addictions. Upon investigation, it appeared these women would fare better if they had a support network and a safe place to go while they learned a trade, improved their education and reunited with their families, with therapeutic assistance. It didn’t take long for Paula to realize that no one would take her serious about this project as she was new to recovery and she had a high school education. Therefore, she began to pursue improving her education and when she graduated with her master’s degree in 1999, she began seeking potential board members to assist her in making her dream become a reality. Together, the original founding board members of Women Empowering Women, Inc. stood strong against the city and fearful neighbors until they were they were able to find an appropriate house. She graduated with her doctorate degree in psychology from the Michigan School of Professional Psychology in Farmington Hills, MI, in August of 2004 and, with permission from the city, the transition house opened in September of 2004.

teRi DeRose -Fundraiser Coordinator — Development Application Program Team Manager

teRi attended Heidelberg College in Tiffin, OH where she received her Bachelor of Science, Computer Information Systems (2004), and also attended Terra Community College in Fremont, OH receiving an Associate in Applied Business, Major: Computer Programming. teRi brings to the board her skills in program development and implementation as well as organizational skills and she plans to use her skills to lead Women Empowering Women, Inc. in future fundraising.

Adam McLaughlin -Consultant — LPL Financial Executive

Adam graduated from Baker College with his degree in Business and is presently employed as a Wealth Management Advisor for LPL Financial in Monroe, Michigan. Much of Adam’s experience lies within the business operations and management division. In 2007, Adam joined the Women Empowering Women Board and brings strong leadership skills within the financial and business operations subdivisions of board operations

Patrick Hurley - Consultant – Fifth Third Mortgage Loan Originator

Cynthia Mainville -Consultant – Detroit Salvation Army Harbor Light

Women Empowering Women, Inc

Mailing address : POB 2002, Monroe, MI 48161

Phone 734-242-6650

Fax 734-242-6630

Admission Criteria

1. Residents must be homeless and have substance abuse problems.
2. The client must be seeking admission without persuasion or coercion and be willing to sign a contract and/or treatment plan to participate in all four phases.
3. Physician verifies that the client meets the diagnostic criteria as defined in the DSM IV, for alcohol/drug dependence and/or abuse.
4. ASI and medical examination indicate that the client is medically appropriate and stable. If a medical condition exists, proper action will be taken to assist the client.
5. Client is ambulatory or there are no medical complications that would hamper the client’s ability to participate in the program.
6. The client is coherent, rational and oriented in all spheres.
7. The client has the social skills to obtain a support system or to become involved in a self-help fellowship.
8. The client is willing to sign payment plan.

Note:

Board Members and their families will be given referrals and will not be eligible to participate in residency at Paula’s House as this would be a conflict of interest.

In 2006:

Women Empowering Women, Inc., was fortunate enough to receive a grant from the Housing of Urban Development and hope to expand enough to have more homes for women and eventually provide services to women with their children.