Enlarge Staff of Hope Haven gather to discuss the Crossroads Charlotte scenarios

Posted: May 23rd, 2012 Brant Aycock

Division.  Action.  REALITY. 

These were some of the words residents and staff of Hope Haven used to describe the four Crossroads Charlotte Scenarios when they viewed the films and heard the stories read aloud on May 19^th.  Hope Haven provides residential recovery services for more than 300 homeless, chemically dependant adults and families in Charlotte-Mecklenburg as they work their way towards independence.  Crossroads Charlotte’s tagline of “Imagine Our Tomorrow, Act Today” was especially meaningful to this community – where they know firsthand how the choices one makes can lead to positive OR negative outcomes.

“Hope Haven is a diverse community within greater Charlotte Mecklenburg,” says Hope Haven Vice President of Human Resources Nancy Harville.  “We provide hope to the homeless through a structured recovering environment, with the goal of returning to the Charlotte community as a productive citizen.  This event with Crossroads Charlotte allows our Residents to gain an insight into just what the greater Charlotte community is or can be.  Our Residents are able to internalize the understanding that they can make a difference.”  

Facilitators Dianne English and Annetta Foard had individuals read the written scenarios (Fortress Charlotte, Class Act, The Beat Goes On, and Eye to Eye) and then the group watched the corresponding film version.  Afterwards, they broke into small groups to discuss what they had seen and what it meant to them.

One resident (NOTE:  to protect the privacy of those in residence at Hope Haven, no names will be given), who identified with a single working mother in the films, remarked how sometimes a person can get so involved in their own circumstances that it blinds them to what others are going through. 

Another commented on how life within the controlled environment of Hope Haven can seem more like Eye to Eye, but outside is less ideal.  Hope Haven provides residents with the coping skills they will need once they leave the Center.

All of those in attendance seemed to agree that Charlotte’s diverse population and smaller subsets of communities will need to learn to respect each other and work together if our community is going to reach its full potential.

 “This joint program with Staff and Residents reinforces that Hope Haven is a community,” continues Harville.   “As such, we have a significant role in supporting greater Charlotte Mecklenburg being a better place for us all to live.”

Tweet

Previous Page