Photos and article by Charllen Morla
On Tuesday, June 28, The City Center Transitional Living (TCC) held an informational meeting “Champions of Change” at The River Community Church in Ventura.
The evening program included various special guests including Lisa Higginbotham of Thrivent Financial – Event Sponsor. Also among the line up was Ventura Deputy Mayor Neal Andrews, County Supervisor Steve Bennett and Championship Boxer Maureen Shea – all great supporters of The City Center’s mission. Also present were City Councilmembers Christy Weir and Cheryl Heitmann,
Testimonies were given by current residents of TCC including Greg and Tawney Hartney, a young couple who recently found The City Center after living their lives of being “hopeless, addicted, and helpless.” With the help of on-site case managers they have been able to learn how to save money and be responsible. Greg and Tawney have been able to secure jobs and buy a minivan. Their ultimate goal now is to be reunited with their daughter full-time.
Caitlin Sonni, TCC Resident also shared her testimony on her journey to finding TCC. Having been in an abusive relationship and back and forth from home to homes, she became homeless, stating, “It can happen to anyone…”. In finding The City Center, Caitlin has now found relief and is able to say, “For the first time in my life, I can say I’m safe. For the first time in my life I can say I’m not alone.”
Jennifer Valadez presented her testimony sharing her experience of being caught up and addicted to substances and finally her family decided to relocate with no invitation to her. She ended up becoming homeless. She soon found TCC and has been sober for three years, makes enough money to support her kids and pay rent at TCC.
Champions of Change also recognized the sponsor for the final eight rooms that were being built this past year. Churches, organizations and individual donors donated $7,500 to complete construction and furnish a room.
Plaques of appreciation and Partnership Awards were presented to Rick and Cherry Carney who established their ministry in an effort to help end homelessness in Ventura by serving as Mentors and Mentor Coordinators for the City Center; Alethia Alvarez, Dance Instructor of Ritmo El Pasion who was very instrumental as Jim Duran, TCC Executive Director’s dance partner and trainer in his participation in the 2015 Salsa Festival – a fundraising event which raised $33,500 for TCC; and the Ventura Family YMCA for their partnership with TCC in helping the residents through their “Operation Ventura” program.
The evening ended with an amazing inspirational song sung by local recording artist Lisa Houston and a final closing by Jeanne Benitez, TCC Board Member.
For more information on The City Center, please visit www.thecitycenter.org.
