Saturday, July 31


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    Dec 8, 2008 5:26 pm US/Eastern
    Homeless Author Touched By COTS
    A fresh start, a new life, and a new book.  Versandra Kennebrew is a true success story.  She made her way from life in a homeless shelter to an accomplished business woman and author.   Thank God for the Shelter - Memoirs of a Homeless Healer - has just been released and Kennebrew is navigating the rocky trail many writers face.

    Kennebrew grew up on Detroit's east side.  After 23 years as a successful district sales manager for a Maryland apparel firm, she left her job and returned to Detroit to care for her father who was suffering from cancer. Soon after, her father asked Versandra and her younger brother to move out.  

    Kennebrew tried to work full-time and continue school while she faced a stressful divorce. She was also living in the shadow of her mother's mental illness and fearful of following the same path. She became depressed and began taking medication. Kennebrew made less than $150 per week and eventually found herself homeless.
     
    Despair led her to the Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS) and their facility for women, Peggy's Place.  For nine months, COTS gave her a place of refuge and helped her to regain her self-potential. "COTS helped me keep my dignity while I put my life back together", says Kennebrew."

    Kennebrew has regained her financial footing and found her self-esteem again. With a personal goal of donating $120,000 of revenue generated from the sale of her books to the Coalition on Temporary Shelter (COTS), Kennebrew needs to spark sales.  Click here to purchase the book.

    Book Signing Schedule


    Breakfast with Santa
    December 15 from 11 a.m to 2 p.m.
    Celebrate the most giving of all seasons with COTS! Breakfast to be held at the Masonic Temple from 11 am to 1 pm. Santa Shop for kids, create an ornament, face painting, games and visit with Santa! For ticket information  contact COTS events director at 313.831.377 x 223
    Masonic Temple
    Detroit, MI

    Holiday Bazaar
    Dec. 20 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
    Detroit Association of Women's Clubs
    5461 Brush St
    Detroit, Mi 48202
    (313) 397-6902

    International Bazaar
    Dec. 23 from 5 p.m to 7 p.m.
    Triumph over Adversity Video Premier
    6347 East Jefferson
    Detroit, MI 48204
    (313) 567-4668

    Soup City
    Jan. 19 from 5:30 p.m to 10 p.m. 
    COTS Annual Event at the historic Gem and Century Theatres, 333 Madison Avenue, Detroit. Restaurants that would like to participate in the '09 event please contact 313.576.0223 for additional information.
    Gem Theater
    Detroit, MI

    ImaginAide
    Apr. 25 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.
    COTS' Premiere Event - Tickets may be purchased in advanced or online, Sponsorships are available - please contact 313.831.3777x223 for more information.
    Motor City Casino
    Detroit, MI
    www.cotsdetroit
     

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