By Alexandria Leatherberry
The Truth Reporter
On Saturday May 24, 2025, the Center of Hope Family Services held a free community event to support mental wellness awareness, prevention efforts and access to community resources. Spirituality was at the foundation of the event with divinely energetic sets performed at Warren AME Church.
Grammy award winning producer Darius Brooks and Grammy Lifetime Achievement award winner Elbernita “Twinkie” Clark headlined the “Life Keep Living It” event that was opened by renowned saxophonist, Mike Williams. Their performances left no room for a still body in the room as their accompanying bands and choir filled it with soulful sound, while the leads charged the audience by joining them with praise.
Charlie Mack of 107.3, The Juice, returned to host the event as an avid supporter. “We don’t always put our mental health as a priority” stated Mack, after sharing his own spiritual perseverance through a challenge of losing his eyesight temporarily. “Getting over that hump is very important to living a happy life,” he continued.
Center of Hope Family Services has been the resource that has been helping others overcome those life humps for 25 years. They have a mission to remove barriers to achievement through culturally relevant and innovative programs and services that close the opportunity gap for those in need. Center for Hope aims to increase access to high quality education, mental wellness services, job readiness, court advocacy, and family support.
“Life Keep Living It” was a celebration of one of the many wellness programs that a Center of Hope has fostered in the community. With support from the Lucas County Commissioners, CHFS provides nutritious sack suppers designed to reduce food insecurity at MLK School for Boys, Old West End Academy and Robinson Elementary. They continue to grow their programs and reach in the Toledo community to address present needs like mental wellness. You can find more on their programs and upcoming events at cohfs.org.
