If wisdom, compassion, and courage are the three universally recognized moral qualities of heroes, then Latrice Jordan of Matrix Human Services fits the bill. Jordan is on the short list for the Detroit Branch of the NAACP’s short list for the Image Awards Hometown Champions honor.
“The NAACP Hometown Hero competition is very well known and respected in the community, and It’s quite an honor to be nominated for such a prestigious award based on getting out in the community and helping those in need. Being recognized when you’re not expecting any recognition at all is kind of overwhelming,” says the optimistic activist, who was actually nominated multiple supporters.
The volunteer-turned vice president of Matrix Human Services waxes poetically and passionately when she discusses her commitment to improving the quality of life for Detroiters and non-Detroiters who find themselves in dire economic circumstances. Jordan explained that the organization provides a realistic pathway for individuals and families to transition out of poverty into a life of economic self-sufficiency. We call it our Transition to Success Model and the great thing about it is that it’s that it’s gone national now. So not only are we helping individuals in our community we are now going to other communities and training leaders at non-profit organizations so that they can help other transition out of poverty.”
But Jordan is recognized and celebrated for doing more than simply transitioning people out of poverty, she encourages them to go beyond the basics and promotes living a good life. “When someone comes through our doors we ask them ‘what is your dream after we meet your basic needs?’ And from there … we provide them with all the assistance possible to make those dreams come true. Not utilizing just matrix resources, but reaching out to other organizations that have resources to help the clients we serve.” Matrix Human Services assists more than 25,000 clients annually.
Jordan parlayed her marketing expertise and event planning success into a full time position as vice president of Marketing and Development at Matrix Human Services.
“We have programs for expectant moms, and we run Off the Streets which is a youth runaway shelter. We also operate the largest Headstart program in the city of Detroit,” she says adding, “We also offer employment readiness skills, computer training and senior center services, so we literally have something for everyone.”
One of Jordan and Matrix’s crowning accomplishments is the success of their Headstart program(s). Matrix was recently awarded $125 million federal grant and intends to open additional Headstart programs, bringing the number of Matrix operated Headstart centers to 40.
“The cycle of generational poverty is real and its real in our communities. But there is hope, and now there is an actual model of care that is scientifically proven to work and we’re making a difference in the lives of those we serve. “
Matrix Human Services boasts a broad array of clients served with the youngest client being only months old and the oldest client being a 103-year-old.
“We never turn anyone away,” explains Jordan, “but one key component of transition to success is volunteerism. We require that because there is something about going from the needy to the needed that truly changes a person’s mindset.”
To cast your vote for Latrice Jordan visit the NAACP Image Awards Hometown Champions WCHB website.
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