HISTORY
Shardaya Fuquay
Executive Director of Journey To Healing
Executive Director Message
Greetings,
As the Founder and Executive Director of Journey to Healing, it fills my heart with immense gratitude to witness the enormous difference our organization has had on Metro Detroit families throughout this transformative year.
In the face of unprecedented challenges, we have amplified our efforts to meet the increasing demand for high-quality mental health support. The Journey to Healing Wayne Metro Program stands as a beacon of growth and personal development, nurturing the potential of our youth with enriching opportunities that pave the way for a brighter future.
Our collaborative events, such as Halloween and Domestic Violence Awareness Month, transcended festivities and advocacy to embrace holistic wellness and crisis support. The positive impact reached the Turning Point Domestic Violence Shelter and the COTS Emergency Housing, reinforcing the interconnectedness of our community.
Journey to Healing’s dedication to children and parents showcased the transformative potential of essential coping strategies. By reshaping narratives, we provided 64 clinical hours of support to 35 children and 20 adults, empowering families to embrace healing.
I am particularly excited to share the genuine testimonies of individuals who have experienced the transformative power of Journey to Healing highlighting the diverse ways our holistic approach touches lives, changing narratives, and fostering emotional well-being.
As we commemorate the achievements of 2023, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to each member of our beloved community. Your commitment to Journey to Healing is not just for the organization but a commitment to the very core of our community.
Let’s carry forward the spirit of togetherness, support, and empowerment as we start 2024 with promising growth, healing, and collaborations.
With Gratitude,
Shardaya Fuquay
Executive Director of Journey To Healing
Our History
2017
Since 2017, Journey to Healing has been an integral part of the Detroit community, founded by Shardaya Fuquay (sister) and Misty Gregory (mother) in the aftermath of the tragic loss of Cleveland Gregory Jr. in 2014. The organization emerged from a personal journey of grief, as Cleveland left behind three young sons—one month, one year, and two years old at the time of his unexpected passing. Fueled by the desire to support others navigating the challenging path of grief and trauma, Journey to Healing was born.
Establishing a diverse Board of Directors was a vital step for us. Composed of professionals from social work, psychology, family therapy, education, business, and engineering, our board members share a common thread of experiencing traumatic loss. Beyond their professional roles, they actively participate in our programs, fostering a sense of shared healing. Collaborating with The Detroit Public Library, we extended our reach to various areas in Metro Detroit, offering community outreach services and grief support.
2018-2019
In 2018, a community needs assessment revealed that sudden traumatic loss often led to secondary losses, including income, homes, and strained mental and emotional well-being. Recognizing the complexity of grief reactions, we shifted our focus from grief to trauma, adopting a Trauma-Informed Community Building Model. Journey to Healing’s holistic approach, tailored to individual needs and cultural competence, aims to support families through grief and trauma and identify sustainable resources.
We supported 225 families with grief support and community outreach programming during this period. Our Christmas Holiday Giveaway event provided 30 families with toys and food gift cards, embodying the spirit of community. Additionally, two high school seniors received scholarships through our Cleveland Gregory Jr. Foundation.
2020-2021
Expanding our impact, we served over 425 youth and adults in Wayne County. Educational training, social-emotional programming, and clinical therapeutic services formed the core of our offerings. Embracing a holistic model, we incorporated art, music, and drama therapy to equip families with essential coping skills. Three high school seniors received scholarships, and we extended our reach through contracted services with organizations such as Brilliant Detroit, COTS Detroit, and Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network.
2022
In 2022, our services expanded to over 500 youth and adults in Wayne, Macomb, and Oakland County. Collaborations with organizations like COTs shelter, Wayne Metro 21 Century, and Brilliant Detroit enabled us to provide free clinical therapy services to 40 families across the metro area, addressing the heightened mental health concerns triggered by environmental factors, including school shootings.
Partnering with the Davenport University Nursing Department, we created access to healthcare education opportunities. Virtual and in-person behavioral health community programs, offered at low cost or free, reach disadvantaged families. To enhance access to high-quality mental health services, we expanded our clinical supervision program, collaborating with institutions like Walden University, Wayne State University, University of Michigan, and North Central.
Our journey continues, guided by our commitment to healing, community, and supporting individuals through life’s challenges.
Our Mission, Vision and Philosophy
Vision
Our vision is for our community to become trauma-informed by transforming their pain into power. Our Trauma Informed Community Building model approaches grief and/or loss separately so that we can heal each layer of trauma. We encourage resilience in our families and work to build awareness through intentional programming that promotes healing and justice that leads to power.
Mission
Journey To Healing is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing evidence-based education, outreach programming, and clinical therapeutic services to families who experienced trauma related to grief, loss, and everyday life experiences.
Philosophy
Journey to Healing is dedicated to implementing programs that make a difference in strengthening communities. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment for community residents to receive our services. We aim to elevate our community of residents so that they feel valued and heard. We ensure this by receiving incremental feedback that shapes our program and design. Our holistic approach is individualized and culturally competent. We support everyone regardless of age, sex, gender, or sexual orientation and ensure our programming is inclusive. We understand that everyone reacts to trauma differently; our programs are unique and individualized to represent the diversity of our clients.
Our Impact
Making a Difference in Young Minds
Journey to Healing, which offers mental health support for little ones as young as 2 in Metro Detroit.
In a world of growing minds, where the National Center for Health Studies tells us that about 1 in 5 children will face the loss of someone close by the time they hit 18, Journey to Healing steps in. Our unique approach taps into the language that kids understand best – to play. Through therapeutic relationships and a safe, consistent environment, we create a space where children aged 2 and up can embark on a journey of healing, acceptance, empathy, and understanding.
In this unique combination of play and art, we guide young hearts to process their inner experiences and feelings. Because every child deserves a chance to grow, learn, and thrive, starting from the earliest chapters of their lives. That’s the Journey to Healing impact, making waves in the well-being of our littlest community members.
Our Goal
Empowering Communities on the Journey to Healing
Since 2017, Journey to Healing has proudly served the Detroit community, a journey dedicated to linking families affected by trauma, particularly grief and loss, with essential resources, education, and awareness. Our primary aim is to blemish away at the negativism surrounding mental health, fostering a supportive environment.
Our guiding principle is the Trauma-Informed Community Building Model. We’ve crafted a strategic plan that identifies specific Detroit neighborhoods through a thorough mental health needs assessment, letting the community’s voice shape our direction.
Building Resilience: Helping communities bounce back stronger.
Community Trust: Fostering connections and understanding.
Restoring Lives: Offering a path to recovery and renewal.
Disrupting the Cycle: Breaking free from harmful patterns.
Education: Empowering minds for a brighter future.
Through intentional programming tailored for children and families, we strive to cultivate healthier outcomes and weave a fabric of strength and support within the heart of our communities. Our commitment is rooted in compassion and dedicated to making a lasting impact.
