America has lost a true progressive hero (one you might not have heard of)

[LuckyTheDog]

Eleanor Josaitis leaves a 'great legacy' in Focus: HOPE


Eleanor Josaitis was another suburban housewife when she felt a calling.

Living with her husband and five children in Taylor, she felt moved to build racial harmony in Detroit's segregated communities and help the poor. So she packed up her family and moved them to Detroit's Sherwood Forest neighborhood after the 1967 riots.

Soon after, she co-founded Focus: HOPE, one of the city's most vital institutions still working 43 years later to overcome racism, poverty and injustice by helping people find financial independence.

Josaitis died just before 4 a.m. Tuesday at Angela Hospice in Livonia of cancer. She was 79.

She leaves a legacy as one of Detroit's civil rights leaders who touched countless lives.

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110809/METRO/108090367/Eleanor-Josaitis-leaves-a-‘great-legacy’-in-Focus--HOPE#ixzz1UXyNqSQh

[shireen]

1. wow! what an amazing lady!

Thank you so much for posting that article. I so glad to know about her. She's left us an amazing legacy.
:hug:

[LuckyTheDog]

3. From Debbie Stabenow

U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow made the following statement regarding the passing of Eleanor Josaitis, community leader and co-founder of Focus:HOPE.

"Eleanor always said ‘you won't change a thing sitting in front of the television-you have to have the guts to try something.' For more than 40 years, she has put those words into action through her leadership with Focus:HOPE, one of the most successful organizations dedicated to helping Detroit-area families and revitalizing Southeast Michigan. She was a dear friend and tireless champion who inspired so many others to serve their community. My thoughts and prayers are with Eleanor's family during this difficult time."

[LuckyTheDog]

6. I knew her a little

She was awesome.

[demmiblue]

2. Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush.
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.



Her presence, no doubt, will be felt for generations to come.


RIP, Eleanor Josaitis :cry:

[demmiblue]

4. .

[hfojvt]

5. knr

I will read the link later

[xchrom]

7. May Peace be with her family & friends at this time. Nt