Christine Johnson (Magic's mom), Alison Vaughn, president, Jackets For Jobs, and Lucille O'Neal (Shaq's mom)

T.J. Maxx unexpectedly presented a $10,000 cash gift to Alison Vaughn, founder and president of Jackets for Jobs, at the organization's 13th anniversary gala, which was recently held at the Doubletree Suites Hotel in downtown Detroit.
"We value tremendously our relationship with Jackets For Jobs and we love the work they do," said Jerome Smalls, vice president and director of community relations for TJX Corporation. "We just wanted to give Alison and her organization a small token of appreciation for impacting so many lives in a positive way." Alison Vaughn was shaking with excitement after receiving the check. "I'm literally shaking right now," said Vaughn. "This is just so wonderful and I want everyone to go shop at TJ Maxx today!"

Lucille O'Neal (Shaq's mom) was the keynote speaker. A surprise appearance was made by a close friend of O'Neal's, Christine Johnson, the mother of Magic Johnson. O'Neal spoke of standing over six feet as a 12-year old girl, having low self-esteem, overcoming alcoholism and being poor. "I know firsthand just how important an organization like Jackets For Jobs is to the community," said O'Neal. "I remember a time when I only had one suit. It was black, but I tell you what...I kept it pressed. And every time I put it on, I felt good about myself."

"We're just so pleased with everything. Today was a phenomenal event and we are so appreciative for all the support," said Vaughn. "Without sponsors like TJ Maxx we wouldn't be here. Our goal is to keep helping our clients, making a difference for another 13 years."

Since opening its doors in 2000, Jackets For Jobs, a non-profit organization that helps low income men and women make the transition to work by providing professional business attire and career counseling, has helped more than 14,000 people with employment. A Michigan Works! affiliate, the organization has been featured on ABC's "The View," NBC's "Today Show" and Oprah Winfrey's O magazine. A highlight of her career was the ringing of the closing bell on the NASDAQ.

For more information about Jackets For Jobs, visit www.jacketsforjobs.org or call (313) 579-9160.
 

Firefighters battled five fires early Thursday morning in Highland Park. Sources report that around 3 a.m., four structures were ablaze on Connecticut Street.

A gas line fire was reported shortly thereafter on Tennyson Street.

Fortunately there were no fatalities or injuries were reported, but several of the properties are taotal losses and one family has been displaced.

Low water pressure complicated efforts to put out the fires and arson is investigating.

DPS enrollment fell to about 52,503 as a result of 15 schools being transferred to the Education Achievement Authority of Michigan (EAA), a state reform district that can assume control of poor performing schools. A decade ago, DPS comprised 164,000 students. The sharp enrollment decline is a result of many factors, including competition with charter and suburban schools and the EAA. Officials project that enrollment could continue to decline over the next five years.

In a letter written to DPS employees in late January of this year, Roy Roberts, the state-appointed emergency financial manager, wrote, “We’re going on the offense! No longer are we going to create plans designed around assumptions of failure. Instead of planning to fail, we’re planning to win by attracting students to our district’s classrooms.”

This month, the district unveiled a new strategic plan titled “Neighborhood-Centered, Quality Schools.” The plan was designed specifically to compete with other schools that have been attracting Detroit students. Acknowledging the competition is good, Roberts said, “From this point forward, we’re planning to win, not to lose.”

Highlights of the plan, which will be rolled out over the next three years, include expanded pre-kindergarten classes to 4-year old children, some parenting, job skills and other training, extended academic school years, and art and music enrichment programming.

Roberts said that DPS will evolve to address the needs of students and families.
“Nobody’s going to give us any students. We have to go out and take them,” he said.

Belolved Cody High School basketball Charles Knott was shot and killed when he arrived home Tuesday night.

Knott, a coach of more than 20 years, parked his car and before he could exit the drivers-side door a black Jeep Cherokee blocked him in and the hooter fired a volley of shots into Knotts' vehicle.

"I heard about eight or 9 shots. I was laying down," said neighbor Tarina Fikes.

Hours later, an entire community would learn that Knott, a longtime Cody High School girls basketball coach, was gone.

"I don't understand. I'm speechless. I don't know who would do that," said Fikes.
Cody high school students were shocked by the tragedy and were reported to be in deep mourning since Knotts' murder.

"I just can't believe this would happen to him," said Kimberly Deloch, a parent at the high school. "He has so much inspiration for the kids and everything, it's sad. It's a sad day today."

"He was fun to hang around. He was really kind, everyone loved him," said student Asia Alvin.

A candlelight vigil will be held for Coach Knott in the coming days.