Roquan Smith Pays it Forward Chicago Bears All-Pro Linebacker Shows Support for Local Homeless Services Provider on Chicago’s South Side

 

Roquan Smith Pays it Forward

Chicago Bears All-Pro Linebacker Shows Support for Local Homeless Services Provider on Chicago’s South Side

Good things do really happen to people who share their hearts and resources with those who have little.  At least that’s what we all like to believe.  In this case, the day that Chicago Bears All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith became aware of Matthew House Chicago, and the men and women the organization serves, he decided that he is the man who has resources to make those good things happen.

On Sunday, February 13, 2022, Roquan’s efforts will mean that Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson, CEO of Matthew House Chicago will be attending Super Bowl LVI at So-Fi Stadium in Los Angeles, CA.  This represents a dream come true for Dr. Stinson; a fitting gesture toward a woman who gives so much of herself to make the dreams of Chicago’s homeless men and women come true.  And that dream is a caring organization, who sees them as worthy of housing security, and a place to call home.

Roquan says that “Paying it forward to Matthew House was without much thought - their many years of dedication to serving the homeless communities has not been posted on billboards but has not gone unnoticed.”  He continues, “I wanted the team there to know that their work hasn’t gone un-noticed and I wanted to give them a bit of momentum to continue on with the great work they are doing to serve the homeless communities.” When asked what drives him to make a difference in the lives of others Smith responds, “Giving back is important to me and I don’t take for granted the opportunity given to me to do so.”

Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson, Founding CEO of Matthew House who will be travelling to Los Angeles to attend the Super Bowl courtesy of Smith, the Chicago Bears and the NFL, is very excited about the relationship between Mr. Smith and Matthew House.   “We are so grateful for the care and support for the mission of Matthew House that Mr. Smith has demonstrated and continues to demonstrate.”  She continues, “The services we provide on a daily basis are an integral part of moving those who enter our through our doors are the bridge needed to move from homelessness to housed.”  She continues, “Earlier in 2021, Roquan Smith made his presence felt and his heart apparent by donating 46 pairs of new Nike shoes for the guests of Matthew House.  This was an incredible gift, and the guests were thrilled and eternally grateful for his generosity.”  Roquan Smith is an exceptional human, and I will be wearing the #58 jersey proudly at the Super Bowl, said Dr. Stinson.

“My mantra is Homelessness is not the label that defines them, but a temporary situation that they are experiencing.”  She continues, “It is our supreme honor to be of service to our guests, and rain, snow or pandemic, Matthew House is here, everyday meeting the needs of the men, women and children who find themselves in need of assistance to come out of homelessness.”  I invite anyone who can support the mission of Matthew House and partner with us to visit our website, www.mhchicago.org, or to call us at (773) 536-6628.

About Matthew House Chicago:  For 30 years, Matthew House, a nonprofit community-based organization, has provided food, daytime shelter, permanent supportive housing, and supportive services to men, women, families, and children who are experiencing or at risk of becoming homeless.

Matthew House offers daytime supportive services to a non-gender specific population. Matthew House is currently the only safe haven for homeless individuals on the South Side of Chicago. Matthew House fulfills its mission by first addressing emergency needs, such as food, daytime shelter, clothing, showers, and assisting clients in finding overnight shelter. Once emergency needs have been met, the case management staff works with clients to address the long-term needs such as housing, employment, health, and social support needs.

Matthew Houses Daytime Emergency Services programs consist of two meals a day, access to shower and grooming, change of clothes, access to a mailing address and other essential homeless services

Matthew House case management services address the clients' social service needs such as replacing state ID and assistance in completing various applications geared to assist clients in ending their plight with homelessness as quickly as possible.

All Matthew House clients can access the computer Learning Center which supports our job readiness and job placement programs. The Learning Center offers of daily testing and skills assessment, tutoring, and computer literacy classes. Matthew House has aligned itself with linkage partners for specialty services such as, medical and dental care, mental health, substance abuse, and domestic violence matters.

Matthew House offers scattered-site permanent supportive housing for men and women throughout Chicago that provide safety and independence for the population it serves. In addition, each resident is given personalized support services from one of our case managers, access to the Learning Center, health services, and employment assistance.
 

About Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson:  At the heart of philanthropy lies resolute leadership encompassing vessels fastened to an unyielding mandate to serve others. One of Dr. Stinson's many accomplishments is becoming the founding CEO of Matthew House Inc. Matthew House is a Daytime Supportive Service Center celebrating over thirty years of providing services to needy men, women, and families experiencing homelessness. The organization has grown under her leadership from delivering essential services to providing seventy-three units of permanent supportive housing. Her mantra is clear: Homelessness is an experience that people go through, not a label that defines who they are.

She is an author, cleric, serial entrepreneur, nonprofit founding CEO. Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson holds roots in a generational legacy of entrepreneurship and ministry. Raised by entrepreneurial parents, Gus & Mary Rickette, the proud founders of Uncle Remus Saucy Chicken, on Chicago’s westside.  She grew up with a profound respect for business and humanity.

These ethics translated into a strong advocacy for the merger of marketplace and ministry; values she reveres as priceless; implementing their efficiency in her daily life. She is the founder of Dr. Sanja Coaching & Consulting, designed to assist both profit and nonprofit businesses specializing in helping entrepreneurial women over the age of 40 to build the confidence that propels a lasting legacy.  She is also the founder of Women on the Frontline International Fellowship, assisting women in finding and walking in their purpose.  She is an ordained minister serving as Dr. Stinson is the founding pastor of Victory & Grace Christian Church Chicago, and serves as the apostolic covering, for True Love Christian Church-Chicago, while overseeing two churches in Ghana, West Africa as well as in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

After spending six impactful years as the host of the weekly internet television program, "Women on the Frontline”, Dr. Stinson founded the Ruach Covenant Channel in 2019, by way of BGK Network; creating a platform to assist micro-ministries in spreading the Word of God through media, through innovative and state-of-the-art technology. She has authored two books Hidden Impact, a collaborative project with the Women on the Frontline released in 2018, and Vision Unleashed ~ Legacy Ignited released in March 2020.  Sanja is also a #1 Best-selling author of the book titled Possibilities Unlimited an anthology project with the legendary Les Brown and international speaker Dr. Cheryl Wood

Dr. Stinson earned her BA from DePaul University, a Master of Divinity from McCormick Theological Seminary, a Master of Education from Concordia University, a Doctorate of Ministry from Northern Theological Seminary.

Dr. Sanja Rickette Stinson:  Business Coach, Serial Entrepreneur Coach, Mentor, Leader.

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