October 2008 - Praxis Housing Initiatives, Inc.

In the Know-Now
O C TO B E R 2 0 0 8 I S S U E 1 1
PRAXIS
Housing
Inc.
SIMON DUNCAN BENEFIT FASHION SHOW
Praxis is proud to announce the Simon Duncan Benefit Fashion
Show. This star-studded event will be held on Tuesday, 28 October at the Prince George Ballroom and is being produced by former Praxis client, Mykel C. Smith. We’re happy to support Mykel
in his latest venture.
In 2006, Mykel was diagnosed with HIV. Even though he
was working in the fashion industry, Mykel was homeless.
Through HASA, he found a home with Praxis- all the while,
he was working in the industry, even pulling dresses for
Tyra Banks to wear at the Oscars.
Now Mykel is taking care of his health, has his own apartment, and is making a name for himself in the fashion industry. Mykel works all around the globe as a creative director/fashion show producer with clients such as Malan
Breton from Project Runway and AKA Hotels.
Pictured: Mykel C. Smith
In 2007, Mykel was named Man of Vision Award by Al Sharpton’s National Action Network.
He received this award at a ceremony which he attended with two of his biggest supporters, Elsie Mann and Lymaris Deya.
Due to his great success and his commitment to Praxis, Mykel has been named NY1’s New
Yorker Of The Week. Look for his segment to run in the next few weeks, featuring Elsie
and Lymaris.
RALLY AGAINST BUDGET CUTS
FRIDAY, 17 OCTOBER 12:30PM
As the governor considers making an
additional 3% in funding cuts, we will
rally outside 250 Broadway at
12:30pm. Please show up so the governor can hear our voices against the cuts
that will directly affect provision of
services to those in need.
PRAXIS ONLINE CALENDAR
The new Praxis interactive calendar
is available online at
www.praxishousing.org. If you
would like to include any upcoming
event or meeting, please email Inga
Hyatt at the Main Office. Be sure to
check the website for any updates.
Spotlight on Workforce Development
In 2008, the term “Living with HIV/AIDS” is exhibited very well by Mr. Michael McAllister who
resides at the Barbour Hotel. Mr. McAllister is
a Workforce Development participant and has
been since it inception. Being homeless and
having the virus has its share of challenges
but he indeed put the meaning of living into
perspective for all of those he comes in contact with.
This fall makes his second semester of attending the Borough of Manhattan Community College part time. He is studying to be a social
worker. Mr. McAllister stated that school is not
as easy as he would like for it to be but he
does well. On top of attending class he has to
go on dialysis three days of the week. If you
think his plate is full from school and medical
appointments, you are very mistaken.
Mr. McAllister wants to be self sufficient in his
finances so he finds time in is schedule to apply and take city and or government exams for
employment. In early September he applied for
a NYPD position. He has attended two interviews for this job so far and on Oct. 13, 2008
he has to report for the medical portion of the
application. I truly believe in my heart he will
be in the next class for the New York Police
dept. for School safety agent. Now that is what
you call “LIVING”.
- Written By LaDonya Bowie
Vocational Coordinator, Barbour
PHOTOS FROM THE CAB PICNIC - RIVERSIDE PARK 20 SEPTEMBER
Special thanks to Ramon Velasquez for the great photos!
WELCOME
Leon Morris Residential Staff
Leonard Dale Residential Staff
Angel Correa Superintendent
Manuel Lopez Residential Staff
Eddie Ramos Residential Staff
Riverside
Riverside
Barbour
Riverside
Riverside