Denise A Godfrey was born and raised on the west side of Detroit, Michigan. She has always been considered a trailblazer and go-getter! Denise attended Wayne State University to originally pursue a career as a Funeral Director like her dad. Life changed and she entered the workforce. She had a rewarding 13-year career in retail banking with Citizens Bank, formerly Charter One Bank.
She then followed one of her dreams by serving her 9 year career at COTS homeless shelter in Detroit as the Youth Engagement Coach. She offered experiences for the families throughout the agency that entertained, educated, empowered, and encouraged. Her role allowed youth ages 5-17 the opportunity to be mentored and coached as well as a safe space to express their feelings. They were taught self-regulation, social emotional learning, health & well being, education and SMART goal
setting.
Denise then walked in her divine purpose as the Case Manager Coach at The Amelia Agnes Home in Sterling Heights, Michigan. She served families that are experiencing homelessness. Not only did she meet with them consistently to assist with their housing plans; she also helped them to recognize their own strengths, set goals, and discovered opportunities available for them to become successful and self-sufficient.
Denise now serves residents across the State of Michigan through The Salvation Army Headquarters in Southfield, MI. She is an Energy Assistance Services Specialist. This position allows her to assist individuals and families with paying their utility bills. She fosters partnerships with agencies such as Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Consumers Energy, and DTE. Denise genuinely has a heart for people and the work!
Denise holds a plethora of certificates of completion and certifications which include: MDHHS (Michigan Department of Human Services) for Mi Bridges Navigator Training, SOAR Practitioner, Central New Mexico Community College (Financial training), Empath (Mobility Mentoring-Informed Supervision), Financial Capabilities Series, Mariners Inn (Strengthening Families Program Leader), LISC (Virtual Introduction to Financial Coaching), Exploring Entrepreneurship, Mental Well-Being in Children, Trauma Informed Care of Early Childhood, and is a Certified Group Leader for Chicago Parent Program.
Denise currently attends Ashworth College and will be obtaining her associate’s degree in general business. Denise is a small business owner (Batteries Required LLC). She is an active member of her home church and serves in the choir at Third New Hope Baptist Church. Denise loves singing, writing poetry, and spending time with family and friends. She is a founding member of The Ladies League of Detroit. She serves on the Leadership Committee and is the social media manager. She is affectionately known as Member #1 and wears the title proudly!