Originally Published: Macomb Daily
Client: Grace Centers of Hope

When Joann Soderberg of Clinton Township arrived at Grace Centers of Hope (GCH) after suffering from a substance use disorder she admitted she was messed up.

Now she feels beautiful.

Not only is she on the road to recovery but will be among the models walking the runway at GCH’s Women Helping Women Luncheon and Fashion Show from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May 10 at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester.

The annual event held in time for Mother’s Day will showcase spring fashion trends from renowned designers and the success of women like Soderberg.

“I won’t know what I’m wearing until that day,” Soderberg said, following a wonderful day at Salon Lux in Shelby Township, where she and other women in GCH’s life skills program modelling for the show had their hair and makeup done.

“I hope it’s something classy, maybe with flowers and a big hat,” said Soderberg, whose depression after the death of her younger brother put her in a dangerous spin that lasted five years.

“Grief drove me to using drugs. It took the edge away and made me forget he was gone,” she said.

What stopped the abuse and set her on a different path was a traffic stop.

“I was in a car with a friend and Clinton Township PD (police) pulled us over and saw a pill on my seat,” Soderberg said, recalling her last day on the streets.

It led to her arrest and after appearing in court under the influence of drugs was sent to a detox facility and ordered to complete the program offered by GCH, a Pontiac-based Christian organization that helps individuals who suffer from substance use disorders and homelessness through personal accountability, life skills education and work-related programs.

“I was messed up,” Soderberg said, of her condition at the time. “I was paranoid. I had no job and the friends I had around me kept dying. I was living in the moment.”

Now that she’s completed her mandatory stay at a rehabilitation center and the program at GCH she has goals for the future that include starting a business that provides treasures for those in need from items that others no longer use.

“It’s amazing,” Soderberg said. “I feel clear headed. I know that I am able to do things I want and that I can live without being under the influence of drugs.”

Her paranoia is also gone.

In its place is a newfound confidence that has led her to dream about the great things she can do in the future. That includes walking the runway along with professional models from RGA Management in the upcoming fashion show to benefit GCH.

Tickets for the event are $125. This includes a silent auction and raffles followed by a luncheon and the fashion show featuring trendy spring designs from labels that include Lilly Pulitzer, Just Girls, Village Boutique, Village Palm, Designs by Floria and Saks Fifth Avenue.

Tara Tomcsik-Husak, president and CEO of the Troy Chamber of Commerce will serve as this year’s host. Among the great raffle prizes are a $2,000 Visa shopping spree and an overnight stay and brunch at the Royal Park Hotel.

All proceeds from the May 10 event will benefit women such as Soderberg and their families to overcome the challenges of homelessness, addiction and abuse.

“It’s my favorite time of year,” said Jill McLoskey, a case worker at Grace Centers for Hope. “It’s just a miracle to see these women on the runway. It’s not just their outward appearance. It’s their inner light that shines too. You can see it in their eyes and the way they proudly walk down the runway.”

FYI

Grace Centers of Hope 27th annual Women Helping Women Luncheon and Fashion Show will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. May 10.

WHERE: Royal Park Hotel at 600 East University Dr., Rochester

COST: Tickets are $125 and can be purchased by visiting gracecentersofhope.org.

All proceeds from the event benefit the women’s programs at GCH.

This year’s sponsors include United Wholesale Mortgage, Volkswagen, Royal Oak Park Hotel, Hour Detroit and Salon Lux.

For more information, email specialevents@gracecentersofhope.org.

Read the full article here.