the 2nd annual

VANGUARD

awards

SPONSORED by

ANDRE JOHNSON

Andre Johnson is the CEO of the Detroit Recovery Project (DRP), a million-dollar non-profit community-based organization that helps Detroiters who were once on the streets become drug-free and productive citizens. Being in recovery from drug addiction for twenty years, Mr. Johnson’s current role is an ideal fit for someone whose own path was forged by his personal experiences. Mr. Johnson’s path toward recovery led him “from the crack house, to Morehouse”. After numerous positions within the Detroit Health Department Substance Abuse Program and Partnership for Drug-Free Detroit, Mr. Johnson accomplished his dream and in 2005, began the Detroit Recovery Project.

DRP has several initiatives established to meet the service needs of people in recovery. This includes a partnership with Detroit’s Health Department that provides individuals in recovery with hepatitis vaccinations, HIV testing, GED classes and courses on nutrition, fitness, and prevention of sexually-transmitted diseases. DRP also offers counseling, job training and placement for those who have been recently released from Wayne County jails, all while assisting them with drug recovery. Their latest project is renovating homes in both Highland Park and Wayne County for people who leave substance abuse treatment programs, but don't have a home. The first completed home (Bray Home for Men) is situated near the Lodge Freeway in one of the most impoverished neighborhoods in Highland Park. This once dilapidated home has been transformed into Mr. Johnson’s vision of a safe haven that provides temporary housing to men seeking to re-enter society while in early stages of recovery. Mr. Johnson’s next vision is to obtain a second home nearby to provide transitional housing for women. With these homes, he hopes to show the public that, “persons in recovery can be productive neighbors and seek the same quality of life we all want.”

Detroit Young Professionals (DYP) is bringing together movers and shakers from across Southeast Michigan to honor 10 remarkable innovators and changemakers at our 2nd Annual Vanguard Awards. This event was established to recognize and celebrate outstanding Detroiters who have distinguished themselves through professional leadership and service to our community.

Hosted by Local 4 News Anchor Rhonda Walker, the 2nd Annual Vanguard Awards will take place on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Amnesia, perched high above downtown Detroit on the 16th floor of MotorCity Casino Hotel. Attendees will enjoy a special networking reception, awards presentation and after party with a complimentary hors d'oeuvres and music by DJ SloPoke.

Tickets for the 2nd Annual Vanguard Awards are only $25 and can be purchased online at http://www.detroityoungprofessionals.org/vanguards. For more information, please email vanguards@detroityoungprofessionals.org.