Our Mission
To empower individuals facing addition and mental health challenges by providing compassionate support, personalized mentoring, and the tools needed to foster resilience and sustainable recovery.
Our Vision
We envision a world where mental health and addiction stigmas are dismantled, where every individual has access to the support they need to thrive, and where communities come together to foster healing and growth.
Through our work, we aim to be a beacon that illuminates paths to recovery, resilience, and renewed purpose for all those we serve.
Our Leadership Team
Sheldon Hill - Founder & CEO
When award-winning youth mentor and motivational speaker Sheldon Hill addresses a group, each member sits up and takes notice. His powerful story is his own, sharing vivid examples of street life and the damaging effects of drug use and mental illness with the conviction of one who has lived it and is now called to make a difference in the lives of others.
The 60-year-old Detroit resident is a recovering alcoholic and former substance abuser who uses personal episodes from his own life to inspire his audience. As President and CEO of Citywide Mentoring, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, he transforms his experiences into dynamic presentations for adults in recovery, social workers, therapists, case management teams, law enforcement officials, parents, and troubled at-risk youth.
His speeches have been described as mesmerizing, reality-based talks that offer powerful perspectives and leave audience members spellbound. "I try to reach into every agency I can," he says. "I'm giving back to the community I took from. I'm giving them information that will change their lives for their good as well as for the good of their communities."
Sheldon shares vital information including "Relapse Prevention," "Dual Recovery from Co-occurring Substance Abuse and Mental Illness," "How to Become Your Own Total Package," "How to Become a Better Dad," "Allowing God to Use You" and more.
His extensive experience includes conducting workshops at the Mental Health Law Enforcement Summit, Gateway Community Health Center's Third Annual Conference for Mental Health Professionals, and the Mental Health and Law Enforcement Summit for the Michigan Department of Community Health.
Sheldon's work has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Consumer/Peer/Family Leadership Award from SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), Volunteer of the Year Award from the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, an award from the Congress of the United States' House of Representatives, and recognition from the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance Law Enforcement Mental Health Awareness committee, the Wayne County Sheriff's Training Unit, and the City of Westland Office of the Mayor.
Denesha Hill - Community Outreach Director
From an early age, Denesha had a clear understanding that education and love would be the two most important things in her life. Born into a world of substance abuse and mental illness, she learned firsthand the importance of compassion and service in creating positive change.
Alongside her father Sheldon Hill, Denesha works tirelessly to prevent others from experiencing the challenges they faced, through speaking engagements, storytelling events, and training programs. Their mission focuses on reunifying families and restoring fathers to their rightful place as family leaders.
With an extensive academic background including studies in social work, physical therapy, and community health, Denesha brings a diverse skill set to Citywide Mentoring. Her experience includes roles as a Community Health Worker (CHW), counselor at the National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD), and case manager with the Detroit Recovery Project (DRP).
Despite personal challenges, including raising four grandchildren and caring for her elderly grandmother, Denesha remains committed to her mission of serving others. Her work with the Inkster School district's prevention programs has made a significant impact on youth from third to ninth grade.
"I'm an open book. Always willing to talk about any portion of my life or any situation I've experienced to help the community understand they're not alone and there is no reason to feel shame for our past! Let's work together so we can strengthen ourselves, our families and our community. Just ask me!"
Our Core Values
Compassion
We approach every individual with kindness, understanding, and empathy, recognizing the unique journey each person faces.
Respect
We honor the dignity and worth of every person, valuing their experiences and choices without judgment.
Empowerment
We provide tools, resources, and support that enable individuals to take charge of their own recovery and growth.
Inclusion
We create spaces where everyone feels welcome, valued, and heard regardless of background or circumstance.
Integrity
We operate with honesty, transparency, and accountability in all our relationships and endeavors.
Hope
We believe in the possibility of transformation and a better future for all those we serve.