If you ever find yourself walking through the doors of the St. Patrick Senior Center in Detroit and hear the joyful sound of gospel music lifting through the halls, chances are you’re hearing the soulful voice of Rosie Woods — affectionately known as “Rose.” But to call her just a singer would be to tell only a small part of the story. Rose is a volunteer, advocate, dancer, technophile, and a shining example of what it means to live life with purpose and heart.

Rose’s journey with the Senior Center began somewhat serendipitously back in 2004. She was brought to a dance event at the center by her ever-adventurous group of friends. The only hiccup? She wasn’t quite old enough to join yet — the minimum age was 60 at the time. But that didn’t stop her. When she officially joined as a volunteer in the computer lab, she had no idea how deeply involved she’d become. One thing led to another, and soon, Rose was doing it all — helping others learn technology, volunteering in the dining hall, advocating for better transportation for seniors in wheelchairs, and singing her heart out every weekend in the gospel choir.

What makes her story even more remarkable is that Rose had never sung a day in her life before joining the choir. “If you can talk, you can sing,” a friend once told her. Rose took that advice to heart — and wow, can she sing. Today, she stands proud among her fellow choir members, her voice now a treasured part of the center’s soul. Born in Arkansas, Rose came to Detroit at just 14 for summer jobs, and ultimately found love and built her life here. 

For the past 54 years, she’s called Detroit home — a city that mirrors her spirit: strong, resilient, and full of heart. She comes from a big, close-knit family — one of 16 siblings, with Rose being the second child and eldest daughter. That sense of family runs deep in her. Every two years, her extended family gathers for a reunion that brings together nearly 2,000 relatives in a different city for a weekend filled with laughter, food, and love.

Rose has a special relationship with God. One of her favorite songs — taught to her by her mother — is “It’s So Good to Know Jesus.” That sentiment echoes through her life, especially when she sings, volunteers, and lifts up those around her. Rose brings the same devotion to her community that she gives to her family. She volunteers not just inside the Senior Center, but throughout Detroit, representing St. Patrick at public events, conducting outreach to veterans and fellow seniors, and even serving as a church usher. Before the pandemic, she could often be seen cruising on her 3-speed bike along the Dequindre Cut, headed to the Center with a smile on her face and a song in her heart.

Whether she’s dancing in the ballroom class, experimenting with virtual reality — like the time she “flew” in a hot air balloon and almost fell off a virtual cliff — or simply helping someone figure out how to post a photo on Facebook, Rose approaches every activity with curiosity and joy. “There are so many smiling faces at the Senior Center,” she says. “You can spend your whole day there and never be bored.”

Of all the activities she enjoys, the gospel choir holds the most special place in her heart. For Rose, singing isn’t just about music. It’s about connection, celebration, and spirit. It’s about being part of something larger than herself, and using her voice — once hidden — to uplift others.

Rosie “Rose” Woods is more than just a volunteer. She is the heartbeat of the St. Patrick Senior Center — a woman who turned an accidental visit into a lifelong calling.

She reminds us all that it’s never too late to try.

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As I walked into the back entrance of St. Pat’s Senior Center I was greeted by a tie-dye wearing, energetic man who seemed much too young to be at a senior center. Jimmie Green quickly introduced himself and made sure that I and my DSO colleagues felt home and welcomed at St. Pat’s, something I feel Jimmie does his best to do with everyone he meets.

As we walked the building, I learned that Jimmie came to St. Pat’s to sing tenor and play harmonica in the gospel choir. Jimmie said he stayed around and got more involved – specifically with digital outreach and education. 

We walked around the large computer classroom and Jimmie showed off how proud he was of the work at St. Pat’s but also the outreach to other recreation and residential centers in the city. Being able to help others become digitally connected is something he truly enjoys. His favorite class to teach? Virtual Reality! He likes getting people involved with digital navigation and seeing people light up when they experience VR for the first time.  Teaching tech and digital learning makes sense for Jimmie, as he retired from IT work in 2016.

When we talked about his life, Jimmie said he’d spent most of his life in Detroit, listening and playing blues, Motown, and would love to see a Motown dance night come to St. Pat’s. Jimmie also hopes to put the stories of his friends and family at St. Pat’s out in the world through a podcast. 

Over our time together I continually heard Jimmie talk about St. Pat’s as his family. He said these are great people and have such a strong connection to each other. There is a sense of the Detroit attitude of “let’s take care of each other” that speaks to him. It’s like being home. Jimmie was also happy to share he’s been married for 45 years with 4 kids, 2 girls and 2 boys.

When he’s not at St. Pat’s, you can find him playing the blues or finding a jam session to join.

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You know the second that Michael Jones walks into the room that you’re in for a story. Author, dancer, and retired US Navy sailor, Michael brings all of it with him, every day. We chatted together in to learn more about his upbringing and the role that St. Pat’s Senior Center plays in his life.

Michael was born in Detroit and grew up visiting spots surrounding St. Pat’s. From an early age, dance was everything for Michael. Coming from a family of dancers, he remembers Elvis Presley’s iconic, hip-shaking debut on the Ed Sullivan Show. From there, he was going to dance parties all throughout the city, including some at the iconic but no longer standing Graystone Ballroom.

Michael graduated from Eastern High School (today named Martin Luther King Jr. High School) and enlisted in the armed forces. Enlisting in the US Navy not only allowed for him to serve his country but also gave him the opportunity to see the world and share his love of dance in multiple countries, including France, Italy, Japan, Malta, Philippines, Spain, and Sicily. 

Coming back to the United States as a veteran himself, veterans issues are close to Michael’s heart. Michael recalled a moment that stuck with him and inspired him to take action. One Independence Day while cooking out, he saw a disabled veteran being turned away after asking for help. Michael fixed the man a plate of food and thought to himself “a veteran should never have to struggle on Independence Day.” From then on, Michael began organizing a free meal and clothes distribution each Independence Day for homeless veterans in Cass Park, across the street from the Masonic Temple.

Earlier this year, Michael published “Reflections of Us: Chronicle of Life,”book of poetry. He began writing his own poetry from a young age, and later in life found himself inspired by prominent poet Nikki Giovanni. What brings Michael to the community of St. Pat’s? It’s a little bit of everything. 

The cultural programming brought Michael to meet his now wife, who he spotted from the balcony dancing during an event in the ballroom. The moment Michael saw her, he knew he had to get to know her. St. Pat’s means something different to everyone, but as shown by Michael’s story, it’s all about connection and the overwhelming sense of community you feel as soon as you walk in the door.

The post A Meeting with Rev. Michael Jones first appeared on St. Patrick Senior Center.

When you meet Sago Garrett, one of St. Patrick Senior Center’s Digital Navigators, it’s easy to see why so many members gravitate toward his computer station. Sago has a knack for helping others feel at ease with technology—a skill built on decades of experience and a lifelong passion for trying new things.

Originally from a “small country town in West Virginia—no stoplight, no music, no nothing,” as he puts it, Sago’s journey has taken him far from his rural roots. After a brief stint at Cornell University, he transferred to Howard University and later Michigan State University, where he studied economics and social science. His early career took him into the world of data communications, computer programming, and management at Chrysler. Later, he spent two decades consulting in Chicago before eventually moving to Detroit.

Now, in his role as a Digital Navigator at St. Pat’s, Sago helps seniors’ build confidence with computers and smartphones. Whether he’s walking someone through setting up an email account or showing them how to scan a QR code, he’s quick to see the impact of his work. “It’s so satisfying,” he says. “You can see the immediate smile as soon as you do what you need to do.”

Sago has been with St. Pat’s for more than two years, and he describes the center as a welcoming and lively place to spend time. “Everyone is friendly, engaging—it’s a nice social scene,” he says. When he’s not helping members with their tech questions, he enjoys many of the center’s activities and stays active with hobbies. He’s a fan of pickleball and has taken music classes in piano, clarinet, and theory through local programs.

Outside of St. Pat’s, Sago has a wide range of interests: cycling with the Wolverines Athletic Club, sailing with the American Sailing Institute, ballroom dancing, and serving as a trustee at Metropolitan United Methodist Church. He’s also an active concertgoer and a longtime supporter of the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, where he previously volunteered as an usher.

Through his work with the center and engagement with his community, Sago embodies the St. Pat’s spirit to keep learning, connecting, and giving back.

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Each participant developed a “pitch” – a presentation to potential funders to be rehearsed at the ceremony, which was held on December 16 at the Institute.  Like in the first class, each of the pitches was innovative, creative and dynamic

Three cheers to the graduates:  

April Flournoy – Design Studio 6 LLC (A community hub showcasing art & design)

Olga Johnson – CWater LLC (Water education & enhancement)

Carla Knighton – CA Knighton REVA Services (Real Estate virtual Assistance

Gail Roberts – Bougie Bones Dog Treats (Made with natural ingredients)

Tammy Tocco – Abiding Haven (Two year residential program for young women formerly in foster care)

Terees Western – FragrenTed (Perfumer, scent docent)

Mardena Caldwell Willis  – The Wisdom Group (Life insurance)

Video Coming Soon

The post Congratulations to the Graduates! first appeared on St. Patrick Senior Center.

Perhaps the most exciting part of the program was developing a “pitch” – a presentation to potential funders to be rehearsed at the ceremony, which was held on December 1 at the Institute.  Like in the first class, each of the pitches was innovative, creative and dynamic

Business ideas included project management, grief counseling, property development, sustainable clothing and sewing, an urban art gallery, and making film documentaries

Here’s to the graduates: Carol Davis, Darrell Waller, Rochelle Morton, Audery Childress, Octavia B. Foster and Eric Longs.

Three of the presenters’ pitches were particularly recognized by our distinquished panel of judges.  Watch their video comments HERE

Congratulations to all – and best of luck with your business!

First Entrepreneurship Class Graduation on August 9 HERE

Second Entrepreneurship Class Graduation on December 1 HERE 

Third Entrepreneurship Class Graduation on December 16 HERE

The post Second Entrepreneurship Class Graduates first appeared on St. Patrick Senior Center.

The program was facilitated by Wayne State University‘s Community Health Worker Academy. Here’s a picture from the Zoom graduation ceremony on Thursday, November 6

The post Congratulations to the Graduates! first appeared on St. Patrick Senior Center.

These sessions were offered during 2025:

PNC Workshop – How Businesses Use Credit  – Monday, August 25    Facilitated by Kyra Steverson   

Strategies for Scaling – Thursday, October 2     Facilitated by Nezaa Bandele.   

Branding Master Class – Saturday, October 18    Facilitated by Lawrielle West.  

Financial Statements and Modeling – Wednesday, November 19     Facilitated by     Aaron Jackson, JD, Executive Director of the Build Institute

More classes coming in 2026!

The post Master Classes first appeared on St. Patrick Senior Center.

Three classes have already graduated. Our fourth session began on Saturday, April 11 – with the “pitch competition” scheduled for June 20.

Additional classes will be held this year.  If you’re interested, please submit the Interest Form HERE and we will follow up with the formal application process and any related events. (Be sure to check your email and spam folder for our response)

To participate, you must be age 55 or over, a resident of Michigan, and possess a high school diploma. You may take part in just one of the Cohort sessions.  

First Graduation on August 9, 2025 HERE

Second Graduation on December 1, 2025 HERE 

Third Graduation on December 16, 2025 HERE

Master Class Sessions HERE  

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Positions are employed part-time at insurance companies, health systems, pharmacy chains and non-profits for $17 to $22 per hour.

Our current 12-week cohort will begin on May 18.  This class if filled, with final presentations and graduation scheduled for August 14 and 16.

Two more cohorts will take place in 2026, with dates still to be determined.   If you’re interested, please submit the Interest Form HERE and we will follow up with the formal application process and any related events. (Be sure to check your email and spam folder for our response)

To participate, you must be age 55 or over, a resident of Michigan, and possess a high school diploma. You may take part in just one of the Cohort sessions.  

Previous Sessions

Second Community Health Workers Graduation on April 29, 2026

First Community Health Workers Graduation on November 6, 2025 HERE

Community Health Worker Certification Info Session on June 3, 2025 – Facilitated by Wayne State University Community Health Worker Academy.   Click HERE for details

The post Community Health Worker Training first appeared on St. Patrick Senior Center.