GregAlan Williams helps non-profit

By OW Staff | 04.FEB.10
New book release

Los Angeles -- Emmy Award winning actor and author, GregAlan Williams, has committed to help Mini Twelve Step House, a South Los Angeles non-profit organization dedicated to helping women and families recover from drastic domestic circumstances.
During the month of February, sales from Williams’ latest novel, “Heart of a Woman,” a provocative story of healing, love, and growth set in the backdrop of Motown, will go to Mini.
“These are troubling times for organizations like Mini Twelve Step House, that exist to save lives and restore families suffering from grave domestic problems,” says Bobbi Owens, Executive Director of the Mini Twelve Step House. “We are greatly appreciative and encouraged by GregAlan William’s generosity and compassion. He has a special sensitivity to the issues of women and families seeking help in urban communities. I commend GregAlan Williams for supporting the Mini House Twelve Step House and paying it forward.”
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Pictured:  Actress Lorraine Toussaint, Bobbi Owens and Congresswoman Maxine Waters
Our Weekly Newspaper September 18, 2008

Actress Lorraine Toussaint named national spokesperson

OW Staff

After Actress and Producer Lorraine Toussaint (TNT’s “Saving Grace”) spent 2-1/2 hours touring the Mini Twelve Step House (Mini House) and attended the Mini House’s First Annual Health and Wellness Faire on Sept. 13 in Los Angeles County’s Public Health Service Planning Area (SPA) 6—the most disadvantaged community in the nation—the role of national spokesperson was a natural fit.

“When we met Ms. Toussaint, the connection with our community was immediate,” said Bobbi Owens, executive director of the Mini House. “She understands the importance of strong female role models for life’s success.” For 37 years, the Mini House, a nonprofit program, has provided shelter and alcohol and drug treatment for women and their families
“The Mini House was the first program of its kind to serve minority women in the state of California,” states Owens who has been with the Mini House for 20 years.

The story of the Mini House’s success caught the attention of Hollywood. “Grey’s Anatomy’s” Chandra Wilson will portray a Mini House alumna, Yvonne, in the Hallmark Channel film, “Accidental Friendship,” to air on Nov. 15, 2008 at 9 p.m. “Mini Twelve Step House is the perfect example of how we are all our sister’s and brother’s keepers,” says Toussaint, one of the producers of the film. “Our Hallmark Channel film, ‘Accidental Friendship,’ beautifully demonstrates this as two women, a LAPD police officer and a homeless woman, come together with each giving something meaningful to the other.”

Toussaint adds, “The Mini House has an important presence in this film and we are grateful for learning about the life-affirming work they do in our community and which the film will now share with the rest of the country.”
Many women (nearly one third of U.S. alcohol abusers), begin using drugs and alcohol to mask the pain of family violence and incest, which results in crippling low self-esteem, a theme found in women served at Mini House.
The residential program is six months; however, there is a continuum of care that extends to 18 months from intake to stability and/or self-sufficiency. No woman is turned away. To enter the program, call (323) 232-6228. The 28-bed home is located at 303 E. 52nd St. in L.A.

To make a contribution call:  (323) 813-0200 Financial Office, Sonya Boyd or Pat Rosa

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The Mini Twelve Step House has been published in national magazines

-received  awards and commendations too many to note here

-published a book "The Next Step"

-Two documentaries has been created featuring Mini Twelve Step

- Docudrama entitled "Accidental Friendship" is currently being aired on Hallmark Channel

Accidental Friendship was nominated for the NAACP awards in 2009 and starred legendary actor Ben Vereen

NATIONAL RECOGNITION
Essence Magazine Article: February 1996, "Alumni Story"
Essence Magazine Feature Article:  "One Grandmother's Story", December 1996

STATEWIDE
CWCADD Pioneering Program Award, Sept. 1994, Leadership award to Bobbi Owens
FAME Award for Enlarging vision and outreach to church and community
Sojourner Truth Award: 1996: for outstanding commitment and service

PUBLICATIONS
The Next Step, Poems by Women of Mini House, ISBN#0-9644606-0-2

Films
Documentary HBO, 1994 Mini Twelve Step House, Inc.
Documentary "Mothers, Daughters and Wives" available on video $20.00
Docudrama "Accidental Friendship" Hallmark Channel first aired November 15, 2008

LOCAL
LA TIMES/REAL ESTATE SECTION, Feature story on renovation of shelter funded by ciry for $340,000 December5 21, 1998
LA WATTS TIMES 
WAVE NEWSPAPER ARTICLE
HERALD DISPATCH ARTICLE
COMPTON BULLETIN
MINI NEWS
FOX 11 NEWS "Crack Addicted Mothers"

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