Focus on Faith: Connie Steele’s Healthy Spirit

August is National Wellness Month! Spiritual wellness is an important part of our overall health and well-being. Read more about Connie Steele’s faith journey as she assists with the spiritual health of residents at The Thome Rivertown Neighborhood in Detroit. 

Connie Steele of Detroit is a woman of faith and strength. As a young woman raising a child, she completed her high school diploma while employed at a doctor’s office, taking classes on her lunch break and after work. She has dyslexia, so studying was difficult. She later completed training in clinical pastoral education, including a chaplain internship at Detroit Medical Center where she was working as a unit clerk. “I visited people in hospitals, nursing facilities, Cass Corridor, the homeless, and more,” says Connie.

When she retired, Connie lived in housing that was noisy and had stairs that were difficult for her to manage due to several chronic illnesses including COPD, high blood pressure, and arthritis. One day while reading her Bible, she kept noticing the word ‘Help’. “It just jumped off the page,” says Connie. “I asked God how I could help others when I couldn’t help myself.”

Soon after, a friend asked Connie to help her look for an apartment. When they reached McDougall Avenue, it rang a bell! A year prior, Connie had applied to live at the new development being built there – The Thome Rivertown Neighborhood. “An employee invited me to come in,” says Connie. “I did, and all my paperwork was in order! I was one of the first people to move to Thome Rivertown in 2013!”

Connie’s son, Shawn, visits regularly. “She has people who are there for her,” says Shawn. “Everyone is treated like family.”

“I believe God placed me at Rivertown to be a servant to others,” says Connie who now leads a resident Bible study once a week. “We pray for the residents and their families and pray for the staff. It’s what keeps me going.”

Connie’s breathing has improved and she no longer needs oxygen. “I still have a healthy spirit,” says Connie. “I thank God for all that I can do.”

To learn more about The Thome Rivertown Neighborhood or UMRC & Porter Hills, visit our website at umrcph2022.wpengine.com.