Where Are They Now? A beacon of light
(February 08, 2012)
Through darkness, let there be light. Elk Rapids High School graduate Ryan Hannon (class of 1994) certainly has seen darkness. The road after high school was filled with more valleys than peaks, including the challenge of becoming a father at the tender age of 18, 13 stints in jail, and struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. “I attended my very first Alcoholics Anonymous meeting at 19 years of age, I was in a really dark place,” he said. When he was 26 he came to the realization that he was ruining his life and that he did not want his son to live like he was and so he turned his life around. Now sober for nine and a half years, he attributes his life-changing success to something much larger than himself.
Ryan has not only managed to turn his life around, in fact, he makes it his sole mission each and everyday to help others. For the past seven years, he has served as Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan’s Street Outreach Coordinator. Ryan literally locates and engages with people who are experiencing homelessness. “I don’t really feel like it is a job, I am so blessed to be doing what I am doing today,” says Ryan. Working closely with area ministries through a unique winter rotating emergency seasonal shelter called Safe Harbor, law enforcement, and other area foundations, he is successful in bridging the gap between those who find themselves without necessary resources and the agencies that are set up to assist them. He can often be found out and about delivering warm sleeping bags, tents and other necessities to homeless people in the area, and with his calm, mild and loving nature, Ryan easily establishes a relationship with those in need by building a rapport, gaining trust and making a connection. “The goal is to love them until they are ready for help; although at times, there might be a little element of tough love added, because there is a fine line between helping and enabling,” he noted.
Currently, Ryan is pursuing his degree in Social Work, while balancing his career with being a husband and a dedicated father to Joe (now 18), Kendall 7, stepchildren Ethan 9, Julia 6, and Caleb 5. “God restores full circle, I am truly blessed to do this job,” he said. Ryan shines his light on those in need during their very darkest time, and thankfully we have people like Ryan in this world. By Sarah Ward, Staff Writer
Ryan Hannon, Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan’s Street Coordinator and Elk Rapids graduate of 1994.
(June 16, 2005)
© Coypright Elk Rapids News
Staff
Advertising & Ad Sales / Publisher
elkrapidsnewskw@sbcglobal.net
Kathleen Weitschat, Owner/Publisher
News and Features
erneditor@sbcglobal.net
Editorial
Advertising
ernsarah@sbcglobal.net
Sarah Ward
Graphic Design
elkrapidsnews@sbcglobal.net
Kristie Wolgamott
Kristen Rivard
Upcoming Events
ernevents@sbcglobal.net
Babe Toteff, Copy Editor
Contact Information
Elk Rapids News
212 River Street
P.O. Box 176
Elk Rapids, MI 49629
231-264-6670 Phone
231-264-6673 Phone
231-264-6685 Fax
Office hours:
Monday - Friday
9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Elk Rapids News comes out each Thursday.
Member of the Elk Rapids Chamber of Commerce