Margret’s story begins in the heart of Detroit, where she grew up surrounded by family and faith. “I have six brothers—four older and two younger on different sides of the family,” she recalls with a smile. Margret’s childhood home was filled with love and guidance. “I had a good childhood,” she says fondly, remembering her mother’s unwavering presence and her stepfather, who always insisted, “I’m not your stepdad, I’m your father.”
Growing up as a tomboy, Margret spent most of her early years hanging out with the boys. It wasn’t until high school, with the inevitable arrival of teenage crushes, that her femininity blossomed. But even as her life shifted, one constant remained: her relationship with God. “My mother introduced me to the Lord at an early age, and I’m so grateful for that foundation. Without it, I don’t know where I’d be….”
Though her mother was her spiritual rock, Margret’s grandmother ensured she was in church every Sunday, even if she never went. “She made sure I got up and went with the neighbors,” Margret says, laughing softly at the memory. I appreciate her for introducing me to my Lord and Savior.” That faith carried Margret through life’s most challenging trials, including a period of homelessness that forced her to reassess everything she knew.
“I made some bad choices,” Margret admits, reflecting on the difficult time she found herself at Peggy’s Place, COTS emergency shelter. She left an abusive relationship and struggled with depression, but something shifted when she heard about the Bible study sessions. “I was able to reconnect with the Lord,” she recalls. “I rededicated my life to Him and left all the foolishness behind.” Through that spiritual reconnection, Margret began her journey back to herself, finding hope where there had once been loss and confusion.
Margret credits Children of the Way Ministries and COTS for being instrumental in her turnaround. The staff’s warmth and care stood out as she settled into Peggy’s Place. “They made me feel comfortable. They never treated me like someone who was homeless; they treated me like a friend,” she shares. The love extended to her son, 11-year-old Ezekiel Moore, who received many opportunities that Margret had never dreamed of. “He met famous people, went to Piston games, and even had an interview with Carolyn Clifford,” Margret proudly recalls. “The staff loved him so hard; it made all the difference.”
One day, after their initial meeting, WXYZ’s Carolyn Clifford returned with a heartwarming surprise for Ezekiel—a reunion with his favorite teacher, Mrs. Peterson. Additionally, representatives from the Detroit Pistons stopped by, aware that Ezekiel often plays basketball in the COTS parking lot. Pistons legend Earl Cureton personally invited Ezekiel to his first-ever game, an experience Ezekiel will never forget. These remarkable moments have shaped his dreams—not for fame or fortune, but to become a teacher. “I’m so proud,” Margret beams. “He wants to give back, and that means everything to me.”
Through her challenges, Margret’s family remained her anchor, especially her mother and best friend. “My mom has always been my rock,” she says. Even from across the country, Margret’s best friend, who lives in Las Vegas, ensured that she never went without. “If I needed anything, she was there. I don’t think I could’ve made it without her and my mother.”
Margret’s experience with COTS included shelter, resources, classes, and training that helped her reclaim her life. “There were so many opportunities; it was overwhelming in a good way,” she explains. One standout moment was when a staff member helped her enroll in a phlebotomy course after learning about her background in the medical field. “I loved it,” Margret says, already planning to return to the medical field once she recovers from surgery. “The staff never stopped looking out for me, even after I left Peggy’s Place. It’s more than a job to them—it’s love.”
For Margret, her journey from homelessness to stability is not a story of survival—it’s one of faith, family, and a community that supported her when she needed it most. As she prepares to transition to a new chapter in life, Margret reflects on the COTS community’s impact on her and her child. “Failure is impossible unless you just don’t want to succeed,” she says, her voice strong and confident. Now Margret is a pastor, and Ezekiel is an ordained deacon. They both represent the Lord in everything they do.
