Michele Honanie
Michele Honanie, Hopi from the Sun Clan, was born in Northern Arizona. She has a degree in Legal Administration, worked as a BIA Realty Specialist for the Hopi Tribe, and as a Tribal Court Clerk for the Hopi Judicial System. She is a mother of two beautiful children. Her addiction to alcohol took them all from her.
Michele moved to Phoenix with a black suitcase which always held a bottle of Vodka. She was homeless and finding shelter only at the homes of family and friends.
Desperation brought her through the doors of Native American Connections (NAC) in November 2006. It was here that she felt welcomed. She learned that she was not alone and that she could overcome her addiction. She completed both residential treatment at NAC's Guiding Star substance abuse treatment program and continued with supportive assistance in the intensive Out Patient Program.
In July 2007, Michele applied for a job as a Leasing Advocate at NAC. She wanted to give back to the program that had helped her to take back her life from her addiction. Her determination and outgoing, energetic personality won her the position. Those attributes and her strong work ethics continue to bring many gifts to the residents of the NAC housing communities.
Sober and happily employed, Michele's life is back on track. Her children whose respect Michele was losing, have come to Phoenix to live with the mother they had temporarily lost. Currently, Michele's performs the duties of a Property Manager and Case Manager at one of NAC's Supportive Housing Sites. At Sunrise Circle Michele assists the tenants with locating needed resources. Her efforts may help them regain that part of their lives they may have lost to their addictions or assist them with services that can help them cope with their disabilities.
Michele also represents NAC as a Community Advocate for the People of Color Network. In this capacity she participates at public functions to educate and advocate for Native community members. Her work brings information about programs such as Native American Connections to those in need.
Michele is actively involved in countless community events and pow-wows promoting NAC's supportive and affordable housing. She is an excellent representative of the organization and always has a smile on her face. She promotes employee activities through her involvement with the employee Sunshine Committee.
Michele now feels she has been given a second chance at life. She made a difficult decision to delay returning to her home in Northern Arizona. However, she is very much involved in her cultural responsibilities. Her relationships with her mother and children are once again filled with unconditional love, trust and respect. Michele lives life with a renewed spirit and has many more goals she wishes to attain. She feels that she is ready to accomplish them now that she is sober and spiritually, culturally, and mentally healthy and whole.