President/CEO Danette James is the President and CEO of Da-Network Housing Ministries Inc. (a.k.a. Da-Network Housing), which is a nonprofit housing resource center that was established on April 7, 2003. As a result of her own personal experience, helping others to avoid some of the housing problems she had to face has been a passion for her since 1996. On March 2, 1996, her husband was no longer able to work due to a severe bus accident, their home was going into foreclosure and they had nobody to turn to and nowhere to go. After many tears, much prayer and determination they were able to save their home. However, it was very time consuming, overwhelming and emotionally stressful for the family and it is something she wants to help others avoid. Looking back she felt that they could have been better prepared for what happened, if they were given more detailed information about resources that were available. Resources such as insurances that an individual could purchase to pay the mortgage, if one or both of them became disabled. Danette is a certified housing counselor, a professional trainer/coach and a Notary Public for the state of Pennsylvania. She has earned a Bachelor of Science, a MBA with a concentration in Human Resource Management and is currently a doctoral candidate in the University of Phoenix's "Management in Organizational Leadership" program. She has been honored by the State Senator Shirley M. Kitchen with the prestigious Community Leader Award for the 3rd Senatorial District in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. One of the many things she enjoys is teaching and helping others become self-sufficient. She is currently teaching professional development classes to participants in a welfare-to-work program. During her tenure as the Membership & Marketing Director for the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania, she collaborated with numerous agencies throughout the City of Philadelphia and suburban areas such as: Philadelphia Housing Authority, Tenant Support Services, Inc.(TSSI), Chester Housing Authority, Office of Emergency Shelters & Services(OESS), National School and Community Corp(NSCC)/Educational Works, Philadelphia School District, Philadelphia Recreation Department and many more. She has served on boards, steering committees and has volunteered for a variety of community organizations helping to force change in our communities. These organizations included KMR Consulting, Health Ministry Program for Women, Senator Vincent Hughes’ Youth Conference, Haddington Community Project, Nicetown/Tioga Improvement Committee, Blueprint To End Homelessness Committee, The Homeless Children's Advocacy Committee, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds-Brown's Women Making A Difference Conference. She is currently active with the Philadelphia School District National Safe Night Committee and partners with State Senator Shirley M. Kitchen to host the annual Homebuyers & Homeowners Expo, Ludlow Community Day, Philadelphia Community Baby Shower and Thanksgiving Dinner with the McNabb Family. Danette has also partnered with various churches in the community to assist in providing social service programs for low to moderate-income residents. She is currently working with a church in North Philadelphia and provides programs such as emergency cupboard food, summer breakfast & lunch program for kids, free clothing, housing counseling, youth enrichment, after-school, GED for youth and adults and notary services. She is an active member of the National Black MBA Association Inc.-Philadelphia Chapter, African American Museum, African American Chamber of Commerce, Strayer University Alumni Networks, Urban League of Philadelphia, Homeownership Counseling Association of the Delaware Valley, Girl Scouts of America and the National Coalition of 100 Black Women-Pennsylvania Chapter, where she serves as Chair of Economic Development. . |
