4-Day Movement celebrates five-year milestone
By Phyllis Moore
Published in News on June 4, 2018 5:50 AM
News-Argus file photo
D.J. Coles, founder of the 4-Day Movement, a grassroots nonprofit that helps struggling people with resources and a hand up rather than a handout, explains about the group's mission and plans to expand, during a meeting in April 2017.
News-Argus file photo
D.J. Coles, right, comforts a Dudley woman who received assistance from the nonprofit in 2014.
A ministry for residents in need turns five years old today.
4-Day Movement, launched in 2013 to connect residents with resources "four days at a time," was celebrated in a variety of ways over the weekend, said founder D.J. Coles.
"Friday through Monday were our 4 Days of Grace," he said. "We at 4-Day Movement are inspired by Stephen from the Bible -- and work to offer service to God, within His grace and His power, to those falling through the cracks of life.
Efforts were designed to generate funding to sustain the nonprofit, starting with an online auction Friday to purchase a donated table.
"Proceeds will target opportunities for youth," Coles said.
Saturday's effort was a fundraiser held at the popular frozen yogurt business Sweet Frog, with a portion of proceeds from purchases made between noon and 8 p.m. to be designated to lodging for those who find themselves displaced or homeless, Coles said.
"Sunday was 'Tell Your Church About 4-Day Day,'" he said. "Certain churches were telling their congregations what we do to help those that are less fortunate.
"On that day (we extended) grace to those that are hungry, by going and serving at Fairview. Proceeds that day (targeted) hunger."
The mission continues today with another business partnership, as La Paz donates a portion of chicken plate sales to future 4-Day endeavors, Coles said.
In addition to positioning itself as a "go-to organization" for residents in need, Coles said the purpose has expanded as the needs have grown.
From education to mid-term housing or shelter, 4-Day also operates two houses -- Legacy House, which opened in 2017 for displaced and homeless teenage boys, and more recently a safe haven house for the displaced or homeless. The latter is a duplex, with one side for males and the other for females.
"It will house a maximum of four on either side," he said. "The objective is short-term lodging -- 90 days or however long it takes to get them on their feet."
The organization is also working on more permanent office space for case management and additional ways to connect those in need with resources and services, as well as securing donors to support the endeavor.
Overall, Coles said the five-year mark also represents a lot of growth and confirmation that it is meeting a need in Wayne County.
"I kind of feel like we have met the vetting process," he said. "I think we now have been visible enough and vocal enough to have the trust of the community."