PRISON FELLOWSHIP (2007-Present:)

Denise Harris has served in correctional ministry for over 20 years.  She began as a volunteer for Prison Fellowship in 2002, was hired on as a Field Director for Michigan in 2007, and now serves as Director of Correctional Programs for the Midwest.

 

As a volunteer, she coordinated numerous music events on prison yards and in auditoriums across the state bringing in gifted performers to inspire, encourage and share a message of hope with those behind bars.

 

As Field Director for Michigan, Denise recruited and trained hundreds of volunteers for work in Michigan prisons and successfully launched 4 Prison Fellowship Grows formerly known as Prison Fellowship Academies.  These 12-month holistic values-based programs have positively impacted the lives of countless incarcerated men and women by addressing criminal thinking, encouraging prosocial behavior, providing spiritual formation, and assisting with strategic planning.   Her work with Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree resulted in thousands of children in Michigan staying connected to their incarcerated parents and being served by caring churches.  She also coordinated community sports events for children in underserved areas including a football camp with national athletes and an ice-skating clinic with Olympic skating champions.

 

To address the plight of returning citizens, Denise launched the Metro Detroit Out4Life Reentry Coalition in 2010 where she and a team galvanized stakeholders from the tri-county area to advocate for this often-forgotten population.  Representatives from churches, social agencies and the correctional community meet monthly to discuss legislative issues, address barriers that returning citizens face, and work to bring awareness to the community through local conferences.

 

In 2010, Denise received Prison Fellowship’s Shining Star Award from the organization for her exemplary work in Michigan.  She was also recognized by a reentry ministry in Michigan - Bags to Butterflies for her extensive work with incarcerated women and women returning home from prison. 

 

As Director of Correctional Programs, Denise has the privilege of coaching a gifted team of 8 managers in 10 states to expand some of the work being done in Michigan throughout the Midwest.

 

Denise holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and Theology from INSTE Global Bible College.  She lives in the Detroit area with her husband of 29 years, Rufus Harris, who is a recording artist and Pastor of the Bridge Church in Pontiac.  They have 2 beautiful daughters and 2 granddaughters.

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TELEVISION (1990-2005)

Rarely do you find someone with the versatility that Denise possesses. For 15 years, she worked both behind the camera and in front and has produced, narrated, and edited documentaries, music videos, public affairs shows, parades, church programs, public service announcements and concerts – many of which have earned her seven national Telly Awards.

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As a narrator, Denise possesses a universal vocal quality and has recorded voice-overs for local and national organizations.  Many have been struck by the distinct clearness and sincerity her voice exudes revealing a warm personality that is professional, friendly, engaging and inspiring.  While in college, her French professor complimented her on the clearness of her voice.  When it comes to voice overs, the motto on her business cards reads “The Voice is Clear”.

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As a television host of the award-winning - Up Close Today show, Denise gained a reputation for her smooth, friendly interviewing style.  She has interviewed numerous book authors and celebrities such as: Tyra Banks; Vicky Lawrence; Blair Underwood; Robert Townsend; LL Cool J; Gloria Gaynor; and George Takei (Star Trek).  A guest once referred to her as A Calm Presence on the Air.  Many of the book authors were pleasantly surprised and impressed that she took time to actually read their books prior to the interview.

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Her clients have included:  WB-20; BET; Comcast; League of Women Voters; Habitat for Humanity; The Motown Center; Museum of African American History; Tech Town; Gleaners Community Food Bank and Various Independent Musicians.

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CHRISTIAN ARTISTS & MUSICIANS PROJECT (4THFRIDAYS) 2002-Present:

A lover of music, Denise coordinates monthly music concerts at coffeehouses, festivals, churches and even prison yards.  In 2002, Denise co-founded The CAMP with husband Rufus Harris which stands for Christian Artists and Musicians Project .  The CAMP  is a non-profit organization that showcases and assists independent Christian artists. The organization's most visible event - 4thFridays with rufus harris has become one of Metro Detroit's premier venues for showcasing Christian music.  It is also one of the longest-running Christian venues.  

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Denise has successfully planned and coordinated numerous music events at prisons, nursing homes, festivals, churches, coffeehouses and other venues throughout Michigan.  She has also helped open the door for several local artists to perform in prisons  and other institutions in Michigan and across the country.

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Denise lives in the Detroit area with her husband Recording Artist - Rufus Harris.  She has co-written songs with Rufus and sometimes even sings background vocals for his music and that of his clients.  She is a member of the Bridge Church in Waterford, Michigan where her husband serves as senior pastor.

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EDUCATION:

Denise holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and Theology from the INSTE Bible College. She also has a Bachelor of Science in Fashion Design and Merchandising and has completed post graduate work in the area of Mass Communication at Wayne State University.

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ACCOLADES:

*Recipient of 8 National Bronze Telly Awards for Programming Excellence (1996-2004)

*2010 Prison Fellowship Shining Star Award

*2016 Spirit of Giving for her work with female offenders

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OTHER INTERESTS:

Bible Study

Backyard Birding

Biking

Ministry to the Homeless

French Language and Culture

Voice Overs

Travel

Videography

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Email Denise at: denisestrongmedia@yahoo.com

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