PRISON FELLOWSHIP (2007-Present:)

Denise Harris is the Field Director for Prison Fellowship in the state of Michigan.  Since she started in 2007, she has recruited and trained hundreds of volunteers for ministry resulting in the transformation of men and women behind bars and their families.    

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Denise has helped launched several biblically-based life-skills classes, services, seminars, concerts, and special events at prisons throughout the state which have impacted the lives of hundreds of incarcerated men and women.

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In 2010 she helped develop the Metro Detroit Out4Life Reentry Coalition to meet the needs of returning citizens.  As one of the coalition’s leaders she has spearheaded several community symposiums bringing more awareness to the plight of people returning home from prison.    She has also presented retreats and created support networks.

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Denise has successfully recruited churches for Prison Fellowship’s Angel Tree ensuring that children with incarcerated parents are served for Christmas and reconnected with their parent.  She has also organized Football Camps and Ice Skating Clinics for at-risk children in Detroit.

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She has been invited to speak at numerous churches, prisons, schools, and youth facilities.  She is part of Prison Fellowship's speakers bureau and has produced several video blogs highlighting the ministry in Michigan.  (See her work on YouTube)

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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.  

 

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 Pontiac, 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 7 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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