When Cathy Sherman Bittrick entered Crossroads for Youth (then Camp Oakland Youth Programs) more than 40 years ago, who was to know she’d become the success story that she is today?
The young girl once seeking relief from a physically and emotionally abusive home spent years climbing the ladder to the top and is now the president of the Michigan Association of Realtors.
Bittrick, 58 and a resident of Ada, and her youngest brother both attended Crossroads as teenagers. She said the one thing she learned from attending the program was ‘stability.?
‘When I hear stories of how others like myself have gone from one foster family to another, I realize how fortunate I was to be able to complete all of my high school years in a single, healthy environment,? she said.
Bittrick graduated from Oxford High School in 1965 and attended Ferris State University. She went on to become a member of the Grand Rapids Association of REALTORS, where she’s continued for 31 years.
She has been the owner/broker of two Re/Max SunQuest offices, one in Cascade Township and one in Grand Rapids, for the last 22 years and is also a director for the National Association of REALTORS. She’s served as a committee member of their Research Economics Issues Forum.
Bittrick credits her experiences at Crossroads to her success today.
‘I remember how important it was to hear encouraging words of support to keep trying and never give up,? she said.
Bittrick said her job of ‘coaching? her staff of 40 realtors has given her the opportunity to share what she has learned throughout life.
Although some students at Crossroads may not feel optimistic or certain about their future, Bittrick advises them to learn and grow in spite of their obstacles.
‘You are not your situation,? she said. ‘Never look back except to gain wisdom, and stay in a grateful state of mind. There are people all around you who love to help. You’re not alone. You have a purpose.?
Bittrick continues to keep in touch with her Crossroads roots by being a member of the Crossroads for Youth advisory board.
She wrote a memoir about her childhood entitled ‘Something Beautiful Remains.?
A portion of the proceeds from the book benefits Crossroads for Youth.
E-mail her at csbittrick@grar.com for more information about the book.