New Titles, Continued Dedication & Compassion
When it comes to the workplace, a title should not only explain the nature and level of work being contributed to the organization, but it should also carry a level of personalization to highlight the qualification and expertise of the individual who performs that vital work.
Share recently elevated the titles of several key management staff members to acknowledge the depth and diversity of work undertaken by our compassionate and dedicated staff each day.
Becci Read-Ryan: Hunger & Nutrition Programs Manager—Becci oversees our Hot Meals, Backpack and Summer Meals programs (see page 3 for highlights of this year’s Summer Meals program).
—16,167 meals to kids through our Summer Meals Program this year
Heather Young: Data & Operations Manager—Heather maintains all client data from Share House, Share Homestead, Share Orchards Inn, Women’s Housing and Transition (WHAT) and Winter Hospitality Overflow (WHO).
Holli Brice: Family Pathways Program Director—Holli manages operations at both of our family shelters, Share Homestead and Share Orchards Inn.
Jillian Daleiden: Community Wellness Program Director—Jillian oversees the Women’s Housing and Transition, Share Outreach and Talkin’ Trash (see page 5 for an update on how Outreach staff are working to help those experiencing homelessness during the time of COVID-19).
Dee Sanders: Affordable Housing & Stability Program Director—Dee manages our expansive housing programs (formerly called ASPIRE), some of which include Rapid Re-Housing, Housing & Essential Needs, Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership and others; she also oversees our Rent Well and Individual Development Accounts (IDA) programs.
—20 new IDA clients saving for a home, business or education
Our IDA program has seen a dramatic increase in applicants over the summer. Many of those enrolling have been resilient in the face of the significantly changing employment landscape. Through the program, participants will save up to $1,000 to be used as a down payment on the purchase of a home, to start a business, or to pursue higher education; the program provides a 4:1 match. Plus, 0ur partnership with Clark College allows people to save just $500 which is matched 8:1. We’d like to share two of our participants’ stories:
Paul* was used to earning money doing odd household jobs, but when the pandemic hit, the demand for his services stopped. He was inspired to make a substantial career change by enrolling at Clark College for their welding program. “Without the IDA program, I’m honestly not sure how it would have been possible to lift myself up out of this situation.” Paul continues classes at Clark and is in the process of securing an apprenticeship.
Claire* owns a bakery and relied on walk-ins for the purchase of most of her baked goods. In the early weeks of the pandemic, foot traffic declined severely putting her business in jeopardy. Claire realized she needed a way to advertise her business to attract online orders and new customers. She learned about the IDA program on Share’s website and applied. “I thought I might have to shut down my business
entirely. But with the funds saved through the IDA program, I’ve been able to reach new customers online and keep my doors open.”
Katie Louis: Collaborative Housing Program Director—Katie manages operations at Share House and the Winter Hospitality Overflow.
Michelle Bittinat: Housing Achievement & Enrichment Program Director—Michelle manages operations at Lincoln Place and oversees partnerships with multiple housing- and case management-focused programs such as Story Street, Bridges to Housing, Bridging the Gap, Step Aging and Long-Term Support Administration.
These staff members are part of 75* who have been and remain on the front lines, serving nutritious to-go meals, helping individuals and families to secure permanent housing in this tumultuous market, and providing case management and key connections to supportive services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
As an organization, Share continues to press forward, adapting to the new normal, because our vital work cannot stop. We keep working, every day, to help make our community home.
* In all, Share has a staff of 90 individuals, with 75 of those working directly with our clients.
* Names changed for anonymity
Additional articles in the 2020 Fall edition include: It’s Never Too Early to Plan for the Holidays; Summer Meals Adapts to Serve Free Meals to Kids in Our Community; Please Welcome Kelly Baumann; Share Soup Week, Oct. 5 to 11; COVID-19 Compounds Barriers for Those Experiencing Homelessness; Volunteers: The Heart of Our Organization; Fulfill a Wish (or 2!) for Our Clients by Shopping Online … or Schedule a Donation Drop-off
Download a PDF version of the 2020 Fall Edition of Sharing Lives to read all the stories from this quarter.
