Jenny Poma cut her project management and community organizing teeth at Warren Conner Development Corp. She joined the organization in 2008 to do community organizing around safety issues and food security after earning a master’s in social work at Wayne State University. She monitored budget, fiscal reporting and cash draws for various projects and grants, managed government contracts and led establishment of a farmers market on the city’s east side, among other efforts.

When her hours were cut later that year, she took an additional project coordinator role at Hope Hospitality and Warming Center in Pontiac and soon was named project manager.

She moved into a lead case manager role at South Oakland Shelter in 2010 and over the next nine years was promoted to director of program development and then COO.

Poma led the programmatic due diligence for SOS in advance of its 2019 merger with Lighthouse and was named COO of the merged organization.

Then came the pandemic.

“That was interesting, but in a lot of ways it was good for the merger. It really tested that notion of can we do more together, and we were immediately able to respond with yes,” Poma said.

She oversaw the strategy behind expanding the nonprofit’s emergency shelter and food response. That included scaling up shelter capacity from 30 people each night to 150 through a building conversion and food assistance for 5,000 people each week during the height of the pandemic and 40,000 annually now.

In February, Lighthouse acquired three runaway homeless programs from Common Ground. Poma is assimilating those into its other programs, hiring staff and maintaining licenses for the new programs.

She’s now overseeing a $30 million campus Lighthouse is developing in the center of Pontiac.

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Lighthouse is thrilled to welcome Mary Riegle as Chief Philanthropy Officer for the Pontiac-based nonprofit building equitable communities that alleviate poverty. Mary is a collaborative, results-driven leader who previously served as Policy and Development Director for the Downtown Detroit Partnership. In her new role she will lead a dynamic fund development team that supports Lighthouse’s mission and growth, addressing affordable housing needs, homelessness, food insecurity, poverty, and more.

The post People on the Move: Mary Riegle – Crain’s Detroit Business appeared first on Lighthouse.

Her biggest career win was being part of the core team that led due diligence on the merger of South Oakland Shelter and Lighthouse of Oakland County to create Lighthouse MI. Afterward, Poma led the team to establish a new permanent emergency family shelter to increase capacity and restructure food distribution to include delivery, allowing the nonprofit to serve “20 times more people facing food insecurities.”

The post Jenny Poma named one of Crain’s Notable Women in Nonprofits – Crain’s Detroit Business appeared first on Lighthouse.

“My main goal is to help people, that’s honestly all I’ve wanted to do in my life is help people and give them hope,” says Gabrielle Fagan, Lighthouse’s new Volunteer and Special Projects Coordinator. She joined the team in late July and is driven to make a difference in our community.

“I love Lighthouse’s mission. I love what [we] do,” she says. “Our team doesn’t just give short-term help to people; we give long-term help that can be lifechanging.”

Gabrielle recruits and trains Lighthouse food pantry, distribution center, and emergency shelter volunteers. She also works to find people who can help at special events, like the upcoming Michigan Renaissance Festival in Holly (which takes place on weekends, August 20 – October 2) and Arts, Beats & Eats in Royal Oak (September 2-5). In exchange for volunteers, the annual Oakland County events donate money directly to Lighthouse.

“For the Renaissance Festival we need 320 volunteers. It’s a lot,” says Gabrielle. “But, in return you’re helping people get back on their feet, have a house and job, and move forward in a positive direction.”

Prior to Lighthouse, Gabrielle spent her undergraduate years studying psychology at the University of Michigan. After graduation, she decided to change career paths – but knew she still wanted to be in a role that helps people succeed in life. She’s currently getting her graduate certificate in Nonprofit Management from Eastern Michigan University and expects to graduate in April.

“I just want to make the world a better place,” says Gabrielle. “I want to give hope to the hopeless. As long as I can put a smile on people’s faces, as long as I can make a difference in people’s lives for the better, I want to do it. I love people and I have a lot to give, so I’m going to give it.”

To connect with Gabrielle, email gfagan@lighthousemi.org.

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“I want to help people. I think food is a basic right for everyone,” says Russell Estill, Lighthouse’s new Director of Food Programs. “I don’t think people should have to make choices as far as food is concerned.”

Estill joined the Lighthouse team in January after serving more than 15 years in the non-profit sector. He oversees all food operations, including the emergency warehouse in Pontiac and Lighthouse’s two satellite food centers in Pontiac and Clarkston.

Prior to Lighthouse, Russell was Assistant Manager of the Focus: HOPE Commodity Supplemental Food Program, a federally funded food program that provides food to seniors. During his time at Focus: HOPE, Russell volunteered to deliver food during the holiday season. That’s when he saw first-hand the difficult choices some seniors were forced to make.

“One story is I was going to a senior’s place. When we got there, it was warm because the gas burners were on, but no lights. They couldn’t pay the electric bill,” he recalls. “There are so many seniors going through so many issues: can I afford my medication, or can I have food? The need for our program, what Lighthouse is doing, is so important.”

The Lighthouse team has seen a dramatic increase in the number of Oakland County families needing food assistance due to the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation. Lighthouse is working hard to support as many families as possible.

Recently, Lighthouse moved its emergency food warehouse to a 22,000-square-foot facility in Pontiac, a more efficient and cost-effective location to better serve the community. The building, located at 120 E. Columbia Avenue, is a former Gleaners Community Food Bank warehouse. In a three-year, renewable agreement, Gleaners is providing Lighthouse a no-cost lease of the facility, while Lighthouse assumes operating costs and maintenance.

Other efforts include a Saturday food pantry that provides food to close to 200 people. Lighthouse also partners to deliver food to more than 400 people taking part in the Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP). But Russell knows even more people are hungry (including children and families) – and he wants to help.

“[Understanding the critical need in our community] inspires me to look for other ways to address food insecurity and find new recipients,” Russell says. “People are experiencing these types of issues daily and a lot of us don’t even know. What can we do to make sure they have food and receive it in a dignified and respectful manner?”

To learn more about Lighthouse’s programs, or to donate or volunteer, visit lighthousemi.org.

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LaKeesha Donaldson shares a special connection with the people she serves at Lighthouse because she understands what it’s like to be in their shoes.

Years ago, LaKeesha lost everything she owned in a house fire.

“I only had the clothes on my back,” she says. “I know how it felt to not have the support that you need. I know the emotional challenges you go through when you don’t have your own place.”
That memory is one of several life experiences that inspired LaKeesha to choose a career she knew would make a difference.

“I always had a passion to help people. I grew up with my grandmother just doing it on her own, allowing people to stay with us, help them,” she says.

LaKeesha joined Lighthouse in March 2018 as an intern in direct services. Since then, she’s received several promotions. Most recently she served as Emergency Shelter Case Manager, helping dozens of people in Oakland County along the way.

“We’re a housing-first agency and we look past barriers clients may have, such as mental health, substance abuse, no income, or very low income,” says LaKeesha. “Most people cannot think about housing because they’re dealing with everything else. If they’re housed first, they can focus on the other aspects of their lives.”

In her new role as Emergency Shelter Manager, LaKeesha oversees the shelter and supervises and supports Lighthouse’s case managers to ensure they have the training and tools they need to assist those who need it most.

“I really, really love what I do,” she says. “Being able to help families and individuals get past some of the barriers they face is truly fulfilling.”

An example includes the changes Lighthouse recently made to its SOS Emergency Shelter. Prior to COVID, Lighthouse partnered with local congregations to host a rotating shelter, providing about 30 people a place to stay each night. During COVID, shelter numbers quadrupled. To keep people safe, Lighthouse moved its emergency shelter program to a local motel where families can stay together and feel supported as they work to get into housing.

To help address the gap in emergency shelter beds for families, Lighthouse is also converting an 18-unit apartment building at Cottage and Center streets in Pontiac into a family emergency shelter with beds for up to 54 people.

“When we’re interviewing staff, we ask: ‘What does homelessness look like to you?’ And, to me, that question speaks volumes,” LaKeesha says. “Not everyone who is homeless just because they couldn’t pay their rent. It wasn’t just because they had a house fire. Some people fled domestic violence, some people have been scammed and they’ve been trying to do the right thing. One thing I tell my clients is – this is just a situation, it’s not forever – and we’re here to help.”

Please join us in congratulating LaKeesha on her new role.

The post LaKeesha Donaldson Named Lighthouse Emergency Shelter Manager appeared first on Lighthouse.

Lighthouse welcomes Todd Burk as its Chief Real Estate & Community Development Officer. Todd brings more than 25 years of experience to his new role and will oversee affordable housing development projects and mortgage lending platforms for low income residents. He first connected with Lighthouse years ago as a volunteer, rehabbing and selling homes at below market rate to single mothers emerging from homelessness.

The post People on the Move, Todd Burk, Lighthouse – Crain’s Detroit Business appeared first on Lighthouse.

More than two decades ago, Todd Burk and his wife Christine worked as volunteers at Lighthouse. They would purchase homes using their own funds, renovate them, and sell them at below market rate to women coming out of the PATH transitional housing program. Their efforts surely changed lives.

“I think it was just a calling for me,” he says. “I’ve been fortunate, and it was just time to use some of my knowledge and blessings to give back to those who might need a hand up.”

Fast forward to today and Burk is joining the Lighthouse team as Chief Real Estate & Community Development Officer where he will oversee affordable housing development projects and mortgage lending platforms for low income residents. He says taking on this new role feels like “coming home.”

“Housing in and of itself is a key component in stability for all individuals,” he says. “There’s a big shortage of affordable housing options in our community and I’m looking forward to helping develop a model that works.”

For the last 25 years, Todd has worked in real estate lending and affordable housing. He previously served as Director of Lending for Southwest Housing Solutions where he helped create alterative lending solutions. He bought his first house at age 19 and has bought and sold more than 250 homes during the course of his career. Burk is a graduate of Western Michigan University with a degree in finance.

“We are excited to have Todd join the Lighthouse team,” said Lighthouse CEO Ryan Hertz. “He brings a strong spirit of service and a diverse set of skills that will help us and our community partners accelerate our collective work to bring creative affordable housing solutions to those we serve.”

On his LinkedIn page, Burk describes himself as “not only a ‘doer’ but an ‘achiever’ who is well versed in visualizing and executing a plan.” He and his wife have three daughters in their 20’s. Todd’s official first day at Lighthouse was Monday, November 29.

“I’m really excited about this new role,” he says. “I know it will be challenging and rewarding. I’m eager to get started.”

On behalf of all of us at Lighthouse, please join us in welcoming Todd home.

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Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has appointed the president and CEO of Lighthouse to the Michigan Interagency Council on Homelessness, the governor’s office announced Thursday. Ryan Hertz, a resident of Huntington Woods, joins council designed to develop, adopt, and update a decade-long plan to end homelessness in Michigan. The plan includes “evidence-based improvements to programs and policies that will ensure services and housing are provided in an efficient, cost-effective, and productive manner,” the governor’s office said.

The post Lighthouse leader named to Michigan council on homelessness – The Oakland Press appeared first on Lighthouse.

COVID-19 brought many challenges over the last year, including a huge increase in the need for food. Before the pandemic, Lighthouse typically provided food assistance to an average of 200-300 Oakland County residents per week. Since spring of 2020, we’ve been providing food to 4,500 – 5,000 people per week and that need continues.

As a result, Lighthouse created the new role of Director of Food Programs and brought Anna Kohn on board. Anna is now leading daily operations and overall strategy of Lighthouse’s food distribution efforts. She joined the team in December.

“Before I took this job, in asking how Lighthouse’s food programs operated, and I was told repeatedly, ‘We’re building the plane as we’re flying it.’ That notion has driven the way we’ve operated in collecting, distributing, and donating food in the community during this time,” she said. “What we do, and what so many other community organizations do, has never been done in such a unique, socially-distant, and sometimes reactive manner.”

Anna grew up in Oakland County and graduated from The Roeper School in Birmingham. She went on to attend Hampshire College in Amherst, Mass. where students are offered the ability to design their own major. Anna chose ‘Detroitology.’

“Better explained as an independent student of politics, poverty, and economic trends in Detroit, with a specific focus on homelessness and mayoral politics between 1943 and 2005,” she said. “Through this work, it became evident that it is truly the efforts of grassroots organizations that make the biggest differences in the lives of our hardest-hit communities.”

After college, Anna worked for the Detroit Rescue Mission. She was then selected by National Urban Fellow in New York to join their prestigious fellowship program, where she earned her Master’s in Public Administration from CUNY Baruch College, with a specific focus on performance measurements of prisoner reentry initiatives. She used her knowledge to help launch a jail reentry program in Fulton County, Georgia, and then went on to work for a nonprofit that helped men and women transition into agriculture and horticulture careers after prison.

Anna’s experience is vast and centers around helping those in need.

“I launched myself into the world of social service fairly young, establishing a charitable organization at age nine for the homeless in Pontiac and Detroit,” Anna said. “Coming to Lighthouse feels truly like a full circle!”

When she’s not helping those in need, Anna loves to garden and has more than 1,000 succulents in her home. She’s a sculptor, the proud owner of two black cats, and serves as Chair and President of the Michigan Community Corrections Advisory Board and Safe & Just Michigan. Please join us in welcoming Anna to the team!

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