Retired Federal government attorney, B.A. in Social Work, and 30+ years in non-profit volunteer work, including shelter programs for men, women and children. I spent my first volunteer overnight on Christmas Eve in my church men's shelter in Washington, DC. While other residents had been invited home for this special day, one resident had burned so many bridges with his family because of alcoholism he had no place to share Christmas. As we talked, he was obviously well educated, articulate, and he shared stories of his working days as a newspaper reporter covering the highest levels of government. Alcoholism had a relentless grip on him. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with him and it left such an impression about the realities of homelessness, I continue to try to help those in need - now for 30+ years.

I have 3 adult daughters and 10 grandchildren. 30+ year Licensed Title Examiner. I loved to draw out Meets and Bounds (acreage) descriptions. 3 years licensed realtor, 3 years licensed Table Game Dealer. Currently Gaylord Eagles Auxiliary Treasurer, Zone 3 Eagles Board Member and District 8 Eagles Auxiliary Secretary. In 80’s, I was a City of Wayne Jaycette (Jaycee) and was known as “the happy helper.” I became homeless while waiting 2 years for my Disability. During this time, I was driving others that were also clients of the Refuge to stores, appointments, and etc. Prior to being homeless, I thought the homeless were drug addicts and alcoholics. Boy was I wrong! Homelessness can happen to anyone for many reasons, including the elderly. I have been a volunteer for The Refuge since about two months after I graduated from being homeless.

As a lifelong resident of the county and a recent retiree at Gordon Food Service after 40 years, I was looking for some way to give back to my community. Being involved in the Otsego County Food Pantry, I started to see the needs of our residents. I was approached by a couple of the Refuge board members to join the board as Treasurer. I prayed about it and felt that was something I could help with.

I recently became a new member on the Board for The Refuge.  I have many years' experiences in advocacy and community service support work on many different levels.  I am currently working with NEMCSA in the Homeless & Prevention Department as a Housing Resource Specialist.  While working with the agency I worked closely with Chris from The Refuge and became aware of the services it offers to the community and wanted to become involved.  I look forward to seeing what other opportunities we can bring to the people in need in our

CPRM, CPRM-m, CW. I am a woman in long term recovery. My passion lies within the field of substance use disorder (SUD) and substance use recovery, and those who struggle in and out of this chronic health condition. I have worked in this field for over 7 years, and I currently work full-time for the State office of rural health on the SUD crisis. I manage and operate a women’s recovery home, and I volunteer within my community in several ways. Adequate housing is a major component to one’s life. It can affect how an individual finds recovery, or find the ability to live, laugh and love.

Matt has been a long time resident of Gaylord since 2014. Matt is very passionate about his community and looks to help serve and guide ways to create a better community.  Matt has a passion for many things but always helping people will be the main thing you see him doing. When not serving the community you can find him as the Assistant Manager at Salvation Army in Gaylord. In his personal time he enjoys hanging with his fur babies, and spending his time doing anything outdoors. 

Matt currently serves on a few other boards in Gaylord such as: Gaylord Soccer League; Start Collaborative/Otsego Human Service Network; Otsego Country Sheriffs Mounted Division.

Nmsas Recovery Center, Peer Support Assistant. My heart was pulled into helping those without a home in 2012 when the Friendship Housing Center was closed. Having two brothers who struggled greatly motivated me to better understand the complexities of this plight in our country. They have since passed, but the love I have for them will not, as I miss them every day.

Mindy lived in the Houghton Lake/Roscommon area for about 20 years then bought a house and moved to Gaylord 4 years ago. Mindy graduated with a Bachelor of Sociology and Psychology from Central Michigan University and Master of Social Work from Grand Valley State University. Mindy is a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She has many years of experience working with individuals struggling with substance use disorders and mental health disorders. Mindy interned at the Goodwill Inn in Traverse City which is a homeless shelter, helping people experiencing homeless find housing. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW). Mindy’s number one value is to treat all people with dignity and respect. Mindy’s passion is to listen and be a support for others; using compassion, respectfulness, empathy and active listening skills. As well as using her ability to be person-centered, non-judgmental, and advocate for all people while working to empower and build people up.

Our names are Ray and Kathy Rivers. Kathy retired from the Otsego County Commission on Aging and Ray retired from the US Postal Service. We love to spend time with our family camping, motorcycle rides and quiet time together just reading. We are happy to serve on The Refuge board as we believe every person deserves a safe place to live.

Actor/Voiceover talent of 40+ years and 30+ years working in programs to serve the homeless. Working with the homeless has given me the opportunity to give back and has really opened my eyes to the complexities, both individual and systemic, of confronting homelessness in our community.