Transitional Housing: Providing Homes & Healing DARREN COLE : Transitional Housing Coordinator
D arren Cole is the Transitional Housing Coordinator for New Vision House of Hope (NVHOH). His job is in charge of maintaining the housing; he assigns job duties, places food and supply orders, and provides transportation, ensuring NVHOH’s clients “Get to go where they need to go.” New Vision House of Hope is not just a housing organization. They provide food, transportation, and more. They take care of the whole person. And Darren makes sure they are never lacking in supplies. When asked if New Vision House of Hope also supplies clothing, he answers in a rhyme, “If we have their size, we will provide.” He laughs and adds that if they don’t, they’ll provide anyway, stating, “We take care of all their needs, from top to bottom. I order, pay for, and supply anything we need for the houses here at New Vision House of Hope.” Darren can relate in a special way to clients in recovery. “I am a recovering addict. I was six months clean when I started here.” Soon he’ll celebrate a significant anniversary working at New Vision House of Hope: “July 11 will be ten years!” Since he started, he’s worked in many positions at New Vision House of Hope, from
driver to house manager, to shelter manager, to shelter coordinator, and now to his current position as housing coordinator. He shares a story about a client who came from prison with a mandated stay at New Vision House of Hope. Darren says with pride, “He completed the program and started working here. He's my assistant—employed two years now and doing great.” Along with NVHOH’s programs, there is another aspect to the healing process: Darren is involved in planning “Retreat” activities. Not a program, not a class—it’s good, old-fashioned fun. Every major holiday, clients are treated to a party in the park—food, drink, DJ, a tent—the works. When asked if this is an outreach for the community, Darren says fondly, “No, this one is for the clients.” Are there any new programs he would like to see added? Darren shares that he would love to see an additional “Detox” program. When asked why,
CONTINUE READING > > >
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker