After serving as the Director of the Clinton County Homeless Shelter (CCHS) for 30 years, Denise Stryker recently retired and the board has passed the leadership role to Amber Taylor.
According to Denise, CCHS was the first Ohio shelter to open in a rural area in 1988. Denise began her involvement in March of 1994. Denise acknowledged the importance of learning to “meet people where they are” and that each individual’s needs are different.
Denise recalled that in the beginning of her time at the shelter, it was often filled with newly single parents, and while mental health and addiction have always been present, they have increased over the past 30 years, making partnerships with local service agencies vital.
Denise’s proudest accomplishments are the success stories. She stated, “Having people come back after they lived there and have overcame challenges, are housed, some employed, those… just really fill my heart”.
Amber worked at the shelter for 18 years prior to her new role. She began as a part-time employee and quickly became assistant director to Denise. Since taking over, Amber has been focusing on grant writing and shelter operations. She also plans to bring back “Can-struction,” where groups can build structures out of canned goods to donate to the shelter.
At recent city council meetings, both the public and elected officials have discussed how to deal with homelessness. In response to the conflation of homelessness with crime, Denise and Amber stressed the import need of housing for individuals to thrive, and encouraged people to visit homelessness assistance organizations prior to making judgments.
When speaking of those in need, Amber stated, “I want them to know that they have support... they have someone that’s caring about them and they want to help them.”
Listen to Denise and Amber’s full story on episode 66 of The Real Change Wilmington Podcast. To learn more, volunteer, or donate to CCHS, call (937) 382-7058.
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