Letter: Search on for Executive Director

Letter: Search for Executive Director

Virginia Dozier
Board Secretary
St Francis House

Dear Editor:

Following last week’s news that Renee Morris had resigned from her position as Executive Director at St Francis House, the board of directors are announcing that the homeless shelter has appointed Judith Dembowski to the position of “Interim Director” while a search begins for a permanent replacement.

All qualified candidates are welcome to apply for this position. Every application will be reviewed by committee.

Ms. Morris has served St Francis House for 6-plus consecutive years and has done great work to help those in need in our community. Under her leadership, the shelter has more than doubled its housing capacity to help hundreds of people.

She provided a safe environment at the house so that people could focus on rebuilding their lives. She oversaw case managers that helped to chart individual action plans for men, women, and families.

Ms. Morris oversaw a grant that provided for significant investment in energy and utility savings at the house and then spearheaded the construction of a comfort station to provide homeless individuals a clean place to use the restroom and take a shower.

Ms. Morris has facilitated thousands of meals to the hungry in our community. Her understanding, compassion and dedication to those less fortunate have helped many to regain their dignity and get back on their feet. Her services at the St Francis House will be sorely missed.

St Francis House is a not-for-profit corporation, sheltering the sick, the poor, the elderly and the homeless; donations can be sent to 70 Washington Street, St Augustine, Florida 32084.