The Board of Directors of Community Helping Hands has named current Gateway Facilities Manager Shawn Whitmer as the Interim Director of the organization, effective Monday, November 13. Rev. Amy Rohler, who was the executive director for over 8 years, recently accepted the position of executive director of the United Way of Southern Chautauqua County.”We are delighted that Shawn has agreed to be the interim director at this critical juncture for Community Helping Hands,” said board chairperson Matt Slaven, “his extensive experience and leadership skills have been demonstrated consistently over the last 9 years as both the Gateway Family Center Manager and then the Facilities Manager. This makes him an ideal candidate to lead our organization during this period of transition.”
The CHH Board of Directors will be working to form a search committee and strategic process for finding a new Executive Director. “This is an opportunity to focus on operational development and the strategic execution of several key projects,” said Slaven. The most notable of those key projects are the Gateway Lofts, a plan to utilize the undeveloped space at the Gateway Center for transitional housing for women, affordable housing, and a jail diversion program – in partnership with Southern Tier Environments for Living (STEL). CHH also recently hired Workforce Development Coordinator Joalexis Martir, who oversees their program for helping workers on public assistance (both English and Spanish speaking) find employment success.
Community Helping hands is a faith-based non-profit in Jamestown, NY which helps meet emergency needs for clothing, household items and furniture for local families in need, as well as providing opportunities for relationship-based workforce development through its Thrift Store. The organization also manages the Gateway Center and Family Center, a formerly abandoned factory building that has been repurposed to house several agencies and organizations which help youth, individuals and families in need—these include organizations such as St. Susan's Center, Mental Health Association and E2CC BOCES Adult Education.
Whitmer says that he feels grateful for the opportunity to lead the organization, which recently celebrated its 15
th year anniversary. “This really is a team effort,” said Whitmer, “ we have a committed and talented staff that I know will step up. The board and staff will all be taking on more responsibilities to make sure we continue to give the 'hand up' that we're known for. I'm proud to work here.” Whitmer is a graduate of Falconer High School, and is a native of Falconer, where his parents still live. He resides in Jamestown with his wife Megan. He is an active member of Bemus Point United Methodist Church.
