Open Door Shelter Announces Interim Executive Director

The board of directors is pleased to announce that it has recruited Jeannette Archer-Simons to serve as Interim Executive Director.  

“The board is working in partnership with Third Sector New England to develop a deliberate and strategic transition plan. This will allow the organization to recruit and select a future leader with strong nonprofit management and critical community service delivery skills," said board chair Nate Yordon in a release.

"Jeannette’s role as interim provides us with exceptional seasoned leadership.  She will work with the staff to analyze operations for better planning and service delivery, strengthen communications and fund raising efforts and manage financial, property and human resources," added Yordon.  

Archer-Simons brings more than 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership with specific strengths in organizational development, fund raising, strategic business planning and financial management.  She has a Bachelor’s of Art in Economics; a Master’s in Business Administration and is currently writing her dissertation on “Leadership in Cross Sector Collaboration” for a PhD in Education Leadership. She is also a Certified Fund Raising Executive and holds multiple certificates in nonprofit management and community building.

"There is a critical need for services that not only feed and shelter the homeless in Norwalk, but to connect individuals and families to resources to transition to independence," said Archer-Simons in the release. "Open Door not only addresses the immediate crisis of hunger and shelter, but works to support the steps needed for self sustainability with job counseling and life skill support.”

Yordon stated that, “The board of directors is delighted to have Jeannette work in partnership with the staff while the board works with a transition consultant from Third Sector to develop a strategy for hiring the next CEO for Open Door Shelter.  We are fortunate that a donor’s support for the Third Sector services will allow for a deliberate and selective process.  We will be working to position the organization for a strong future with a visionary and capable leader.  The selection process will be completed during 2014.”

Yordon also said, “The board of directors would like to say thank you to Izora Ebron, for her leadership as acting executive director.  Izora will continue to lead the organizations client services and work in partnership with the interim executive director on all strategic organization issues.  Izora continues to be an invaluable resource and appreciated community expert in delivering services to our community.”

The Open Door Shelter’s mission is to effectively address the causes and complexities of the homeless and working poor by providing shelter, food, clothing, case management services, treatment services, transitional planning for short and long term goals, subsidized housing, education, employment, and a path towards independence and success.

The organization serves over 60,000 meals per month and shelters nightly with over 95 beds.  In addition it provides supportive housing to those who are working and earning an income, but unable to afford housing in the area and job training for the underemployed.