Spotlighted Board Member: Ahmed Shalabi
What is your favorite service SAVE, Inc. provides and why?
Pride Haven, because it’s the first of its kind. Our youth are very vulnerable. We give them hope when they may have lost it themselves.
What is something you would want Kansas Citians to know about SAVE, Inc.?
That we’ve been around for over 35 years serving our community
Why do you serve on the SAVE, Inc. board?
I serve on the board because I’ve been in the shoes of our clients, I know what it’s like. That’s where my passion stems from.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love playing pickleball any chance I get!
Featured Staff Member of the Week: Sawyer Jurgensmeier
What motivated you to get involved with SAVE, Inc.?
I’ve worked in nonprofit mental health services for 10 years, and SAVE Inc. – as a longtime pillar of service work in Kansas City – shares my passion for walking alongside members of our community as they seek housing, resources, healing, support, & solidarity.
What is your position title? What is your favorite part of your job?
(Title is PRN Life Skills Worker.) I began providing behavioral health support and teaching life skills to residents at PRIDE Haven when we opened as an overnight shelter in early 2021. At PRIDE Haven, I’m able to advocate for the needs of Kansas City’s unhoused LGBTQ youth as both a professional and a human being with lived experience. My favorite parts of my job include supporting these youth through some of the most difficult moments of their lives, and goofing around with them over card games & arts/crafts after dinner.
What are you most passionate about when it comes to SAVE, Inc.?
I’m passionate about person-centered care – allowing our clients to determine the right path that best fits their needs – and offering a restorative justice approach to conflict, which encourages folks to learn to make amends and hold themselves accountable to our community on their path to restoration. I also strongly believe the best people for any job are those with lived experience, and I’m proud that SAVE Inc. holds these values dear, seeking out employees in our community that mirror the populations we serve.
What is something you want Kansas Citians to know about SAVE, Inc.?
SAVE Inc. has a long history of supporting all Kansas Citians through the struggle & grief of HIV/AIDS, homelessness, addiction, and mental health needs. PRIDE Haven’s shelter itself began as a hospice for LGBTQ elders, and so much love & care is painted into these walls. I’m proud to stand on the shoulders of giants, walking a path of service paved by generations of local helpers.
Featured Staff Member of the Week: Donte Smith
What motivated you to get involved with SAVE, Inc.?
I was motivated to get involved by SAVE because although I have worked in HIV a long time (10+ years), but I’ve never worked in housing. So, SAVE seemed like a new opportunity and a new challenge. Plus, I live like 4 blocks away which is also kinda convenient.
What is your position title? What is your favorite part of your job?
My title is Tenant Based Rental Assistance Supervisor & my favorite part of my job is watching a person’s face light up knowing that the years of homelessness they have experienced are ending soon. It’s just a beautiful moment between lease signing and move-in that fills me with pride.
What are you most passionate about when it comes to SAVE, Inc.?
I’m most passionate that housing is health. For our clients to lead healthy lives, they need homes. It reminds me that we’re supporting folks’ overall health by connecting them to housing.
What is something you want Kansas Citians to know about SAVE, Inc.?
I want Kansas Citians to know that SAVE is here to help. Grants may come & go but our mission remains the same.
SAVE, Inc. Announces Appointment of New Chief Executive Officer
Kansas City, MO – November 20, 2023
SAVE, Inc, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to providing housing and support services to individuals, families and youth facing homelessness in the Kansas City community, is pleased to announce the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer, Patrick McLaughlin. This strategic decision comes as SAVE, Inc embarks on a new chapter in its mission to create positive and lasting change for those in need.
Patrick McLaughlin brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to serving the most vulnerable populations in our community. With a proven track record in nonprofit leadership and a strong background in fundraising and community engagement, He is well-equipped to lead SAVE, Inc into a future of expanded services and increased impact.
“We are excited to welcome Patrick McLaughlin to the SAVE, Inc family. He has a passion for our mission, a clear vision for our future, and a demonstrated ability to bring people together to create positive change,” said Bill Walberg, Chair of the SAVE, Inc Board of Directors. “We are confident that Partrick will help us continue to strengthen our services, grow our support, and make an even greater impact in the lives of those we serve.”
Patrick expressed his enthusiasm for joining SAVE, Inc, stating, “I am deeply honored to be chosen as the new CEO of SAVE, Inc. The organization has a strong legacy of providing vital services to our community, and I look forward to working with the dedicated team here to build on that foundation and drive our mission forward. Together, we will address the challenges faced by those experiencing homelessness in Kansas City.”
SAVE, Inc is known for its commitment to providing safe and stable housing, supportive services, and a path to self-responsibility for those in need. The organization’s vital work has made a significant impact in the Kansas City community for over 35 years, and this leadership transition marks an exciting milestone in its journey.
Patrick will officially assume the role of CEO on November 20, 2023. Under his guidance, SAVE, Inc will continue to innovate and adapt to the evolving needs of the community it serves.
For more information about SAVE, Inc and its services, please visit www.saveinckc.org.
Featured Manager of the Week: Cara Ramsey
What motivated you to get involved with SAVE, Inc.?
I knew the previous Director of Programs for several years and she agreed to supervise me working with SAVE, Inc. clients for my MSW practicum. This was my first introduction to the housing world but it wasn’t long before I was hooked. In the past, I mostly worked with clients who were involuntarily involved in services, but when I came to SAVE, Inc. I got a chance to work with clients who were seeking the services we provided and wanted to be engaged. For me, this shifted my work in a much more positive way, and I knew I wanted to be a part of this agency long-term.
What is your position title? What is your favorite part of your job?
My title is Director of Programs and Client Services. My favorite part of my job is that I get to see the housing world from many angles, as each of our programs offers a unique housing experience, and I love how that allows the tenants to make housing choices that are best suited for them. I also really appreciate the people I work with at SAVE, Inc. This group of people is so passionate and enthusiastic about the work done at SAVE, Inc. It’s contagious!
What are you most passionate about when it comes to SAVE, Inc.?
I believe in providing the highest quality service possible to the clients enrolled in each of our programs. I’m a macro level social worker and my skills center around program development, implementation, and evaluation, but I come from years of experience at the micro level, so I’ve been where my employees are. It’s really important to me in my role to stay in touch with what it’s like to really do the work we’re asking our employees to do and what their experience is. This helps me find the things that are not working and identify new and creative solutions to the problems facing our workforce. While I can’t solve every problem that arises, I believe that identifying, acknowledging and doing what I can to address the problems experienced by our employees helps overall improve the client experience.
What is something you want Kansas Citians to know about SAVE, Inc.?
SAVE, Inc. is a great place to get involved!! Whether you’re a student looking for an internship, you want to work for an amazing agency, or you love to volunteer somewhere your time really makes a difference, we have opportunities for everyone! Reach out and get involved!!
Featured Manager of the Week: Jana Loflin
What motivated you to get involved with SAVE, Inc.?
I’ve worked with SAVE in the past doing housing inspections. The organization left an imprint on me because of the amount of housing vouchers that are processed here. It really is a BIG job! When I saw the open position, I recognized that this would be an opportunity to utilize the spectrum of housing knowledge I have acquired throughout the past 20+ years.
What is your position title? What is your favorite part of your job?
I’m the Tenant Based Rental Assistance Supervisor for the grants funded by the Department of Mental Health. My favorite part of the job is witnessing tenants move through the process of being without a home to having one. Their whole demeanor changes once they have a home or, in some cases, once they are simply heard and understood. They learn they are not alone and that we can help them find a solution to their current housing challenge, be it a fire or a landlord who has turned off their utilities.
Another favorite part is when my staff come in and high five me when they get someone housed! I am proud of how hard they work for our tenants.
What are you most passionate about when it comes to SAVE, Inc.?
Working at ground level to navigate the hard circumstances that come to our attention. It takes dedication and patience from staff, and sometimes means stopping in the middle of something important to deal with something even more urgent. You never know what will happen in a day! I enjoy the challenge.
What is something you want Kansas Citians to know about SAVE, Inc.?
SAVE’s commitment to Kansas Citians is to open our doors to everyone. We sit down with tenants, landlords, and community members to personally assist them with any and all of their housing needs. SAVE plays a behind-the-scenes role and what happens behind that curtain contains numerous moving parts. Housing is hard, especially now, as rents in Kansas City rise and funding decreases.
Featured Manager of the Week: Danielle McGuire
What motivated you to get involved with SAVE, Inc.?
I applied with SAVE because I wanted to help as many individuals/families as possible. SAVE has made that possible not only helping the homeless find housing but to help people get back on track.
What is your position title? What is your favorite part of your job?
I am the Program Manager of Intake and Quality Management. My team and I handle the emergency assistance that comes to SAVE. I also handle completing intakes for new clients and training housing staff on how to complete those intakes. My favorite part about my job is the community building to help housing clients of all ages.
What are you most passionate about when it comes to SAVE, Inc.?
I am most passionate about helping as many clients and individuals as possible, with either emergency assistance or helping direct them in the right direction.
What is something you want Kansas Citians to know about SAVE, Inc.?
I want KC to know that SAVE does not just do housing vouchers; we try to help anyone get back on their feet and be successful in their lives.
Featured Manager of the Week: Scout Desimio
What motivated you to get involved with SAVE, Inc.?
SAVE gave me the opportunity to work with two of my favorite populations: Queer youth & folks with Severe and persistent mental illness. It’s a small organization, so it allows me to use my expertise and impact how we do our programming. That way, we do good, evidence-based work for the communities we serve.
What is your position title? What is your favorite part of your job?
Residential Program Manager. My favorite part of my job is trying to House Kansas City!! In this job I get to do it all: evaluation, writing, community building, crisis intervention, team-building, training, consulting, advocacy, and the occasional art project. I wear a lot of hats!
What are you most passionate about when it comes to SAVE, Inc.?
I really believe that SAVE Inc. has the capacity to House Kansas City. The work that SAVE does holistically addresses the issue of houselessness, from preventing folks from becoming unhoused, to providing emergency housing, and developing affordable, quality housing for folks to live sustainably with dignity.
What is something you want Kansas Citians to know about SAVE, Inc.?
We’ve been here since 1986!! We were founded during the AIDS Crisis alongside other amazing orgs in KC. SAVE has been housing people with dignity for over 30 years, especially the LGBTQ+ community. There is a ton of history in all of our buildings.
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Anti-LGBTQ Discrimination
Steps LGBTQ+ Workers Can Take If They Experience Discrimination in the Workplace
Even in 2023, many LGBGTQ+ individuals still face discrimination in the workplace. According to the latest studies more than 1 in 3 LGBTQ+ people have experienced discrimination in the workplace and for many of those people that discrimination has impacted their financial well-being. They were either fired or forced to leave a job because of the discrimination against them.
But LGBTQ+ people are protected in the workplace by Federal laws against discrimination at work. The Supreme Court expanded the protections of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act so that they include gender identity and orientation as well as race, religion, sex, and place of birth. That means your employer is breaking Federal law if they engage in or allow discrimination, including harassment, of LGBTQ+ people in the workplace.
If you’re a victim of workplace discrimination because you are LGBTQ+ you can file a complaint against your employer with the EEOC, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The EEOC investigates workplace rights violations in all states, so it doesn’t matter what state you live in. And in 44 states the EEOC will share their findings with the state authorities so that the state can decide if they want to investigate your employer too.
Examples Of Workplace Discrimination
There are many ways that LGBTQ+ people are discriminated against at work but some of the most common ones are:
Not Paying LGBTQ+ Employees Equally
You can’t be paid less than other employees who are doing the same job just because you are LGBTQ+. And you also must be given raises that are given to everyone like COLA raises each year. If your employer offers overtime, you must have the same opportunities as other employees to work overtime at overtime rates.
Targeted Bullying or Harassment
Bullying and harassment are unfortunately the most common types of discrimination that LGBTQ+ workers face. But you don’t have to put up with it. Your employer and coworkers are not allowed to use offensive or derogatory language about LGBTQ+ people, promote offensive stereotypes, ask invasive questions, or in any way create a hostile work environment where you don’t feel safe. They also can’t leave you out of work events, trainings, meetings, or other work related events that impact your ability to do your job. If you are experiencing bullying, make sure to gather evidence at the time each incident occurs. Take photos, screenshots, videos, and save documents that are discriminatory.
Cutting Hours And Scheduling
Hourly workers often find that their hours get cut or shifts are rearranged after they come out at work. If this happens to you save your schedules, pay stubs, and any communication you have with your supervisor about scheduling.
What To Do Next
Anytime you experience discrimination at work try to grab the evidence of that incident at the time it happens. Gather up emails, documents, screenshots, and a list of the incidents of discrimination you’ve experienced along with the names of people involved. Take those to your employer and demand that the discrimination stop. If your employer didn’t know you were being discriminated against they should immediately take steps to stop it. If they don’t, or if they knew and let it happen, you should go to the EEOC’s website, or your local state labor agency where you can open a complaint against that employer by writing a right to sue letter.
Remedies For Harassment And Discrimination
LGBTQ+ victims of discrimination at work may be eligible for lump sums of money for pain and suffering as well as money for lost wages, salary increases, or other money they should have gotten as part of their job.
Sources:
- https://www.americanprogress.org/article/state-lgbtq-community-2020/
- https://www.dol.gov/agencies/oasam/centers-offices/civil-rights-center/statutes/title-vii-civil-rights-act-of-1964
- https://employmentlawhelp.org/sexual-harassment/sexual-orientation-harassment
- https://www.eeoc.gov/filing-charge-discrimination
- https://employmentlawhelp.org/sexual-harassment/right-to-sue
Featured Manager of the Week: Jessica Ross
What motivated you to get involved with SAVE, Inc.?
I got involved with SAVE , Inc. in 2015. I knew several people who already worked for this agency and they spoke highly of it. After doing some research, I really felt like the mission statement of Save aligned with my own personal beliefs. Having worked in the field of social services for 20+ years, the one aspect that is in short demand amongst the low-income and disabled population is affordable housing. When an opening became available, I saw that as my opportunity to actively involve myself in housing the hard to house.
What is your position title? What is your favorite part of your job?
I am the Operations Manager for Save Inc. and Save Property Management LLC. I started out as a Housing Specialist, then I became a Housing Inspector for this agency. When the Property Manager position became available in 2018, I promoted to that. In 2021, I became Operations Manager. In this role, I supervise the Property Manager, maintenance technicians, and custodian staff. I ensure that our properties are being well maintained, overall. When I’m not attending to the physical upkeep side of things, I work with HUD to ensure we remain in compliance and that our funding is consistent.
What do I like about my job? I really enjoy working with my team. They are compassionate, competent individuals. Seeing how things operate, behind the scenes, has given me a greater appreciation for those that do the cleaning and repairing. Without them, we couldn’t function. Every day I am reminded that there are no inconsequential positions.
What are you most passionate about when it comes to SAVE, Inc.?
I am passionate about creating quality housing that is affordable and attainable. Everyone deserves safe, secure, and sanitary housing. There are very few agencies like ours that provide housing to thousands of individuals-through our Managed Properties, RESCA Programs, Voucher Programs, and drop-in shelter. When you apply for housing, typically, there are background, credit, and income criteria to meet-thus ensuring that a significant portion of the population doesn’t qualify. By being able to remove most of those criteria, we are able to provide housing to those who would otherwise be unhoused.
What is something you want Kansas Citians to know about SAVE, Inc.?
Housing is a basic human right and it should be available to everyone, without exceptions. Most housing programs require that an individual has to be “stable” first-sober, mental health issues addressed, etc. However, when you are unhoused or housing insecure, it’s extremely difficult to be stable in other aspects of life. Having somewhere safe to go gives people a solid base to grow from. We believe that meeting the need for shelter fosters stability in other areas of one’s life.
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Featured Manager of the Week: LeAnn Williams
What motivated you to get involved with SAVE, Inc.?
I found out about SAVE, Inc. through my work with another social services agency. I was really touched by the message of equality and inclusion that SAVE, Inc. strives for, and I wanted to be a part of something bigger in the community!
What is your position title? What is your favorite part of your job?
I am the Program Manager of Supportive Services. My team and I provide case management services to our clients in our permanent supportive housing and transitional housing programs. My favorite part of my job is building unique relationships with the people I serve and being able to provide them with the level of care and compassion they deserve!
What are you most passionate about when it comes to SAVE, Inc.?
I am most passionate about building up clients’ support systems through the communication and collaboration that takes place between SAVE, Inc. and other agencies/organizations in the community. “It takes a village!”
What is something you want Kansas Citians to know about SAVE, Inc.?
I want KC to know that SAVE, Inc. celebrates everyone who works with us and those we serve. We are more than just a housing agency – we are a safe space.
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Featured Manager of the Week: Toni Casey
What motivated you to get involved with SAVE, Inc.?
I could easily write a full page regarding how I ended up working with SAVE. However, in summary; I was managing a building in Kansas City a few years ago where I rented to a handful of clients who were a part of our Voucher Program. Through this, I met a Housing Specialist with SAVE, Inc. who made a huge impact on my life. I fell in love with these clients and SAVE’s mission in general. I went on to apply for different positions with SAVE, Inc. a couple times over the years until I finally got my foot in the door!
What is your position title? What is your favorite part of your job?
I am the Program Manager of Managed Properties for SAVE, Inc. My favorite part of the job (or one of them, I’ll say) is my relationship with our clients. This job allows for me to meet so many amazing individuals who I otherwise may have never crossed paths with.
What are you most passionate about when it comes to SAVE, Inc.?
Providing housing for a population who is often under-cared for is rewarding in itself and something I believe is necessary. However, that is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to genuinely making a difference in people’s lives who have unique struggles. Working for SAVE specifically allows for me to tend to both aspects of support- housing and mental health! It’s not often that you find a landlord that not only provides quality housing, but truly cares for their residents. And to me, that is a must. Housing is such an intimate job; I cannot comprehend getting in to this field and not having a passion for helping others. So, I suppose you can say I am passionate about SAVE Inc.’s drive to go above simply putting a roof over one’s head, but truly making a home for them.
What is something you want Kansas Citians to know about SAVE, Inc.?
SAVE, Inc. dabbles in so many areas that provide support for the community and I think that often gets lost in the “behind the scenes” of everything. Between providing emergency services all the way to permanent housing- there is always a way we make an impact. I just want Kansas Citians to know that we are a resource hub.