Shelter chief takes job with Shriner’s
The Randy Sams’ Outreach Shelter Executive Director Jennifer Laurent is leaving her position at the shelter July
20 to start a job with Shriner ’ s Hospital in Shreveport,
La. She started at the shelter in April
2010.
During her time at the shelter, many improvements have been made to the facility and client programs.
Recently, the center finished an expansion project which increased the number of beds from 93 to 136. Air conditioning was also added to the shelter during that project.
Laurent said there are many things she’s proud to have accomplished as the executive director.
“I’m proud of individual people who have moved out and gone on to be successful in achieving their goals. The expansion and addition of air-conditioning will always be something I look back on and am excited we were able to accomplish. … I think what I’m most proud
of is the change in perception that we’ve been able to start in the community,” Laurent said. “Education is key because there are still so many people who don’t know what all is available … and so often the bad situations are what’s covered (by media) so I think continued efforts to tell the positive part of who we serve are necessary.”
Other changes that have occurred under Laurent’s watch include the addition of life skills classes and spa day for women at the shelter.
“Life skills classes teach a set of skills people need as they’re out on their own, things they might struggle with,” Laurent said.
Those classes cover topics such as budgeting, cooking on a budget and more.
Laurent said serving as executive director at Randy Sams’ has been life-changing.
“I would absolutely say this position has changed my life. I don’t know that I will ever be the person I was before I came in. I believe now more than ever that everyone deserves someone fiercely devoted to their success and I am forever grateful I got to be that person to so many. I’ve done things I never thought I would do and have gotten to be there for people in the very highest of highs and lowest of lows and Randy Sams’ (shelter) will always be a part of me,” Laurent said.
Helen Diggs, currently the manager of client development, will serve at the interim director until the board of directors finds a permanent replacement.