Director retires after 21 years of service

Sandy Humphrey, director of shelter and emergency services at Neighborhood Alliance in Elyria, is retiring after 21 years of service, according to a news release.

Humphrey’s retirement is effective May 31.

Raised in Lorain County, she came to Neighborhood Alliance — previously Neighborhood House Association — after a discussion with former associate director Helen Stone, the release said.

Humphrey had been the director of Lakeview Assisted Living for several years.

That program was started by Neighborhood House Association in 1984 to provide services to low income, elderly and handicapped adults, the release said.

In that position she was able to see the impact firsthand as the community came together to serve those in need, the release said.

After 10 years at Lakeview Assisted Living, Humphrey became the director of the Haven Center Homeless Shelter.

That position opened Humphrey’s eyes to how different and alike people are, the release said.

She had not worked with children prior to the shelter.

Meeting with families was also a new and enlightening experience for her, the release said.

Humphrey said the success of the Haven Center Homeless Shelter is largely due to the team.

“I have always had a team of employees at the shelter who represent the best of themselves when they are helping those who have lost so much,” she said.

Gloria Olivencia, crisis and emergency manager for the Neighborhood Alliance Haven Center Homeless Shelter, said Humphrey has worn many hats throughout her career.

“She is always teaching her staff about changes that will be occurring and has always implemented the changes before they actually happen,” Olivencia said. “She is always one step ahead of the game and thinks outside the box. I have enjoyed working with her and learning everything she has to offer. I have come to know her not only as my boss but as a friend as well. We will all miss her presence and her knowledge. We wish her the best of luck here at the Haven Center, and we hope that she enjoys her new life as she enters the world of retirement that she so greatly deserves.”

The impact Humphrey has had in the community is immeasurable, the release said.

The systems she has put in place and the relationships she has cultivated for the organization will only grow stronger in the years to come, the release said.

Neighborhood Alliance has been compassionately caring for the community since 1927. It provides services such as: Child Enrichment Services, Senior Enrichment Services, Haven Center Homeless Shelter and Emergency Services and Family Supportive Services. The organization’s mission is to enhance neighborhoods as they continue to expand its programs and services to address the changing needs of families and individuals alike.

“She is always one step ahead of the game and thinks outside the box. I have enjoyed working with her and learning everything she has to offer...”

— Gloria Olivencia, crisis and emergency manager for the Neighborhood Alliance Haven Center Homeless Shelter

For more information, visit www.MyNeighborhoodAllliance.org or call 440-233-8768.

SUBMITTED — NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE Sandy Humphrey, center holding cake, director of shelter and emergency services at Neighborhood Alliance, is retiring after 21 years of service.