FrontLiner Profiles: Nicki Blade
“I don’t think people understand how hard it can be for someone, especially a vet, to ask for help so the fact that they do means they have already completed half the battle to getting themselves back on track.”
Nicki Blade is a Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program Manager and has worked at FrontLine for 13 years.
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FrontLiner Profiles: Susan Weaver
"[My favorite part of my job is ] working with children and families following trauma. While you are exposed to a lot of secondary traumatic experiences you also get to see and work with families who are resilient, courageous, and help them reestablish their personal power and equilibrium. It is a privilege to walk with them on their journey."
- Susan Weaver is the Children Who Witness Violence Program Manager and has been working with FrontLine since 2008.
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FrontLiner Profiles: Justin Antall
“I would want the community to know that you don’t have to be suicidal to utilize [crisis] services. If it is a crisis for you, we will respond to it with care and empathy.”
Justin Antall is FrontLine Service’s Online Emotional Support Program Manager and has been working at the agency since 2014.
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FrontLiner Profiles: Anola Smith
“My favorite part of my job is interacting with the clients. I truly feel that I am making a difference when clients are excited to tell me about their wins, or they make it a priority to seek me out to update me on things they are working on. I know then I have created a safe space for them and that makes me proud. “
Anola Smith is a Clinical Coordinator for FrontLine Service. She has worked at FrontLine since 2017.
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FrontLiner Profiles: Laura Martovitz
“It is an honor and privilege to be a part of the Frontline Service team! Together we are saving lives!”
Laura Martovitz is the founder of the Ride for Life Poker Run event and has been involved in supporting FrontLine Service since 2017.
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FrontLiner Profile: Mendi Carrington
“I work at FrontLine Service because I love it! FrontLine is a wonderful agency that specializes in helping people—from those less fortunate to those traumatized. I enjoy my team—all of us are well-rounded and kind-hearted individuals who genuinely care for each other and the people we serve. I care about this work because I care about people, especially children.”
Mendi Carrington is a Trauma Systems Therapist for FrontLine Service. She has worked at FrontLine since April 2015.
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FrontLiner Profiles: Jeanine Nemecek and Christine Oblak
“FrontLine’s work reaches so many individuals at some of the very worst times of their lives. FrontLine workers never turn their head, but rather do all they can to help. Connecting people to the resources without judgement is foundational to FrontLine’s work.” - Jeanine Nemecek
“I hold a deep concern for humanity and firmly believe that every individual deserves access to mental wellness resources and the hope it offers, especially during the darkest moments. FrontLine plays a crucial role in providing this to our community.” - Christine Oblak
Christine Oblak and Jeanine Nemecek are on the FrontLine Service board of directors. Jeanine has been involved with FrontLine since 2010 and Christine has been involved since 2016.
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FrontLiner Profiles: Guy Vincent
“Aligning with FrontLine Service was a natural and compelling choice due to our shared commitment to addressing societal challenges…Through collaboration, I’m privileged to play a role in advancing the collective mission of healing and empowerment.”
Guy Vincent is a contemporary artist and art instructor who has been involved with FrontLine in art and community projects since 2018.
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FrontLiner Profiles: Macayla Dowling
“I have been extremely fortunate to have stable housing and a strong support system throughout my entire life. I am a firm believer that everyone deserves to have safe housing where they truly feel at home.”
Macayla Dowling is a case manager for Permanent Supportive Housing and has worked at FrontLine Service since June 2022.
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FrontLiner Profiles: Rich Robins
“My guiding belief is that the more talent, time, and treasure one has been given, the greater the responsibility to one’s fellow man. For me, that place is FrontLine Service.”
Rich Robins has served on FrontLine Service's Board of Directors for 20+ years.
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FrontLiner Profiles: Bill Kelly
“I work at Frontline to make a difference. Frontline works with the most marginalized and voiceless individuals in the community and is a voice for the voiceless. I have always had a passion for helping people and sticking up for the most vulnerable. Seeing someone prevail and defy the odds is what we live for as workers in this field. At Frontline, we have a chance to see our clientele defy the odds daily.”
- Bill Kelly is the Program Manager for Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness (PATH) / Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) Outreach Team and has worked with FrontLine since 2013.
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FrontLiner Profiles: Treveya Franklin
“People tend to look down on others who do not look or act the way they expect. All of us have a heart, breathe the same air, and bleed the same blood. We should care for others, especially those who are in need of extra support, because everyone needs someone, and we cannot survive alone.”
— Treveya Franklin is the Operations Manager of North Point and has been working at FrontLine since 2014.
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FrontLiner Profiles: Anthony McWilliams
“Homelessness is a system problem, not a personal issue.“
-- Anthony McWilliams is the Program Manager for Rapid Rehousing and Young Adult Services and had worked at FrontLine Service since 2018
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FrontLiner Profiles: Tara Gower
“Many of our clients have literally hit rock bottom, ended up unhoused, and were resilient enough to rebuild their lives. It’s an honor to serve them, cheer for them, and support their journeys.”
Tara Gower has been a Permanent Supportive Housing Program Manager since February 2023.
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FrontLiner Profiles: Ada Millin
“I have been part of FrontLine for 27 years because: I love making a positive difference in someone's life; FrontLine is family-oriented and provides staff with the time needed to take care of their family; and FrontLine is ahead of the times when it comes to anti-racism trainings/committees.”
Ada Millin has been a FrontLine employee since 1996. Prior to her current position as a Hope-Link Support Specialist, she served as a Crisis Call Center Specialist for many years. She has served as an interpreter for the Hispanic community during her tenure.
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FrontLiner Profiles: Bruce Walton
“A lot of people would say [the hardest part of my job is] listening to the stories of what our clients go through. But for me, the hardest part is understanding that there is always going to be a need. Our work is continuous. And that’s why I am here.”
Bruce Walton has served as FrontLine Service’s Communications Specialist since 2020.
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FrontLiner Profiles: Laura Desmond
“Everyone benefits from FrontLine’s ability to end homelessness, promote mental wellness, and help adults and children overcome trauma. They give me hope.”
Laura Desmond is the co-founder of the Acacia Foundation; a donor for 18 years; and a volunteer Camp Bridges Buddy and a Twinkle Shop Elf.
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FrontLiner Profiles (Nurses Day Edition): Alison Swartwout
“The most memorable part of my nursing career has been switching from bedside nursing during the Covid-19 pandemic to coming to work here at Frontline. The change has been very beneficial for me, and the work is much more aligned with what I want to do in the future as a public health nurse.”
Allison Stwartwout has worked as an Integrated Care Nurse since 2021.
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FrontLiner Profiles: LaTonya Murray
“I truly believe that we are here to be a safety net to the most vulnerable people of our community.”
LaTonya Murray, Chief Equity & Quality Officer, has worked at FrontLine Service since 1991.
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FrontLiner Profiles: Elaine Stephens
“You have to be a people’s person…I don’t just jump in and say 'You need to do this' and 'You need to do that.' I need to see what is going on with that person before I even think about doing anything.”
Elaine Stephens has been a Life Skills Specialist in the Safe Haven program since 2001.
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