CHAMP Homes New Leadership Team Looks Ahead

CCB MEDIA PHOTO Beth Wade, Rick Brigham and Deborah Carr are the new leadership team at CHAMP Homes.

CCB MEDIA PHOTO
Beth Wade, Rick Brigham and Deborah Carr are the new leadership team at CHAMP Homes.

HYANNIS – A new leadership team is taking the helm at CHAMP Homes, the nonprofit founded in 1991 by Paul and Carolyn Hebert to house homeless individuals.

The new team consists of Elizabeth Hardy Wade of Chatham, who will serve as executive director; Rick Brigham of Hyannis, who will serve as Program Developer and Co-Director of Pilot House; and Deborah L. Carr of Dennis, who will serve as Program Director of CHAMP Homes.

All three have worked at CHAMP Homes for the past year to help transition into their new roles and work with founders Paul and Carolyn Hebert. CHAMP Homes has six houses used to house people who have been homeless or in need of housing.

Wade said she first learned about CHAMP Homes after the death of her son, who, she said, had been involved in drugs and had taken his own life. During that time, she had gone public with her story in order to warn other young people about the dangers of Ecstasy “and some of the devastating consequences of drug use in our community.” Paul Hebert had reached out to her during that time.

She started volunteering with the organization in 2001 and joined the board in 2004. Before joining CHAMP Homes, Wade was Vice President and General Manager at John C. Ricotta & Associates in Chatham.

She has a personal interest in housing and economic development as she served on the board of Friends of Chatham Affordable Housing and Community Development Partnership.

She joined the CHAMP Homes’ staff in October of 2013 as the Director Outreach and Development.

Wade said, ”I am very excited to lead CHAMP Homes, an organization near and dear to my heart. I’m looking forward to helping to guide the organization and expand its activities focusing on providing work and life opportunities for individuals in need of a new beginning, especially where we’ll be celebrating CHAMP Homes’ 25th anniversary in 2016.”

Rick Brigham worked at the NOAH Shelter since its opening in Hyannis in 1985. He joined the staff as a direct care worker and served in seven capacities, including housing specialist, facility director, social services coordinator, program director and resource development coordinator.

“The reality is that the solutions to homelessness are individual. Every situation is different,” he said. “You solve the problem of homelessness one person at a time.”

Brigham said he is gratified to be working with the clients at CHAMP Homes. “To be directly involved is very rewarding work,” he says. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to help hundreds of people. This is the heart of it: helping the people who are neediest among us.”

Deborah Carr is transitioning from her current role she took on at CHAMP Homes in 2011 as Advocate and Case Manager.

Born in Bronxville, New York, she has lived on Cape Cod for the majority of her life. She has worked in various fields of service over the years working extensively with at risk adolescents and the elderly, as an EMT, and a Patient Benefits Manager.

For many years, Carr has also volunteered for the American Red Cross in various capacities including CPR and First Aid Instructor and Katrina relief. She has also volunteered for various projects and activities for her church and children’s schools. She is a graduate of the Human Services Program at Cape Cod Community College and has her Bachelors of Science in Social Work from Bridgewater State University. She is currently enrolled in a Masters in Social Work Program at Rhode Island College.

Carr said, “It is such an honor and privilege to have the ability to be of service to many, although it would be my wish to serve all of those who come through our doors. I am looking forward to continuing to strengthen CHAMP Homes’ commitment to serving the community.”

Since its founding, CHAMP Homes has helped over 2,300 individuals, according to the organization. It currently provides housing to over 65 residents, aged 18 to 80. Many of the residents are at-risk individuals who suffer from mental, physical and emotional disabilities or are recovering from addiction.

Click below to listen to Beth Wade, Rick Brigham and Deborah Carr talk about CHAMP Homes.



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