Former Creating Housing Coalition Vice President Carol Davies has had her hands full since starting the Community Outreach Assistance Team in December of 2021. Up until recently, Carol volunteered countless hours getting COAT off the ground, and then ensuring that the team’s outreach efforts were successful. All of this on top of her many duties as Vice President of CHC, among which were assisting President Stacey Bartholomew and serving on various committees. Her time and efforts have been invaluable to the organization.
As of July 1st, her load lightened slightly as she stepped down from her position on the board to become a full-time paid employee of CHC as the official COAT Program Director. After searching for about a year and applying for several grants, funding for her position was secured through Intercommunity Health Network’s Delivery System Transformation grant expansion. CHC was a grant recipient in 2020 and in June of this year was invited to apply for funding to expand the COAT project capacity. Along with Carol’s position, the grant funds the COAT program, including the salaries of peer support staff members Heather Denherder and Michael McCarthy.
Carol is already busy expanding the team’s capabilities. She is currently working with a local software developer to create a data entry system to track client case management. The software will also be used for case management in the village.
As well, Heather and Michael are being trained to provide intensive case management to clients in need of the extra assistance, and eventually in harm reduction strategies. Michael is also being trained to step up into Heather’s current position once she moves into the village to assume her new role as village coordinator.
Plans are underway to host the Samaritan Medical Van on July 27th at Talking Water Gardens from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. They will be providing community members’ basic medical care. Carol hopes to make this a regular event.
Even with all the above responsibilities, Carol will continue to be involved with CHC activities such as tabling events and serving on various CHC committees. She will also be involved in seeking qualified applicants and choosing the first residents of the Hub City Village.