HOUSING CHOICE VOUCHER HOME TO STAY 2017 PEER MENTOR PROGRAM

Meet our new Peer Mentors! The following people are four of the best navigators in the state who have graciously volunteered to help you with questions you may have about processes, difficult situations, and brainstorming ways to help your shelter become top performers.

PEER MENTOR: Helena “Super Star” DeRoche SHELTER: Rumford Group Homes IncPHONE: 207-357-5593 EMAIL: hderoche@rumfordgrouphomes.orgSPECIALTY: Helena is a powerhouse as a navigator. There is nothing she can’t do, and nothing she hasn’t experienced. Her clients respect her and know they can depend on her. She has mastered the art of documentation, has the highest lease up rate in the state, and the fastest lease up time to house her clients. She facilitates a highly successful Rent Smart Education program and her clients are some of

the most successful graduates in Maine. She acts with kindness and compassion, and goes the extra mile to help anyone in need. Helena is an excellent resource for you to reach out to no matter what the problem may be.

PEER MENTOR: Stephen “The Great One” Sinclair SHELTER: City of Portland Family Shelter PHONE: 207-482-5175EMAIL: sas@portlandmaine.gov SPECIALTY: Humor and quick wit. He would like to mention he responds well to cookies. In reality Stephen has been a great advocate since the program pilot. He is quick to learn, and very knowledgeable. He considers each situation from the other person’s perspective and listens to understand. He creatively problem solves and demonstrates commitment to all he serves. He displays a positive attitude and balanced perspective. Stephen has always been open to assisting other shelters who have needed help, and is often a guest speaker for our department. He definitely should be on your go to list when you need a voice of logic.

PEER MENTOR: Kari “Go-Getter” Bradstreet SHELTER: Hope and Justice ProjectPHONE: 207-764-2977 EMAIL: kari@hopeandjusticeproject.orgSPECIALTY: Attention to detail, and advocating for clients. Kari not only serves one of our most difficult populations to successfully house, but she does so in our most difficult region to work in. Aroostook County is not known for being a mecca for housing, because it’s not. Resources are few and far between. Kari came out of the gate swinging and showed that Aroostook county can be just as, if not more successful, than other regions of the state. Kari has determination and drive to be the best at what she does. She strives for excellence and is

certainly a highly motivated force in her community. Kari is really good at getting creative and taking few resources and turning them into amazing opportunities. She is well respected and well liked, and certainly a great resource for those problems you need another set of eyes for.

PEER MENTOR: Sharon “Encourager” LewisSHELTER: Safe Voices PHONE: 671-2515 EMAIL: slewis@safevoices.orgSPECIALTY: Attentive and good with details. Her super power is her positivity and “Go Team, Go” attitude. She creates an environment that encourages others to offer new ideas and approaches. She demonstrates flexibility and treats other with respect and dignity. Sharon is an excellent problem solver, and offers exceptional encouraging support to all who meet her. Sharon is kind and attentive to all she meets, a natural caretaker. Sharon excels at overcoming obstacles, and advocating for change. Sharon is great at learning and teaching the rules of any program. If you need someone to listen and motivate you Sharon is your go to person.