One of the most familiar faces in Roanoke, credited with changing countless lives for the better, Joy Sylvester-Johnson is now transitioning to step down from her post as CEO from the Roanoke Rescue Mission.
Sylvester- Johnson said she has plans to step down at the end of next year, and that a transition committee has been working for the past year to find her replacement.
“I still get a little teary eyed, yet excited when I know something I routinely do here will be the last time I may do it,” she said.
Sylvester- Johnson is not ready to disclose much of what she will be doing after, but said travel and time with grandchildren are high anticipated.
She also said she’ll step away from the Rescue Mission for some time, but after new leadership has had a chance to get comfortable she may come back to help where she can.
Meanwhile, the Rescue Mission received preliminary numbers from its outreach in 2015 on Friday.
According to their year-end data of those that used emergency shelter:
- 30 percent had a diagnosed mental disability
- 36 percent had a physical disability
- 38 percent were previously incarcerated, making it hard to get a job.
- 371 people were victims of domestic violence.
Of those seeking emergency shelter in 2015 compared to 2014:
- The number of men in the shelter decreased by 20 percent
- The number of women by 13 percent.
- The number of children increased by a startling 22 percent.
In the past year, the Roanoke Rescue Mission expanded services and consequently, incurred expected additional costs. For the first time, the Roanoke Rescue Mission ended the year in the red.
Sylvester-Johnson said the mission is down by $250,000, but that figure wasn’t completely unexpected.
“The things we are doing really are life-saving,” she said.
Sylvester- Johnson said although their services steadily increased over the past 10 years, which has cost the mission more, the organization has saved the city $60,000 in assistance that would have been spent on those in need.
As she puts it, “’To keep the numbers down of those who end up needing the rescue mission’s help, it will cost the rescue mission more.” This is because over the years, they have provided expanded and more in-depth care for each person they see.
The mission has been successful in finding more permanent lifestyles for those they help in less than their target of 40 days. She says that must remain their focus.
“Given the variables we don’t control like the economy, we have to concentrate on the variables we can control,” she said.
“Some of the changes we have made in the last ten years is putting emphasis on case management by providing programs right here in one location, in a comprehensive setting where every obstacle can be addressed while the person is with us.”
“We are hopeful that our supporters will get us back into the black as quickly as possible,” she said.
To donate to the Roanoke Rescue Mission Ministries, visit their website at: http://rescuemission.net/
Rachel Lucas – News Partner WSLS 10
