Staffing Updates
July 2024
Recently, SCPO created several new positions and promoted several staff members. Below, each staff member shares about his or her new title, and describes how things have evolved since starting at SCPO.
Pictured, from left to right:
Elizabeth Martinez, Shannon Shaw, Rob Zicari, DeShawn McLamore, Susan Bernhart, Sharon Castronovo
Shannon Shaw
Old Title(s)/New Title: Office Administrator; New Title: Office Manager
Year Joined the SCPO Community: 2020
What this new title means for SCPO: As the Office Manager, I will manage the daily office operations and procedures. I will ensure that the administrative office is welcoming to all. My role consists of various tasks such as support of human resources functions, providing information to clients regarding services and programs, and providing support to the executive team.
How things have changed since you joined the SCPO community: When I first started at SCPO, the administrative staff shared space in the attic at Jennifer House. Now I have the luxury of my own spacious office, which I share with two canine companions. I have the pleasure of working with a team of dedicated, knowledgeable and caring colleagues. I appreciate the opportunity to help the men and women of SCPO. It is a blessing to be a part of such an incredible organization, and I am looking forward to seeing future growth at SCPO.
Sharon Castronovo
Old Title(s)/New Title: Business Manager/Director Finance and Administration
Year Joined the SCPO Community: 2004
What this new title means for SCPO: This position reflects my evolving role as a leader within Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach and also influencing long-term planning, setting financial goals aligned with SCPO's mission, and ensuring efficient application of resources.
How things have changed since you joined the SCPO community: I first started as PT Admin Assistant with only the Jennifer House Program. Almost every aspect of the organization has had some change except our mission of serving the homeless, justice-involved. SCPO is now an even more respected organization, which is the result of a great team.
Susan Bernhart
Old Title(s)/New Title: Government Grants Administrator/Grants and Housing Manager
Year Joined the SCPO Community: 2023
What this new title means for SCPO: As Government Grants Administrator, I worked under the Business Manager to prepare grant applications, ensure and report compliance, manage overall government grant efforts, and optimize processes. As the new Grants and Housing Manager I will be engaged in the above grant functions as well as housing services coordination, program development, partner collaboration and stakeholder involvement. The new pieces of my position include the analysis of program data, identification of opportunities for program expansion or enhancement, and engagement with partners and stakeholders to leverage resources, share best practices, and advocate for policies and initiatives that support housing stability and social justice.
How things have changed since you joined the SCPO community: When I first started at SCPO, my job description included the following statement: “We envision a safe, healthy, and equitable community with abundant opportunities for all.” Every month, week and day of the last year I have seen SCPO staff work diligently towards that end. Our Transitional Housing (TH) and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs have expanded. Nielsen House has reached a record number of 20 residents at one time. We have a new 15 unit location at Flower City II and our participants have increased from 55 in May of 2023 to 70 this month. Through Spiritus Christi Prison Outreach programs, 100 formerly homeless individuals are currently safely housed, with support networks and achievable goals. The expansion continues as Federal Street finalizes renovations and as plans to increase the RRH program are underway. Integration of RRH and PSH program administration is also in progress, with new forms and policies to better serve the changing community. Moreover, clients and staff have made astounding efforts to reach out to one another to form a safe, strong community in which new lives and new hope begin.
DeShawn McLamore
Old Title(s)/New Title: Intern (Jennifer House)/Director of Flower City I/Coordinator of Permanent Supportive Housing/Director of Permanent Supportive Housing
Year Joined the SCPO Community: 2021
What this new title means for SCPO: My dedication to serving others and my drive for professional growth culminate in my latest achievement. In July 2024, I will step into the role of Director of Permanent Supportive Housing. In this capacity, I will oversee the provision of support services for 78 housing units, ensuring that our residents receive the comprehensive care and assistance they need to thrive.
How things have changed since you joined the SCPO community: I am confident that under my leadership, our Permanent Supportive Housing programs will continue to flourish, reflecting my unwavering commitment to improving the lives of those we serve. I am grateful for the opportunity to continue making a difference and excited about what lies ahead.
Rob Zicari
Old Title(s)/New Title: Per Diem/Peer Specialist
Year Joined the SCPO Community: 2019
What this new title means for SCPO: I can work with people, as a peer, on an individual basis. I can support them in a new way. I am hoping now to get my CRPA (Certified Recovery Peer Specialist).
How things have changed since you joined the SCPO community: Since I joined the community, there are now new managers and directors at Nielsen House. The routine is more structured, but not in a strict and rigid way. There's also a lot more one-on-one interaction and accountability, with proper case management as a standard.
Elizabeth Martinez
Old Title(s)/New Title: Operations Administrator/Director of Operations
Year Joined the SCPO Community: 2020
What this new title means for SCPO: As Director of Operations, I will be leading efforts that impact SCPO at the mezzo/macro level; things like strategic planning, evidence-based practice, communications, ethics, program development, FT staff recruitment, reporting, and grant writing (private grants)
How things have changed since you joined the SCPO community: When I first started at SCPO, I worked in a corner of the Jennifer House attic, where I shared the space with three other people. Now I have my own office on the main floor at Nielsen House! A huge indicator of growth and change! More importantly, I've developed relationships with amazing colleagues, community members, and residents that I am grateful for each and every day.
