JENNIFER PAUL
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Jennifer@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
Jennifer (B.A. History) believes that nonprofits can “create the positive, transformational change that makes our world a better place for all.” As the Executive Director at Families Together, she works with the Board of Directors, staff, donors, volunteers and partners to build a growing community of supporters, all working to end family homelessness in our community. To Jennifer, being the Executive Director means she gets the “privilege of working alongside awe-inspiring people who share a belief that every family deserves a home.”
“When I was little, I wanted to be in the Olympics when I grew up.”
“When I was little, I wanted to be a business owner when I grew up.”
KAREN LASSITER
HOUSING AND FAMILY SERVICES DIRECTOR
Karen@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
As Housing and Families Services Director, Karen (M.A. Business Leadership, M.A. Family & Marriage Counseling and Coaching) serves and supports families in our program, ensuring their immediate needs are communicated effectively to facilitate the provision of holistic services. “One of the most inspiring aspects of my work is encouraging and supporting my team as we work together minimizing barriers for individuals experiencing homelessness, helping them secure permanent housing, and make connections … that they need to achieve a fresh start. My day is made brighter when I hear "I got someone housed today" or "I have a family graduating that's been housed a year", or "Someone was hired today". I am particularly drawn to non-profit organizations because they offer the chance to make a direct, positive impact on the lives of individuals and the community by providing essential support to vulnerable individuals. .”
Kelly nutty
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT & COMMUNICATIONS
Kelly@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
As the Director of Development and Communications, Kelly (J.D. Law, Certificate of Achievement in Strategic Foresight, Nonprofit Leadership Certificate) turns generosity into action and ensures every voice, from our families to our donors, is heard and valued. She is focused on bringing together allies in the Greater Raleigh area to help solve the issues of homelessness and affordable housing by sharing the journeys of families finding stability. “Every day is an opportunity to inspire connection, celebrate resilience, and remind others that when we work together, we can end family homelessness.” Kelly feels inspired by the stories, quiet victories, moments of courage, and kindness that ripples through our community. “The most inspiring part of my job is witnessing the power of partnership when people from all walks of life come together to make sure families can rebuild and belong.”
“When I was five, I was certain I’d be a veterinarian when I grew up. I wanted to help every creature find comfort and care.”
Daniela Archibold
DIRECTOR OF FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION
DArchibold@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
As Director of Finance & Administration, Daniela (M.A. Public Administration, Nonprofit Executive Leadership Certificate) advances Families Together’s mission through sound and efficient financial management — working behind the scenes to ensure our clients can access services, our staff have the resources they need to do their jobs effectively, and our board and stakeholders can place their trust in what we do. “I have a strong public service orientation and a deep desire to advance communities through my work … I am inspired by people, their unique stories, resilience, and the ways they navigate challenges.” For Daniela, the most inspiring part of her work is being able to tell the story of our organization beyond the numbers. “For me, finance is about enabling families to access essential services and ensuring our organization can serve communities effectively though sound finance practices.”
“When I was little, I wanted to be a dancer. I eagerly participated in every school performance, finding joy in sharing space with others through music and play.”
Erin Hill Carter, LMFT
STABILIZATION & FAMILY SERVICES MANAGER
Erin@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
Erin (B.A. Psychology & Sociology, M.A. Marriage & Family Therapy) leads a team of dynamic change agents to move families out of crisis mode by reducing barriers, promoting community connections, and co-creating a holistic and sustainable environment to achieve long-term success and self-sufficiency after being faced with housing instability. She feels inspired by the families our organization serves and is “motivated by the desire to contribute to positive change supporting vulnerable and underserved populations.
“When I was little, I wanted to be a doctor that delivers babies. Then I wanted to become a nurse who took care of babies. I finally settled on being a counselor/therapist at the age of 13 because of my wonderful middle school counselor, Ms. Tucker.”
Danielle Pennington
DEVELOPMENT MANAGER
Danielle@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
As Development Manager, Danielle (M.A. Political Management) works hard to faithfully tell the stories of our families and organization to supporters and partners in the community, allowing them to better understand the character, resilience, and impact of families in Wake County, as well as Families Together’s work. “The most inspiring part of my work are my co-workers. Whatever their job description, they are committed to partnering with families to help them achieve housing goals and reach stability. We are all here to make a difference in our community and that is inspiring.”
“When I was 5, I was pretty sure I’d be a Shamu trainer ... Now, I feel terrible the whales are doomed to spend their lives confined by cement walls and faceless spectators.”
KENNETH NIXON
PROPERTY STRATEGY MANAGER
Kenneth@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
Ken is passionate about making a difference in our community, and being the Property Strategy Manager allows him to ensure that families have a safe, comfortable, and dignified place to call home. “I'm inspired by simply knowing that the work that I do has a positive impact on the community. Knowing that families have a place to call home inspires me to keep going and to tell others about the importance of contributing for the greater good of all.”
“When I was 5, I wanted to be an illustrator. I loved cartoons ... I would spend hours tracing the characters and adding my own flair to them!”
DANIELA hERRERA
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR
Daniela@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
As Communications Coordinator, Daniela (B.A. Sociology, Film Studies) works to tell the stories of local children and their families on their journey to safety and stability and communicating the need for secure and affordable housing — as well as creating strong relationships between our organization and supporters by keeping them informed on the work our team is doing so they know their support is well appreciated and truly making an impact. “Making sure I tell the stories of families with respect and dignity is incredibly important to me. I want to show that the numbers we hear around homelessness are not just a statistic — they are people, full human beings and members of our local community, who are not defined by their circumstances.” She is inspired by the resilience of families our organization partners with and by the way our community comes together to take care of our own in times of need. “Community care is a core value for me, both personally and professionally. So seeing our supporters rise to the occasion to care for each other warms my heart and reminds me that that’s what it’s all about — neighbors caring for another and making us stronger together as a community.”
“When I was 5, I don’t think I had any one thing I wanted to be when I grew up - one day I wanted to be a dancer and the next a musician. I’d say the most consistent one was being a superhero. Specifically Spider-Girl.”
“When I was little, I wanted to be a doctor when I grew up. I became fascinated with the letters PhD behind a person’s name and wanted that for myself.”
Darryl McCaster
HOUSING NAVIGATOR
Darryl@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
Darryl (B.A. Psychology) displays a commitment to empathy and resilience as a Housing Navigator, connecting with different landlords & property managers, advocating for our clients, and allowing landlords to provide them with a second chance at stabilization. He finds inspiration in his work helping others. “Nobody knows how to navigate life by themselves. We all will need help someday, it's only right that we help others.”
“When I was 5, I was pretty sure I was going to be a teacher when I grew up.”
deborah arabia
BOOKKEEPER
Deborah@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
Deborah (B.A. Accounting) uses her accounting skills as Bookkeeper to help facilitate Families Together’s mission to make sure every family in Wake County has a safe and stable home through back office support. “Accounting work by nature can be mundane, it's the organizations and people who you support that bring meaning to your work. There is no better way to bring meaning in life than to help those in need.”
ERIC DOLL
HMIS DATA SPECIALIST
Eric@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
As HMIS Data Specialist at Families Together, Eric (Certification in Non-Profit Management) loves to capture the progress and results of all the hard work staff and families are doing at Families Together. Getting to see the big overview of how many milestones families achieve and how much support our organization creates for our community is extremely rewarding. Eric is inspired by his mission to serve God and people “1 Corinthians 10:31 "do all for the glory of God."“
“I legit wanted to be an astronaut when I was a kid...it turns out I’m too tall.”
“When I was 5, I was pretty sure I was going to be a teacher when I grew up ... I wanted to be a part of [children’s] foundations through life.”
Faith godfrey
EMERGENCY SHELTER SPECIALIST
Faith@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
Faith (B.S. Family and Community Services) provides a clean and safe environment for families who are experiencing homelessness as an Emergency Shelter Specialist by identifying barriers that would prohibit obtaining housing, referring families to both in-house and outside agencies, and using a holistic approach to assure the well-being of the family as a whole. “I am inspired to work in the non profit field, because I know that life can change for anyone, including myself, at any moment. I have always wanted to do unto others as I would desire them to do unto me, which is lend a helping in a time of need … To know that I can be that community or support to someone motivates me to be that advocate that is needed.” She loves being able to witness the growth and confidence that comes from having a steadfast, supportive community, paving the way for a new beginning that can change families’ lives for the better.
“When I was little, I wanted to be a fashion designer when I grew up. I even had a portfolio full of sketches that I kept for years!”
Hannah King
STABILIZATION SERVICES MENTOR ADVOCATE
HannahK@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
As a Stabilization Services Mentor Advocate, Hannah (B.S.W., current M.S.W student) ensures our families are able to maintain their permanent housing long-term and continue to thrive for the rest of their lives. Hannah brings her passion for caring for others to her work and is inspired by her want to make sure every family has a roof over their heads and a bed to sleep in at night. “Ever since I was a child, the thought of people not having a place to sleep at night has broken my heart. I've always wanted to make great change in that area, and am so grateful to be able to do this work like I've always dreamed of.”
Lucy Jones
VOLUNTEER & OUTREACH COORDINATOR
lucy@familiestogethernc.org
As Volunteer & Outreach Coordinator, Lucy (B.A. Philosophy) works to bring more community members into our mission through volunteer projects and ongoing opportunities, as well as talk about our work in the community through outreach and engagement. She is inspired by the way groups of individuals come together to make a difference in our community and believes volunteering helps us stay connected to each other, our community, and ourselves. “I love giving people the opportunity to help families go from homelessness to stability, whether that's through hosting donation drives, cleaning our emergency shelter apartments, or providing childcare.”
“When I was little, I wanted to be a hairdresser! I loved the idea of having my own little station and helping people feel confident about their hair.”
Meredith Davis
HEALTHCARE ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST
Meredith@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
As a Healthcare Engagement Specialist, Meredith (B.S.W., M.S.W., L.C.S.W.) supports families and their overall well-being by connecting them to appropriate physical and mental health services necessary for their journey to stable housing. She is passionate about working with families to achieve success by implementing a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach. “The most inspiring part of my job is seeing the successes of my families and celebrating in all of their wins, no matter how big or small.”
“When I was little, I was sure I’d be a ballerina when I grew up.”
Paul Rowland
STABILIZATION & EMPLOYMENT MENTOR ADVOCATE
Paul@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
Paul (B.S.W.) acts as a resource to families in Wake County experiencing homelessness by advocating for whatever a family may need to achieve stabilization. He also works in employment services by connecting families to community resources such as programs to improve a family’s financial security. “I love seeing how the families are able to grow and reach their goals — from finding a higher paying job, getting into a certain program, or improving their finances. Once the families put a plan into action is inspiring to watch them attain their own goals.”
“When I was little, I wanted to be a marine biologist when I grew up.”
Pherona fraizer
REHOUSING SPECIALIST
Pherona@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
Pherona (B.S.W.) helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness quickly find and secure safe, stable housing as a Rehousing Specialist. She guides, encourages, and advocates for clients, helping them build the skills and confidence necessary to maintain housing and achieve long-term stability. Inspired by the real and positive impact her work has on families’ lives, she is driven by the opportunity to support children and families during challenging times to help them move toward stability and independence. “My purpose is to help people help themselves and give them the tools they need to build their own success. The most inspiring part of my job is seeing clients achieve their goals, gain confidence, and take steps toward a better future. Being able to play a small part in someone’s journey toward hope and stability is what keeps me passionate and committed to this work.”
“When I was little, I wanted to be a hair stylist when I grew up”
Shirley Griffin
STABILIZATION & FAMILY MENTOR ADVOCATE
Shirley@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
As a Stabilization & Family Mentor Advocate, Shirley (B.S.W., M.S.W.) offers families guidance and assistance as they navigate complicated situations and address a variety of obstacles. Shirley offers the consistent, tailored support required to help families overcome tough challenges while establishing a secure environment where they can flourish. “Working for a nonprofit is motivated by the opportunity to make real, beneficial changes in the community and a strong desire to assist others. Seeing the results of your effort, being fulfilled by changing the world, and working with like-minded people to accomplish a shared goal are the most motivating aspects of this profession."
“At the age of 5, I had no idea what I wanted to do. Over the years, watching my parents feed the homeless, participate in prison ministry, and visit the elderly people in the nursing care facilities fueled a desire in me to help others.”
“When I was little, I wanted to be a backup singer for Micheal Jackson.”
Tanya SAmpson
CASE MANAGER/MENTOR ADVOCATE
Tanya@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
As a Mentor Advocate, Tanya (B.S.W.) assists families as they develop or regain self-sufficiency, independence, life skills and more, giving every family the opportunity to succeed and be stably housed. She feels most inspired when she is “working effortlessly to assist family become housed, and then to see the smile and the gratitude once our families are housed.”
“Growing up, I thought I would work in a field that did not require me to deal with people ... I wanted to be an accountant. Somehow I ended up ... helping those who are in the same situation I came through.”
Valentina Achille
FAMILY SUPPORT ADVOCATE
Valentina@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
Valentina (A.A.S. Psychology) supports families on their journey to self-sufficiency as a Family Advocate, always finding ways to help families understand that this situation is just a "bump in the road," and that it does not define who they are and who they can become. “What inspires me is knowing that if I can make it through this circumstance, anybody can with the right support. It’s heartwarming to me when I see families graduate and begin "living," not just surviving. When I hear and see how their children are now responding to life, it's inspiring to me.”
olivia Senor
INTERN
Intern1@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
As an intern, Olivia (B.A. History, M.S.W. student) is always learning, learning, and doing even more learning! Shadowing coworkers, lending a hand to families and staff, and answering calls from people seeking assistance, Olivia experiences new things every day. “Families Together has been such a transformational environment and I've learned so much from coworkers, clients, and community partners.” She feels most inspired I'm most by fellow staff and the families we work with. “I have met some of the kindest and most resilient people I know during my time with Families Together. Even though we see a lot of challenging things, I'm always reinvigorated by how incredible and supportive people can be to one another.”
“When I was little, I felt sure that I’d be a crazy cat lady when I grew up. Now, I live in a five-cat household!”
“When I was 5, I was pretty sure I’d be a superstar when I grew up.”
Jada morgan
INTERN
Intern2@FamiliesTogetherNC.org
As an intern at Families Together, Jada (current undergrad) is stepping into a learning role with a willingness to serve and contribute, supporting individuals and families as they work toward stability and self-sufficiency. “I recognize that I am actually holding the power to help someone in their real-life situation. I am making a difference, even by staying in my assigned lane. I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Social Work at Campbell University and plan to attend law school to become a family lawyer. So this nonprofit work is truly benefiting me by giving me valuable experience and building a strong foundation for my future career.”