[vc_row css_animation=”” row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern”][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”16948″ qode_css_animation=””][vc_single_image image=”16947″ qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]PLAINFIELD, NJ – The Board of Trustees at Homefirst Interfaith Housing & Family Services has named Laurethea Kidd the organization’s Acting Executive Director, it was announced today by Rev. Ron Thomas, Board President.
“Laurethea’s drive, strong leadership skills and 15-year background in leading social service organizations are impressive. We’re looking forward to working with her over the coming months to continue Homefirst’s commitment to finding solutions to homelessness and to providing a full spectrum of services to strengthen families and neighborhoods throughout Union County,” said Thomas.
“I’m thrilled to be selected to be acting head of such a dynamic and dedicated organization as Homefirst,” said Kidd. “My passion is touching people in ways that make a difference in their lives. I’m confident that I can help Homefirst build on its 30+-year-tradition of leadership in the fight to end homelessness. I’m super excited that I now have an opportunity to play a stronger role in helping to ensure that everyone has a decent, affordable place to live.”
Kidd replaces Debbie-Ann Anderson, who resigned as Executive Director of Homefirst to accept an appointment as Union County Human Services Director. “Debbie-Ann leaves Homefirst with our blessings and best wishes for success. Her appointment as head of Union County’s largest agency is a testament to her record of excellence leading Homefirst and throughout her career,” said Thomas.
Currently, Kidd is Director of Programs and Services at Homefirst. Before joining Homefirst, she was program administrator at Morning Star Community Christian Center and Expect A Miracle Ministries in Linden, NJ; and assistant director at Bonnie Brae in Liberty Corner, NJ where she managed a multi-million dollar budget.
Kidd has a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Kean University and an undergraduate degree in Law and Criminal Justice from Rowan University. She also earned a certification from the Rutgers University Leadership Institute. She is chair of the Community-Based Health & Wellness Initiative in Linden and a member of Pi Alpha Alpha National Society for Public Affairs and Administration.
Serving more than 2,000 clients each year, Homefirst delivers comprehensive solutions to homelessness by providing transitional, supportive and permanent housing, homeless prevention assistance, and family support services to strengthen families and build communities. It is the vision of Homefirst to be a leading collaborator that delivers real outcomes to the homelessness issue plaguing many of our communities. Homefirst strives to make it possible for every family to have safe, decent housing they can afford with family support services to create a home and a future filled with promise. Homefirst’s ultimate goal is to foster self-sufficiency, thus building stronger communities. For more information, please visit us online at homefirstinc.org; like us on Facebook, Homefirst Housing & Family Services; and follow us on Twitter @HomefirstInc.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]