Crisis center seeks partnerships as it expands services and reports full occupancy

Eileen Sherlock, executive director of the Carthage Crisis Center, briefed the council on Sept. 9 about the shelter’s programs, partnerships and needs. Sherlock said the center is focused on collaboration with community groups, has increased accountability measures for residents, and has brought a GED program in-house to run on Fridays. Sherlock told the council the center recently hosted a 15-hour economic-security class that covered resume writing and interview skills, with monthly follow-up to support participants in maintaining employment. She said the center is now writing grants and offering assistance to low-income, need-based service providers who may not have grant-writing capacity. Nicholas Carter, a staff member who started at the center as a resident, described the center’s broader mission, saying it offers “hope and healing through any crisis that people are going through.” Sherlock reported the shelter was at capacity with 40 residents, noting the population includes men, women and children. No council action or funding allocation was recorded at the meeting; the presentation served to inform council and solicit partnership and volunteer support. Council members thanked the center and invited further communication on how the city and nonprofit partners can collaborate on homelessness and support services.