WARREN - Focusing on empowering clients so they can be more independent is one of the main objectives the new director of Someplace Safe says she plans to focus on as she works with a board of directors and staff at the Trumbull agency.
Cheryl Tarantino of Boardman was hired in July as the new executive director of Someplace Safe replacing Patricia Porter who retired after 12 years.
Tarantino oversees daily operations at the agency which offers services that include an emergency shelter, legal advisory program, and educational and public relations programs which include healthy dating programs for the school students.
She said as a director she will work with the board to find ways to enhance current programs.
Tarantino said with any new director it is important to be part of a bigger plan working with and collaborating with other agencies and organizations that can help clients deal with drug and alcohol, housing or job service issues.
''We are looking at different ways to help empower the clients we work with in addition to serving them when they have a need but. I have been asking how can we do a better job at providing the resources, the skills, and the support that they need to make that step closer to independence.. We want to remove barriers,'' she said.
Tarantino said she will also be addressing funding due to the increased need not only at Someplace Safe but at many shelters.
''The need for assistance has increased greatly brought on by unemployment which escalates stress and a feeling of hopelessness,'' she said.
She said the shelter has been full since the summer started with a 10 percent increase in clients in last six months.
''I am thrilled to accept his challenging position and feel that my past experiences with Northeast Ohio Adoption Services have shaped the development of the gentle, supportive but firm mentoring those families in crisis need,'' Tarantino said.
This is the first time Tarantino has been a director. At NOAS, she worked in marketing and recruitment and also was a grants manager which gave her the skills to work with grants, grant budgets and strategic planning for non-profits. She said for many non-profits finances are a main concern and challenge.
''Many of the things they were looking for were some of the experiences I could bring to the job,'' Tarantino said of her hiring.
She said the agency helps families in crisis and offers many ways to assist them.
''There is so much opportunity. I am the type of person who looks at challenges as opportunities and what we have ahead of us,'' she said.
Our goal is to empower our clients to transition them into independence.
The agency services all of Trumbull County and some overflow from Mahoning and Columbiana.
Tarantino brings more than 24 years of experience in marketing and management, both in the private and nonprofit sectors, most recently as director of marketing and recruitment for NOAS.
''It was nice to come to an established agency that is well respected. The staff has so much expertise. They helped me with the transition and seeing the day to day operations,'' she said.
Patricia Porter provided assistance and mentoring before she left.
''She was so helpful. There is so much to learn with a different entity,'' she said
Plans are being made for Unity Day at 6 p.m. Oct. 4 at Courthouse Square to remember the victims of domestic violence. On Feb. 11 is Just Desserts, the agency's main fundraiser.
In her free time, Tarantino is involved with Boardman Relay for Life and Boardman Alumni Association and volunteer work at Boardman High School where her one son is a senior and football player.
