Tanis Monday named director for homeless shelter program

Beyond Homeless Inc. (BHI) has named Tanis J. Monday its executive director in preparation for opening in early 2014, it was announced today.

Monday, currently executive director of the Putnam County Museum, will begin her new duties with BHI on Jan. 20.

"I am delighted that Beyond Homeless Inc. has attracted a proven leader well known to Greencastle," said Bill Wieland, president of the BHI Board of Directors

Members of the Beyond Homeless Inc. Board of Directors congratulate Tanis Monday (front, center) as she is formally announced as the new executive director of the homeless shelter and its operations at 309 E. Franklin St., Greencastle. On hand at the announcement are (from left) Ed and Kathy Kirkpatrick, Jerry Lewis, Bob Sedlack, Monday, John Dittmer, Mayor Sue Murray and Bill Wieland. Monday will begin her duties officially on Jan. 20. Banner Graphic/ERIC BERNSEE

"The appointment of Tanis Monday is the culmination of our organization's gathering momentum over the last several months. I cannot imagine a more energetic and dynamic person to take BHI to the next level."

Formerly known as A-Way Home, Beyond Homeless provides shelter and responds to the needs of community members who are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. BHI also builds poverty awareness and fosters partnerships with agencies delivering human relief and social services in Putnam County.

"As members of a caring community, we have an opportunity to help our neighbors," Monday said. "I am honored to accept this new challenge of building a network of hope and resources for those needing it most.

"The BHI board has clearly been on the move in recent months toward sustaining the organization and filling some of our community's most urgent needs. I am grateful for the foundation they have built and am looking forward to helping carry on this momentum."

A recent acquisition by BHI board members Bob Jedele and Matt Mascioli of the property at 309 E. Franklin St., which formerly housed A-Way Home, was a key development in reopening the shelter that had served 2,500 homeless people during a 15-year span.

The facility is now named the Community Hub and will continue to include the Greencastle Housing Authority. Following these developments, the board began asking individuals and organizations across the community for their support.

"I am inspired by the response of people who have identified with BHI's mission and stepped forward to help," BHI board member Bob Jedele said.

With the support of individuals, churches and the City of Greencastle, BHI has raised nearly two-thirds of its $120,000 operating budget for fiscal year 2014.

"The presence of a strong executive leader is the final piece in opening the shelter and sustaining its services for future generations," Jedele added.

Monday's five-year tenure as executive director of the Putnam County Museum led to the creation of a strategic plan, increased quality and frequency of exhibits, expanded membership giving, and $130,000 to date in operating and endowed gifts through the Romine Matching Challenge.

"We have so many good people to thank from Mayor (Sue) Murray to local pastors and other folks who see the need and have offered to help generously," Wieland said.

"It has been a long and difficult road back," Wieland added, "but with the arrival of Tanis, our next step is to open our doors soon and begin helping people. That will indeed be a great day."

Beyond Homeless Inc. plans to open in early 2014.