Tag: east house

East House welcomes new leader

Lindsay Gozzi-Theobald is the new president and CEO of East House. 

Gozzi-Theobald

Gozzi-Theobald is responsible for overseeing the agency’s programs, administration and finances, as well as mentoring the executive leadership team and supporting the strategic vision and growth of East House. 

She is succeeding Kim Brumber, who left the organization in May. 

“I’m thrilled to join this team and lead with the board, staff and funders who support the journey of recovery for so many individuals and families,” Gozzi-Theobald said. “East House is a critical housing provider in our community with a reputation that I am proud to be a part of.”  

Gozzi-Theobald brings a 15-year portfolio of building teams and partnerships across organizations and leading strategic initiatives in both for-profit and nonprofit organizations. 

Gozzi-Theobald most recently served as the chief program officer at the Villa of Hope, where she was responsible for the oversight of all community-based and residential programs. Prior to Villa of Hope, she held leadership roles at Prime Care Coordination, L3Harris Corp. and Catholic Charities Diocese of Rochester. 

“Lindsay has a habit of making herself indispensable in every role she has held,” said Patty Philips, East House board chair. “Her career trajectory is one of taking on and succeeding with larger and larger roles, and we are fortunate to capitalize on her strategic growth mindset in the role of East House’s president and CEO.”  

East House provides recovery services and program to individuals in recovery from mental illness and substance use disorders.

[email protected] / (585) 653-4021 

Gabourey Sidibe to appear at East House’s annual luncheon  

Actress, director and author Gabourey Sidibe will appear in-person at East House’s annual Hope & Recovery Luncheon at noon on Friday, Sept. 30 at the Harro East Ballroom.  

The annual fundraising event is a celebration of hope for people living with mental health and substance use disorders – not just within East House programs but the broader community. The hybrid event will have a blend of VIP in-person and virtual options. 

Sidibe at East House
Sidibe

Sidibe has been gracing the screens for more than twelve years – from her breakout role in Lee Daniels’ Academy Award-nominated film “Precious,” to her roles in “American Horror Story” and “Empire.” Her performances garnered many award nominations including Academy and Golden Globe for Best Actress. 

Since then, she has gone on to direct both film and television and leads her own podcast.  

In 2017, Sidibe published her memoir, “This is Just My Face: Try Not to Stare,” in which she uses her sharp sense of sarcastic humor and honesty to share her realities with depression, severe panic attacks and bulimia.  

Virtual reservations range from $25, and VIP in-person reservations are $175.  

Visit www.easthouse.org for more information.  

[email protected] / (585) 653-4021 

East House raises starting pay

East House, a nonprofit that provides housing and support services to individuals recovering from mental health and substance, will raise the base starting pay for staff to $15 per hour.

“The work our employees do is incredibly tough and their passion and commitment to our clients is what makes this place so special,” East House President and CEO Kim Brumber. “While this increase is a step in the right direction, we need the community and our elected officials to know this is not the only answer. We continue to face ongoing pressures as the scope of practice and staff responsibility has increased, client health challenges have grown more complex and the labor market continues to be extremely competitive. The health of our community depends on programs and services like East House.”

East House employs 215 full-time, part-time and per-diem employees and is one of the few providers in the region that specialize in both mental health and substance use disorders for adults, as regulated by both the New York State Office of Mental Health (OMH) and Office of Alcohol & Substance Abuse Services (OASAS). The baseline-pay change comes amid increasing demand for services, due in part to the pandemic.

East House works with more than 1,500 clients annually, most of whom live below the poverty line and receive a continuum of supported residential care including short-term respite, 24-hour community living, apartments with on-site staff and independent living support. Education, employment and financial case management also are important elements to wellness and healing and East House provides a network of wraparound recovery services that continue to evolve based on client needs.

The nonprofit organization was founded in 1966.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

East House names new chief executive

Kim Brumber
Kim Brumber

Rochester’s East House has chosen a nonprofit veteran as its next leader.

Kim Brumber, president and CEO of Volunteers of America Upstate New York, on Jan. 7 will step into her new role as president and CEO of East House, a nonprofit that provides recovery services and programs to individuals in recovery from mental illness and substance use disorders. She will lead East House’s efforts to provide quality housing and recovery support services to those facing the challenges of mental health and substance use disorders.

Brumber has led VoA for two years, and previously was a CEO in the NeighborWorks network. Under her 15-year leadership, NeighborWorks Rochester grew from a $500,000 operating budget with a staff of eight to more than $2.5 million and a staff of 22. She also led the merger of four NeighborWorks organizations across Western New York to create a sustainable business model for small community development organizations.

“After an extensive search and interviews, we believe Kim Brumber has the experience and skills necessary to lead the executive team, work effectively with community partners and supporters, drive measurable impact and build strategically to ensure the continued growth of East House,” East House board chairman Andrew Dollinger said in a statement.

Dollinger said the organization wanted to find a proven leader who could build upon the successes and programs already in place at East House.

“I have always been driven by a desire to lead transformation, whether that be the transformation of a house, a neighborhood, an organization or the staff that works with me,” Brumber said. “I am so honored to be leading the East House team, who has helped thousands of people in recovery to transform their lives.”

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

East House leader to retire

Gregory Soehner
Gregory Soehner

East House President and CEO Gregory Soehner will retire at the end of the year, following a decade at the not-for-profit.

“I am grateful to have been able to play a role in what East House has accomplished over the past 10 years,” Soehner said in a statement. “Thanks to our many supporters, dedicated staff and board of directors, East House has built a strong foundation for individuals pursuing recovery in the Rochester area.”

East House is a private, nonprofit agency serving individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, with the goal of helping them to live independent and fulfilling lives. Through a network of services, which include supported housing and care coordination as well as education and employment programs, more than 1,500 clients and families benefit from East House annually.

“The timing is right for my retirement and I am certain that under new leadership East House will continue to provide quality housing and services to people in recovery in the years ahead,” Soehner said.

During his tenure at East House, Soehner’s leadership has led to significant growth, including property development, program and service expansion, as well as increased awareness about mental health and substance use disorders in the community, officials said.

“In 2008, Greg took over an organization that had set the standard of care for mental health and substance use disorders in Greater Rochester,” said East House Chairman Andrew Dollinger. “Over time he has improved that quality of care exponentially. Under his leadership Greg has grown East House revenue by roughly 90 percent and expanded our capacity to provide safe housing and vital services.”

The organization, which has been active since 1966, is conducting a search for a new president and CEO.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer

Recovered addict Marlee Matlin to speak at East House event

Actress Marlee Matlin will serve as keynote speaker at the East House Hope & Recovery Luncheon Sept. 27.
Actress Marlee Matlin will serve as keynote speaker at the East House Hope & Recovery Luncheon Sept. 27.

Academy and Golden Globe Award-winning actress and advocate Marlee Matlin will speak at the 10th annual East House Hope & Recovery Luncheon this fall.

The celebration is an initiative to highlight the efforts of those living with mental health and substance abuse disorders to live satisfying and productive lives. The year’s event is slated for Sept. 27 at the Joseph A. Floreano Rochester Riverside Convention Center.

Reservations are $75, or $175 for VIP tickets and a chance to meet Matlin.

In addition to her stage and film career, Matlin has dedicated herself to being a champion for those struggling from addiction and domestic abuse, battles with which she personally has fought. In 1999, Matlin published the New York Times best-selling autobiography, I’ll Scream Later, detailing her career and path to achieving sobriety.

East House is a private, nonprofit agency serving individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, with the goal of helping them to live independent and fulfilling lives. Through a network of services, which include supported housing and care coordination as well as education and employment programs, more than 1,500 clients and families benefit from East House annually.

The organization has been active since 1966.

[email protected] / 585-653-4021
Follow Velvet Spicer on Twitter: @Velvet_Spicer