GOVERNANCE

The Executive Management Team has responsibility for the overall functioning of the organization. They carry out directives from the board of directors and staff its standing committees of Development & Fundraising, Finance, Human Resources, Board Recruitment and Real Estate.

EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT TEAM

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A Fond Farewell to Deborah Hughes

TO OUR BELOVED COMMUNITY:

With profound gratitude and admiration, we are writing to you today to share an important update from Brookview House. After 32 years of unwavering dedication and leadership, Deborah Hughes is ending the Brookview chapter of her long and storied career.

When Deborah assumed her leadership role in the early 1990s, she knew there were many challenges related to family homelessness and decided a whole family approach was the only way to achieve long-term stability and economic independence. The groundbreaking, intergenerational model Deborah created reframes housing as a pathway to stability and has been recognized nationally for its innovation and success.

Over the past three decades, Deborah has expanded Brookview into a multi-service agency offering affordable housing and on-site adult and youth services and programs to 370 homeless and at-risk moms and children every year. We are proud to say that 92 percent of mothers who have lived at Brookview maintain permanent housing after leaving, and 88 percent of the children who participate in Brookview’s Youth Development Program graduate high school, compared to the national average of 64 percent.

Here are just a few more of Deborah’s remarkable achievements in her time at Brookview:

• First youth development model licensed by the Mass. Dept. of Early Education & Care that changes how we nurture, educate, and engage school-age youth experiencing homelessness.
• First in the nation to offer the Girls Who Code program to girls experiencing homelessness.
• Recognized by the National Center on Family Homelessness for our innovative, culturally specific model for approach to addressing the intersection of homelessness and domestic violence.
• Co-Founded the ‘Care that Works’ coalition and campaign to create a childcare system that is affordable and accessible, where providers earn family-sustaining wages and benefits.
• Won the 2019 Pinnacle Award for outstanding achievement in nonprofit management from the Boston Chamber of Commerce
• Won the 2014 Be the Change Award from the Massachusetts Conference for Women
• Collaborated with Wentworth Institute to win the Ford Motor Company ‘College-Community Challenge’ award in 2014, one of only 15 selected from entries worldwide.
• Recognized by Community Labor United (2016), the Boston Celtics (2016), and the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women (2017) for her outstanding efforts on behalf of Brookview House

Deborah is a visionary, coach, and mentor guided by possibilities, not limitations. Within these walls, Deborah has cultivated an environment of belonging, learning and acceptance. She has instilled in our staff a resolute commitment to never giving up on people. Her lasting impact on those who have come under her leadership cannot be overstated.

While it is bittersweet to see Deborah’s tenure at Brookview come to a close, we know she will remain a valued member of this community. Her legacy is one of compassion, empowerment and transformation and it will continue to inspire generations to come.

With our deepest thanks and warmest wishes,

Board of Directors,
Brookview House

Farewell from Deborah Hughes

TO MY BELOVED COMMUNITY

Dear Friends,

Thirty-three years ago, I drove through my neighborhood and watched as a vacant lot was transformed each day, as if by magic, into a home for women and children in need of a safe place to live and learn.

I walked in, intending to help for a short time, and instead stumbled upon my life’s work: lifting up families experiencing homelessness. The path was at times arduous, yet always fulfilling. I learned so much from the families we assisted and in return they gave me much more than I ever imagined. I met so many kind and caring people who were willing to tap deep into their souls to share knowledge and shed light into dark spaces.

From all walks of life, Brookview program participants, staff and volunteers united to stand up for families with steadfast resolve. We were from diverse backgrounds. We had people with formal educations working alongside folks with advanced degrees from the school of hard knocks. We led with love, but were tenacious, fearless and tough. We faced countless obstacles in the form of those not willing to commit the time and effort this work demands. Some even tried to hinder our progress. But we wouldn’t back away from our fundamental belief that society must invest in families and build a fair and equitable future for our children.

As proud as I am of everything we’ve accomplished together, I know the work continues. Family homelessness is more than simply a housing problem, it’s a healthcare issue, among others. The pandemic shed light on the interconnectedness of these issues and how vital the role of housing is in creating a more equitable society for all. Despite the ongoing affordable housing crisis, we know family homelessness is a problem that can be fixed. We have witnessed countless times that when you invest in families, you create a stronger future for caregivers and children.

I was taught by a cadre of courageous moms, including my own, to exploit my inner powers, stand against adversity and pour into, not take, from the world. That is what we do at Brookview every day.

As I reflect on my time in this organization, I know that work would not be possible without our community of friends and supporters, so thank you for helping Brookview thrive over the past 30 years.

What was supposed to be a short season at Brookview turned into three amazing decades where we taught each other what it means to never give up. I will see you in the trenches as I continue my journey and move on to my next chapter.

Thank you,
Deborah Hughes, CEO