Our History
Housed, Working, and Healthy's journey is a testament to the power of community-driven solutions and holistic thinking. Our story began in 2017 when our founder's (Brad Volin) volunteer experiences revealed the complex web of challenges facing individuals experiencing housing instability. This insight led to a year of intensive research and community engagement, culminating in the birth of HWH in 2019.
We built our foundation on a revolutionary three-pronged approach: combining stable housing, mental health support, and employment training. In 2020, we launched our flagship culinary program, partnering with Emily Griffith Technical College to offer top-tier training. The following year marked a significant milestone with the opening of our Ft Logan Eatery, a dual-purpose facility serving as both a training ground for our students and a beloved community restaurant.
As we grew, so did our network of support. By 2022, local businesses were proudly featuring our students' creations, expanding our impact beyond our kitchen walls. Recognizing the importance of holistic development, we enhanced our curriculum in 2023 to emphasize crucial soft skills, ensuring our graduates are prepared for long-term success. Today, HWH stands as a beacon of hope and a model of innovative social entrepreneurship. Our journey from a simple idea to a transformative force in our community illustrates the incredible change that's possible when compassion meets strategic action. As we look to the future, we remain committed to our core mission: cooking up hope and serving second chances, one life at a time.
Today & Beyond
As we stand at the threshold of a new chapter, Housed, Working, and Healthy remains committed to our recipe for change. Our kitchen is buzzing with activity, not just with the sounds of culinary creation, but with the energy of lives being transformed. We've seen firsthand the power of our holistic approach - the "three-legged stool" of housing, employment, and mental health support. But we're not resting on our laurels. We're constantly refining our programs, expanding our partnerships, and reaching out to more individuals in need.
Our vision extends beyond the walls of our kitchen, as we aim to become a model for addressing housing instability that can be replicated in communities across the nation. We're exploring new career tracks beyond culinary arts, always with an eye on sustainable, living-wage employment.
Our alumni network is growing, creating a supportive community that extends well beyond graduation. As we look to the future, we see a world where housing instability is a temporary challenge, not a permanent condition. With every meal prepared, every skill learned, and every life touched, we're cooking up a future where everyone has the opportunity to be housed, working, and healthy. The best is yet to come, and we invite you to be part of our continuing story. Together, we can turn up the heat on housing instabilty and serve up a generous portion of hope and opportunity for all.
Our Team
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BRAD
Founder & Executive Director
Brad Volin holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a MBA from Harvard Business School. HWH is the 4th business Brad has founded. Brad brings an entrepreneurial growth and data driven mindset for sustainable impact to fulfill our mission of helping people achieve sustained employment.
Brad has lived experience with mental health issues and feels incredibly blessed to be part of other people’s journey toward self-sufficiency. I have deep gratitude to the staff and students of HWH, and my family for supporting me in my work at HWH. My favorite days are monthly Graduations and daily closing circles where we collectively recount all the celebrations and achievements that happened that day.
Carpe Diem - may your day be a blessing! -
BEN
Operations Manager
My background is in operating programs for at-risk, and incarcerated, youth in Honolulu, HI as I was one of them myself in CA and HI. I went on to complete a masters degree in mental health counseling (MFT) and ABD for a Psy.D in clinical psychology. Although my training and education is in mental health, my passion is in the operations of programs for optimal programmatic performance and processes.
I am beyond thrilled to have the blessing of being the Operations Manager at HWH as the work we do here is fulfilling Maslow's Hierarchy of needs in real time and space with a severely vulnerable population demographic struggling with challenges of housing and food insecurity, mental health diagnoses, and substance misuse histories. As our students complete their culinary training programs, some attain housing where warranted, and proceed onwards to securing gainful employment in the dining and restaurant industry.
A saying I have given them that reportedly resonates with them is - 'An attitude of gratitude elevates us to higher altitudes'. -
AL
Chief Technology Officer
Al is in charge of all our databases and reports. Al is a life long Computer Programmer doint what he loves. Hefirst started using computers in High School in 1964 using IBM Cards for all input and output. Al ran the computer lab for Wabash College and wrote software for Wabash professors and clients. Al then attended Wabash and Indiana University where he taught the Computer Courses and continued writing computer applications for the professors. After graduate school, Al wrote a CAD System which created photorealistic images for architects from their 3D models which they then presented to clients as part of their proposals for new projects.After retirement, Al joined HWH to handle all of their data processing needs and continues to develop software, databases and reports for us.
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KRISTEN
Chef and Instructor
Kristen brings extensive culinary expertise to her new role in education, having spent over 15 years in the culinary world. With an Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts from the Institute of Culinary Education in New York City, Kristen’s career has taken her through some of the country’s top restaurants, including Annisa and The River Cafe in New York City, as well as notable spots in Atlanta, Nashville, Houston, and Denver.
Her journey through fine dining, catering, and private events has now led her to HWH, where she’s thrilled to combine her passion for cooking with her dedication to education. Kristen is excited to mentor and inspire individuals, showing them how to turn their culinary interests into rewarding careers, whether in restaurants or beyond.
A firm believer in community and growth, Kristen loves witnessing her students’ progress and helping them harness their potential.
Her favorite quote, from the ever-inspiring Dolly Parton, reflects her positive outlook: "If you see someone without a smile today, give 'em yours." -
JOY "MS. JOY"
Recruiter / Outreach Specialist
Born in Gary, IN, graduated from George Washington High School in Denver, Colorado. B.S. Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Metropolitan State University of Denver. 40-year non- profit background spanning from Denver Colorado to Halls Tennessee, with a spell on the Corporate side of the Cannabis Industry.
Currently an Intrapreneur at HWH creating innovation and change daily. I have been a recruiter for 2 years. My passion is helping others who can't help themselves, without sacrificing who I am as a person. -
RITA
Recruiter/Outreach Specialist
My degree is Non-Profit Organization Management. I have had a variety of jobs that include Education, Outreach, and Event Planning, For over 20 years I was the Assistant Principal of a Religious School and the Librainain where I worked with multiple ages developing curriculum, planning activities and programs. I supervised teachers, teens and volunteers in the classroom and the library. I coordinated all Social Action projects for the Religious School which familiarized me with the landscape of housing instability and organizations which provide support.
Making the transitions to Housed Working and Healthy was a natural move for me. It's an organization that believes in providing people an opportunity to change and improve their lives through culinary training. It combines my love of teaching, helping others, networking and providing resources to people on their journey to self-sufficiency.
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NICOLE
Case Manager
My background is in working with domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking survivors in Alaska. I did that work for 12 years and then relocated to Denver. I am currently working on my master's degree in clinical mental health counseling. When I graduate, I plan to work with trauma survivors.
I am currently working as a case manager at Housed Working and Healthy and I love the work that we do here. I am grateful to work with such a passionate and dedicated team, taking a multi-pronged approach to combat housing instability in our community.
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ADAM
Case Manager / Employment Coach
Adam is a dedicated Case Manager and Employment Department Lead with nearly a decade of experience in the not-for-profit sector. Holding a certificate in Professional Crisis Management, Adam has excelled in various roles, including Job Coach, Life Coach, Case Manager, and Employment Specialist, across three different organizations. His extensive background in supporting individuals in their career and personal development is complemented by his expertise in crisis management and supportive coaching.
In addition to his work in social services, Adam has a rich history in the retail and culinary industries, having held General Manager positions where he honed his skills in leadership, operations, and customer service. This diverse experience has equipped him with a unique blend of skills, making him a versatile leader in both social services and business management.
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ANTOINETTE
Case Manager / Employment Coach
Antoinette Catano has come to HWH after working with many other nonprofits in Colorado. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and will soon have her master’s in clinical mental health counseling with her licensure in addiction counseling. Antoinette has a deep passion for serving the demographics that are experiencing substance use and being unhoused. This is not only due to her own lived experience but also from witnessing her family go through the same experiences. This demographic is usually not provided a holistic or trauma-informed approach when receiving services and resources.
Working with HWH has allowed her to work with this demographic with a holistic, trauma informed, solution-focused lens and approach. She mentions the gratitude she has daily to be able to not just help get people employed, but to get to be a part of their process in building resiliency and self-sufficiency.
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BRITTNEE
Case Manager / Employment Coach
My name is Brittnee. I have been working with individuals experiencing various traumas, hardships and houselessness for going on 3 years. What originally brought me into this line of work, was covid. Pre covid I worked in kitchens. Once the pandemic hit, kitchens weren't quite the same. As I pursued social work in school, I ventured off into the work. I learned I loved it and have been in it since! Serving others and being a vessel of support is what this work is all about, and I am so happy and grateful to do so. I have lived experience in with housing instability as well. So, paying it forward is always the motto.
I love working with HWH because here, we support our students in multiple areas. With Trauma Informed Care at the forefront of our minds, our students can trust that when they come to the kitchen, they will be learning skills to get back into the workforce, but they can also be supported in other areas such as mental health, housing and friendship. I also love working here because I am empowered to share my story and guide our students to success. And I love that I feel valued. There is nothing else like it!
"Attitude is a little thing, that makes a big difference."
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WILL
Admin. Support / Recruiting/ Transportation Coordinator
With a solid background in administrative support, recruiting, and transportation coordination, I bring over two decades of lived experience to my role at Housed Working and Healthy (HWH). My career has been dedicated to optimizing organizational efficiency, streamlining recruitment processes, and ensuring seamless transportation logistics. With that, I am also currently in college to advance my skill set in writing, directing, and producing for television and film. My expertise in these areas, coupled with a strong commitment to supporting underserved communities, has equipped me with the skills necessary to effectively manage the diverse needs of our program and contribute to its success. My passion for making a positive impact and my ability to foster a collaborative and productive environment make me well-qualified to serve in this capacity.
Working at Housed Working and Healthy (HWH) brings me immense joy because it allows me to be part of a transformative journey for individuals experiencing housing instability. Seeing our students grow, gain confidence, and acquire valuable culinary skills is incredibly rewarding. Our mission to foster self-sufficiency and provide job placement resonates deeply with my commitment to community service. As Maya Angelou once said, "My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style." This quote encapsulates the spirit of our work at HWH and inspires me daily.
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KERI
Marketing Manager
Keri Cotterman, a visionary executive with a remarkable track record in emerging technologies and marketing, has brought her expertise to Housed, Working, and Healthy (HWH) in a transformative rebranding initiative. With her unique approach to branding and go-to-market strategies, Keri has been instrumental in reimagining HWH's public image and messaging. Her exceptional creativity in developing disruptive marketing campaigns and crafting compelling narratives has been pivotal in repositioning HWH as a leading force in addressing housing instability through culinary training and holistic support. Leveraging her over two decades of experience, including founder and C-suite roles, Keri has skillfully blended HWH's mission with data-driven marketing strategies to create a visually striking and impactful new brand identity.
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DONNA
Fundraising Director
Donna Hines is an accomplished Development Director with over 15 years of experience in the nonprofit sector with a proven track record of success in driving organizational growth, and delivering exceptional results. With a focus on strategic planning, operational efficiency, and stakeholder engagement, she has consistently demonstrated her ability to lead organizations through complex challenges, develop and implement innovative solutions, and achieve measurable goals.
Our Board
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TONY
Tony Caruso is the Sr Food Stylist for HelloFresh, focusing on culinary accuracy and making food beautiful for America’s largest food meal kit company. Tony has 20+ years in the culinary industry, working from white tablecloth restaurants to teaching cooking classes to running a small bakery and everything in between. He joined the board of directors at Housed Working & Healthy in 2023, striving to support the culinary staff and help with marketing efforts to grow the brand. Tony is in his element when he is in our kitchen, working with Chef and the students, spreading knowledge and joy.
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ANAND
Anand works as the Sr. Director of Clinical Programs at DaVita, Inc., focusing on providing population health services to help keep chronic kidney disease patients healthy and out of the hospital. Prior to DaVita, Anand spent many years working with health systems and physician groups to improve access to high quality health care services through value-based payment arrangements and in the legal field, working with the Public Defender's Office and supporting women incarcerated on life sentences in California in the parole process. Anand hopes to help grow the HWH in the next phase of its journey, continuing to help more students learn the tools to thrive.
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CHRISTINE
Christine Schumann is a proud graduate of the HWH program and employed within the Hilton hotel chain. She is passionate about helping people and grateful to be a member of the Board as a student/graduate representative, providing ongoing support for our current culinary students and alumni.
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KIM
Kimberly Chatman, board chair, has been involved with Housed Working and Healthy since 2018. She is passionate about results and helping others. In addition to her involvement with HWH, she is also heavily involved with Mile High United Way, Columbine Elementary School CSC, and SACPIE (State Advisory Council for Parents Involved in Education). Her focus is to help others, the less fortunate, and make sure everyone has the resources needed to better their lives and be their best selves. She is a wife and mom of two. She is a black Realtor and Founder of So What Insights & Reporting. In both roles, Kimberly focuses on making understanding and applying data easier, whether marketing research information or housing market data.
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JOLYNN
Jolynn Snyder has served on the Housed Working &Healthy Board of Directors since January 2022. Jolynn has 25 years’ experience informing investors, clients, rating agencies,
accountants, trustees, servicers, software developers, and regulators. She has extensive
experience growing organizations while keeping overhead low. She spent 15 years in the non-
profit sector. In her director and executive roles, she was responsible for driving direction,
awareness, growth, and fundraising. Jolynn is currently retired.
Jolynn has a BA in Education from The University of Northern Iowa and a Master of Applied
Communication from The University of Denver. In her spare time, Jolynn has fun with family and
friends and enjoys hiking, biking and camping.
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KARISSA
Karissa Childs is Director, Internal Audit for TIAA. At TIAA, Karissa leads a team of auditors who support the organization’s mission of helping people from all walks of life retire with dignity. Previous to HWH, she was a board member for Spark the Change Colorado, an organization that builds capacity through volunteerism, service, and civic engagement.
Karissa holds a bachelor’s degree in business from University of Arizona and is a Colorado CPA. Karissa lives in Littleton, CO with her husband and two sons. Karissa enjoys everything outdoors but especially trail running, camping, and skiing.
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BRETT
Brett Sullivan has been in human resources for over 10 years after previously working in financial services. He is currently a Human Resources Director with Gap Inc.
Brett is actively involved in the Denver community, serving on the Housed Working and Healthy board since 2023. He previously served on the Mile High United Way board of directors and was the 2021-2022 Chair for their Catalyst Society affinity group.
Brett resides in Denver with his wife Kelly and their son James.
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KEITH
Keith Storybrings over 20 years of operations, relationship and outcomes based experience to HWH. Previously sitting on the Colorado ACCESS Housing Board and working as an adept business leader in the white space of start ups. Keith honed a reputation for relentless focus for exceeding business imperatives and executing holistic strategic plans.