Betty Washington, who first hired enthusiastic, energetic Tiffany Isom part-time in Teresa’s Interim Housing at Deborah’s Place many years ago, says she knew she wanted to bring her on full-time almost immediately.She focused on welcoming and engaging new participants and coming up with fun activities for them during her shifts.” Her infectious enthusiasm still shines through more than 15 years later in everything Tiffany does.

Tiffany says that what has kept her at Deborah’s Place for so much of her career has been the evidence-based practices the organization uses to help women achieve their goals. “What kept me at Deborah’s Place was harm reduction. We believe that everybody has the right to fair housing, whatever it is that they’re going through. We ensure that they feel safe. We don’t judge them.”  

As Tiffany’s career and responsibilities have grown from Residential Services staff to Director of Clinical Services to her new role as Chief Operations Officer, her focus is still on the women of Deborah’s Place. When asked what achievement she’s most proud of in her time with the agency, she says “if you’ve never seen a woman who has been homeless and on the streets for so long put a key in a door and end her homelessness, it’s one of the best accomplishments you can ever have. It’s so emotional when you house someone that other people gave up on.” She’s also deeply proud to be a mother, and jokes that her 13-year-old son has “been a volunteer at Deborah’s Place since he was 1.”  

As she steps into this new role and responsibility, she is excited to ensure that the voices of staff are heard, and that the needs of residents and participants are met. “Once you see one woman accomplished, you want to see the next one. Then you want to see the next one.”  

Join us in congratulating Tiffany and celebrating the leadership, strength, and resilience of women all month long!


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