Kohl takes reins as Taylor House director

As Taylor House marks its first full year of operation as a homeless shelter in Medford, it welcomes Lacey Kohl as its new director.

“She has jumped in with both feet,” said Jessica Mudgett, board chairman of Taylor County Supportive Housing, the private nonprofit agency that owns and runs the shelter.

Kohl brings with her into the job a background in nonprofit management as well as deep connections to the Medford community. She was born in the Medford area and other than moving away with her family for five years in her youth, has lived here her entire life. Her husband is pastor Joshua Kohl of River of Hope Church and they have three adopted daughters Widmia, 17, Lourdjina, 12, and Woodjini, 10.

Kohl’s own background has been with healthcare. She has been working in a variety of positions in healthcare for 17 plus years. If addition, she was the chief financial officer for her brother’s company for six years. She has also worked with coordinating the food program Ruby’s Pantry coming to Medford.

“I have the passion to help people. The passion to make people successful,” Kohl said.

Mudgett said the board was impressed with Kohl’s desire to want to help in the community and to be part of the community. She praised Kohl’s enthusiasm and dedication.

At the end of April, Taylor House marked its one-year anniversary since it opened. In the past year, the shelter has served 88 clients. Mudgett noted that clients range in age from families with young children to senior citizens.

Mudgett said they are proud that they have increased the range of funding sources. While the shelter staff works in cooperation with government agencies such as Taylor County Human Services and the Aging and Disabilities Resource Center, its operations are funded through private donations and grants. Mudgett noted that she applies for every grant possible. In addition, they hold local fundraisers such as the recent Brat Fry. She praised the work done by volunteers with area churches, Taylor County United Way, area businesses and individuals who contact them on regular basis asking ways to give support.

In addition, the shelter works with the Feed My People mobile food bank to assist in making sure the shelter is stocked with groceries.

She said the shelter is currently full at 17 clients split between families with children and adults and have a waiting list. The intent of Taylor House is to serve as a place for people to be able to get back on their feet.

Mudgett explained that when clients come into the facility the staff works with them to establish goals and meets with them each week to see how they are doing in reaching those goals.

For some, the goal is to find employment and save the deposit for an apartment. She said many come in with jobs but have other issues that have caused them to become homeless.

Mudgett said in each case, they look at the goals as steps and what is done this week and in following weeks to get the clients into independence. “Primarily our clients are here 90 days or less,” she said, noting that there have been a small number of exceptions which were approved by the board such as in situations where the client was waiting to be approved for disability.

Looking to the future, Mudgett said they would like to get a shed built on the property to hold some of the larger donated items that they are offered, but currently have to turn down. She said they have added additional cameras to the shelter and additional security to the doors which are all now key-coded. Each resident gets their own code to enter and they are changed when the clients leave.

Mudgett expressed gratitude to all those who have helped support the shelter in its first year including previous director Coll Fox who still remains active in working with Taylor House.