THE NEXT STEP - Key Persons
Jo Ellen started volunteering with individuals and families that did not have stable housing when she was in high school in Fort Smith. After college and law school, she continued working with many children and adults who need a true home.
Jo Ellen said, "Serving on this board with members who believe in the humanity of everyone, no matter their circumstances, is a privilege. Maya Angelou once wrote, "The ache for home lives in all of us. The place where we can go as we are and not be questioned."
Kim Wohlford is a lifelong resident of Fort Smith, a member of First Presbyterian Church, and former Executive Director of Next Step Homeless Services. She and her husband Charlie have three grown children and five grandchildren. She enjoys participating in local mission work in many areas of the community as well as playing competitive tennis, pickleball, and hiking.
Ms. Gray joined our staff in May of 2018 as a Case Manager. She is a graduate of UA Fort Smith with a degree in social work. Ms. Gray was our first social work intern from UAFS in the fall of 2017, and we were so impressed with her maturity and skills that we hired her when a full-time staff position became open. Ms.Gray was promoted to the position of Assistant Director in early 2020.
Sharon Chapman, an active volunteer throughout the Fort Smith community, joined the Board of Directors of the Next Step Homeless Services in July 2014. She became Vice President of the Board in July 2015. She has served on the Board of Directors for the Children's Service League for the past 20 years. She also serves on the boards of Western Arkansas Ballet and NICCE Foundation (North India Christian Children's Education Foundation). Ms. Chapman has a master's degree in counseling from the University of Oklahoma and previously worked as a case manager and supervisor at Area Agencies on Aging in Oklahoma and in Missouri.
Sharon would like to thank the former executive director of Next Step, Kim Wohlford, for her outstanding service to the organization and to the low-income and homeless individuals in our community. She looks forward to continuing the tradition of excellence that the organization has been known for and to leading it into the future.
Susan is originally from Pittsburgh, PA, and has made Fort Smith her home for the last 20 years. She loves being involved in the Fort Smith community and has always had a special passion for helping those in crisis - most particularly those suffering from homelessness.
Susan said, "We've all been through difficult times and have had challenges in our lives. Homelessness is a condition that could affect anyone at any time and is truly a "there but for the grace of God, go I" scenario. The Next Step board is a group of the most dedicated people I have ever had the pleasure of working with and it is an honor to work beside them in our shared mission."