Jim Huffman has been with the program for 18 years. Among his many responsibilities, Jim interviews applicants, handles administrative matters, heads fund raising efforts, oversees the S.H.I.P. house, pinch hits as a P.A., and the list goes on. Jim is know for his fine toasts to guests as they graduate from the program. Jim and Sherrill co-facilitate the monthly meeting of volunteers.
Sherrill Svalstad and S.H.I.P. go back 18 years. As with Jim, Sherrill's responsibilities are too numerous to easily recap, but the difficult task of recruiting new churches and volunteers is always of critical importance. Sherrill also works closely with church coordinators to schedule 2 to 3 week commitments to host the program guests. Her work with the personal advisors includes guest banking and guidance.
In 2003 Bill Thacker decided to attend a S.H.I.P. seminar for Personal Advisors. Within weeks Bill was assigned his first guest. He has been at it ever since. Bill expanded his role in 2004 when he volunteered to interview applicants, a very difficult and time consuming responsibility. Bill also splits the "intake" process with Jim Huffman. Of late, Bill has been on a one man campaign to spread the word about S.H.I.P. to new venues.
Dave Garlick was first introduced to S.H.I.P. in 2002 when he volunteered to take a night while the guests were being hosted by St. Wilfrid Episcopal Church. The impact of that experience led to Personal Advisor responsibilities. Although the P.A. role has been his main passion, he also co-coordinates when the guests move to his church. Although Dave is moving to Pennsylvania in the spring of 2008, he will remain on the S.H.I.P. Board of Directors, and will continue to be the web site administrator.
Ed Mankimen has been involved with S.H.I.P. since 2004. Ed first noticed that "move day" for our guests was very demanding, so he jumped right in to co-supervise. "Horsing" condos is no picnic, but Ed is always there to make sure the job gets done. He also faithfully attends all of our S.H.I.P. monthly meetings. Ed was appointed to the Board of Directors in the spring of 2008.
