Board Profiles
 Ben Reed: Volunteering with Simpson has been a life changing experience
A member of the Simpson Board of Directors and Volunteer Coordinator at Children’s Hospitals and Clinics, Ben Reed was born in Pusan City, South Korea and was adopted at the age of three.
Growing up in St. Paul, Ben graduated from Carleton College with a B.A. in Biology. He currently lives in Minneapolis. A passion for the work of non-profits was instilled in Ben at an early age by his parents. “Both my mom and dad encouraged me to seek out opportunities to help others and taught me that it is my responsibility to do so.”
Ben admits that when he was invited to join the Simpson Board of Directors his knowledge of the issue of homelessness was limited to what the media told him. Determined to change that, Ben jumped in with both feet and began volunteering overnight in the men’s shelter. The experience has changed his life.
“I wanted to hear from the guys about their lives and experiences. I was hooked after my first shift. The men at the shelter have amazing stories and are some of the most courteous people I have ever met. I encourage anyone who can devote some of their time to seriously think about becoming a volunteer. It is something that I look forward to doing,” Ben says.
Since volunteering with Simpson, Ben’s passion for ending homelessness has grown. So has his belief that it is possible. “Homelessness is something that can be realistically ended and everyone who works with the issue firmly believes this. Simpson views every individual and family member served as a person worthy of respect. I hear the people who utilize the shelter while they are in transition say that Simpson is the “Cadillac” of shelters and from my point of view, Simpson is a leader among organizations who are working to end homelessness.”
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Julie Manworren, Simpson Executive Director; Margaret Jones, Board of Directors; Elizabeth Hinz, Minneapolis public schools' district liaison for homeless and highly mobile students.
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Focus on Margaret Jones
Margaret Jones learned about Simpson Housing Services in March of 2001 when she and her children needed a place to call their own. A friend told her about the agency and suggested that she call. Margaret called and was lucky enough to get selected in the Family Housing lottery.
During her tenure in the Transitional Housing Program she worked weekly with Janelle Leppa, her Advocate. Margaret worked diligently to finish high school, nurture her children, and earn a living. In September, she exited the program early stating, “I think that someone else now needs this opportunity more than I do.”
Last fall, Margaret was elected to serve a 3 year term on the Simpson Housing Board of Directors. Margaret has a demonstrated passion to help other people, particularly troubled teens and teen parents. She wants to share her life story and experience as a means of providing hope and guidance to young people.
Her dream is to start a non-profit agency some day. Her advice for parents includes, “pour love into your children rather than telling them that you can’t wait for them to turn 18. It will change how they live their lives.”
Margaret noted that her service on the Simpson Housing Board of Directors is a great experience. It is an opportunity to contribute and to learn. “Simpson Housing cares about the people they work with, the staff are not just at work, their hearts are in it.” According to Margaret, “Janelle is awesome. When she came to my house I used to ask her ‘how do I get to be where you are?’ Now I am on the Board of Directors!” The Simpson Housing Services Board is enriched by her willingness to serve.
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