Homelessness Did you know that U.S. war veterans are 50% more likely to become homeless? Getting re-introduced into society after experiencing the traumas of conflict can lead to significant risk factors such as severe anxiety, trouble re-connecting with family and...
The battle against homelessness in Michigan has always been one that is measured in small victories. But then came 2020, throwing all attack strategies out the window and effectively redrawing the battlefield for everyone. Right from the very start, the COVID-19...
Holy Cross Services’ leader lives the mission Sometimes it is the smallest people who teach us the biggest lessons. Sharon Berkobien sees this happen every day. “I’ve just learned a tremendous amount about resiliency and what that takes,” she says. “About what...
Like so many people, Lisa never imagined she’d need to knock on the door of a homeless shelter and ask for help. “Sometimes things don’t go the way you planned,” said Lisa, who’s from Lansing and had been homeless for about a year before coming to Holy Cross Services’...
Most kids find their parents nagging them to clean up their room just plain annoying. For Jarrett, it’s the normalcy he’s been missing in his life, and he’s not complaining one bit. “With my family…I went out to eat, I made the bed; the bed that I’m supposed to be...
Jason came to Lansing to help a friend and ended up needing to help himself because of his struggle with being homeless. He made the move to help his friend back in 2017, supporting his new roommate until the living arrangement became too chaotic. Left feeling sick...
Born in Detroit and raised in a family that was nearly all employed by the auto industry with strong Christian values. He attended the Center for Creative Studies and Oakland University, pursing a degree in Business Management, while working in the retail field, managing an office supply chain store.
Mike made a career change by entering the construction field where he found a strong interest. He owned and operated a small renovation firm while doing volunteer work at Boysville of Michigan. In 2002 he was recruited by Boysville of Michigan, now Holy Cross Services as Facilities Manager in the Metro Detroit Area. His role has evolved from daily operations to now overseeing the full agency handling all facilities aspects as the Chief Facilities and Safety Officer. He has responsibilities over all HCS locations including Samaritan Center which is the nation’s largest community center, where he serves as Board Secretary. Mike is married to his wife of 33 years and together raised two children who are now young adults with their own careers. Mike has served as Elder in the Presbyterian Church using his background in construction to support facilities needs of the church. Mike has a dedicated interest to help others, particularly through his work supporting underserved children and those struggling with addictions.
Joy at work: I find that knowing our Agency provides others with an opportunity to succeed is very rewarding. When I hear a story about one of our clients being successful in the community, it encourages us knowing that we are part of their success. These events are what drive me each day.
Joy at home: My family time is a major part of my life. Getting together with my children and grand children for a weekend camping trip or having Sunday dinner at home are events that I enjoy the most. The times that we spend together are priceless to me.
Steve has been with Holy Cross Services for 10 years and is currently the organization’s Chief Executive Officer. Before coming to HCS, Steve worked for one of Michigan’s Pre-Paid Inpatient Health Plans.
Steve is a lifelong resident of the Saginaw-Bay area and brings nearly 30 years of Mental Health, Substance Use Disorder, Child Welfare, and Recovery-Oriented operations experience in the non-profit and governmental sector to his role with Holy Cross Services. Steve firmly believes in using a reciprocal approach to leadership as defined in the Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you”. He strives to understand the “Why” of a situation to better offer effective solutions.
Joy at work: Steve has a passion for helping his coworkers learn and understand why and how technology can be used to increase effectiveness and efficiencies. He loves it when people fully realize that the whirlwind of urgent activity which consumes their day-to-day work is not a “best practice” and that by focusing on less, we can accomplish more.
Joy at home: Steve is happily married and enjoys spending quiet time reading, watching old TV shows or enjoying the outdoors working in his yard and gardening.
I began my Holy Cross journey as a foster parent. My husband and I and our 2 children cared for 22 children from Holy Cross, providing them with safety, love, and consistency. Some we helped to get back home, others we helped attain independence. After 10 years of “parenting” I became a Holy Cross Coworker. 30 years later, my mission is still the same. Provide hope, promote change and help people live free, healthy, and productive lives. In my role as VP of Clinical Excellence, I hope to equip, encourage and assist our staff in fulfilling the mission to help our kids and families thrive in their communities.
I graduated from Saginaw Valley State University with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and Masters in Leadership & Public Administration emphasizing in Human Services. After graduating with my undergraduate degree, I started my professional career with Holy Cross Services, AKA Boysville of Michigan. Then is when I met my mentor who had a profound effect on the trajectory of my career and realized that my purpose was to provide the same mentorship to those serving our children and families. Since, I have served in multiple roles with Holy Cross Services and have spent most of my years assisting in leading the way of the expansion of community-based programming. In addition, I have been a member of the Quality & Compliance team and now acting Director of Residential & Family Healing.
Joy at work: There are so many things that bring me joy at work despite the long hours we tend to work, secondary trauma we experience as well as the sadness and sorrow we see every day. I work with a group of people who are resilient, kind, hardworking and committed to making the lives of others better.
Joy at home: I am blessed that God has given me the life I have. My grandparents, mother and other close family members have helped shape who I am, and I am so thankful to have them. As most people know, my dogs bring me joy as does the time I have been fortunate to spend in the woods hunting, rock picking and working in my yard.
Jeff Howe
Director, Training & Professional Development
Jeff Howe earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree of Education from Columbia International University in Columbia, SC. He has served as a teacher and school administrator in South Carolina, Michigan, and Haiti. He has served with Holy Cross Services since June 2006.
Jeff is filled with joy as students strive for and experience success in school. He strives daily to help students gain confidence within a school setting and reach toward their future with a positive mindset.
Joy at work: I am filled with joy as students strive for and experience success in school. It is amazing to see students gain confidence within a school setting and reach toward their future with a positive mindset.
Joy at home: I enjoy spending time with my kids and helping them grow to become a better person each day. We especially enjoy soccer, karate, backpacking adventures and rodeos.
Nancy Oliver
Executive Director, Sheltering and Community Services
Nancy Oliver, MA has over 20 years’ experience as a Human Services Professional. Ms. Oliver has spent many of those years working to understand, implement and transform policy, systems and environments to provide equitable social services and strategies that successfully address the needs of the most disadvantaged populations. Ms. Oliver’s areas of experience include Child Welfare, Homelessness, Prisoner Re-Entry, Mental Health, and Substance abuse treatment. Ms. Oliver has 5 adult children (1 daughter, 4 sons) who have blessed her with 14 grandchildren ranging in age from 3 to 24 years of age. Ms. Oliver relies heavily on her Faith for support and guidance. Ms. Oliver
is originally from the Grand Rapids area; obtained her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Michigan State University and her master’s degree in administration and Organizational Development from Spring Arbor University.
Joy at work: My team. We have a great group of dedicated employees who are eager to help people and families in need of housing and support
Joy at home: My family. I enjoy spending time with my adult children, their spouses and my grandchildren.
Leah Gordon – Arnold
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO PRESIDENT & CEO
I was born and raised in Southern California. I attended California State University in Fullerton, California, where I majored in psychology. My passion is working with organizations who ultimately make change in people’s lives.
Before coming to Holy Cross Services, I was a paralegal with two law firms specializing in civil litigation and family law. I’ve held several clerical and senior administrative support roles where I was involved in strategic planning. I worked for a faith-based retreat center in the foothills of Northern California, as a secretary, guest relations and events coordinator.
I’ve been fortunate to have had the opportunity to travel throughout the U.S. and Canada assisting with planning, onsite coordination of marketing booths at trade shows and hosting hospitality events.
Like some of our clients, in my personal life I am a survivor who has experienced trauma and hardship in my family, but also healing, restoration and victory over my history.
Joy at work: I am happy when given a challenging project or task, and then knocking it out of the park for my team. I am happiest when I learn new things, am stretched to the limit, thus ultimately making me a better assistant.
Joy at home: Being the best mother I can be to my son and daughter is what makes me joyful. My faith brings me happiness and I also enjoy playing guitar and singing worship songs.
Heather has worked in several facets of Non-Profit and Human Services for over 15 years. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Resources Management and an Associate’s Degree in Applied Science and General Studies. Additionally, Heather is a Registered Social Service Technician with the Michigan Board of Social Work and holds certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant.
Heather was born and raised in Flint, Michigan, specifically in the Beecher Area, to a proud single Italian mother. Adopted at birth by her siblings’ father, she spent much of her childhood on the shirttails of her grandparents, whom she affectionately refers to as ‘the best grandparents that didn’t have to be’. Heather married her high-school sweetheart and they have been together for 34 years. They have two wonderful sons, who are the absolute best gift God has blessed them with.
Joy at work – Being able to use my education and life experiences to help understand each position’s need to actively recruit, hire and retain exceptional talent that will impact the lives of our children, families, and veterans.
Joy at Home – I have truly been blessed to have met my soul mate when we were young and have the blessing of growing up and old together. However, our two sons hold the absolute light in our eyes. I am passionate about helping people in need, and volunteering, whether as a Booster Board member for High School Soccer, serving as the Chair of the Band Boosters, or any other way I can be involved in the schools. I love taking pictures, spending time with my oldest son and grand dog, and going to different venues to watch my youngest son’s band or my husband’s band. I also enjoy attending various concerts with my family and friends.
Bev holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Saginaw Valley State University and a master’s in Counseling from Central Michigan University. She came to Holy Cross 30 years ago as an intern and has been with us ever since. She has served as a Treatment Specialist, Family Therapist, Program Coordinator, Manager and Director. Her current role is Quality & Compliance Director/Recipient Rights Officer for the agency.
Joy at work: Bev has experienced so many things that bring her joy at work. She works with amazing people who are kind, caring and extremely dedicated. Being blessed with the opportunity to be a part of helping change someone’s life in a positive way brings her tremendous joy!
Joy at home: Spending time with family and cooking bring her joy at home. Bev has 6 sisters and a very large close family with 2 adult children of my own. She enjoys walking and going on vacations with her husband!
Carter is a versatile marketing and ministry professional whose mission is to help support and establish communities of people who invest in each other, using words to inspire action.
Before coming to Holy Cross, Carter began his career working in marketing and business development for law firms in Chicago. After that, he pivoted to campus ministry back in his home state of Michigan, establishing witnessing communities of college students who love God’s Word and God’s people. In that role, Carter also developed teams of ministry partners who supported the ministry through prayer, advocacy, and financial giving.
Carter is a passionate storyteller who believes transformative change can begin through effective communication and meaningful partnerships.
Joy at work: Carter loves mastering skills to solve big problems. This comes in handy when looking for the perfect way to communicate a big idea to an engaged audience.
Joy at home: Carter loves to stay active, whether that is running around with his two young daughters, enjoying time with his wife, going for bike rides, or playing basketball.
Tim is a seasoned development / fundraising professional with over 30 years work experience supporting every type of non-profit – including arts & culture, education and human services. He specializes in donor relations and database management tools.
Joy at work: Working with donors and supporters to make a difference in the lives of those in need.
Joy at home: Spending time with friends at the local golf course or chess club… always trying to improve!
Carly Lillard has been working in the nonprofit space for over ten years, specializing in donor development, communications and marketing. Carly attended Northwestern Michigan College in her hometown of Traverse City, earning her associate’s degree and Northwood University in Midland, earning her bachelor’s degree in Marketing & Advertising and Business Management. She is currently wrapping up her studies at Michigan State University and will graduate with a master’s degree in Strategic Communication in August 2025. Carly is a Rotarian and a past-president of the Rotary Club of Midland, and a graduate of Leadership Midland’s class of 2019.
Carly has a heart for nonprofit fundraising and helping people in her community.
She is an advocate for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, victims of sexual and domestic violence, and abused and unwanted animals. She enjoys volunteering with her family through Rotary and with organizations that work with the community’s most vulnerable populations. Working in this position at Holy Cross Services gives Carly the opportunity to serve individuals and families by combining her passions and technical skills.
Joy at work: Working with a passionate team to reach goals that will positively impact the lives of those that are hurting.
Joy at home: Spending time with my husband and two children. Some of my favorite hobbies that bring joy are cooking, exploring Michigan, fishing and cheering on the Spartans and Lions.
