From Katie Doyle, outgoing Executive Director
I am thrilled to welcome Krista Girty back home!
I had the pleasure of working with Krista for many years in the early 2000’s when she was an employee at Ozone House.
At Ozone House Krista started out as a Case Manager and revamped what was then called the LGBTQ Support Group by relocating the group to our Ypsilanti location, and expanding the support that the group offered to youth. She went on to help start the Supported Opportunities for Living on you Own (SOLO) program. Today, SOLO and PrideZone are thriving components of the services Ozone House offers to youth.
Since leaving Ozone House 10 years ago, Krista was recruited to the following leadership roles:
- Director of Program Operations and Services at the Jacksonville (FL) Area Sexual Minority Youth Network (JASMYN) where she worked with LGBTQ+ youth, most of whom experienced homelessness;
- Manager of Health Services at Larkin Street Youth Services – a nationally known program for youth who have experienced homelessness in the San Francisco Bay Area;
- Director of Health Services at Huckleberry House – an organization that supports youth who have experienced homelessness in the Bay Area that, like Ozone House, was founded in 1969.
- Senior Vice President of Northern California Operations at Covenant House – another nationally known organization that serves youth who have experienced homelessness, trafficking, or have run away.
In her most recent role at Covenant House, Krista oversaw a tremendous growth and a merger of two youth housing service agencies.
But don’t just take it from me, here is one – of many – ways that national leaders in the field describe her:
“Krista’s sense of humor, hard work, creative nature and her bold thinking creates a balance that is unique. Increasing access to services has always been her number one priority.”
“Krista is a deeply convicted voice for vulnerable youth.”
It has been a great and humbling honor to serve as the Executive Director of this incredible organization because I got to meet so many resilient, inspiring young people as well as committed community members like you who provided continual support and optimism. I look forward to joining your ranks and supporting Ozone House from the “outside”.
With a bittersweet feeling, I sign off for now,
Katie Doyle