As we bid farewell to Elizabeth (Liz) Heneks on her retirement from Home of the Sparrow, we want to celebrate her exceptional 42-year career, including the last 8½ years dedicated to Home of the Sparrow. Liz has profoundly enriched the lives of both clients and colleagues through her unwavering commitment to our mission and her dedication to helping individuals reach their full potential in our shelter and housing programs.

Liz’s legacy at HOS and beyond is filled with remarkable achievements. She successfully oversaw the daily operations of the Housing, Shelter, Employment, and Intake Departments, and consistently achieved strategic goals and objectives each year. A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), she prioritized community networking, often representing Home of the Sparrow and sharing information about our services with partners and providers.

Her leadership was instrumental during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she implemented new rental assistance programs and launched the Landlord Engagement Program. She also relaunched our Supported Employment Program and played a vital role in organizing Program Services meetings, attending and presenting at Board Meetings, and participating in numerous internal planning and committee meetings.

Liz transformed our shelter into a warm and welcoming home for the clients we serve, continually updating the space to reflect trauma-informed design principles. She was an active member of the Continuum of Care (COC), chaired the Housing and Services Committee, and consistently invested in program staff, supporting their pursuit of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Her impact extended into the broader community through partnerships, ribbon-cutting ceremonies, Chamber events, and other networking opportunities.

Beyond HOS, Liz has managed $12 million in program execution and development for a Child Welfare Agency and participated in the Council of Accreditation self-assessment and site review processes.

We are deeply grateful for all that Liz has contributed to Home of the Sparrow. Her leadership, passion, and dedication have left an enduring mark on our organization. Although she is retiring from her full-time role, we are excited that she will continue to collaborate with us on various projects. We wish her all the best in this new chapter of her life and celebrate the incredible legacy she leaves behind.