September 9, 2024 • 15 mins
Myles Parsons is the Executive Director of Wayfinders Ohio, former known as the Harmony House in downtown Mansfield. The temporary shelter assists folks who are homeless or are in danger of becoming homeless. The shelter, which can hold 58 people and has two floors, helped over 620 people in 2023. Myles was born in Mansfield, attended Crestview High School and graduated from the Ohio State University. Learn more about Myles Parsons, who is married with 3 kids, on the podcast.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
The CEO you should know, brought to you by Roby
Foster Miller Eric Insurance. This week's CEO Miles Parsons, Executive
director of Wayfighters Ohio in downtown Mansfield. Miles, first of all,
good morning and thanks for coming in today.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Good morning, sir, thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
All Right, So, some people may not know about Wayfinders
Ohio formerly known as Harmony House.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Correct, So let's begin there.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
If somebody just moved to the area and they don't
know about Wayfinders Ohio, share with us what you guys do.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Yeah, So we are the area's only temporary shelter. We
specialize in assisting those folks who are currently homeless or
in imminent danger of becoming homeless.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
So how long has Wayfinders been around it? And we
mentioned before, formerly known as the Harmony House, do we
have a ballpark?
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Idea nineteen ninety formed as a coalition with surrounding counties,
and I believe in two thousand and seven Ish broke
off independently and became the Harmony House.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
All right, it's nineteen nine. E've been helping people for
a long long time. How many beds? How many people
can you guys help on a kind of daily basis.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Yeah, So anyone given day we can house up to
fifty eight individuals, that is, women, men, children, families. The
building itself is two stories, so the bottom floor is
where we house our men. We can house up to
twenty two men in any one given day, and the
upstairs is women, children families. We can house thirty six
folks there.
Speaker 1 (01:31):
Now you mentioned on you know, any given day, I mean,
as you and I are talking in early September, are
you guys pretty full?
Speaker 3 (01:40):
How is it right now?
Speaker 2 (01:41):
It ebbs and flows. So the men's unit has been
pretty full since I've been there, roughly six or seven months.
The again, women children family floor does kind of ebb
and flow. I would say at any one given time,
we usually do have availability on that floor. Might not
be a bunch, but there's usually two, three, maybe four
beds that might be open.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
You are hearing today from this week's CEO. You should
know Executive director of Wayfinders Ohio. That is Miles Parsons.
Now you mentioned if people missed it, how long have
you been in your current role?
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Yep, so going on seven months? Okay months this month?
Speaker 3 (02:15):
Yeah, have things been busy? It been going good for you.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
It has. Yeah, you know, I enjoyed nonprofit operations and
have a history in doing so, and so had an
opportunity to come here and kind of streamline a few things,
maybe get some policy and procedures up to date, implemented
a few new policies and whatnot, and it's been going well.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Yeah, all right, So we'll find out a little bit
more about his background where else he's worked in just
a few minutes. So in terms of you know that
maybe allus word it is the four seasons. In terms
of you know, we're coming out of summer into fall,
you know, winter, spring. Is there a certain time where
you guys see the need as greater or not necessarily.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
It's a great question. I don't know, because again I'm
only seven months in, so this will be my first
winter with the agency and talking with folks, ironically enough,
they say it's kind of backwards, right. You would expect
the winter months to be heavy and summer and vice versa.
I guess, for whatever reason, winter months are not as
heavy as summer months. So I'll be anxious to see
firsthand how this winter goes. But again, it ebbs and
(03:11):
flows at any one given time, we can be completely
full and then another time we might have up to
ten beds available. So you just kind of never know
what the day will bring.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Now in terms of Wayfinders Ohio, and you mentioned, you know,
you guys are able to help people in terms is
it just from the Mansfield area, does it branch out
hot branch outside of Mansfield Hot?
Speaker 3 (03:31):
How does it work?
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Yeah? So, ironically enough, we're starting to see an influx
of folks coming from out of state. We are able
to assist those folks. Now, we do have some stipulations
and whatnot with some of our grant funding opportunities, but
essentially we've got folks from Colorado. We've seen some individuals
from Alabama here recently, obviously those from the Mansfield area
and kind of contingent counties, but we are starting to
(03:53):
see an increase of out of state individuals.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
Miles Parsons with us in studio, Executive director of Wayfinders Ohio,
and we should not go any further.
Speaker 3 (04:01):
Where are you located at?
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Yeah? So we are one twenty four West third and
again have been there since in that location, I believe
since nineteen ninety eight.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
As we continue on, we talk about helping people in
terms you mentioned nonprofit, you mentioned grants. How does funding
work for way Finders Ohio?
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Great question. So we do have some funding that comes
to us from the state, and the rest of it
is really coming from local agencies, different churches. Individuals who
are doing monthly or yearly donations, whether it be financial
or elsewise, have been a huge help to the agency.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
So is somebody hears your voice, and I believe you
can correct me if I'm wrong.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
I believe it.
Speaker 1 (04:40):
If somebody wants to drop off some cleaning supplies, just
any type of things you guys need, they're able to
do that correct.
Speaker 2 (04:47):
For the most part. So that is something that we changed.
When I had arrived there a few months ago. We
really didn't have a great grasp on what we had
or what we needed in terms of day to day supplies,
and so we spent several week kind of getting that's
where it needed to be, getting things organized and whatnot.
And so now what we're doing is rather than just
kind of accepting generic donations, one of our employees will
(05:10):
put something on our social media page letting the community
know exactly what it is that we're looking for. Right,
we certainly are not unsympathetic to other donations as well.
But space is limited, and so we need to be
mindful that, you know, we can't just take everything that
people are wanting to donate. We need to be a
little more specific with what we're able to accept.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
So if there's a you know, a point in a
time where you guys are in need of, you know,
certain items whatever, you would kind of make that announcement
social media that.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Yeah, we would throw something on our Facebook page. It
just says, hey, we are in need of towels or
bedding or whatever it may be.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
And if somebody was looking to make a financial donation,
how do they go about that?
Speaker 2 (05:44):
Yeah, either in person or checks would be would be
much appreciated. We also have a PayPal account that folks
can access directly from the website.
Speaker 3 (05:52):
Okay, and can we give the website foreverybe.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
It is Wayfinders ohio dot org.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
All right, Wayfinders Ohio dot org. We chat this morning
and learn about their executive director, Miles Parsons.
Speaker 3 (06:05):
He is this week CEO.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
You should know, all right, so let's step away from
work and find out a bit more about you. So
people may not know. He told me a little off
the air. Now the mics are on, Let's find out.
People want to know where was Miles Parsons born.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
Born, and raised right here in Mansfield, Ohio.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
All right, terrific. Next tell us where'd you go to
high school?
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Crestview class of two thousand and four.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
Proud Cougar.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
Huh proud, Yeah, proud Cougar. Unfortunately, I've been reminded here
recently that this year is our twenty year class reunion,
So unfortunately a great reminder that I'm getting up there
in age. But yeah, two thousand and four a great school.
Can't say enough good things about that school in that district.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
Awesome, great people, you got it, been out there, broadcast
several football games, basketball games over the years.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
All right.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Next tell us you know after high school to college?
Speaker 2 (06:52):
Yeah, I graduate from the Ohio State University in nine.
Initially went to college to study biology and genetics. Took
a job my junior year as a concierge and a
long term care facility and really kind of felt like
that was my calling and made a career change at
that point. Again, junior year of college, and other than
this stint here with the Wayfinders, I've been in long
(07:12):
term care for the last seventeen years.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Okay, all right, so let me ask the question what
kind of brought schet a Wayfinders. You mentioned, you know,
you know, but closer to twenty years, and you know
you were working there. Now you slide over to help
at Wayfinders. I guess what what kind of urge did that? Way?
Speaker 2 (07:29):
Yeah, great question. So I think I've first and foremost
a soft spot for nonprofit operations. Spent a lot of
my time at in long term care at Man's with
more of Holmes, which was a standalone nonprofit CCRC, and
really just kind of appreciated having that standalone type of organization.
And so had actually a neighbor of mine who is
on the board of Wayfinders. We had some conversation and
(07:51):
I just let him know that, you know, long term
care administration has been very good to me, but just
really kind of maybe wanted to take a little break
and try something different. And so that board member said, hey,
why don't you give us a shot? And it's been
a good fit ever since. All Right.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
Terrific to hear the story this morning about Miles Parsons again,
executive director of Wayfinders Ohio. While we're on the topic
of you, I don't know, married kids, tell us more
about Miles in the family.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Yes, and yes, I'm married to my wife Lindsay and
three kids. Our oldest is soccer player at Lexington's seventh grade.
My son is in third grade and he's starting flag
football this year, so that's been kind of interesting for us.
And then our youngest Lily, first grade, also a soccer star.
So all right, so busy, busy, Yeah, yeah, I think
(08:37):
this week alone, we have four or five games every
night this week.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
It is that time of the year.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
It is that time of the year.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
Hard to believe.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
And Miles and I we're talking off, you're hard to believe.
It's now several weeks into the school year already.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
It's crazy. Yeah, I'm already four weeks into packing lunches
in the evening for the kids. And they're doing well.
They're good kids. I can't complain.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
Awesome. Great to hear about that.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
Now, let's find out when you're not work, working, and
you know, we know, family busy, all those kind of things,
but what do you do in your spare time?
Speaker 3 (09:05):
What are the hobbies for Miles Parsons.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
Well, come August through October. As I mentioned, it's traveling
to different soccer games and football games and whatnot, so
not a lot of downtime there outside of chauffeuring the
kids around. I guess for those few months, I enjoy
all things motorcycles. That's kind of my baby, been riding
since I was sixteen and continue to do so today.
Kind of a nice stress reliever for me.
Speaker 1 (09:27):
Yeah, and I'm sure you're one of those that's okay
with a little bit of a warmer fall than right,
you can stay on that bike.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
Right, absolutely, yeah, absolutely, yeah, all.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Right, terrific. Well, before I let you go, it's been
great learning about you. A few more questions. Let's get
back to work again. Miles Parsons the voice you hear
this morning, Executive director, Wavefinders, Ohio.
Speaker 3 (09:45):
This week's CEO. You should know.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
Staff wise for you guys, ballpark at how many people
do you guys?
Speaker 2 (09:51):
Thirteen so total thirteen employees including myself. So again I
am the executive director. We have an assistant director, Andy Kroll,
who kind of oversees more of the day to day functions,
allowing me to focus on big picture items, whether it
be securing grants or building community relationships, whatever it may be.
Then we have two case managers on our women's floor
and a case manager on our men's floor, and those
(10:13):
case managers are essentially kind of the go tos for
those individuals that are utilizing our services, so those folks
will help them find employment. We also have a housing coordinator,
a full time housing coordinator, so with some grant funding
that we receive through the state, we are able to
help folks with rapid rehousing. So if folks are coming
to us, obviously we're kind of getting them through their
basic needs first, right, food, shelter, whatever it may be.
(10:36):
And then eventually the goal is to help them not
only find housing, but secure that housing financially as well.
So we do have some funding available that again we
can help folks find that first place, help them maybe
with first month's rent security deposit, and then our help
kind of tapers down over the next month or two,
ensuring that they are comfortable on their feet, budgeting appropriately
whatever it may be.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
You know, I'll bring up this question just pops in
them in mind.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
You just think of over the last you know, so
many years, with you know, the pandemic and inflation and
all those kind of things.
Speaker 3 (11:06):
But it's a lot for people.
Speaker 1 (11:08):
You know, now you think on a daily basis, whether
you know it's rent, you know, housing payment, it's utility bills, food, guess,
all those kind of things.
Speaker 3 (11:15):
I know it's been tough, as it not.
Speaker 2 (11:17):
It has, it has so unfortunately, you know, some of
our services or opportunities are only afforded to those that
are utilizing our services. Now. Thankfully for Mansfield and the
surrounding areas, the community support has been very good. Right,
So there are other agencies that are able to help. Again,
maybe if somebody is not not quite homeless but they're
needing some assistance with as you mentioned, utilities or rent,
(11:37):
you know, there are other agencies available to help. But yeah,
it has been very challenging, I think for a lot
of folks. Last year alone, we served over six hundred
and twenty five people, and I expect that we'll probably
see significantly more than that by the time twenty twenty
four rolls rolls up.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
So before we let him go this morning, if somebody
is just curious how it works. So you mentioned you
have two floors, correct, correct, and like laundry all those
kinds of things, how does it work? Somebody who's staying
at Wayfinders. It just kind of walk us through maybe
a normal day.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
Yeah, so it's all there. I mean, everything that you
would potentially need is there. You could literally come to
us with absolutely nothing other than the clothing on your
back and do well. You know, the key there, obviously
is that you have to want it as an individual,
and as one of our case managers frequently says, we
can't want it more than you can, right, So we
are right there with you. You know, we'll fight as
(12:28):
hard as you're willing to fight. But again, if we
want to see you successful more than you do, it's
probably not going to be a good, good opportunity, right
either way. So again, folks can come to us with
absolutely nothing. Again, we help them meet their basic needs.
We get them set up with bedding, whatever it may be.
We've got a fully stocked pantry that folks are able
to come and go and use the kitchen as they please.
(12:48):
We do have a very basic set of house rules,
so we ask the clients to assist us with maybe
a nightly chore typically takes no more than five to
ten minutes. We ask that clients be in at a
certain time, so we do ask that they respect to
curfew and again a few other very very basic house rules.
But assuming that you know you abide by the rules
of the program, again, we'll walk you through those steps.
You'll meet with your case manager weekly. We'll eventually do
(13:10):
some referrals to get you set up with our housing coordinator.
He kind of takes it from there. You know, he's
working with local landlords again, securing places, helping those folks
review leases, just to make sure that everything is where
it needs to be. And then again there's some financial
assistance to get you back on your feet. So we've
seen some folks in very unfortunate circumstances come to us
who have done very well, and we'll continue to see
(13:31):
those numbers rise.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
Before I let you go, Miles Parsons again, this week's CEO.
You should know Executive Director of Wayfinders Ohio. For somebody
that's in need of Wayfinders Ohio, is it better like
for them to just you know, stop down there, call ahead,
let them know you're coming.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
How does that work?
Speaker 2 (13:46):
Yeah, calling would be probably most preferential, just because again,
when you have got fifty eight folks, those vacancies can
change daily, really hourly, and so for instance, you know,
as I left this morning, we have no availability unfortunately
for amends unit, but that could change even by the
time I get back to the office. So folks that
are need of service, please call even if we don't
have something available. We'll put you on a wait list
(14:08):
and do our best to get you in.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
All right, So that'll be my last question. Could we
throw out a phone number? And again the website for people?
Speaker 2 (14:15):
So again, the website is Wayfinders Ohio dot org. It
has most the information that one might need there. But
if you have an additional questions or again looking for
shelter or know of somebody that might benefit from shelter,
you can always call us at four one nine five
two two two three two three.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
Did I miss anything Miles this morning that you want
to make sure the public knows about.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
So the one thing that I do want to mention
quickly is our mission statement, right, and it's a very
simple one, but it does mean a lot to not
only myself as the director, but our employees as well.
And it's the attempt is to break the cycle of homelessness.
And it seems obviously like a very daunting task, but
I do think it's doable. I do think it's doable,
and so we will continue to implement some structure. We
(14:55):
will help folks kind of find accountability, whatever that may be,
and eventually get them on their feet and get them
back on a successful path.
Speaker 1 (15:02):
All right, terrific to learn this morning about all the
great work they do at Wavefinders Ohio in downtown Mansfield.
The executive director with us this morning. This week's CEO
you should know, Miles Parsons. Well, it's great to learn
about you. Born in Mansfield, Chrisfield, the Ohio State University
and now the executive director at Wayfinders. We appreciate your
time this morning. Great to learn all about you and
(15:24):
we wish you continued success.
Speaker 2 (15:25):
Well, thank you very much. Eron, I appreciate your time.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
Miles Parsons, Executive director of Wavefinders Ohio. The CEO you
should know rita bio see a photo and here the
extended interview at WMA n FM dot com.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
This is John Roby of RFME Insurance.
Speaker 3 (15:44):
It has said that a good leader sets the bar
high because he or she wants to reach goals and
make the best of their teams.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
We're proud to introduce you to some of the community's
leaders on the CEO series,
The CEO you should know, brought to you by Roby
Foster Miller Eric Insurance. This week's CEO Miles Parsons, Executive
director of Wayfighters Ohio in downtown Mansfield. Miles, first of all,
good morning and thanks for coming in today.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Good morning, sir, thank you for having me.
Speaker 1 (00:20):
All Right, So, some people may not know about Wayfinders
Ohio formerly known as Harmony House.
Speaker 3 (00:27):
Correct, So let's begin there.
Speaker 1 (00:29):
If somebody just moved to the area and they don't
know about Wayfinders Ohio, share with us what you guys do.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Yeah, So we are the area's only temporary shelter. We
specialize in assisting those folks who are currently homeless or
in imminent danger of becoming homeless.
Speaker 1 (00:43):
So how long has Wayfinders been around it? And we
mentioned before, formerly known as the Harmony House, do we
have a ballpark?
Speaker 2 (00:50):
Idea nineteen ninety formed as a coalition with surrounding counties,
and I believe in two thousand and seven Ish broke
off independently and became the Harmony House.
Speaker 1 (01:03):
All right, it's nineteen nine. E've been helping people for
a long long time. How many beds? How many people
can you guys help on a kind of daily basis.
Speaker 2 (01:12):
Yeah, So anyone given day we can house up to
fifty eight individuals, that is, women, men, children, families. The
building itself is two stories, so the bottom floor is
where we house our men. We can house up to
twenty two men in any one given day, and the
upstairs is women, children families. We can house thirty six
folks there.
Speaker 1 (01:31):
Now you mentioned on you know, any given day, I mean,
as you and I are talking in early September, are
you guys pretty full?
Speaker 3 (01:40):
How is it right now?
Speaker 2 (01:41):
It ebbs and flows. So the men's unit has been
pretty full since I've been there, roughly six or seven months.
The again, women children family floor does kind of ebb
and flow. I would say at any one given time,
we usually do have availability on that floor. Might not
be a bunch, but there's usually two, three, maybe four
beds that might be open.
Speaker 1 (02:00):
You are hearing today from this week's CEO. You should
know Executive director of Wayfinders Ohio. That is Miles Parsons.
Now you mentioned if people missed it, how long have
you been in your current role?
Speaker 2 (02:12):
Yep, so going on seven months? Okay months this month?
Speaker 3 (02:15):
Yeah, have things been busy? It been going good for you.
Speaker 2 (02:18):
It has. Yeah, you know, I enjoyed nonprofit operations and
have a history in doing so, and so had an
opportunity to come here and kind of streamline a few things,
maybe get some policy and procedures up to date, implemented
a few new policies and whatnot, and it's been going well.
Speaker 1 (02:32):
Yeah, all right, So we'll find out a little bit
more about his background where else he's worked in just
a few minutes. So in terms of you know that
maybe allus word it is the four seasons. In terms
of you know, we're coming out of summer into fall,
you know, winter, spring. Is there a certain time where
you guys see the need as greater or not necessarily.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
It's a great question. I don't know, because again I'm
only seven months in, so this will be my first
winter with the agency and talking with folks, ironically enough,
they say it's kind of backwards, right. You would expect
the winter months to be heavy and summer and vice versa.
I guess, for whatever reason, winter months are not as
heavy as summer months. So I'll be anxious to see
firsthand how this winter goes. But again, it ebbs and
(03:11):
flows at any one given time, we can be completely
full and then another time we might have up to
ten beds available. So you just kind of never know
what the day will bring.
Speaker 1 (03:20):
Now in terms of Wayfinders Ohio, and you mentioned, you know,
you guys are able to help people in terms is
it just from the Mansfield area, does it branch out
hot branch outside of Mansfield Hot?
Speaker 3 (03:31):
How does it work?
Speaker 2 (03:32):
Yeah? So, ironically enough, we're starting to see an influx
of folks coming from out of state. We are able
to assist those folks. Now, we do have some stipulations
and whatnot with some of our grant funding opportunities, but
essentially we've got folks from Colorado. We've seen some individuals
from Alabama here recently, obviously those from the Mansfield area
and kind of contingent counties, but we are starting to
(03:53):
see an increase of out of state individuals.
Speaker 1 (03:55):
Miles Parsons with us in studio, Executive director of Wayfinders Ohio,
and we should not go any further.
Speaker 3 (04:01):
Where are you located at?
Speaker 2 (04:03):
Yeah? So we are one twenty four West third and
again have been there since in that location, I believe
since nineteen ninety eight.
Speaker 1 (04:11):
As we continue on, we talk about helping people in
terms you mentioned nonprofit, you mentioned grants. How does funding
work for way Finders Ohio?
Speaker 2 (04:20):
Great question. So we do have some funding that comes
to us from the state, and the rest of it
is really coming from local agencies, different churches. Individuals who
are doing monthly or yearly donations, whether it be financial
or elsewise, have been a huge help to the agency.
Speaker 1 (04:35):
So is somebody hears your voice, and I believe you
can correct me if I'm wrong.
Speaker 3 (04:39):
I believe it.
Speaker 1 (04:40):
If somebody wants to drop off some cleaning supplies, just
any type of things you guys need, they're able to
do that correct.
Speaker 2 (04:47):
For the most part. So that is something that we changed.
When I had arrived there a few months ago. We
really didn't have a great grasp on what we had
or what we needed in terms of day to day supplies,
and so we spent several week kind of getting that's
where it needed to be, getting things organized and whatnot.
And so now what we're doing is rather than just
kind of accepting generic donations, one of our employees will
(05:10):
put something on our social media page letting the community
know exactly what it is that we're looking for. Right,
we certainly are not unsympathetic to other donations as well.
But space is limited, and so we need to be
mindful that, you know, we can't just take everything that
people are wanting to donate. We need to be a
little more specific with what we're able to accept.
Speaker 3 (05:27):
Okay.
Speaker 1 (05:27):
So if there's a you know, a point in a
time where you guys are in need of, you know,
certain items whatever, you would kind of make that announcement
social media that.
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Yeah, we would throw something on our Facebook page. It
just says, hey, we are in need of towels or
bedding or whatever it may be.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
And if somebody was looking to make a financial donation,
how do they go about that?
Speaker 2 (05:44):
Yeah, either in person or checks would be would be
much appreciated. We also have a PayPal account that folks
can access directly from the website.
Speaker 3 (05:52):
Okay, and can we give the website foreverybe.
Speaker 2 (05:54):
It is Wayfinders ohio dot org.
Speaker 1 (05:57):
All right, Wayfinders Ohio dot org. We chat this morning
and learn about their executive director, Miles Parsons.
Speaker 3 (06:05):
He is this week CEO.
Speaker 1 (06:06):
You should know, all right, so let's step away from
work and find out a bit more about you. So
people may not know. He told me a little off
the air. Now the mics are on, Let's find out.
People want to know where was Miles Parsons born.
Speaker 2 (06:19):
Born, and raised right here in Mansfield, Ohio.
Speaker 3 (06:21):
All right, terrific. Next tell us where'd you go to
high school?
Speaker 2 (06:23):
Crestview class of two thousand and four.
Speaker 3 (06:26):
Proud Cougar.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
Huh proud, Yeah, proud Cougar. Unfortunately, I've been reminded here
recently that this year is our twenty year class reunion,
So unfortunately a great reminder that I'm getting up there
in age. But yeah, two thousand and four a great school.
Can't say enough good things about that school in that district.
Speaker 1 (06:44):
Awesome, great people, you got it, been out there, broadcast
several football games, basketball games over the years.
Speaker 2 (06:48):
All right.
Speaker 3 (06:49):
Next tell us you know after high school to college?
Speaker 2 (06:52):
Yeah, I graduate from the Ohio State University in nine.
Initially went to college to study biology and genetics. Took
a job my junior year as a concierge and a
long term care facility and really kind of felt like
that was my calling and made a career change at
that point. Again, junior year of college, and other than
this stint here with the Wayfinders, I've been in long
(07:12):
term care for the last seventeen years.
Speaker 1 (07:14):
Okay, all right, so let me ask the question what
kind of brought schet a Wayfinders. You mentioned, you know,
you know, but closer to twenty years, and you know
you were working there. Now you slide over to help
at Wayfinders. I guess what what kind of urge did that? Way?
Speaker 2 (07:29):
Yeah, great question. So I think I've first and foremost
a soft spot for nonprofit operations. Spent a lot of
my time at in long term care at Man's with
more of Holmes, which was a standalone nonprofit CCRC, and
really just kind of appreciated having that standalone type of organization.
And so had actually a neighbor of mine who is
on the board of Wayfinders. We had some conversation and
(07:51):
I just let him know that, you know, long term
care administration has been very good to me, but just
really kind of maybe wanted to take a little break
and try something different. And so that board member said, hey,
why don't you give us a shot? And it's been
a good fit ever since. All Right.
Speaker 1 (08:05):
Terrific to hear the story this morning about Miles Parsons again,
executive director of Wayfinders Ohio. While we're on the topic
of you, I don't know, married kids, tell us more
about Miles in the family.
Speaker 2 (08:17):
Yes, and yes, I'm married to my wife Lindsay and
three kids. Our oldest is soccer player at Lexington's seventh grade.
My son is in third grade and he's starting flag
football this year, so that's been kind of interesting for us.
And then our youngest Lily, first grade, also a soccer star.
So all right, so busy, busy, Yeah, yeah, I think
(08:37):
this week alone, we have four or five games every
night this week.
Speaker 3 (08:41):
It is that time of the year.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
It is that time of the year.
Speaker 3 (08:43):
Hard to believe.
Speaker 1 (08:43):
And Miles and I we're talking off, you're hard to believe.
It's now several weeks into the school year already.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
It's crazy. Yeah, I'm already four weeks into packing lunches
in the evening for the kids. And they're doing well.
They're good kids. I can't complain.
Speaker 3 (08:56):
Awesome. Great to hear about that.
Speaker 1 (08:58):
Now, let's find out when you're not work, working, and
you know, we know, family busy, all those kind of things,
but what do you do in your spare time?
Speaker 3 (09:05):
What are the hobbies for Miles Parsons.
Speaker 2 (09:07):
Well, come August through October. As I mentioned, it's traveling
to different soccer games and football games and whatnot, so
not a lot of downtime there outside of chauffeuring the
kids around. I guess for those few months, I enjoy
all things motorcycles. That's kind of my baby, been riding
since I was sixteen and continue to do so today.
Kind of a nice stress reliever for me.
Speaker 1 (09:27):
Yeah, and I'm sure you're one of those that's okay
with a little bit of a warmer fall than right,
you can stay on that bike.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
Right, absolutely, yeah, absolutely, yeah, all.
Speaker 1 (09:35):
Right, terrific. Well, before I let you go, it's been
great learning about you. A few more questions. Let's get
back to work again. Miles Parsons the voice you hear
this morning, Executive director, Wavefinders, Ohio.
Speaker 3 (09:45):
This week's CEO. You should know.
Speaker 1 (09:47):
Staff wise for you guys, ballpark at how many people
do you guys?
Speaker 2 (09:51):
Thirteen so total thirteen employees including myself. So again I
am the executive director. We have an assistant director, Andy Kroll,
who kind of oversees more of the day to day functions,
allowing me to focus on big picture items, whether it
be securing grants or building community relationships, whatever it may be.
Then we have two case managers on our women's floor
and a case manager on our men's floor, and those
(10:13):
case managers are essentially kind of the go tos for
those individuals that are utilizing our services, so those folks
will help them find employment. We also have a housing coordinator,
a full time housing coordinator, so with some grant funding
that we receive through the state, we are able to
help folks with rapid rehousing. So if folks are coming
to us, obviously we're kind of getting them through their
basic needs first, right, food, shelter, whatever it may be.
(10:36):
And then eventually the goal is to help them not
only find housing, but secure that housing financially as well.
So we do have some funding available that again we
can help folks find that first place, help them maybe
with first month's rent security deposit, and then our help
kind of tapers down over the next month or two,
ensuring that they are comfortable on their feet, budgeting appropriately
whatever it may be.
Speaker 3 (10:56):
You know, I'll bring up this question just pops in
them in mind.
Speaker 1 (10:59):
You just think of over the last you know, so
many years, with you know, the pandemic and inflation and
all those kind of things.
Speaker 3 (11:06):
But it's a lot for people.
Speaker 1 (11:08):
You know, now you think on a daily basis, whether
you know it's rent, you know, housing payment, it's utility bills, food, guess,
all those kind of things.
Speaker 3 (11:15):
I know it's been tough, as it not.
Speaker 2 (11:17):
It has, it has so unfortunately, you know, some of
our services or opportunities are only afforded to those that
are utilizing our services. Now. Thankfully for Mansfield and the
surrounding areas, the community support has been very good. Right,
So there are other agencies that are able to help. Again,
maybe if somebody is not not quite homeless but they're
needing some assistance with as you mentioned, utilities or rent,
(11:37):
you know, there are other agencies available to help. But yeah,
it has been very challenging, I think for a lot
of folks. Last year alone, we served over six hundred
and twenty five people, and I expect that we'll probably
see significantly more than that by the time twenty twenty
four rolls rolls up.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
So before we let him go this morning, if somebody
is just curious how it works. So you mentioned you
have two floors, correct, correct, and like laundry all those
kinds of things, how does it work? Somebody who's staying
at Wayfinders. It just kind of walk us through maybe
a normal day.
Speaker 2 (12:07):
Yeah, so it's all there. I mean, everything that you
would potentially need is there. You could literally come to
us with absolutely nothing other than the clothing on your
back and do well. You know, the key there, obviously
is that you have to want it as an individual,
and as one of our case managers frequently says, we
can't want it more than you can, right, So we
are right there with you. You know, we'll fight as
(12:28):
hard as you're willing to fight. But again, if we
want to see you successful more than you do, it's
probably not going to be a good, good opportunity, right
either way. So again, folks can come to us with
absolutely nothing. Again, we help them meet their basic needs.
We get them set up with bedding, whatever it may be.
We've got a fully stocked pantry that folks are able
to come and go and use the kitchen as they please.
(12:48):
We do have a very basic set of house rules,
so we ask the clients to assist us with maybe
a nightly chore typically takes no more than five to
ten minutes. We ask that clients be in at a
certain time, so we do ask that they respect to
curfew and again a few other very very basic house rules.
But assuming that you know you abide by the rules
of the program, again, we'll walk you through those steps.
You'll meet with your case manager weekly. We'll eventually do
(13:10):
some referrals to get you set up with our housing coordinator.
He kind of takes it from there. You know, he's
working with local landlords again, securing places, helping those folks
review leases, just to make sure that everything is where
it needs to be. And then again there's some financial
assistance to get you back on your feet. So we've
seen some folks in very unfortunate circumstances come to us
who have done very well, and we'll continue to see
(13:31):
those numbers rise.
Speaker 1 (13:32):
Before I let you go, Miles Parsons again, this week's CEO.
You should know Executive Director of Wayfinders Ohio. For somebody
that's in need of Wayfinders Ohio, is it better like
for them to just you know, stop down there, call ahead,
let them know you're coming.
Speaker 3 (13:45):
How does that work?
Speaker 2 (13:46):
Yeah, calling would be probably most preferential, just because again,
when you have got fifty eight folks, those vacancies can
change daily, really hourly, and so for instance, you know,
as I left this morning, we have no availability unfortunately
for amends unit, but that could change even by the
time I get back to the office. So folks that
are need of service, please call even if we don't
have something available. We'll put you on a wait list
(14:08):
and do our best to get you in.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
All right, So that'll be my last question. Could we
throw out a phone number? And again the website for people?
Speaker 2 (14:15):
So again, the website is Wayfinders Ohio dot org. It
has most the information that one might need there. But
if you have an additional questions or again looking for
shelter or know of somebody that might benefit from shelter,
you can always call us at four one nine five
two two two three two three.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
Did I miss anything Miles this morning that you want
to make sure the public knows about.
Speaker 2 (14:35):
So the one thing that I do want to mention
quickly is our mission statement, right, and it's a very
simple one, but it does mean a lot to not
only myself as the director, but our employees as well.
And it's the attempt is to break the cycle of homelessness.
And it seems obviously like a very daunting task, but
I do think it's doable. I do think it's doable,
and so we will continue to implement some structure. We
(14:55):
will help folks kind of find accountability, whatever that may be,
and eventually get them on their feet and get them
back on a successful path.
Speaker 1 (15:02):
All right, terrific to learn this morning about all the
great work they do at Wavefinders Ohio in downtown Mansfield.
The executive director with us this morning. This week's CEO
you should know, Miles Parsons. Well, it's great to learn
about you. Born in Mansfield, Chrisfield, the Ohio State University
and now the executive director at Wayfinders. We appreciate your
time this morning. Great to learn all about you and
(15:24):
we wish you continued success.
Speaker 2 (15:25):
Well, thank you very much. Eron, I appreciate your time.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
Miles Parsons, Executive director of Wavefinders Ohio. The CEO you
should know rita bio see a photo and here the
extended interview at WMA n FM dot com.
Speaker 2 (15:42):
This is John Roby of RFME Insurance.
Speaker 3 (15:44):
It has said that a good leader sets the bar
high because he or she wants to reach goals and
make the best of their teams.
Speaker 2 (15:49):
We're proud to introduce you to some of the community's
leaders on the CEO series,
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